Wimbledon RFC 1XV 46 v Teddington 15
It's not surprising that Teddington have bulldozed their way through three lower leagues in consecutive seasons; they're a big, mobile side, with hefty forwards and a few backs too who wouldn't look out of place in the scrum.
But in terms of skill, commitment and teamwork they were no match for Wimbledon, whose forwards dominated their opponents throughout the first half in all areas of the game on Saturday September 24. They allowed Teddington into their 22 just twice, from the second of which the visitors emerged with a single penalty from wing Andy Dunlop. Meanwhile Wimbledon racked up 34 points.
The first came from a blindside dart by scrum-half Charlie Morgan after the pack had driven to within 5m of the goal line. Minutes later the pack drove over the line and lock Richard Stewart touched down for try number two. Having converted that try wing Leon Driscoll then created the third with a lovely run from half way, with fullback David Sharpe on hand to finish things off.
Try no.4 and the bonus point came from captain and no.8 Danny Craven, with prop Pete Wallace heavily involved, as in much of the play. Driscoll’s conversion made it 24-0 and he added three more points when a crunching tackle by centre Kua Palakua earned a penalty, and a further two after Craven rounded off a great passage of play with the fifth try.
Straight after the re-start temporarily lost their shape when flanker Nathan Kemp and prop Joey Nanai both limped off and Teddington’s no.8 Farrell was quick to spot a gap and score in the corner. But 15 minutes later Dons stormed back through a lovely solo try from flanker Ed Lewis, then replacement scrum half Rob Healey combined with Driscoll to score his first for the club.
When Driscoll became Dons’ fourth injury, and the side was reduced to 14 men, Teddington took full advantage and centre Holdsworth ran in a good try, well-converted by Dunlop to bring up the final score – one that Wimbledon can be well pleased with.
Next week they travel to unbeaten Old Reigatians for what promises be an intriguing game.
October 6, 2011
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