Rugby Welsh hosted a District side for the annual Pat O’Neil memorial match at Alwyn Road on Easter Monday. Despite the cold conditions a good sized crowd were there in what turned out to be an entertaining game of rugby.
Welsh started very well with the forwards driving to good effect and came close to scoring in the opening five minutes. However strong defence from Vinny Ogg and Mark Brightwell enabled District prop Chaplow to take a quick penalty from his own line and fed his winger who raced in for an unconverted try. Soon after the District side went further ahead when their pacy backs scored an excellent try from quick ball produced from the pack.
Welsh responded well and started to win some good possession with Rob Haddock and Clive Rattenbury making inroads into the District defence. This enabled Phil Day to break several tackles and race over under the posts for Wade to convert. The District side then extended their lead when more good work from their pack enabled the quick backs to run in another try. Welsh then produced some good attacking play after the forwards produced good ball and Tom Neville sent fullback Jason Reynolds over to make the score 15-12 at half-time.
Welsh took the lead immediately after half-time when Rob Haddock crashed over near the post which Daz Wade converted. However the District side responded well with Todd and Eddie Allen impressing in loose play. This enabled them to add two more tries and soon after Brightwell broke through the tired Welsh defence for a converted try.
Welsh again responded with good work from Womble and Jim Gurling. This allowed Rattenbury to make a good run into the District 22, and from the resulting penalty Jamie Cranham took a quick tap to score under the posts which Wade converted to make the final score 37-26.
Rugby Welsh would like to thank all players and supporters who turned out to make the day thoroughly enjoyable. Welsh are back in action on Saturday at Alwyn Road at 3pm against Coventry Saracens.
