Longlevens RFC

After an indifferent performance last week Longlevens were keen to put things right against Ross on Wye, a team they beat 74-0 away from home back in October.

As is the case when you have beaten a side by that much earlier in the season, thoughts turn to how easy this game will be, so it was the coaches and management team’s job to ensure the players were mentally prepared. This task was not helped during the warm up when it was noted the opposition only had 14 men.

The game was kicked off by Ross but the ball didn’t travel the required 10 metres. A scrum was awarded on the centre spot and a planned 8, 9, 14 move was called. Number 8 Jed Holman-Jones picked at the base with the intention of executing the move, but no tackles were forthcoming so he went himself and scored the first try, unconverted, 5-0.

Straight from the kick off the ball was moved right and fly half Sam Hester was on hand to scoot in for the second score of the day, again unconverted, 10-0.

Ross responded with a penalty kick to briefly bring themselves back into the game, but this was short lived when Levens took a lineout against the head on the right in the Ross 22. The ball was spun left and winger Mike Yorke was able to get over, this time converted, 17-3.

There was then a 10 minute lull in the game, where Levens were perhaps finding things too easy and being a bit loose with possession. They managed to tighten up eventually and scored again through Matt Smith, who hit a great line and stepped the full back to go under the posts, 24-3.

The next score was the one we all hoped would happen. Dave Edwards, playing his 200^th game, was on hand after a quick tap to run over on the right, much to the crowd’s delight, 29-3.

The half was finished off with two more tries, a push over from replacement Matt Fatica, and another good finish from Matt Smith. Half time score 41-3.

The second half started the way the first had ended, with a great team try. Tom Barton was able to finish off, showing good speed and awareness, 48-3. The game then had another 10 minute lull, but picked up after 60 minutes with an individual try from Matt Smith which completed his hat trick.

Matt Smith added his fourth soon after as Ross began to tire and the game really open up, closely followed by a quick double for Tom Barton, who also completed his hat trick with two very well taken tries. The scoring was completed by Trevor Smith, who flopped over on the right, converted by Brad Wilkins, who had a 100% second half with the boot, final score 90-3.

Credit must go to Ross on Wye for turning up and fulfilling the fixture. They had 11 players at lunch time that day and managed to raise 16 by kick off, no doubt calling in favours from older players who would rather be at home with their feet up. All clubs have struggled, especially now, and it’s easy to forget that whilst we’re riding the crest of a successful wave. The impact of not playing is huge, particularly with bar takings and loss of revenue, so thank you for the fixture Ross on Wye RFC.