TWRUFC 1st XV 34 vs Aylesford Bulls 27

9th Nov 2024, KO 14:00

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Match Report

A sensational Second Half comeback earns maximum points for the Wanderers

Thanet Wanderers RUFC 34 – 27 Aylesford Bulls RFC

After a week’s break, Thanet returned to Kent League 2 action against Aylesford at St Peters. The visitors were in fifth place in the league and unbeaten Wanderers in second at Kick Off. Wanderers regular number 10 and joint vice-captain, Adam Harrison, was unavailable. The team was indebted to Charlie Panteli and half-back partner Tom O’Callaghan who travelled from University to play in this match.

Aylesford kicked off down the slope on a dull November afternoon and were soon brightening the day for their supporters with a nicely worked try that was well converted for a 7-0 lead after five minutes. This became 14-0 seven minutes later when Aylesford were alert as a ball squirted loose and some simple handling put them in behind the Wanderers' defence to finish under the posts. A penalty took the visitors three points further clear before, with about ten minutes of the half remaining, Thanet got on the board. Callum Doody, who started the game on the left wing, gained good field position and the forwards took Wanderers close to the line. Lenny Brown who had just replaced the injured Dominick Springer in the front-row claimed the unconverted try. Loosehead Michael Whitehead switched to the tighthead berth. Wanderers were building well in the closing minutes of the half when a well telegraphed pass was grabbed by the Bulls’ scrum half who outpaced the pursuers from just inside his own half to touch down under the posts. At half-time, minutes later, the visitors led 24-5.

Wanderers’ coaching team were quick to respond to a half where the team’s lack of energy and ideas had led to their worst session of the season. Notable changes saw James Crompton on in the pack and the Doody brothers Callum and Leon take over at half back.

Wanderers competed well in early exchanges but conceded a penalty after three minutes and Aylesford stretched their lead to 27-5. It took until the 15th minute of the half before Wanderers’ building pressure was rewarded. Downer’s long penalty into the Bulls’ 22 set the line-out and the pack went close before the ball was spun to Crompton whose determination and pace saw him crash over close to the posts. Downer's conversion made the score 27-12. The hosts were looking more like their usual selves. O’Callaghan was now playing on the wing and his good chase deserved a better outcome. A bouncing ball could have fallen for either side but the visitors were favoured by Lady Luck. Was it going to be that sort of day? Not if No 8 Ben Cannon had his way. First, a quality line-out set a series of forward drives and it was Cannon who made no mistake from close range. Downer’s conversion attempt looked good but was not given. Thanet were getting closer and a series of strong drives had the Bulls on the back foot. A Bulls knockdown brought a clear penalty and from five metres out Cannon was unstoppable as he claimed a quick-fire brace. Downer’s conversion was good so Wanderers now trailed 24-27. The Wanderers were flying and three minutes later a good line-out on the right led to a lovely flowing movement with Downer scything through before handing on to Harrison Quittenden who finished at pace near the left corner. No conversion but Thanet led for the first time, 29-27. Three minutes later a movement that started in the home half, flowed down the left wing through Cannon and Hickmott. Desperate Bulls defence closed that door but the ball was well recycled across the pitch before Callum Doody handed on to Quittenden whose well-timed pass sent O’Callaghan over in the right corner, No conversion but Wanderers led 34-27 with just enough time left for Wanderers to add to their supporters’ grey hairs before today’s referee, Lee Walker, blew the final whistle.

In an essentially young team, Veteran Andy Letts won the coaches’ accolade as Wanderers’ man of the match. Andy’s experience and tenacity were invaluable today in the most challenging circumstances faced so far this season. Congratulations to him and the coaching team whose changes changed the direction of the game. The RFU website shows Wanderers are now top of Counties League 2 Kent as the only unbeaten side. Next week Wanderers travel to Westcombe Park who are eighth and have won three matches although one was the only defeat for second-placed Old Elthamians. Kick-off is at 2 PM, please support if you can.

Image is of Wanderers' Man of the Match Andy Letts