Sat 7 Sep 2019, 15:00
Roundhegians travelled to West Park for the first game of the season in confident mood following a good pre season hoping to make use of the hard work over the summer.
Hegians started the game well and from the start they were on the front foot, winning good quality possession and testing the West Park defence. Hegians were able to put the West Park back line under pressure and only good tackling held them up. Eventually the pressure led to a high tackle on Dave Wiilson which resulted in a yellow card to the West Park second row. Alex Jones kicked the penalty from 40 metres out to push Hegians into a 3-0 lead.
From the kick off new recruit Dave Gregory had a powerful run to take him well into the WestPark half before he was eventually held up, slipping it to Dave Wilson in support. Eventually Angus Reid was held up and the scrum was awarded to West Park. A good scrum from Hegians disrupted the put in and Dave Wilson was able to turn over the ball and it was pushed on by James Dobson to Elliot Jackson. The ball was moved quickly to the right and a good pass allowed Jonny Thorpe to slip out of the attempted tackle in the corner and score the try close to the posts. Alex Jones just missed the conversion attempt.
From the kick off Hegians were soon attacking with a powerful 30 metre run from Elliot Jackson eventually leading to a penalty to Hegians who were able to go through a few phases of possession before the ball was turned over. However, Hegians again moved the ball well to full back Alex Jones who beat several players with pace and strength to score an excellent individual try which he converted himself.
After dominating for the first 25 minutes of the game Hegians were eventually forced to defend as West Park started to gain a bit of possession and territory. The first wave of attacks was stopped when Andy Mulligan dropped on a ball and this allowed Rory Wollaston to get a good kick away. Hegians were forced to defend and good tackles from Alex Jones and Tom Foxton allowed Hegians to break up West Park attacks but West Park eventually created extra numbers to force a try near the posts which they then converted to take the score to West Park 7 - Roundhegians 15.
West Park were increasing in confidence now and it took some good defence from Hegians winger Tom Bennett and a timely interception by Alex Jones to make sure they there was no further scoring before half time.
The second half started with both teams kicking to gain territory but after a scrum to Hegians Dave Wilson had a good run and with some quick play before a knock on by Tom Foxton. Following a long kick from James Dobson, Hegians were exposed by the counter attack from West Park and it took a well timed knock back from Elliot Jackson to stop the attack. Hegians were having to defend now and eventually gave away a penalty for a high tackle that West Park knocked over to bring them within 5 points.
This forced Hegians to raise their game and good runs from Dave Wilson and Ali Coe started to give Hegians a bit of momentum. A chip by tom Bennett forced a line out 5 metres out. Hegians were pressing now and forced a penalty which was taken quickly by Rory Wollaston and Jon Carter almost scored the try but eventually it was moved to the left for Tom Bennett to score a good try in the corner. The excellent conversion from Alex Jones took the score to 22-10
Almost immediately West Park struck back with a try on the left and Hegians had to raise their game game again. Alex Jones missed a penalty before good work between Alex Jones and Alex Miyambo allowed Miyambo to force his way over in the corner for the bonus point try.
There was still time for West Park to score again but Hegians then came back again to score the final try with some good hands as Alex Jones scored a well taken try which he converted himself.
Final Score West Park 22 – Roundhegians 34
A good opening game for Hegians with a bonus point win away from home. Hegians played with energy and purpose and always looked like winning but were pushed hard by a spirited West Park team. Hegians were well led by Alex Jones and it was a good team performance in particular from Ali Coe and Dave Wilson in the forwards.
Next Saturday is another tough game at home to Wetherby kick off 3.00pm
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