TWRUFC 1st XV 28 vs Westcombe Park 33

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Match Report

There was barely a minute on the clock when Westcombe Park took the lead with a converted try. The opportunity came from a line out just inside the 22 metres as Thanet were deemed to have taken the ball back into the 22 from the kick off. Thanet responded with some good attacking possession. The visitors gave away two penalties which were converted by Marius Thompson, Thanet were 6-7 down after a quarter of an hour.

Westcombe Park’s response was swift and after being held up over the line twice they managed to split the Thanet defence to score their second try of the game. The lead was extended after 21 minutes as Park’s winger dashed down the line to score. This time the conversion was completed and Thanet trailed 19-6.

Thanet were soon attacking deep in the visitor’s half and a number of infringements by Westcombe Park saw two of their players being shown yellow cards within a minute of each other. Making use of their numerical advantage Wanderers pack drove over the line to score their first try by Lenny Brown, 11-19.  As the half ended Thanet recycled the ball from a quickly taken penalty and Gil Smith grounded the ball to leave the score standing at 16-19 at the break.

Thanet were unfortunate not to take the lead early in the second half with a quick break down the nearside wing but the Westcombe Park defence managed to steal the ball. Neither side were able to gain the upper hand until Westcombe Park scored their fourth try of the game. This was duly converted leaving the score at 26 -16. Thanet continued to create chances and were rewarded with a Nick Herbert try. Once again the opposition found the gaps in the home sides defence and scored another converted try. With less than ten minutes on the clock their lead was 33-21. Westcombe Park had a third player yellow carded after giving away a penalty as Thanet were within metres of scoring.

Although unable to score with that attack the next was successful. Louis Marshall collected a kick ahead and sprinted down the far side wing to score a bonus point try for Thanet. The conversion by Harrison Quittenden was successful taking the score to 28-33 with about 5 minutes of the game left. Thanet continued to pressure the visitors to score again to take the win. Although they did not score again Thanet came away from the game with two bonus points which may prove to be important later on in the season.

Tries:

Conversions:

Penalties: None

Drop Goals: None