Rugby Welsh: 17 – East Dorset: 12

Welsh rounded off their successful season with an enjoyable weekend on the south coast in Bournemouth which was made all the more successful with this hard fought victory against a well drilled side.

Welsh were forced to reshuffle their side with a number of players forced to play in unaccustomed positions. It took some time for the Welsh to settle down, probably not helped by the previous days drinking! The large East Dorset pack was always going to cause Welsh problems but gradually the Rugby side gained more possession. Welsh opened the scoring midway through the half when they scored a well constructed try. The ball passed through several pairs of hands before Mick James gave the scoring pass to Tom Cullinane who raced over for an unconverted try.

East Dorset responded well and Welsh had to defend for long periods. Eventually the pressure told and Welsh conceded a converted try shortly before half time.

The second half saw the Bournemouth side try to make use of their larger pack but Welsh defended manfully with the back row of Forrester, Glasheen and man of the match Shane Macswan all performing well. The signs looked ominous for Welsh when They conceded an unconverted try midway through the second half. However they raised their game and reduced the gap with another well constructed try which was finished off in excellent fashion by winger Luke Childs who scored in the corner.

Welsh then took the lead when Steve Stanton intercepted a pass in his own 22 and raced away for a try under the posts which James Buckland converted. Welsh then had to defend heroically in the final 10 minutes with veteran Pete Robertson making a try saving tackle which helped Welsh clinch a rare tour victory.

Rugby Welsh: 37 – Burbage: 18

Welsh overcame a strong challenge from a much improved Burbage outfit to reach the Spring Cup final this weekend. Welsh were forced to make a number of changes following injuries which had been suffered in their Easter Monday game and knew from the outset that they were going to face a tough battle.

The experienced and large Burbage pack caused some initial problems for the home side but strong defence in the opening quarter kept them at bay. Welsh gradually began to win more possession with Robert Gibson outstanding at prop. They took the lead when a crossfield kick was gathered by Steve Stanton who marked his return to the side with a well taken try which was converted by James Buckland.

Both teams then exchanged penalties before Welsh increased their lead when centre Richard Allen burst through to score a try which Buckland duly converted. Burbage responded immediately however with a forward drive leading to a unconverted try in the corner. The game was rather ill tempered at times as both sets of forwards attempted to take control of the game. Welsh had the benefit of the wind in the first half and two further well struck penalties by Buckland gave them a useful 20-8 advantage at half time.

The second half began well for the Welsh with Buckland extending the advantage with another penalty. However Burbage refused to lie down and began to cause the Welsh problems particularly amongst the forwards. Two unconvered tries reduced the gap to 5 points as the game entered the final 15 minutes and only a last ditch tackle from Matt Gray prevented Burbage from drawing level.

Welsh responded excellently to the fierce challenge with their forwards gaining more possession and being well led by acting captain Chris Woolmore. Replacement Caithness scored a well taken try which Buckland converted. In the dying moments Welsh attacked again and Stanton controlled the ball well to dive over near the posts for a try which Buckland converted. Welsh now face rivals Cosby in the Final on Saturday. Match is at Lutterworth Kick off 3pm.

Rugby Welsh: 0 – presidentsxv: 22

The annual Pat O’Neill Memorial Game was once again played in excellent spirit in front of a large Easter Monday crowd at Alwyn Road.

The District fielded a strong side who attempted to play the game at a quick pace throughout. Their backs always looked dangerous but strong Welsh defence particularly by centres Woolmore and Allen prevented them from scoring on several occassions. Nathan Cobb eventually burst through and showed good strength to score the opening try near the posts which was duly converted.
This proved to be the only score an entertaining first half as Welsh showed dogged resistance with Vince Ogg and Robert Gibson impressing in the back row.

The second half saw Welsh pressing hard for an equalising score. Nick Glasheen was tackled just short of the line following good work by Gibson and Clive Rattenbury. The game was being played at a furious pace and this proved to be the downfall of the Welsh as they began to tire slightly in the final quarter.

The District took advantage of the enforced changes which the Welsh side made to create further try scoring opportunities. Cobb and Brassey continued to look dangerous in the centres and they helped create the opportunities for full back Rob Kerrigan to show his attacking potential. He finished off two excellent three quarter moves and completed his hattrick with a long range interception try despite the attempts of the Welsh defence to catch him.

Rugby Welsh wish to thank all the players from the District, the clubs for allowing them to play and to Graham Heaton for organising their team.

Rugby Welsh: 17 – Cosby: 0

In an enthralling contest, played in front of a good sized vociferous crowd Welsh avenged their only Merit table defeat against a good Cosby side. This result sees the two teams officially finish equal top of the Merit table although Welsh will feel moral victors having a better points difference than their Leicester rivals.

Welsh always knew that this would be a difficult game and Cosby dominated most of the first half. There large pack secured plenty of possession and they were camped in the Welsh half for long periods. They tried to drive the Welsh backwards before using their strong running centre to break through the defence. Welsh defended superbly during this period and Cosby could not find a way through Steve Evans in particular had an outstanding game in the backrow with Andy Salisbury adapting well to the unaccustomed position of flanker. Welsh struggled to get out of their half but their backs did look dangerous on the few occassions that they had when running at the Cosby defence.

Shortly before half time Cosby were rocked by the sending off of their influential centre and Welsh spirits were undoubtedly raised. The second half saw Cosby affected by their loss of a player and they were unable to dominate proceedings. Welsh spent more time in the opposition half but Cosby defended well for long periods. Finally Adrian Morgan opened the scoring on the hour mark with a well taken drop goal. Welsh knew that their backs could create tries, especially with their man advantage. Eventually the score game when Richard Allen showed good skills to open up the Cosby defence before passing to the impressive James Buckland who raced away for the try which he converted from near the touchline.
Welsh had now gained the initiative and in the final couple of minutes replacement flanker Stuart Lynch showed good awareness to crash over for a try under the posts. Buckland converted and the Welsh celebrations could begin.

Rugby Welsh: 27 – Stoke Old Boys II: 7

On a blustery afternoon Welsh defeated an experienced Stoke team and can now look forward to this Saturday’s league decider against Cosby with confidence.

Welsh were forced into a couple of late changes but they began positively and were soon ahead when following good work by the forwards James Buckland was able to find some space and crossed over for a try in the corner. Both sides found conditions difficult and Welsh struggled to move the ball effectively in the windy conditions.
They continued, however to dominate the opening quarter and Neil Hussey kept up his impressive form with another try crashing over from short range.
Welsh went off the boil for a while and allowed Stoke back into the game. They narrowed the gap when their strong running centre burst through for a well taken try which was converted. This seemed to spur Welsh and they recaptured their 10 point lead shortly before half time when hard working fly half Adrian Morgan spotted a gap and scored a try under the posts which Buckland converted.

The second half saw Welsh mainly in control and they sealed their deserved victory with two unconverted tries. Firstly the Welsh forwards were able to score a pushover try with Steve Evans claiming the touchdown. Good work by Chris Woolmore then created the opportunity for Steve Stanton to kick ahead and he won the chase for a well taken try. Stoke tried to come back in to the game but the Welsh defence remained secure to complete another satisfying victory.

Welsh play their crucial Merit league game against Cosby at Alwyn Road on Saturday. All support welcome for 3pm kick off.

Rugby Welsh: 29 – Shepshed: 7

Welsh secured another victory in the Merit Table to set up a league decider against Cosby in a fortnight’s time. However they were made to work hard for this victory against a spirited Shepshed side.
Welsh were unable to dominate the forward battle in the early stages with the Shepshed forwards working hard to spoil the Welsh supply of possession. As the half progressed Welsh gradually put more pressure on the home side but strong defence preventd them from scoring. Eventually James Buckland spotted a gap down the Shepshed blind side following good work by the forwards and he raced in for an unconverted try.

Welsh attacked immediately after the restart and whilst Shepshed defended stoutly they could not prevent Chris Woolmore form scoring a well taken try under the posts which Buckland converted.

Buckland had to leave the field with an injury shortly afterwards and Shepshed took advantage to bring themselves back into the game. Their No8 picked up from a scrum 10 yards out and showed good power to force his way over for a try which was duly converted from under the posts.

Welsh regained the initiative and shortly before half time increased their lead when following a series of forward drives the ball was spun wide and winger Geoff Hoe finished off the move with another well taken try in the corner.

The second half saw Welsh unable to reach the high standards that they had achieved in previous weeks although Shepshed must take credit for denying Welsh the quality possession they would have liked. However Welsh always appeared to be in control of the contest although they will be disappointed at the number of penalties they conceded especially when close to the opposition line. Adrian Morgan always looked dangerous at fly half and scored a try under the posts which he converted. Matt Gray and Steve Stanton combined well and whilst they were denied a score, a penalty awarded shortly afterwards saw outstanding prop Neil Hussey deservedly crash over for a try to secure victory.

Rugby Welsh: 24 – Kenilworth III: 10

In a hastily arranged pool fixture Welsh faced an experienced and well-drilled Kenilworth side and showed plenty of spirit and commitment to continue their winning run.
Welsh had to make some changes to their side and it was obvious in the opening few minutes that they were not going to have everything their own way as Kenilworth used their impressive back row to cause problems for the Welsh defence. However they were unable to break through and Welsh were able to launch a counter attack from inside their own 22 which saw James Buckland sprint away to score a try under the posts which he converted.
Shortly afterwards Welsh increased their lead when they won a lineout deep inside the opposition 22. The forwards set the initial platform and fly half Adrian Morgan jinked his way towards the try line. He was tackled near the try line but was able to pass to supporting prop Barry Pickering who scored in the corner. Kenilworth responded immediately with forwards and backs linking to score a good try. Welsh were then forced to reshuffle their pack following an injury to influential flanker Vince Ogg. Towards the end of the half Kenilworth began to dominate proceedings and narrowed the gap with another unconverted try.
Welsh knew they would have to raise the standard of their game in the second half if they were to maintain their winning run and they proved more than equal to the task. Neil Hussey, in particular put in a number of crunching tackles which helped put a stop to many of Kenilworth’s back row moves. Fellow front row forward Gibson secured plenty of loose possession which helped to create opportunities for the Welsh backs to attack the home defence. Luke Childs was on hand to score a try in the corner following a period of Welsh pressure.
Although Kenilworth attempted to come back the Welsh defence remained firm and it was left to outstanding full back Buckland to clinch a deserved victory when he raced down the blind side following a scrum on the half way line to score a try which he converted from the touchline.
Welsh are hoping to field a second team this week whilst the 1st xv travel to Shepshed in a Merit table fixture.

Rugby Welsh: 69 – Old Warwickians: 0

Welsh were hoping to play a stronger OW’s side to test their improved performances this season. However the home side did not fully take onboard the significance of these suggestions and fielded a team, which whilst fully committed throughout, were unable to cope with the Welsh backs. The pattern of the game was set early on with livewire scrumhalf Jamie Cranham scoring a try created by the forwards which James Buckland converted. The Welsh forwards did not have matters all their own way, particularly in the first half but secured enough possession for their backs to cause plenty of damage to the opposition. Steve Stanton continued his try scoring run with two first half tries finishing off good three quarter moves one of which was converted by Buckland. Clive Rattenbury caused OW’s plenty of problems with his direct running and celebrated his last performance before his return to Army duties in Iraq with a solo try under the posts. Buckland converted again and he was on hand to add the extra points when Richard Allen scored an individual try racing home from well inside his own half . The second half saw Welsh make numerous changes as they ensures that all their growing squad played some part in the game. Welsh began to dominate proceedings as OW’s strugggled to cope with the Welsh attacks. Geoff Hoe made a good impression on the wing and was rewarded with a well taken try. Ashton McEwan made a welcome return to the side and crashed over from short range. Richard Allen continued to impress in the centre and a combination of pace and his footballing skills saw him score two further tries to complete another hattrick. He was able to convert both his own tries whilst Matt Gray also got on the scoresheet racing through from full back to score a try. The final try came from debutant prop Richard Gibson who showed pace and even sold an outragous dummy to score near the posts to complete another comprehensive victory for the Welsh who know that these weeks game against Aylestone Athletic will provide a stearner test of their abilities

Rugby Welsh: 25 – Leamington III: 12

Welsh faced tough opposition on Saturday but rose to the challenge successfully, deservedly beating a strong Leamington side. In blustery conditions Welsh had the benefit of a strong wind in the first half and appeared to take Leamington by surprise with the standard of their play. The return of second row Clive Rattenbury added more size and weight to the pack and Leamington struggled to initially overcome the Welsh pressure. Rattenbury and the impressive Neil Hussey combined to set up quick ball for the Welsh backs and Richard Allen was on hand to crash over for the opening try which he converted. Welsh continued to dominate the opening quarter and further good play saw the forwards and backs linking together to create the opportunity for winger Steve Stanton to show his pace for a well taken try again converted by Allen. This seemed to spur Leamington into life and they came back into the game strongly as the match became rather heated, particularly amongst the forwards. Welsh lost two players to the sin bin at various stages and it took resiliant defence to keep the oppostion from scoring. Eventually the pressure told and Leamington scored an unconverted try shortly before half time. Playing against the elements in the second half the situation looked ominous for Welsh but they took in well and Leamington failed to dominate proceedings as they would have expected. Two well struck penalties from Richard Allen increased the Welsh lead but the experienced opposition came back into the game with a converted try. Welsh had to defend hard in the closing minutes of the game but the opposition failed to get through. In the dying moments Welsh broke away and from a lineout the Welsh forwards forced their way over the tryline with the hardworking Vince Ogg deservedly scoring in the corner to clinch an excellent win.

Rugby Welsh: 44 – Birstall: 0

Welsh consolidated their second position in the Merit Table with victory against a spirited Birstall outfit. The wet conditions and the late start due to Birstall’s late arrival seemed to effect Welsh in the early stages as they made some basic handling errors. The large and experienced Birstall pack created problems for the home side but gradually Welsh began to gain some worthwhile possession for their backs to work with. Richard Allen impressed again at centre and he opened the scoring with a well taken try which James Buckland converted. Buckland increased the lead when he raced down the touchline and outpaced the defence to score a try in the corner. Birstall continued to battle hard particularly in the forwards but as has been the case with many of Welsh’s recent opponents they were unable to cope with the pace of the opposition backs. As the half progressed Welsh dominated proceedings with livewire flanker Stuart Lynch impressing on the flank and Mark Herbert continuing his excellent season in the second row. Chris Woolmore scored his first try of the afternoon with an opportunist effort following a scrum close to the opposition line. Barry Pickering who worked hard at prop was rewarded for his efforts when a forward drive following a lineout saw him crashing over for a try. The second half saw Welsh failing to take complete control as Birstall to their credit continued to show spirited resistance although replacement debutants Jonathan Rust and Richard Prendergast fitted in well to the side. There is undoubtedly going to be competition for places in the forthcoming weeks as Welsh aim to field a second team, building further on the successful period the club is having. Welsh clinched victory with Steve Evans, who adapted well to the unaccustomed position of hooker scoring a try from another forward drive. Chris Woolmore and James Buckland both scored their second tries following impressive interlinking play from forwards and backs with Buckland converting his own effort. Woolmore deservedly completed his hattrick with another well taken try in the corner following further Welsh pressure whilst solid late defence prevented Birstall from crossing the home line.

Rugby Welsh: 59 – Shepshed: 0

Welsh returned to winning ways following last weeks defeat with this comfortable victory over a spirited Shepshed side in this Merit Table fixture which marked the first home match with the club being based at The George in Bilton. Welsh seemed keen to get last week’s match out of their system and the opening half saw them play some quality Rugby. The forwards, with Vince Ogg and Roly Robinson returning to the side, dominated proceedings, with Shepshed hardly able to touch the ball. The Welsh showing great handling skills throughout the team. The early pressure when Richard Allen continued his recent impressive form with another well taken opportunist try following ahead his own kick ahead. Shortly afterwards Steve Stanton, started his try scoring spree with his first effort, finishing off a good three quarters move. He doubled his account a few minutes later with a similar effort as the Welsh backs proved too sharp for their counterparts. Adrian Morgan converted the try and he capped a good individual performance at fly half with a try in the corner as he followed up his own up and under. Welsh were in complete control as half time approached and they increased their lead through Allen’ second try following excellent handling skills from both forwards and backs. Winger Jim Gurling capped an impressive game on the wing with his first try for the club when he scored in the corner following a scrum close to the opposition line. Jaime Cranham completed the first half scoring with a neat individual try as Welsh threatened to run riot Welsh made a number of changes during the second half whilst Shepshed put up spirited resistance and only solid defence prevented them from scoring. Welsh still looked dangerous with the ball in hand and Steve Stanton finished off an excellent move to complete his hattrick. Captain Cranham scored a try under the posts which Morgan converted and it was left to Stanton again to complete his four try scoring spree when he finished off another three quarters move.

Rugby Welsh: 58 – Leicester Forest III: 10

Welsh maintained their recent impressive record but the scoreline does not fully indicate the problems the Alwyn Road side faced, particularly within the forward exchanges. Leicester Forest fielded a large and experienced pack and Welsh faced early disruption when no 8 Roly Robinson had to leave the field with a shoulder injury. The Welsh forwards battled hard to gain some worthwhile possession as it became obvious that the backs would be able to cause the opposition problems. Welsh opened the scoring when Richard Allen again showed impressive skills to score a try in the corner. James Buckland could not convert but was able to kick a well struck penalty shortly afterwards. As the half progressed Welsh began to settle and played some enterprising Rugby. They were unlucky not to score on a couple of occasions when the final try scoring pass could not be gathered. The tries eventually came when Buckland sprinted down the touchline for a try. Steve Stanton got on the scoresheet with another of his long range efforts whilst captain Jamie Cranham finished off a good move towards the end of the half. All three tries were converted by Buckland . It was not all one way traffic and Forest scored a try of their own through their forwards as the half ended. The second half saw a similar pattern with the Welsh forwards gradually grinding down their opposition. Replacements Ian Simpson and Shaun Chambers and newcomer Stuart Lynch all contributing well to the team effort. The Welsh backs continued to look dangerous with replacement Matt Gray attacking another attacking opposition. He showed good pace to score two tries whilst there was a first try for the club from winger Luke Childs who took his opportunity well to score in the corner. It was left to Steve Stanton to round off another solid Welsh effort when he scored two more tries with his last effort being his best as he came off his wing to take an inside pass and round the remaining defence impressively. Allen converted both tries and whilst Forest deserved their late consolation. Welsh can look forward to the rest of the season with enthusiasm.

Rugby Welsh: 52 – Barkers Butts IV: 0

Despite blustery and wet conditions Welsh played some excellent rugby to defeat an experienced Butts team which had previously lost only 3 matches this season. Welsh have taken control of a number of their recent games from the kick off and they continued in similar vein with Neil Hussey and the returning Alex Forrester at the heart of their forward drives. This helped to provide the platform for their backs to show their skills and Chris Woolmore scored a try in the corner within the first 5 minutes. Welsh appeared to play against the elements in the first half but their handling skills were superb with forwards and backs all getting into the action. As the half progressed it was obvious that the wide pitch was an advantage to the Welsh backs and they used this to clinical effect on a number of occasions in the first half. Richard Allen finished off a good move for a try which James Buckland converted. Buckland had an excellent game at full back coming in to the line regularly and helping to create overlaps for his fellow three quarters. Steve Stanton continued his recent impressive try scoring sequence with a first half hattrick. He rounded off three good Welsh moves which saw the forwards providing quality possession, the backs then running straight and creating the overlaps which Stanton finished off with devastating effect. Buckland, despite the windy conditions converted two of them to give Welsh a substantial first half lead. Butts never gave up trying and caused Welsh problems but solid defence, which has been an improved aspect of Welsh performances this year was solid. Welsh made changes in the second half with Luke Childs, Alistair Maclaughlin and James Yarwood all coming on and contributing well. The weather conditions deterioated as the second half continued but Welsh continued to generally dominate proceedings. The ever impressive Allen scored two more tries to complete his hattrick with Buckland converting both efforts. Chris Woolmore completed the scoring when he went over for a late try to complete a very satisfying Welsh performance.

Rugby Welsh: 14 – Newbold III

Newbold gained revenge for their pre Christmas defeat in this hard fought local derby fixture. The match had to be hastily rescheduled to Parkfield Road after Alwyn Road had been deemed unplayable by the council on Friday. A good sized crowd saw both sides attempt to play good rugby despite the muddy and cold conditions. The first half saw Welsh play with the elements and slope in their favour but they struggled to gain any worthwhile possession to give their young backs an opportunity to test the Newbold defence. Newbold defended well and used all their experience to prevent Welsh from scoring and their decision making was faultless throughout. Newbold’s half backs relieved the pressure with their kicking and towards the end of the half they began to put pressure on the Welsh defence. From a lineout close to the line Newbold’s pack mauled superbly for prop Wallace to crash over for the unconverted try. The second half looked ominous for Welsh with the elements and slope against them but they battled couragously. They were rewarded when Richard Allen chased a speculative kick and showing great awareness, twice chipped the ball forward in the muddy conditions to score an opportunist try which James Buckland converted from near the touchline. Newbold responded immediately and Welsh began to give away a number of penalties through ill discipline. Former Welsh star Wayne Davies made them pay for their errors with two well struck penalties. However the game swung back in Welsh’s favour when an excellent three quarter move saw Welsh winger Steve Stanton finally having room to move in and he finished off the move superbly with a try under the posts which Allen converted. Newbold refused to lie down and worked their way back into the Welsh 22 and despite heroic Welsh defending Reynolds eventually crashed over for the try which Davies converted. With the game entering entering its last 5 minutes Welsh had a series of penalties deep in the Newbold half but a mixture of excellent tackling and poor decision making saw their moves break down. Newbold capitalised and broke away to clinch the match with a try in the corner. An injury time converted try for Newbold gave a final scoreline which did not do justice to the Welsh effort.

Rugby Welsh: 87 – Dunlop II: 0

On a cold afternoon Welsh proved far too strong for a makeshift Dunlop side who battled hard throughout and deserved to get on the scoresheet, particularly with their sprited second half display. Welsh are playing with great confidence at the moment and the platform for their victory was again set by their forwards. The first half saw the Welsh front five dominate proceedings with Neil Hussey, Paul Stacey and Clive Rattenbury carrying the ball well and setting up the try chances. Despite the cold conditions the Welsh backs tried to run the ball at every opportunity and always looked dangerous. Welsh had comfortably won the game by half time by scoring 9 tries and the game looked ominously one sided. The second half saw Dunlop gain more confidence as Welsh probably relaxed a little and it needed good defence to keep the try line intact and prevent a score for the third successive week. Welsh were able to break out and score another 4 second half tries. The try scorers included Richard Allen who took all his 4 tries excellently and looks a good prospect for the future, second row Clive Rattenbury scores a first half hattrick including a spectacular 40 metre effort, James Buckland and Matt Gray on his welcome return to the side both scored two tries whilst captain Jamie Cranham and Steve Stanton each went over for a try apiece. Buckland was in good kicking form converting 11 of the 13 tries.

Rugby Welsh: 5 – Aylestone Athletic: 0

This fixture has traditionally proved to be close and Saturday’s game proved no different with Welsh coming away with a narrow, but deserved victory in a low scoring encounter. Welsh were without three key members of their front five and this obviously affected their set piece play. Athletic fielded a large and experienced pack and Welsh sometimes struggled in the lineout and scrum. However Athletic were never able to use their possession effectively and the basis for the Welsh win came through their fierce tackling which led to a succession of Athletic errors. Vince Ogg and Roly Robinson were at the heart of the Welsh forward effort with Chris Woolmore excellent in defence at centre. The only score of the game came as early as the second minute when Welsh forced an error in the Athletic defence and the ball was quickly fed to livewire fly half James Buckland who showed excellent pace to round the home defence to score a try in the corner. The conditions were not conducive to running Rugby but both sides tried to use their backs with Welsh always looking dangerous when they counter attacked. With debutant Luke Childs having a good game on the wing. Athletic attacked strongly towards the end but spirit in the Welsh camp is high at the moment and the whole team deserve credit for achieving a deserved victory against a team who have had good results in their Leicestershire League.

Rugby Welsh: 37 – Long Buckby II: 17

In a hastily arranged fixture Welsh continued their recent good form with a hard fought victory against a useful Long Buckby outfit. The platform for this deserved victory came through the Welsh forwards, with their scrummaging in particular causing immense problems for the opposition. Furthermore the whole side deserve praise for an excellent team performance In cold blustery conditions the opening exchanges were even until Welsh opened the scoring with an opportunist try from James Buckland. Attempting a penalty goal the ball rebounded from a post and the fly half quickly regained the ball to run in a try in the corner. Buckby responded with a well struck penalty but Welsh increased their lead midway through the half when a forward drive saw prop Neil Hussey emerge with the ball to crash over for another unconverted try. The game was held up for several minutes on the half hour mark with an injury to the referee which lead to one of the watching Long Buckby officials kindly taking over proceedings to allow the game to continue. However this initially unsettled Welsh and they appeared to be heading for defeat when they conceded two converted tries either side of half time to leave Buckby with a seven point lead. The rest of the second half saw the Welsh forwards dominating more of the game and some of the handling and forward moves were impressive. Chris Woolmore narrowed the gap with a try in the corner and Welsh took the lead when Vince Ogg crashed over from short range for another try following more forward pressure. The Welsh backs were reliable throughout in defence and Steve Stanton showed his pace with a typical long range try which Buckland converted to further increase the Welsh lead. The Welsh pack completely dominated proceedings towards the end with no 8 Roly Robinson scoring a pushover try. The final try was initially created by Jaime Cranham whose pass saw late Tailenders recruit Ian Davis, who had an excellent game, rounding his winger to score a well taken try.

Rugby Welsh: 101 – Birstall: 0

Welsh comprehensively won this Merit table fixture although the scoreline fails to show the efforts of a Birstall side who never let their heads drop throughout the game and caused Welsh some problems especially towards the end of the contest. The Welsh victory was set up by the forwards who dominated the scrummages and the loose play with Alex Forrester and Paul Stacey often at the forefront of the attacks.Welsh were also grateful to supposedly retired veteran Keith Mills who made a hastily arranged return to the side. The possession which they gained allowed the Welsh packs plenty of opportunity to show their skills. Vince Ogg and Chris Woolmore were particularly impressive in the centres as they created a number of opportunities for winger Steve Stanton to show his pace. Birstall were also unable to cope with the creative skills of James Buckland who made numerous breaks and unselfishly created chances for his fellow backs. Welsh scored seventeen tries in one of the club’s largest ever victories and although the final result was flattering they are undoubtedly enjoying their Rugby at the moment and have also managed to recruit new players who are always welcome at the club.This will hopefully continue for the rest of the season. The scorers on Saturday were James Buckland who scored 5 tries and 8 conversions, Steve Stanton 4 tries, Alex Forrester and Chris Woolmore both crossed the line twice for tries. Paul Love, Paul Stacey, Jaime Cranham and Roly Robinson all scores a try each.

Rugby Welsh: 50 – Burbage: 12

Welsh produced one of their best performances of the season when defeating a useful Burbage outfit in front of a good sized Alwyn Road Crowd. Welsh were not daunted by the large Burbage pack and with acting captain Neil Hussey leading the side well Welsh were quickly into their stride. Impressive flanker Alistair Mclaughlan opened the scoring with a well taken try which James Buckland converted.The lead was soon increased when Steve Stanton picked up a loose ball and went on a diagonal run which saw him score an excellent individual try in the corner. Burbage tried to come back into the game but strong Welsh defence kept them at bay. Before half time Welsh had increased their lead with a try by Buckland which he converted himself and another effort which the whole of the pack claimed following a maul close to the try line. The second half again saw a spirited Burbage side again pose difficulties for the Welsh. However the Alwyn Road side responded well and steadily began to increase their lead further. Tom Cullinane intercepted a pass to score under the posts for Buckland to convert. Buckland then scored a well taken try himself which he duly converted. He then began a move underneath his own posts and following superb interlink play between himself and Stanton, Chris Woolmore showed good support play to score the best try of the game. Burbage deserved their two late tries one of which was converted but by this time Welsh had clinched a well deserved victory when the hardworking Paul Stacey crashed over from close range following a lineout close to the opposition line.

Rugby Welsh: 50 – Burbage: 12

Welsh produced one of their best performances of the season when defeating a useful Burbage outfit in front of a good sized Alwyn Road Crowd. Welsh were not daunted by the large Burbage pack and with acting captain Neil Hussey leading the side well Welsh were quickly into their stride. Impressive flanker Alistair Mclaughlan opened the scoring with a well taken try which James Buckland converted.The lead was soon increased when Steve Stanton picked up a loose ball and went on a diagonal run which saw him score an excellent individual try in the corner. Burbage tried to come back into the game but strong Welsh defence kept them at bay. Before half time Welsh had increased their lead with a try by Buckland which he converted himself and another effort which the whole of the pack claimed following a maul close to the try line. The second half again saw a spirited Burbage side again pose difficulties for the Welsh. However the Alwyn Road side responded well and steadily began to increase their lead further. Tom Cullinane intercepted a pass to score under the posts for Buckland to convert. Buckland then scored a well taken try himself which he duly converted. He then began a move underneath his own posts and following superb interlink play between himself and Stanton, Chris Woolmore showed good support play to score the best try of the game. Burbage deserved their two late tries one of which was converted but by this time Welsh had clinched a well deserved victory when the hardworking Paul Stacey crashed over from close range following a lineout close to the opposition line.