Match Report 24 November 2007
Avonvale 1st XV 20 Westbury 2nd XV 19
Team Sheet
- Jamie Smith
- John Crabbe (Capt)
- Andrew (Tank) Ball
- James Allard
- Jerome Blanche
- Rich Furnival
- Leon Chignell
- Shawn Russell
- Jason Russell
- Alan Hobbs
- Chris Cooper
- Alex Fereday
- Cory Bourne
- Jason Picton
- Gareth Neate
Replacements
Joe Vowles, Matt Timbrell, James Cottle, Mark Allen
Scorers
Fereday – 1Try, Russell J - 2 Tries, Hobbs - I Conv & 1 Drop Goal
Avonvale survived a scare to keep their 100% record in tact despite having a number of late changes and several players unavailable.
Vale lost both props late in the week due to illness and were unable to call upon their promising youngsters who had all chosen to sit this one out in preparation for their cup semi final the following morning. Late changes saw back row Jamie Smith and Club Coach Tank Ball drafted in to the front row with Mark Allen fulfilling the front row replacement requirement just three weeks after breaking his ribs against Salisbury Exiles.
With usual back row players also missing, Vale had to call upon club stalwart Shawn Russell at No 8 and three quarter Rich Furnival found himself starting alongside him in the back row.
Despite the disruption Vale showed the stylish rugby they had been playing recently for most of the first half. Westbury, strengthened by a sprinkling of first team players, proved difficult to break down but a moment of brilliance from Alex Fereday early on gave Vale the lead when he split the defence and sped across the line to touch down.
Further efforts to cross the Westbury line were thwarted time and again and Vale started to make a number of handling errors at key moments so resorted to attempting to increase the lead however they could and were grateful to an Alan Hobbs drop goal which put them 10 points in front.
As the half drew to a close, some good handling and driving resulted in a quick move down the flank and Jason Russell benefited by going over near the corner. Westbury pulled on try back before the break and regrouped for the second period, the result being two further tries, both of which were converted.
With Vale behind for the first time in the match, John Crabbe rallyed his players and pressurised the Westbury defence. A handling error by the visitors on their own line allowed Jason Russell to sneak through and dive on the loose ball to bring the score within one point. Hobbs added the difficult conversion and brought a roar of appreciation from the home crowd.
With only minutes left to play Westbury pressed but Vales defence forced errors and the referee brought the game to a close with a relieved Avonvale content with the result but knowing they had been close to their first defeat.