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Here you will find older news stories, match reports and events that previously made the front page but are now consigned to the archives.
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1st Stevenage (A)
By Mark Elliot
Stevenage proved too strong for Welwyn in this local league derby on Saturday. During a one-sided first half, Welwyn persisted in kicking the ball to Stevenage in open play whose dangerous backs took full advantage, running in tries form deep positions through a combination of excellent support and good finishing. County winger Ian Crompton and veteran Samoan hooker Tavita Famaousili helped themselves to a hat-trick of tries each and the game was effectively over as a contest long before half time.
Playing down the slope in the first half, Stevenage took an early lead with a converted try only for James Littlejohn to keep Welwyn in the hunt minutes later with a straightforward penalty goal. Welwyn's kicking tactics and ineffective tackling presented Stevenage with three virtually identical tries within the space of fifteen minutes and Welwyn faced an uphill struggle, trailing by 24-3. Youngsters Dave Wells and James Littlejohn had some good moments for Welwyn during a difficult first half and the rejuvenated and Andy Hawkins coped well with some difficult ball at the base of the Welwyn scrum. Andy Smith coped well with his speedy opposite number Michael Wilson, but it was Ian Crompton on the right wing who caused Welwyn most of their problems. A quick and deceptively strong winger, Crompton proved very difficult to bring down time after time.
Just before half time James Littlejohn converted another penalty to bring the score to 29-6 at the interval.
William Freeston replaced Ed Whittam at half time and with the benefit of the considerable slope, Welwyn proved more competitive in the second period. Backs coach Phil Waters then shuffled the backs around with Peter Elliott moving into the centre, Littlejohn moving to fly-half and Yourgos Alexander completing the game at full back. The change did not seem to help Welwyn's defence with Crompton scoring twice more early in the half breaking through a number of tackles. Head coach Andy Riley then brought Rob James into the back row in place of Andy Hawkins and Alan Crawley replaced Barry Crowe on the left wing. Showing a determined spirit and good fitness, Welwyn dominated the last 15 minutes of the game and scored two forwards' tries through William Freeston and Richard Stokes, with Littlejohn adding a conversion. Other Welwyn highlights in this period include a fine break by centre Danny Creak and a crunching tackle by Stokes on his opposite number Barry Cook.
Welwyn face a tough game next Saturday at home to joint leaders Chingford - kick off at 2.30.
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