Jamie RocheJamie Roche
Jamie Roche

RUGBY: Welsh stay top with dogged win over Greyhound

Pictures by Mike Baker

Midlands 5 West (South)

Rugby Welsh 38 Greyhound 12

Welsh maintained their lead at the top of Mids 5 West with a solid bonus point victory against a spirited Greyhound outfit. The home side started well with second rows Jamie Roche and Leigh College making a number of a powerful carries to set up field position. The large Greyhound outfit defended well but following a strong break from centre debutant Ben Shepherd, then a deft pass,enabled Adam Bond to go over for the opening try converted by Lloyd Pulford.

The welsh scrummage was solid with hooker Jason Reynolds showing up well in the loose. The lead was extended when Roche picked up a ball from a ruck on the 22 metre line and raced in unopposed for a try again converted by Pulford. On the half mark Welsh appeared in complete control when a blind side move enabled Jack Taylor to maintain his try scoring run with an unconverted effort.

To Greyhound’s credit they responded well and with their No 8 and scrum half in tandem they broke away for a well taken converted try and ensure a 19-7 half time score. The second half began well for Welsh as their pack began to control the game. Galleno and Higham made numerous tackles and carries in the back row and dominated territory. Jack Taylor scored his second try of the afternoon, converted by Pulford to seal the bonus point following a flowing three quarter move. Shortly afterwards following further pressure under the opposition posts the ball was spun wide and winger Lloyd Pulford deservedly scored his first try for the club in the corner. Not to be outdone another Welsh debutant Adam Calland completed the Welsh scoring on the hour mark finishing off another three quarter mover racing in under the posts for a try converted by Pulford.

Welsh became frustrated in the final stages as they conceded a number of penalties and the game went to passive scrums as injuries began to affect both sides. Greyhound kept going and their No 8 scored an unconverted try in the final stages. Another good afternoon for players and spectators was increased with Greyhound, a sociable club, also enjoying the after match festivities together well in to the night.

No league action this weekend for Welsh and please check website for details of game.

AEI 50 Rugby Welsh Barbarians 17

Welsh Barbarians enjoyed their second run out and had an enjoyable afternoon despite losing out to a strong local AEI outfit for whom Gareth Bott was outstanding. Welsh kept going throughout and tried were scored by Angus Wilson, Chris Tew and Stewart Griffiths with Wilson also adding a conversion.

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