Southwold Rugby

THETFORD 20 – 26 SOUTHWOLD

This game was simply a privilege to watch, played in the best spirit and a fantastic advert for rugby in general at any level, never mind the London 3 Eastern Counties League those two teams represent. Skill on the pitch was abundant as was sportsmanship from all the players and spectators alike.

It was scintillating from start to finish but it took thirty minutes for anyone to open the scoring, the teams were that evenly matched, with the play switching from side to side and end to end as both sides battered each other to no avail.

It was Wold who got over the try line first when Dominic Hill broke away up the right wing offloaded inside and two more quick passes saw Joe Block powering towards the Thetford line who in turn off loaded to Callum Anthony who jinked wriggled and forced his way over for a great try. The conversion attempt from the left came back off the post so Wold were only five points to the good

Back came Thetford with a long penalty kick when Wold were caught kicking the ball in a ruck but Thetford were not going to stop at that. Time and time Thetford ran at Wold but Wold resisted until after a scrappy period of play the Thetford centre ran through seven Wold tackles to score a fantastic individual try under the posts and it was 10 – 5 to Thetford and remained that way till half time

Wold were back on the score sheet just one minute into the second half with a play that started from Wolds kick off. Thetford caught the ball and started to move back towards the centre line but some strong tackiling saw the ball lost and it was Joe Block again who made the initial break down the blind side wing. Chippy Middleditch backing up well then made more good metres again on the left before Zak Loader crashed over for the try and this time Jash Wallis was spot on with the conversion and Wold were up again by 10 – 12

Unbelievably again from the kick off Thetford won a lineout and Wold offended in the line. The Thetford kick sailed over fro fully 40metres and Thetford again had their nose in front by a single point at 13 – 12

The battering continued by both sides but just on the 50 minute mark Wold again stole the ball in the loose and this time it was Ollie Carlstrom who broke away down the right wing to put Dominic Hill over for a great try in the corner

Up stepped Josh Wallis and calmly slotted over from the touch line and Wold were back in front at 13 – 19

The rugby was fast furious and irresistible with neither team tiring or giving an inch and the game nearing the end with Wold possibly now on top with their superior forwards winning more ball but Thetford were to spring a shock five minutes from time. They kicked for territory and won the ball back just inside Wold’s twenty two. Wold foiled attempt after attempt but eventually the ball went out wide on the right for the winger to score just inside the flag. Wold were still a ppoint to the good with the conversion to come. A great kick from the touchline  silenced the Wold travelling supporters and Thetford were back in front by the single point with five minutes left on the clock. 20 – 19 to Thetford

Wold kicked off knowing they were running out of time but kept Thetford pinned in their twenty two for the next three minutes.

Wold attacked and attacked but Thetford held strong until Joe Block picked yp the ball, broke two tackles and sprinted in for the try of the game under the Thetford posts to rapturous hoots and shouts of Arn The Wold from the black and gold fans. Josh Wallis slotted the easy conversion. Two minutes to go and it was Wold in front by 20 – 26. Unbelievable drama

From the kick off Thetford won the ball and again went on the attack but their right winger was eventually tackled into touch and the referee blew for time

A breathtaking game with Wold gaining a vital bonus point win and Thetford a more than deserved losing bonus point

The reverse fixture after Christmas must not be missed

MOM  : Wold Front Row of Smith, Aldous and |Brett

But special mention must go to Joe Block for that last gasp try.

ARN THE WOLD !!!

www.southwoldrugby.club


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