PEWSEY SUCCEED AT SUPERMARINE
Dorset and Wiltshire 1 North
Saturday 28 January 2012
Supermarine 11 - 26 Pewsey Vale
Pewsey consolidated fourth position in the League with this fifth bonus point win in a row. Vale edged superiority in the set pieces, and with a rock solid defence delivered the firm foundations for this victory over a feisty Supermarine.
Receiving the kick Pewsey pressured the home team from the start and though play was centred around mid field Pewsey was on the front foot. A line break by lock Olly Spence from half way foiled the defence.
Spence made twenty metres before off loading to scrum half Tom Haynes who got the scoring pass away through the cover defence to centre Gareth Stone who sprinted in for the try; centre Jamie Lavill-Harris added the two points.
With no backs replacement Pewsey suffered when fly half Dom Spencer had to leave the field through injury shortly after.
The rub of the green was then with the home team who enjoyed the benefit of the referee’s calls. What looked like a knock on was let go and though Vale won the subsequent ruck a spilled ball was picked up and Supermarine ran in for a try, unconverted.
Enjoying a strong wind advantage Supermarine slotted two penalties before half time, but could not breech Pewsey’s defence. Vale was 11-7 down at half time.
Restarting with the wind to their backs Pewsey turned on the go forward. Great line out work by flanker Matt Curry secured quality possession. After ten minutes the inevitable score came when prop Josh Ballantine-Dykes crashed over for a try, Lavill-Harris converting.
Pewsey pressure was relentless and the home team’s defence was tested time and again. Though breaking out now and again Supermarine never got further than Vale’s 22 metre line.
With ten minutes to go Ballantine-Dykes was up for his second try, which went unconverted. Supermarine came out strongly but a forced error was pounced on by Lavill-Harris who sprinted away up field.
A deft kick in field by Lavill-Harris was hotly pursued by wing John Williams whose dive was unrewarded, but gave sufficient time and space for number eight Phil Vallis to ground the ball; Lavill-Harris’ kick dissecting the posts for the two points.
A great team performance showing Pewsey pride and passion, lots of skilful rugby and great determination.
Dorset and Wiltshire 3 North
Saturday 28 January 2012
Pewsey Vale 2nds 0 – 93 Devizes 3rds
A hard day for Pewsey 2nds playing with a depleted team against very good opposition.
PEWSEY TROUNCE TROWBRIDGE
Dorset and Wiltshire 1 North
Saturday 21 January 2012
Pewsey Vale 33 - 13 Trowbridge 2nds
After a very slow start and trailing 5 – 13 after 60 minutes Pewsey finally got in to their stride with a four try blitz in the last 15 minutes of the game. Playing the first half into a strong wind Pewsey had difficulty getting out of their own half, Trowbridge’s kicking game paying dividends for field position.
Trowbridge opened the scoring with a penalty following a ten minute period of pressure after receiving the kick off. Pewsey surged forward and fly half Tony court had two penalty attempts blown off course by the head on wind.
With 25 minutes gone Pewsey made the most of an attacking scrum the ball being fed out to full back Frank Poulson who broke through the visitor’s defence and off loaded to wing Jamie Lavill-Harris who planted the ball in the corner, Court’s kick falling short.
Trowbridge surged forward from the restart testing Vale’s defence and being rewarded with a try following a series of set play attacking moves.
Pewsey had only performed at 70% and stiff words were said at half time. Within two minutes of restart Court had another opportunity to go for goal this time his kick hitting the post. Though it looked as if Pewsey would turn pressure into points it was Trowbridge who broke out to score a long range try.
With 15 minutes to go Trowbridge’s fly half was yellow carded for a repeat team offence in the 5m. Pewsey opted for a scrum from the subsequent penalty; flanker Matt Curry scoring a pick and go try, Lavill-Harris taking the extras.
Vale received the kick and finally got into a pattern of play that produced three strike tries. The forwards having been dominant in the set pieces now had the visitors on the back foot; driving play set up attacking positions. Centre Ty Lewis used his blistering pace to break through three cover tackles to touch down between the posts, Lavill-Harris adding the two points.
Now setting off strike runners from deep Pewsey added two more tries. Lavill-Harris now playing at outside centre broke the line with real pace giving the scoring pass to number eight Phil Vallis. Lewis was next up with another storming run from 50 metres out; Lavill-Harris converting both.
Dorset and Wiltshire 3 North
Saturday 21 January 2012
Supermarine 2nds 44 - 7 Pewsey Vale 2nds
Pewsey 2nds had a very encouraging first half against top-of-the-league Supermarine 2nds. Pewsey's pack was the stronger for the majority of the game, especially in open play. Consequently, the captain and the scrum half opted for tap-and-go penalties rather than going for touch. particularly in the first half when the strong wind was against them, even from their own five metre line.
After 45 minutes Pewsey had closed the score line to 15-7 as flanker Tom Bowerman seized the opportunity after his scrum-half was illegally cleared off the back of a ruck. Pewsey were still very much in the game.
However, in the last quarter Supermarine capitalised on their strength in the backs on the few occasions turnover ball went their way as the ferocious Pewsey pack tired.
The final scoreline did not reflect the possession and territory Pewsey enjoyed for much of the game, nor the effort they put in right to the finish. Pewsey's three on the bench were not enough to cover their four injuries and they played the last five minutes with fourteen players.
This was a bold performance against a team of 23 who were also forced to play almost to their last player through injuries suffered at the hands of some very tough rugby. A respectable performance from Pewsey 2nds who enjoyed a good game of rugby despite the final score.
PEWSEY PRESSURE PAYS OFF
Dorset and Wiltshire 1 North
Saturday 14 January 2012
Pewsey Vale 24 – 17 Minety
Recording a third victory in a row this was a four try bonus point win for Pewsey from this intense, competitive match against mid table rivals Minety. Pewsey now move up to fourth place in Dorset and Wilts 1 North.
Receiving the ball on kick off Vale pressured the visitors, forcing them to play in their on their 5 metre line. With only six minutes on the clock the visitors were penalised for a fourth offence when hooker Jeremy Horton was denied a score as Minety tackled from an offside position; the referee awarding a penalty try, converted by fly half Tony Court.
Pewsey pressure continued and they were unlucky not to put more points on the board. Always looking dangerous in the backs Minety attacked out wide before shipping the ball back in field for outside centre Luke Radcliffe to touch down on the half hour, number eight Jack Ward adding the extras.
From the restart Pewsey drove forward into the Minety’s 22, forcing the pace with outstanding carries from number eight Phil Vallis and flankers Olly Spence and Matt Curry. A wholly forward effort directed by scrum half Tom Haynes, with props Mike Breakspear and Tom Baish and Locks Darren Draper and Jim Waight in the thick of it.
The pack having thumped up field sent Horton in for a try down the narrow side, Court’s attempt at goal falling short. !2 - 7 to Vale on the half time whistle.
Pewsey’s kick from the restart was knocked on by the visitors. From the subsequent scrum Vale achieved field position. Five minutes on and more driving runs by the forwards had Horton in for his second in the corner, unconverted.
At the start of the third quarter Vale launched an attack from their own half, a break by Haynes and quick ball through Court and inside centre Dom Spencer found outside centre Ty Lewis. With forty metres to go Lewis’s pace proved too much for the cover defence as he raced in for the five points; converted by full back Frank Poulson.
Minety replied immediately with a try five minutes later when lock Matt Hooper crashed over the Pewsey line, unconverted.
This was followed by a well worked move from a 5 metre penalty. Minety hooker Wes Clamp found a gap in Pewsey’s defence, who were down to 14 men, Baish having been yellow carded for an earlier infringement. Ward’s attempt at goal being charged down.
With all to play for and five minutes remaining the pressure was on both teams. Pewsey struck back when Vale’s right wing Tony Bloomfield caught the ball from the restart. This set Pewsey into field position from which they were unlucky not to score when wing (now at centre) Adam Stephens was pulled down short of the line.
Minety failed to break out and it was 24 -17 to Pewsey at no-side. Lots of go forward rugby from Pewsey with solid defence this was a good performance against a strong Minety team.
Dorset and Wiltshire 3 North
Saturday 14 January 2012
Warminster 2nds 10 – 10 Pewsey Vale 2nds
Match report to follow.
Dorset and Wilts 1 North
Saturday 7 January 2012
Fairford 19 – 45 Pewsey Vale
Pewsey produced a stunning start to the New Year with a seven try to three victory over a very competitive Fairford. Turning tactical and territorial advantages in to scoring opportunities, combined with an iron defence Vale showed great form.
Three minutes on the clock and flanker Chris Spence was first on the scoreboard with a fine individual try, running from his own half beating several defenders on the way; fly half Tony Court added the two points. Five minutes later Fairford came back and took five points with a try out wide following driving forward play, unconverted.
Edging the forward battle Vale scored two back row tries. The first at the end of the first quarter by returning number eight Phil Vallis who surged forward from the back of a scrum to crash over. Spence then took his second, from the restart, with a galloping individual run from Pewsey’s 22m; Court converting the latter.
Wing Matty Mercer, back from long term injury, was at his speedy best when he glided through cover defence to take five points just before half time, Court adding the extras.
26 – 5 up at half time Vale now having to play against the slope and wind.
Fifteen minutes from the turn round centre John Williams, supporting wing Tony Bloomfield, took the scoring pass to touch down in the corner, Court’s attempt at goal drifting wide. Of course Fairford had not given up and with ten minutes to go were rewarded with a converted try.
Williams was up for his second five minutes later, followed two minutes after by fellow centre Dom Spencer who planted the ball between the sticks; both converted by Court.
From the restart Fairford drove forward and, producing some of their best play of the game, scored a converted try just before no side was whistled for.
This was a comprehensive victory by a very good Pewsey side. There were some great individual performances, but what shone through was the team effort.
Dorset and Wilts 3 North
Saturday 7 January 2012
Pewsey Vale 2nds 32 – 15 Swindon College Old Boys 3rds
Pewsey2nds, delivering their third win of the season, produced a good solid performance to win by five tries to three.
Try scorers were number eight Adam Stephens who showed great strength to break the line; wing Mark Young who sprinted in from 60m, evading all defenders; lock Robbie Daw with a great close range finish and stretch; hooker Nick Damper finishing a scrum half Gareth Stone break and flanker Bertie Bowerman, winning a foot race on a kick through.
Fly half Jack Aroskin converted two and added a penalty goal.
PEWSEY STEEL CONQUERS CALNE
Dorset and Wilts 1 North League
Saturday 17 December 2011
Pewsey Vale 29 – 5 Calne
This was a riveting match were Pewsey’s steel like defence and go forward play and pace proved too strong a combination for a very competitive Calne side to resist. The forward battle was a titanic confrontation with Pewsey constantly edging the gain line; imposing control in all areas of the pitch. In the second half Pewsey received two yellow cards which resulted in a nine minute period of having to defend with 13 players against 15.
The first score came from the kick off. Pewsey surged forward and driving forward play had number eight Chris Spence clear to dash in from 15 metres out, fly half Tony Court’s kick at goal hitting the post.
Pewsey continued to pressure and were rewarded on the quarter hour. Scrum half Tom Haynes broke the visitor’s defensive line with a sniping run, quick ball along the back line had wing John Williams sprint in from 40 metres out for a try, Court taking the extras.
William’s was up again for his second 10 minutes later. Spence picked up from an attacking scrum, breaking the flanker’s tackle he stormed towards the Calne line, as the cover tackler came in he gave a beautifully weighted pass to the supporting Williams who raced in for the five points, Court adding the two points.
Calne came out determined to do better and for ten minutes were camped in the Pewsey 22 forcing forward with driving maul and ruck, finally getting a try in the corner; the conversion attempt falling short. The score 17 - 5 in Vale’s favour at half time.
Three minutes in to the second half flanker Olly Spence received a yellow card for a swinging arm offence. This was followed a minute later with another to Chris Spence, for retaliation. In their own 22 and down to 13 men Vale’s response was immediate and direct. Defending with a steely resolve, led by hooker Jeremy Horton and skipper Haynes, Vale drove the visitors backwards into mid field and held them there until restored to 15 players.
With Pewsey on the front foot the inevitable score came, centre Tom Vodo executed a superb chip and chase, collecting the bouncing ball he raced in from 30 metres to touch down between the posts, Court converting.
The last play of the game came from Pewsey, driving up the narrow side, quick ball was got out to Court who sped up the touch line to score in the corner, his attempt at goal falling short. Vale ending 29 – 5 winners.
This was a fine win for Pewsey, restored to full strength, after several weeks of unavailability. A great team performance from this very fit Pewsey team playing with purpose, skill and for each other.
Dorset and Wilts 3 North League
Saturday 17 December 2011
Calne 2nds 17 – 14 Pewsey Vale 2nds
Having to travel with only 14 players a disadvantaged Pewsey suffered a bonus point loss to Calne 2nds. All the points in the game were scored in the first half Pewsey were unlucky not to sneak a win as they pressured the Calne line of the second half. Vale scored two tries from lock Dave Lewis and flanker Tom Bowerman, both converted by fly half Adam Stephens.
Dorset and Wilts 1 North
Saturday 10 December 2011
Bradford on Avon 15 – 3 Pewsey Vale
With eight changes to the previous week’s winning team Pewsey, hit by injury and unavailability, travelled to Bradford with what was in effect a Club XV; several 2nd XV players making their first appearance at the higher level. Taking on Bradford , the former Southern Counties side, was perceived a daunting task.
Five minutes in and Pewsey’s fly half Tony Court landed a penalty to take the lead. Both teams displayed good defensive skills, and attacking moves were snuffed out in mid field. At the end of the first half Vale turned round having held on to their slender lead.
From the restart Bradford stormed forward and was rewarded with a try in the corner, the attempt at goal falling short. The match became fractious affair as Bradford ’s frustration at the solid Pewsey defence boiled over. Two yellow cards were issued reducing the home team to 13 men. This should have cleared the way for Vale to grip the match.
Driving Pewsey play pushed the Bradford defence, but unforced errors denied Vale any reward. On 20 minutes Bradford scored a try out wide to increase their lead to 10 – 3.
Pewsey continued battling, and several promising attempts came to nought. Bradford ’s hooker was red carded for a head butt on Pewsey lock Darren Draper, who suffered a nasty cut in the incident. Though enjoying significant territorial advantage the home team’s line held.
A last minute Bradford break away try denied Pewsey a losing bonus point. Though losing this was a determined performance from a ‘thrown together’ Pewsey side who showed their mettle.
Dorset and Wilts 1 North
Saturday 3 December 2011
Pewsey Vale 41 – 5 Bath Sarasens
This was a comprehensive victory for Pewsey delivered on the back of total forward domination and a rampant back division. The game was abandoned after 60 minutes when Vale's centre James Haynes suffered a severe injury to his ankle, finally being air lifted to hospital after over a hour laid on the pitch.
Vale had 5 points on the board after two minutes with a flanker Matt Curry try delivered after Pewsey surged forward from the kick off overwhelming the visitors.
Six minutes later, achieving total domination at the scrum, Vale was rewarded with a push over try, scored by number 8 Chris Spence; both of Haynes’ attempts at goal falling short.
Forward supremacy served up plenty of ball for the backs and before the quarter hour both full back Frank Poulson and centre Dom Spencer had a try apiece, the latter converted by fly half Tony Court.
Ten minutes later wing Matty Mercer was across the line after a great burst of speed to out flank the visitors’ defence. Another push over try from Chris Spence finished off the first half; Court converting both.
36 - 0 up at half time Pewsey received the kick from the restart Bath surged forward and, catching Pewsey napping, scored a well deserved try in the corner, unconverted.
At the restart the Bath side tried the same tactic but the now alert home side pounced on a forced pass and wing Tony Bloomfield kicked ahead, then showing great footballing skills controlled the ball with is feet over 50 metres to touch down; Court’s attempt drifting wide.
Pewsey now back on the front foot were attacking from all areas when the injury to Haynes occurred. Unable to move him the light forced the game to end.
After several frustrating weeks of injury and unavailability Pewsey put in a stellar performance marred by the injury to Haynes who returned from injury sustained in the first game of the season, only three weeks ago.
The tight five of Mike Breakspear, Jeremy Horton, Pe