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Wasps 1XV 8 – 5 Worcester
@ Sixways, Worcester
5th December 2004
National Premier League Div 1
Wasps 2XV 0 – 29 Vale of Lune
@ Vale of Lune
5th December 2004
National Premier League Div 2
In an unhappy weekend of rugby for all Wasps supporters and players, Wasps 1XV scraped a narrow 8-5 victory at Worcester, whilst an understrength 2XV suffered at the hands of a physical Vale of Lune, going down 29-0, and surrendering their position at the top of the league to Vale as a result.
Wasps 1XV only try of the weekend was scored by captain Sue Day in a scrappy encounter with the Midlanders. In a match dominated by defence, neither side was able to establish any fluidity in their attacking game, and though Wasps were the first to break the deadlock with a penalty, this was not until deep into the first half.
Day’s score came early in the second half. Collecting the ball to counter attack after a failed clearance click, she had the pace to beat Worcester’s already stretched defence and touch down in the corner. Worcester replied with an opportunistic score of their own, stemming from a quick lineout that caught Wasps defence napping, but despite a series of frantic attacks by both sides in the last quarter, this was the final score and Wasps squeaked the win.
The 2XV fared not so well. In the face of a taller, heavier pack, Wasps aim was to play an expansive game. However, with the pack outmuscled, Wasps midfield was forced to live off scraps and were unable to exploit the gaps in Vales defence. In contrast, Vale’s powerful forwards battered their way upfield and four of their five tries came from close quarters as Wasps were tied in to defence.
Wasps 1XV now sit in second place in National Premier League 1, though with a game in hand over league leaders Clifton. On Sunday they will host Premiership newcomers Thirsk but Wasps ever-lengthening injury list, which saw 2 more additions on Sunday, will mean that the Northerners could fancy their chances. Add to this a re-arranged fixture at Richmond booked in for Wednesday 15th December, and Wasps have a far from easy passage into the Christmas break.
Scorers:
1XV: Sue Day 1T. Helen Christmas 1P |
