Rugby Welsh into cup semi - The Rugby Observer

Rugby Welsh into cup semi

Rugby Editorial 16th Nov, 2018   0

RUGBY Welsh booked their place in the semi-finals of the Midlands Junior Vase with a 24-17 victory over North Hykeham.

Having the benefit of the conditions in the first half, Glenn Bond astutely kicked Welsh into the opposition 22 and from the first lineout a catch and drive saw Pete Head crash over for a try.

Bond converted excellently from the touchline to put his side 7-0 up.

The forwards dominated the opening quarter, with second row men Leigh Colledge and Jamie Roche making powerful runs and setting up attacking opportunities while the scrummage was particularly effective.




Welsh were further ahead after ten minutes when a sniping midfield run from Angus Wilson and some interlinking passes in the backs enabled Adam Bond to crash over a wonderful unconverted try.

Welsh were now threatening to blow away their opposition and further forward domination culminated with Roche showing strong power to score a try, giving his side a 17-point lead after the first quarter.


Hykeham then came back into the game and their forwards began to make some powerful runs.

A feisty exchange saw the referee take firm action, with players from both sides being sin-binned after 25 minutes.

However, Welsh continued to enjoy territorial control but, despite a series of five-metre scrummages and penalty awards, there were no further scores in the first half.

Welsh knew the game was far from over at half-time as a further sinbinning had left them with 14 men and Hykeham now had the benefit of the conditions.

The home side defended well, with winger Robin Tyreman having an outstanding game and Welsh got through a difficult period without conceding points.

Hykeham were then reduced to 14 men following a sending-off but to their credit they kept working hard.

They narrowed the gap with a converted try and a further penalty saw them only one score behind with 15 minutes left.

Welsh knew they had to dig deep and with the Bond brothers at the heart of the battle, they refused to let their opposition dictate proceedings.

Jack Taylor appeared to have secured victory with less than ten minutes remaining, jinking his way over for a well taken try.

With Welsh then camped on the opposition line and having a try disallowed, Hykeham then counter-attacked and scored a converted try with three minutes left to set up a tense finale.

Nerves were now frayed but the home supporters encouraged the team to greater efforts and the deserved win for Welsh was secured with the final play of the match when Adam Bond crashed over from short-range for an unconverted try.

Welsh are awaiting their opponents for the semi-final on Saturday, November 24.

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