Welwyn vs Haringey Players Match Report

Welwyn 52 Haringey 3

Welwyn’s 75th anniversary started with a keen and eager team, smartly regaled in traditional maroon and white, entertaining Haringey Rhinos at Fortress Handside Lane. Everyone was hungry for action, and ready to avenge our loss at the end of last season. To start us off Shabby gave a rousing speech, handed us our new shirts and told us of his playing days when Welwyn RFC was 50 years old. No-one fell asleep – so that’s a first for one of Shabby’s speeches! Another first occurred shortly afterwards when Dave Orton introduced the team to the lunching VPs: no stuttering, and no name memory-loss, although I wonder if he’d have done so well if he’d been using our first names (don’t worry Little Dick Beard, I’m sure the nickname won’t stick)!

So out we charged onto the pitch and set about a convincing demolition of Haringey. Although Haringey were first to score with a penalty, Welwyn were looking good, with great support running, pace and skill proving a handful for the Rhino’s defence. While a few final passes weren’t going to hand early on, we were looking dangerous. Our threat came to fruition 15 minutes in when Beardy broke from the base of a scrum stolen against the head, and Dave Orton picked and charged through for our first score. From then on Welwyn grew in strength and confidence scoring tries from Luey and Jonno. As we closed in on half time Biffa broke the line with a massive injection of pace, and no-one was able to catch up. As a quality player he knew that slowing down to allow the support to come to him was the best course of action, and Suave was the first to reach him. However keeping up with Biffa had obviously taken its toll, as Suave tore his hamstring. The referee obviously realised this must be due to Haringey cheating, and awarded a penalty which Garthy slotted. As the half-time whistle went Welwyn were leading by 18 points, and looking strong.

The second half continued in much the same vein with tries from PJ in the corner, Yogi Bear round the side of the ruck, Harris from 1 foot, and Jules outpacing all defence from 25 yards! At the end of last season we’d let Haringey come back from a seemingly unassailable lead – there was no way we were going to let that happen again. No mercy was given as Welwyn built their lead to a convincing 52 points. As ever we celebrated in style and the few players that hadn’t scored on the pitch, made up for it in the evening celebrations!

Unfortunately PJ also fell to a foot injury, but barring the two injuries this was as good a start to the season as Welwyn have had. Undoubtedly there will be stiffer challenges throughout the season, but if the Welwyn team can build on this performance, continue playing as a team, and maintain the thirst for action, then there is some great potential to fulfil!

I’m sure London New Zealand away will provide a firmer opposition for Welwyn to test their steal against, next week. Bring it on – and give them hell boys!

Man of the Match: Chunky
Man of the evening: James ‘I bet you’re glad it’s not your debut every week’ Powell