Playing on the middle pitch we started at a chaotic pace, hard and fast ! It seemed we were in for a good game as the backs and forwards were linking well and phases were mounting, probably for the first this season.

With ten minutes on the clock, Haynes took a big blow from two larger players from Wanstead (they landed on his shoulder) forced him off, prompting a frantic quick change by Van den Broeck (who was only down for the luncheon). In the mean time, on came Austin for his first stint at hooking.
As soon as VDB was ready he took over at hooker and inspired us on. We won a good tight head in the scrum and allowed us to force our way forward, forcing Wansted to concede a penalty ten metres out. A quick tap to Anderson, who drove to three metres short allowing quick ball back and White powered over for the first try, duly converted by Simon Ashton.

A few minutes later we were again within touch of the oppositions twenty-two, and a penalty gave us a chance for a lineout which was won and we drove forward. The ball got to powerhouse Harbrow who drove all the way to the line and scored a brilliant try, also converted by Ashton.

With only five minutes to go until half time, a scrum eight metres out showed Wanstead what Roch’s pack do best, powering to the line for Brownlee to score at eight.

Just into the second half Peppiat made way to allow Mike Cleare on to keep the game flowing and it was the backs that dominated and showed how to break the opposition down with some great runs. But it was VDB who scored first, followed by a great try from Bedford.

A few unfortunate injuries saw Austin back on for VDB and Beale on for Andy George, who had groin injury. But these changes didn’t seem to make any difference to the team’s determination to perform. Cleare made a break down the touchline and out sprinted the opposition to regain his own kick ahead and scored.

It was left to Austin to score last try just before full time and allowed Ashton to pick-up his 4th conversion of the day.

At full-time it was an exhausted but happy team that had shown the rugby we can play if put our minds to it. It wasn't be easy to select a Man of the Match as everyone gave there all, Trusson who was powerful in the scrums and accurate in the throw-ins, Cushing as he played his first game in a while; showed his style at every opportunity, O’Connor for his rumbles with the ball, Freeman for his great little runs or Bedford for all hard work.

But it goes to Harbrow as his hard tackling and relentless attacking deserved it on the day.

Match Report - Kev Anderson