| Murrayfield triumph in Mudbath |
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| Thursday, 22 January 2009 | |
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January's wet weather made Wanderers first game of the New Year, against Watsoanians, a less than pleasant experience. By full time, most players, from both teams, were suffering from frostbite and or hysteria due to the conditions.
Because of the heavy rain and heavy pitch, the game was far from an exhibition match for flowing rugby, with numerous handling errors preventing both teams from capitalising on the attacking opportunities afforded to them. However, at least Watsons got the chance to test the durability of their rather swanky new kit... Despite the poor conditions, both teams certainly tried to move the ball, and Wandies got on the scoresheet first thanks to some great work by the pack, with great defence by Lana Blyth forcing Watsons to concede a scrum in their 22.Perhaps she was working so hard due to the coldness after she had to remove her rather delightful red bomber jacket that she was surgically attached to in the warmup. From the ensuing set piece Rhona Shephead found a gap to feed Zulfi a flat pass to go over for the first score of the game from close range. Dr Gill, who arrived minutes before kick off thanks to an emergency call, stepped up to take on conversion duties. The Dr deserves special mention for battling hard to get quick ball away all day, despite the fact that the ball, caked in mud, probably weighed more than her. The second score came shortly after, a quick tap penalty catching Watsons off guard. Again the defence from the visitors undoubtedly won them the game, with great aggression and commitment from every Wandies player, particularly Sarah Dunnet, who was making her first full Wandies debut in the centre. Watsons certainly threatened the try line in the first half, but great defensive efforts, particularly from the forwards, ensured Wandies kept a clean sheet. The second half had its moments. The pick of them was probably during a passage of play which resembled a ralley Andy Murray would be proud of, as the ball ricocheted off various feet, heads and other body parts before splattering into the mud, leaving the referee as confused as the players as to what was going on. Rhona and Zulfi were possibly suffering from hypothermia by this stage as they seemed unable to stop giggling at this point and had to be sternly reprimanded by Randy Ruth (some people pay good money for that apparently...) There was, however, time for a final score, after Katy 'SFD' Green and Wenche had come close to scoring, Shep displayed her well honed and familiar 'pick and go' move to dive over to put the win beyond doubt. Thankfully it was full time shortly after. Full time Wanderers 19 Watsons 0 |
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