TWRUFC Colts 28 vs Deal & Bettes 20

7th Sep 2024, KO 13:00

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Thanet Wanderers Colts 28 - 20 Deal and Betts Colts

Thanks to both teams and their coaches for providing this entertaining curtain-raiser to the Wanderers' opening fixture in the league

Match Report: Thanet Wanderers vs Deal and Betteshanger: Thanet Win 28-20

Date: 7th September 2024
Venue: St Peter’s Recreation Ground

The new rugby season kicked off with an engaging friendly fixture between Thanet Wanderers and Deal Wanderers at the Recreation Ground. The match served as a prelude to the first XV game against Gillingham Anchorians, and it was clear from the outset that both sides were eager to make a strong start.

Thanet, fielding a good mixed squad of U18’s and U17’s, faced a formidable challenge as the younger side had never previously secured a victory against Deal. The game was divided into four quarters due to the sweltering heat, which allowed for refreshments and substitutions. Deal brought a squad of 25 players, while Thanet managed with just 20 due to some disappointing late dropouts.

The match's early momentum shifted decisively in Thanet’s favour when Tom Gough broke through Deal’s defence on a worked move. His impressive inside run back against the line of defence saw him score under the posts and convert his own try, giving Thanet a 7-0 lead.

Thanet’s forwards, particularly the Finns and Charlie Bailey, contributed significantly, allowing fluid play in the backs. Ollie playing with more confidence linked up well with flyhalf Reese, who passed to Zac (playing impressively at centre this week), who then fed Jem Harris on the wing. Jem's incisive outside run and subsequent pass to Noah allowed him to slice through Deal’s defence and score a swan dive under the posts. Tom Gough converted once again, putting Thanet 14-0 up.

Deal managed to claw back with a penalty, but Thanet’s backs remained sharp. Noah Bull scored his second try of the match, again showing his pace and line running onto the ball, bringing the score to 21-3. This was again initiated through strong forward rucking providing quick go forward ball. Despite Deal’s efforts, including a well-worked try by their scrumhalf, Thanet continued to dominate. In the third quarter, Jem Harris showcased his pace again, running round his wing on the halfway line before stepping inside the covering fullback and sprinting 50m to the line for an unopposed try, converted by Callum Duffy, making it 28-8.

As the game progressed into the final quarter under the hot sun, fatigue set in, leading to scrappier play on both sides. Deal managed to score twice more, with a try from their scrumhalf and another as they exploited a gap in Thanet's defence when miscommunication meant the guards weren’t in place. The final score ended 28-20 with Thanet missing a final open opportunity on the Deal line.

Thanet's performance was commendable, though they will rue missed opportunities and have areas for improvement in scrums, lineouts, and some handling skills. Fitness may also be a factor and a lack of substitutes also a factor as all players, had they turned up, would have got game time. The Colts win, kick started a clean sweep as the firsts and seconds also recorded wins at home on the day.

Overall, it was a strong start to the season for a new Colts team and captain Owen Long, with players still getting used to each other. The team will look to build on this performance as they prepare for their match against Canterbury next week.

Special thanks to TWRUFC legend Peter Macauley for stepping in to referee the game.

Thanet Lineup:

1. Finn T /Ollie P

2. Finn G

3. Jude R

4. Carl D /Harrison

5. Owen L

6. Hubert D/Joseph KM

7. Charlie P/Zac R

8. Charlie B

9. Oli D

10. Reece M /Callum D