Sat 11 Jan 2020, 14:15
Roundhegians 5 – Wensleydale 15
Hegians were looking for an improved performance in their first home game of the year. With Harry Wollaston, Dale Cowling and Alex Miyambo unavailable they were replaced in the squad by Joe Blackman-Gibbs, Rory Wollaston and Greg Robinson.
Hegians started off brightly and were soon on the attack and threatening the Wensleydale try line. Some good defence by Wensleydale kept Hegians out and soon they were able to get into the Hegins half. After less than 10 minutes Hegians had their first injury problem as Dave Wilson limped off for treatment. Hegians tried to use the strong breeze behind their back to maintain their attacks and some good kicking from James Dobson put them into some good posituons.
Wensleydale were tackling well and made it hard for Hegians to score and in addition they disrupted Hegians at the breakdown making it difficult to make a breakthrough. Alex Jones had an early chance at adding 3 points from a penalty but it just slipped wide of the posts.
A good break by Alex Jones took Hegians into the 22 and after going through a few phases the ball went to Ewan Cameron who stepped inside and then off loaded to Andy Mulligan who was in support and he crashed over in the corner for a try. Unfortunately in the process the defender landed on top of his leg and injuring him which meant that he had to be replaced.
As the half went on Wensleydale got more into the game and after a series of attacks they scored a good try in the corner to level the scores. The game was pretty even for the rest of the half with neither side being able to get on top and no there was no addition to the score before half time.
At the start of the second half Wensleydale started to get on top as they kicked well with the wind behind them and pinned Hegians back in their own half. Hegians were forced to defend strongly as Wensleydale mounted a series of attacks. The pressure told as eventually they forced their way over the line to score their second try. The conversion was missed and so Wensleydale went into a narrow 10-5 lead.
It was not long before Wensleydale were back on the attack and it was only a matter of time before they went over for a third try and although the relatively easy conversion was missed, Wensleydale had a comfortable lead.
Hegians looked well out of the game at this point with only 20 minutes left but at this point Hegians started to rally and gain a bit of possession and territory. They tried hard to get back in the game as Alex Jones an Ali Coe in particular worked hard to get Hegians on the front foot. However, Hegians were faced with a determined defence from Wensleydale who tackled well and worked hard at the breakdown to deny Hegians continuity.
In the last 5 minutes the game got worse for Hegians when prop Oscar Jedras dislocated his kneecap and had to leave the field. This is a big blow to Hegians as he has been playing well this season and will now be out for a considerable time
There was no score before the end of the game as Wensleydale completed a deserved victory over Hegians after a committed performance
Full Time Roundhegians 5 – Wensleydale 15
A disappointing performance from Hegians who were well beaten by a good Wensleydale team who played with determination and some skill. Hegians were below par and did not play with the physical and committed approach they normally do. To make matters worse they picked up some injuries during the game and will be hoping to have players back playing again as soon as possible where possible.
Next Saturday is a tough game away at Wheatley Hills where Hegians will be hoping to bounce back
ko 2.15pm. The 2nd team are at home v Wheatley Hills 2s 
