Guildford Secures First Victory of the Season in Thrilling Encounter Against Newbury

Guildford Rugby Club

Guildford Secures First Victory of the Season in Thrilling Encounter Against Newbury

Guildford 27 – 22 Newbury

26th October 2024

Guildford Secures First Victory of the Season in Thrilling Encounter Against Newbury

Team: 1 Paddy Wood, 2 Jordan Brodley, 3 Jon Karimian, 4 George Angel, 5 Alex Burrill, 6 Ollie Millward, 7 Tom Devereaux, 8 Joe Garner++ 9 Charlie Cuervo, 10 Joe Gwyther, 11 Solomon Poole, 12 Rob Voller (c), 13 Alex Jordan, 14 Ieuan Jones, 15 Liam Driscoll

Replacements: 16 Matt Poole, 17 Harry Phillips+, 18 Barney King (++ 150 Caps, + 100 Caps)

Scorers: Tries: Devereaux (2), Voller, Driscoll

Cons: Voller (1) Jones (1)

Pens: Voller (1)

Guildford 1st XV finally broke their winless streak with a hard-fought 27-22 victory over Newbury at Broadwater Park. The match was a nail-biter, culminating in a dramatic last-minute try from Liam Driscoll, which secured the long-awaited triumph for the home side. As the final whistle blew, the relief and joy among the Guildford supporters was palpable, their cheers echoing around the ground.

Both teams entered the fixture desperate for points, with only five points separating them in the league standings. The weather, initially wet and slippery, improved as the match progressed, creating an enjoyable atmosphere for the sizable crowd that had gathered after the President's lunch.

Guildford made minimal changes to their lineup, fostering much-needed cohesion. The most notable adjustment was Jordan Brodley stepping in at hooker for the injured Ed Pasfield. In the backs, Ieuan Jones returned from injury on the wing, Rob Voller shifted to inside centre, and Liam Driscoll moved to fullback. The match also marked significant milestones for player/coach Joe Garner and Harry Phillips, who celebrated their 150th and 100th first-team caps respectively.

The home side kicked off, playing uphill and immediately displayed their intent. Strong runs from Garner, Ollie Milward, and Tommy Devereaux put Newbury’s defence under pressure. Although Guildford could not convert early dominance into tries, Rob Voller did manage to score a penalty within the first four minutes, setting the tone for the match.

As the first half unfolded, the game balanced precariously on a knife-edge. Guildford's efforts paid off after 15 minutes when Devereaux burst through the Newbury defence from 20 yards out, scoring under the posts. Voller’s conversion extended the lead to 10-0. Fifteen minutes later, Voller himself crossed the line, scoring Guildford's second try, though his conversion attempt from the touchline fell short, making it 15-0.

Just before half-time, however, Guildford's momentum was disrupted when Milward left the field injured, replaced by centurion Phillips. Newbury seized the opportunity, pressing hard on the Guildford try line, and managed to score a converted try just before the whistle, closing the gap to 15-7.

Half-Time: Guildford 15 – 7 Newbury

The second half began with a marked shift in momentum. Newbury grew in confidence and began to dominate, scoring an unconverted try after 14 minutes to narrow the deficit to 15-12. A further unconverted try followed, giving Newbury a 15-17 lead for the first time in the match. With less than ten minutes remaining, they scored again, this time extending their advantage to 22-15, leaving Guildford looking down and out.

Yet, displaying newfound resilience, Guildford rallied. With less than five minutes left, Devereaux crossed the line for his second try, bringing the score to 20-22. The home side, buoyed by their supporters, pushed on. The forwards, displaying an impressive lineout and relentless driving mauls, gradually closed in on the Newbury try line. After a series of penalties for collapsing the maul, Driscoll managed to ground the ball amidst fierce defensive efforts from Newbury. Ieuan Jones, with ice in his veins, converted the try with the last kick of the match, sealing an exhilarating victory for Guildford.

Following the match, players celebrated not just the win but also the achievements of Garner and Phillips, who received commemorative gifts. Adding to the joy, news came from the adjoining pitch that the Guildford Blues had also won, amplifying the celebrations.

With a well-deserved break ahead due to the Autumn Internationals next week, Guildford will look to build on this momentum when they face North Dorset away on 9th November. The team will undoubtedly appreciate any travelling support for what promises to be another exciting encounter, although hopefully they won’t leave it as late in the game to confirm the win. Come on, Gs!

Full-Time: Guildford 27 – 22 Newbury

Mike Burden

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