Wanderers withstand late onslaught to take five League points

Report and photos by Colin Whiteley

Vigo RFC 26 – 29 Thanet Wanderers RUFC

Thanet made four changes to the side that defeated Anchorians last week. Finlay White made his first team debut at hooker in an otherwise unchanged pack. In the backs, Adam Harrison moved to outside half with Lewis Downer moving from the wing to centre. Callum Doody continued at scrum half and brother, Leon Doody was back on the right wing. Jake Whittlesea was on the left, after a long absence due to military duties.

For many of the Wanderers and their supporters, it was a first visit to Vigo’s picturesque ground, situated in the heart of the Kent countryside. Conditions were perfect on a late summer afternoon with a gentle breeze at the back of the visitors as Vigo kicked off. Their early attack was ended with a the award of a penalty to Wanderers and although touch was not found, Thanet were soon back in possession and a good kick and chase ended in a touchdown for Cam Beck. Harrison’s conversion sailed over and Thanet led 7-0 after seven minutes. There was an immediate reply from Vigo with an unconverted try three minutes later but the Wanderers quickly responded with a trademark try from Sam Taylor whose great form from last season continues. No conversion, but the Wanderers led 12-5 and continued to look dangerous.

White made good metres as he broke away from a line- out and a good tackle from Dennis Davies kept Wanderers on the attack. On the half-hour, Vice Captain Harrison received near half way and tracked an elusive path all the way to the posts for Downer to convert and open up a 19-5 lead. Vigo pressed hard for a further score and a great tackle from skipper, Warren Riddell-Bloomfield, prevented a near-certain score and Wanderers defence held firm. Halftime was near as Vigo again closed on the Wanderers’ line. Joint Vice Captain for Thanet, full back, Henry Mirams, was typically alert to grab an interception near to his own line and outpaced all pursuers on his way to the opposition line to touch down for the try bonus point. Whittlesea was now shown a yellow card for being offside at a ruck and the hosts were quick to cross for their second try, which was converted, for a half-time score of 24-12 to Thanet.

It was great to see Brett Scott back in Thanet ranks. He had come on towards the end of the first half and James Crompton, who had enjoyed a good first half, took a break. Mike Whitehead had also delivered a good shift at tighthead, he now made way for the debut of Dominick Springer in the first XV. Another recent recruit to the Wanderers front row, Ben Cannon, started the second half in great style with a typically aggressive carry. Play became a little ragged and opportunities went begging for both sides and the game was in its final quarter before there was another score and it was the Wanderers who extended their lead. A lovely interchange of passes between Wanderers’ backs. as they attacked down their left wing was fittingly touched down by winger Whittlesea to take the score to 29-12 to Wanderers.

Back came Vigo and strong pressure brought them a third try that was converted for 29-19. Harrison took Wanderers close with a penalty but the line-out was adjudged to be not straight and Vigo were once more on the attack. White was now shown yellow and Beck’s clear break was called back. Cannon was also shown yellow and after a top defensive display bolstered by the defensive strength of replacement, Lenny Brown but down to thirteen players, Wanderers finally conceded a fourth try that was converted. Full time was sounded and a good, sporting contest brought Wanderers five points whilst Vigo had both a try and a losing bonus point. Well done to both sides for producing a very watchable, entertaining match.

Head Coach Elliot Blackmore praised his side’s performance and mentioned Andy Letts as a shining example of his fitness ethic and seemingly tireless efforts on the pitch. The coaches’ Man of the Match was another of Wanderers’ young guns, Hooker, Finlay White. Proud Dad, John was at Vigo to see his son nominated for his mobility and pace which was backed by some quality throwing and great tackles.

Next Saturday, 21st September, Wanderers will entertain old rivals, Maidstone, who have won one and lost one so far this season. Kick-off is at 3PM at St Peters.