Roundhegians

Wetherby 27 – Roundhegians 28

Hegians went to Wetherby after the Christmas break with a strong team but missing Henry Wareham who was out after breaking his arm in the previous league game at home against Thornensians.

Hegians got off to the worst possible start after allowing the kick off to go into touch only 5 metres from their own line. A mix up at the line out allowed Wetherby to have a scrum only 5 metres from their try line. The powerful Wetherby scrum forced their way over the line for a pushover try and that became the start of a pattern that would persist throughout the rest of the game.

Hegians tried to get on to the attack but were soon back in their own half and with a scrum managed to give away a penalty that the Wetherby 10 was able to convert from just outside the 22 to take them into a 10-0 lead after only 6 minutes.

Hegians did not panic and started to establish some dominance as they were awarded a series  of penalties. Good runs from Ali Coe and Dave Wilson threatened the Wetherby defence and  the Hegians forwards were held up over the line when they almost forced a score. Eventually, Hegians had to settle for a penalty that Alex Jones landed to close the gap to 10-3.

Hegians were soon back on the attack as they were able to make progress through the middle of the park with some powerful running. On 27 minutes they produced a well worked try as Ewan Cameron was put in space down the right hand flank. A clever chip allowed full back Alex Jones to hack on and win the race and touch down for the try. A good strike for the conversion just fell short as Alex Jones  tried for the additional two points.

Wetherby were straight back on the attack and a loose kick in midfield ended up in Hegians conceding a penalty that allowed Wetherby to extend the lead to 13-8.

Hegians were starting to get on to the attack now and Ali Coe was proving to be a constant threat to the Wetherby defence. A good run and a smart offload from Oscar Jedras got Hegians on to the attack and a clever chip by James Dobson forced the Wetherby full back to put the ball out on the full. From the lineout Hegians produced a good catch and drive and quick hands to the left allowed winger Tom Bennett to squeeze in and score in the corner. A great conversion from Alex Jones pushed Hegians into the lead of 15-13 just before half time.

Hegians started the second half brightly as they pinned Wetherby into their own half as they had trouble kicking out against the wind. On 45 minutes Hegians were awarded a penalty and Alex Jones struck it well to extend the lead to 18-13. Hegians were hoping to extend the lead but now started to give away a number of penalties at the scrum area. This caused a problem as they lost territory and possession and were forced to defend.

After a number of penalties conceded at the scrum, Jonny Dobson was given a yellow card for standing up at the scrum and Hegians were down to 14 men.  Hegians rallied for a while once they were down a man as they raised their game and came close to scoring but eventually Wetherby forced their way upfield and after conceding more penalties Wetherby kept opting for the scrum and forced their way over for a converted try to take a 20-18 lead.

Wetherby were soon  back on the attack and Hegians became even more disorganised in defence and after a couple of missed tackles Wetherby went over for a 3^rd try. With a successful conversion Wetherby went into a 27-18 lad and with less than five minutes left it looked as if Hegians would be defeated. However, Hegians were quickly on to the attack and forced a penalty that Alex Jones struck well to put Hegians only 6 points behind and the chance of picking up a losing bonus point. There was still time for Hegians to receive the kick off and mount one last attack. Hegians threw everything forward and made breaks through the middle before Harry Wollaston through a long pass to Elliot Jackson who stepped inside the defender and scored under the posts. Alex Jones added the two points for the conversion and as the referee blew up Hegians had snatched the win 28-27.

Full time Wetherby 27 – Roundhegians 28

Another last gasp win for Hegians who made things incredibly difficult for themselves thanks to the number of penalties that were given away at scrum time. Wetherby have a very strong scrum and Hegians will look to improve this aspect of their game . Hegians played well at times  and looked dangerous when going forward  playing some good rugby with ball in hand. Roundhegians man of the match was Ali Coe who carried the ball strongly and was a powerful presence at the breakdown.

Next Saturday Hegians will be looking for a strong performance as they entertain Wensleydale at home ko 2.15pm