TWRUFC 2nd XV 63 vs Ilford RFC 15

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Match Report

Thanet Wanderers RUFC 2s 63 – 15 Ilford Wanderers RFC

Good pre-season workout for the Wanderers of Kent and Essex.

There were some unusual sights for the reasonable number of spectators at St Peter’s Rec on Saturday. Third team Captain, veteran Bill Wallace, who is more regularly seen at there at hooker, was resplendent in the nine jersey for this fixture and Adam Harrison, whose appearances have been limited by injury in recent seasons, took the opportunity to have a run-out at ten which is likely to be his position for the first XV for the coming season.

Thanet kicked off down the slope and a series of errors from both sides marred the opening minutes. With fifteen minutes played, Alfie Reeves broke clear well and handed on to Harrison for the finish and conversion. A good tackle from Tom Stevens saved a likely try before a sharp interchange of passes an advance at speed brought the second try from Lewis Downer. A nicely worked try for the visitors saw them on the scoreboard but the conversion just slipped by the posts. The third try went to Stevens after a good break from Ewan McLean and the creator became the scorer five minutes later when he touched down to end the ball’s rather uncertain journey along the line. Downer made an excellent conversion and the first half ended with Thanet leading, 26-5.

The hosts were quickly into their stride in the second period with unconverted tries from Charlie and then Max Rogers who ran straight back after catching the restart. Ilford forwards now combined well and added a deserved try that went unconverted. Thanet responded with two quick-fire tries: Tom Stevens completed his double in typically determined style and Max Rogers added his second after again weaving an unchallenged path through the visiting defence. There was a ten-minute spell with no further score until the visiting pack showed their determination with an unconverted try wide out right A seven-minute blitz from Thanet followed with two tries from Harrison to record his hat trick and the final score went to Alfie Reeves who showed deceptive pace, following an interception, to touch down and then convert his own try to give a final score of 63-15.

Thanks to Referee Jez Michaels for his sympathetic shift today that ended when he blew a little early with injuries multiplying. It was a tough visit for the Ilford Wanderers who were hampered by injuries and late withdrawals; we hope you enjoyed your visit to Broadstairs and wish you a successful season.

The 2s begin their season in Kent Rural A League with a home fixture on the 14th of September against Cranbrook 2s. (Kick Off 3 PM).

Tries:

Conversions:

Penalties: None

Drop Goals: None