Match Report: Deal Wanderers Colts 10 - Thanet Wanderers Colts 33
Thanet Wanderers secured a comprehensive 33-10 victory over Deal Wanderers in a hard-fought and physical match on a windy but sunny day in Deal. This marks Thanet’s fifth win of the season, continuing their strong start. Both teams showed resilience, but Thanet’s clinical execution and dominance in key moments were decisive.
The game began with both sides feeling each other out, but Thanet eventually made the first breakthrough after sustained pressure. A well-orchestrated move saw the ball move from the left flank after two phases with strong carries from the front row combination of the two Finns. A slick pass from Alex Dyer set up Jem Harris, who sliced through the defense to score under the posts. Fly-half Callum Duffy adding the conversion to give Thanet a 7-0 lead.
Deal Wanderers responded with pressure on Thanet’s try line. However, a crucial interception from Callum halted their attack, allowing him to sprint the length of the pitch. Making a smart decision under pressure to go for the corner, he grounded the ball and then audaciously slotted the conversion, pushing the score to 14-0.
Thanet’s open-side flanker, Charlie Page, was everywhere on the field, producing brilliant turn overs to regain possession and was continually disrupting Deal’s attack. Though Deal mounted a comeback, on putting their winger into clear space, a try-saving head on tackle by Full back Jem Harris temporarily held them at bay. However, in the next phase Deal found a gap on the right wing, where their centre stepped through to score, reducing the deficit to 14-7.
In the Second Half, Thanet struck again with a dynamic run through the middle by Noah Bull, who displayed lovely footwork. Although a knock-on denied him a try, the ensuing attack led to a lineout. Dillon Shelley safely secured the ball, and after a driving maul, a well-timed pass allowed Harrison Taylor to power over under the posts. Callum added the conversion, extending the lead to 21-7.
Deal responded with a penalty, opting to kick for points, bringing the score to 21-10.
Thanet soon regained control through a strong turnover by Vinnie Jones and quick ball from Kai Redmond set up Will Gedge for a line break, and after another rapid phase, Harrison Taylor again bulldozed over the line for his second try of the match. Thanet were now comfortably ahead at 28-10.
In the final moments, Thanet’s defense continued to be strong. A standout moment came when Carl Gordan- Durrant hoisted a Deal player in the air before Charlie Page stripped him of the ball. Taking advantage, the ball was swiftly moved down the blind side, allowing Harry Harrison to skillfully finish off the move and seal the 33-10 win for Thanet.
The coaches praised the team’s physicality and discipline throughout the game, highlighting the competitive environment in the squad. Charlie Page was particularly commended for his exemplary tackle count and multiple turnovers and named Man of the Match. The strong squad depth is creating competition for starting positions, which is set to further strengthen the team moving forward.
Thanet Wanderers Colts now sit with 5 wins and 1 loss this season, looking ahead to the upcoming cup match and continuing their impressive form.
Thanet Lineup:
1 WILL ESCOMBE-GEDGE /ARCHIE HUSSEY
2 FINN GROUNDS /JUDE RIGDEN
3 FINN TWYMAN/ OLLIE PARKER /ZAC RAGUNEL
4 OWEN LONG / HARRISON TAYLOR
5 CARL GORDAN-DURRANT
6 TOM WELLER
7 CHARLIE PAGE
8 DILLION SHELLY
9 OLI DAVIES/ CAI REDMOND
10 CALLUM DUFFY
11 FINN WILMANS / ZAC O’HENDY
12 TOM GOUGH/ JAMES MURDOCH
13 ALEX DYER/ HARRY HARRISON
14 VINNIE JONES
15 JEM HARRIS/NOAH BULL
Date
6th Oct 2024
Competition
Friendly
Venue
Away
Report Author
Simon Harris
2. Finn Grounds
3. Finn Harris
4. Owen Long
6. Tom Weller
7. Charlie Page
9. Oli Davies
10. Callum Duffy
11. Finn Willmans
12. Thomas Gough
13. Alex Dyer
14. Vinnie Jones
15. Jem Harris
16. Noah Bull
17. Harry Harrison
20. Ollie Parker
21. Zac Ragunel
23. Jude Rigden
Tries: Callum Duffy, Jem Harris, Harry Harrison, Harrison Taylor 2,
Conversions: Callum Duffy 4,
Penalties: None
Drop Goals: None