Author: James Stothard Williams Dad
CHOBHAM ‘A’ RUGBY MINI FESTIVAL – 18TH October 2009.

An early start on a cold Autumn Morning gave us a reminder of the weather ahead this winter. However, this was soon forgotten and by 11am the sun was shining on us and we were blessed with another fine and warm ‘festival day’. With conditions set fair we were in line to be spoilt with some thrilling rugby contests combined with an improving standard of play.

Guildford provided the first opposition for Wimbledon. Two tries from them saw us trailing 2-0. Even with a two try deficit the boys kept on running and supporting each other well and together with a little inspiration, William C provided the first score for Wimbledon with a super run into the corner. The boys continued positive approach and good team defending to keep Guildford from scoring again, eventually led to their reward – another try scored by Cameron during the last play of the game. A very well deserved 2-2 draw.

Next up for Wimbledon were the hosts Chobham. The early pattern of this game was similar to Game One – with the opposition taking an early 2 try lead (they may have caught us knapping). Nevertheless in true Wimbledon style – with every player given the chance to run with the ball, together with committed defending throughout the team and their positive attitude, Wimbledon ran in three tries scored by Sam, William C & Cameron to go into a deserved 3-2 lead. But it was the opposition who had the final say, with two late breakaway tries to snatch victory by a single try 3-4.

Game 3 for Wimbledon was against Cobham. Another pulsating game, but this time it was Wimbledon who were victorious by 5 tries to 4. Two scores each for William C & Cameron and one for Sam B saw us home. Special mention to William C who ran the whole length of the pitch before getting tagged just short of the try line, but he was not to be put off and repeated a similar run later in the game and this time was rewarded with a try.

Game 4 against Teddington saw the team outgunned by 7 tries to 3. Wimbledon were always trailing in this encounter and although the boys showed determination to get themselves back in it, too many defensive missed tackles led to Teddington running away as worthy winners.

The 5th and final encounter against Kings saw the boys playing a hard fought encounter. The game swung both ways and became a tense & nervous affair for all involved, but especially those on the touch line. Some wonderful team tagging kept Kings out on numerous occasions and some good solo efforts led to a flurry of tries by Wimbledon. By the time we had all caught our breath the score stood at 4 tries each. There was however, to be one final twist, with Kings scoring in injury time to triumph by 5 tries to 4.

Overall Wimbledon Won 1, Drew 1 & Lost 3. Lots of positive takeaways here. The victory was against Cobham, the tournament winners – they only suffered one defeat! Also two of our three losses were only by a single try. The standard of play by the boys continues to improve and the level of teamwork shown was particularly pleasing. The coaches were upbeat overall, but undoubtedly will have seen a few areas they wish to focus on back at the training ground!

No individual player award was made this week – instead all players received medals and certificates for participating. A good all round team effort – Well Done Boys!

And many thanks to everyone, including James for the match report.
Steve