Match report - GRFC v Wimborne, 071224

Guildford Rugby Club

Match report - GRFC v Wimborne, 071224

Guildford 31 – 41 Wimborne

Guildford Leave it Too Late Again

Team: 1 Matt Poole 2 Jacob Jones 3 Jon Karimian 4 George Angel 5 Jamie Curtis 6 Alex Burrill(C) 7 Harry Phillips 8 Jordan Brodley 9 Charlie Cuervo 10 Joe Gwyther 11 Ieuan Jones 12 Joe Garner 13 Barney King 14 Solomon Poole 15 Lochy Ellis-Jones

Replacements: 16 Luke Brookes 17 Tom Roaf 18 Charlie Adams*

(* Debut)

Scorers: Tries: Garner, Cuervo, Brodley, Gwyther

Cons: Gwyther (4)

Pens: Gwyther (1)

Guildford continue to frustrate their supporters as they fall short again against a physical Wimborne side at Broadwater Park on Saturday. Despite a spirited second-half fightback, Guildford ultimately struggled against a dominant visiting side.

The hosts had a small number of changes to their line-up following a last gasp win away at Chichester last time out. In the pack Jacob Jones returned to hooker, with the versatile Jordan Brodley shifting to No 8 in place of Joe Garner, who made his debut at Inside Centre. Charlie Adams was on the bench for the first time. Congratulations on your GRFC debut! There was also another notable milestone, as Matt Poole pulled on a Guildford shirt for the last time. Matt has been a rock, both on the field and off, for many years, he will be a big miss. We wish him well in the future and will save him a space on the balcony where he can continue to support the lads.

With a combination of a growing injury list and several players unavailable, it could be considered a major achievement in getting a side on the pitch. The negative side of this is that the Blues have not played in two weeks as there are insufficient numbers available to field two teams. Let’s hope that all those carrying injuries are back to fitness soon

Despite Storm Darragh’s efforts the game went ahead. Although it was wet and windy, the pitch looked in good condition. Despite the conditions both teams put on a good display and demonstrated a good level of skill in keeping control of the ball.

The game started with Guildford playing towards Broadwater school. It took 8 minutes before the referee awarded a kickable penalty to Wimborne which was converted 0 – 3. A couple of minutes later Guildford were awarded a kickable penalty that Joe Gwyther converted, 3-3.

The early exchanges were typical for the games played this season. Not many chances, with defences being up to the challenge. The conditions were having an impact on the game as Guildford were finding it difficult to kick into the strong wind. However, there were a couple of opportunities for the wingers to break free, but the visitor’s defence was equal to the task. Two converted tries in quick succession caused by indifferent tackling from the home side put the score at 3-17. Guildford were trying to get back into the game, but their attack was not able to unlock the visitors defence.

The home scrummage was holding its own against a well organised visiting pack, Jordan Broadley showing his versatility in playing number 8. He has played in every position in the scrum this season and performed with aplomb on each occasion. This solid platform helped Charlie Cuervo demonstrate how he is developing into a very good scrum half. His distribution and astute kicking from hand earning him the man of the match accolade from the opposition after the game.

The lineout has returned as an attacking weapon for Guildford. The addition of George Angel this season has given more options, and his ability to disrupt opposition ball has been very advantageous.

Even with this improvement the home side could not add to the score and in the final ten minutes of the half it was Wimborne who added to their score with an unconverted try, 3 – 22. Guildford finally got on the scoreboard after a strong break in the centre from Joe Garner who crossed under the posts. Joe Gwyther added the extras, 10 – 22. Guildford couldn’t hold out the visitors who managed another unconverted try just before half time. Guildford went in trailing 10 – 27 at the break.

After the break Wimborne continued where they had left off in the first half. Dominating the contact area with strong running they made significant metres into the home territory. After ten minutes of sustained pressure, they broke through the Guildford defence for a converted try under the posts, 10 – 34.

Shortly afterwards the referee adjudged a high tackle whilst Guildford were on the attack. The subsequent yellow card encouraged Guildford to exploit the extra man. After a rare scrum penalty, which the referee moved 10M down the pitch due to some backchat from the visitors, Charlie Cuervo took advantage of the disorganised defence, took a quick tap and dived under the posts for his debut try. Joe Gwyther slotted the conversion, 17 – 34.

Guildford were now in familiar territory, putting on a late charge to win the game after letting the opposition build up a big lead. Another converted try, this time for Jordan Brodly moved the score on to 24 – 34.

Once again, the Broadwater faithful that had braved the elements to watch the game were in for another climactic final ten minutes. A yellow for Jordan Broadley made the mountain that much harder to climb and a Wimborne converted try, with less than 10 minutes left took it well out of reach as the score moved on to 24-41.

A final converted try under the posts from Joe Gwyther secured the try bonus point, but Guildford needed more than a single point from this game with teams around them losing as well. Final score 31-41.

The next game is away against high flying Farnham who are top of the league. It will be interesting to see how both sides have developed since the second game of the season where Farnham were convincing winners. I am sure the lads would welcome your support on the short trip down the A31. Come on Guildford!

I would like to also thank the volunteers who helped put out and put away the flags and post protectors, before and after the game: Peter Rankin, Dave Buckland and Ian Pearce. Thank you, gentlemen! I would also like to thanks to Nick Brockmann for his help during the game and thanks also to Dave Buckland and Francoise Rankin for keeping both scoreboards up to date.

Mike Burden

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