Redingensians prevail in Top of the Table Clash

Ensians started with their usual vigour, exerting continual sustained pressure, camping themselves in the home team’s 22, but they could not breach a determined defence. From a Redingensians’ attacking scrum near the 22, the opposition pack turned over the ball but the clearing kick was short and was run back at the defence. From the ensuing ruck, Newbury were penalised for not rolling away. Redingensians decided to attempt a kick at the posts to try and get some points from the pressure but unfortunately the penalty was missed. This was a turning point in the half as, from the kick out, Newbury managed to get into the Redingensians half for the first time in over 10 minutes.

The home team’s forwards were able to retain possession and worked their way towards the visitor’s 10m line but strong tackling repelled them. Newbury were given a penalty that was quickly tapped and passed to their tall No 8 but again stalwart tackling resulted in the ball being lost and this was the last action of the half leaving it with honours even.

The second half started as the first half finished with neither side giving easy ground until, 10 mins. into the half, Redingensians produced play that proves rugby is a simple game. Winning the ball in their own half, it was passed cleanly down the three-quarter line to Calum Wesley on the wing who used his strength and speed to run through some light tackling to touch down under the posts to the obvious delight of the visiting players and supporters. Henry Bennett was successful with the conversion so finally, after 35 minutes of play, the deadlock was broken. Score Newbury 0; Redingensians 7.

Like buses, you wait ages for one to turn up and then they come along in pairs! From an Ensians lineout on their own 10 meter line, a long throw to the rear was gathered by Jordan Wilmot who breached the gain line and linked to the backs where Chris Andrews kicked ahead into space and although he turned the defence he was not able to make enough ground to recover the ball. In the ensuing scramble, John Williams was able to pick up the ball and dive over the line to score. The long-range conversion attempt was narrowly missed. Score 0-12.

As in the first half, fortunes turned and Newbury started to push from the kick off and camped in the visitor’s 22. Despite numerous attacking scrums around the 5m line, the assaults could not breach the line but similarly, Ensians could not clear it. Eventually, the attacks produced a penalty for Newbury, which was taken quickly and the recipient of the pass forged over for a try, which was successfully converted making the score 7:12.

The game was now set for a frantic conclusion. Newbury could sniff the chance to level, if not win and went all out for the win but the disciplined and aggressive defence by Redingensians protected their line and even though the deluge continued for 5 minutes, the defence won the day. Final score Newbury 7: Redingensians 12.

This was a good victory over a strong opposition, both teams giving there all as so much was at stake.

Gordon Hignell