Westcombe Park 14 vs TWRUFC 1st XV 35

16th Nov 2024, KO 14:00

Westcombe Park - Away

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Match Report

Westcombe Park RFC 14 – 35 Thanet Wanderers RUFC

Wanderers’ winning run continues after a sparkling performance in Orpington

A strong Wanderers side travelled to take on the Tigers of Westcombe Park. Andy Letts was at Twickenham but vice captains Adam Harrison at number ten and outside centre Henry Mirams returned after missing the Aylesford match. Lenny Brown retained his loosehead spot after last week's strong performance and Callum Doody resumed at scrum-half after last week’s outing in the ten shirt.

Wanderers kicked off on a typically dull November afternoon and quickly established themselves in the opposition half. After only four minutes Lewis Downer converted a penalty opportunity from twenty-two metres and just left of the posts for an early 3-0 lead. A succession of penalties made it difficult for both sides to settle. Penalty attempts for the hosts on twelve minutes and five minutes later for the Wanderers both rebounded from a post but did not go to hand. Thanet went for a tap penalty from a kickable position but were unable to cross the line. The hosts were giving Thanet’s defence a thorough examination but they could find no way through. As the half-hour mark neared, Wanderers launched a series of spirited attacks but were finally held up. The dropout was caught by Thanet’s number Six James Crompton who raced back at pace dodging defenders for a superb individual try finishing just left of the posts to ease Downer’s conversion. Wanderers led 10-0. It had been a close half and the Tigers now used their extra weight to test Thanet’s defence again. They too passed on an easy three points and used a penalty to set a line out five metres out. A well-worked catch and drive and the hosts had a try. A difficult conversion was good and it was 10-7 to the Wanderers at halftime.

Wanderers coaches brought on Skip Lube and Cornell Fredericks from the bench for the second half. The two South Africans, who are on an exchange visit at Wanderers sponsor St Lawrence College in Ramsgate added their welcome attributes to the team. Dennis Davies and Andrew Dolan took a break. Harrison’s penalty in the first minute of the second half set a good attacking position. The attacks built with good handling between Brett Scott and Crompton before a penalty, close to the posts, was again run and Skip Lube crashed through to open his debut in style. Downer’s conversion gave Wanderers a 17-7 lead. The try scorer caught the restart and counter-attacked powerfully making 30 metres and sent Brett Scott away to initiate the attack that ended with winger Louis Marshall touching down close to the touchline. The game had just restarted when Wanderers Ben Cannon was shown yellow for a high tackle. The Tigers added a converted try during his enforced absence to narrow the gap to 22-14. Lenny Brown had another fine game and he was now at the heart of the move that saw Scott and Crompton make metres before Crompton claimed his double and the try bonus point. No conversion, but Thanet were ahead 27-14. Wanderers were offered another penalty opportunity and this time Downer took the three-point option for a 30-14 lead. A storming finish showed great fitness from the Wanderers. Cornel Fredericks was involved in the early build-up before the pack took over and a series of great forward drives followed before Michael Whitehead was on hand to end an overwhelming final push for the line and claim the touchdown. Downer’s conversion attempt dropped just short before the referee signalled time with Wanderers the winners by 35-14.

This was a hard-earned win against the Tigers who are the second string of the side who play in National League 2. Wanderers' defence was superb and a willingness to attack from anywhere tested the opposition’s defence throughout the match. Thanet have a good level of fitness and their game management today was top quality. Head Coach, Elliot Blackmore thanked Skip and Cornell for their help and complimented young lock forward, Charlie Bailey on an excellent performance. Double try scorer James Crompton had another superb game and he was the coaches’ choice as Wanderers’ man of the match.

Next week the Wanderers will entertain near neighbours, Folkestone who are currently in eighth place in Kent 2. The match will be preceded by a lunch to celebrate the 60th birthday of club president and sometime touch judge Clive Lewis. Please join him and then support the Wanderers as they aim to extend their nine-match unbeaten run.