All Match Reports are printed exclusively in the 
Sunday 8th May 2000
Mick Halligan's Men Prove Too Much In Final Foray
Wyvern's final game of the season was the annual
confrontation against a side selected by the Club President, Mick Halligan,
with players drawn from all the local sides of Taunton, Wiveliscombe, Wellington
and North Petherton, along with a spattering of former Wyvern players, still
proving that they have what it takes.
Played in glorious weather and under the excellent
management of referee, Arthur Moore, the two sides provided a wonderful
display of exciting rugby for the unusually large crowd. While on paper the
Invitation side had the better prospects, the Wyvern players offered them no
quarter and the outcome of the match was not determinable until very late in the
game.
The beginning was all the Presidents XV and, after two
early converted tries, it seemed as if the Wyvern would be swept aside. But a
penalty by fly half, Matt Dobbin, followed shortly after by a break away
try by centre, Jim Morris, which was converted by Dobbin, brought
the score to 10-14. The remainder of the half was spent in the Presidents XV's
portion of the pitch, though the possession of the ball was shared equally
between attack and defence.
The second half was a much more open affair, with both
sides attempting to run the ball from anywhere on the park. Sparodic handling
errors let down the Invitation XV and reduced their effectiveness and resolute
tackling from throughout the Wyvern side prevented an early onslaught. The
slight of hand and speed of pass was eventually too much and the Wyvern conceded
another converted try. But still they came back and were unlucky to convert
pressure into points.
The tide of the game changed once more and, aided for one
brief passage by some decidedly average tackling on the part of the Wyvern, the
Presidents XV scored the final and decisive try in the left corner. With only a
few minutes remaining the Wyvern were able to drive once more to within a few
metres of the opposition line, but alas the referee's whistle ended this final
flurry, the match finishing 10-26.
The Wyvern RFC would like to thank all its supporters from
throughout the season and particularly the Taunton Times who have
obliged in keeping the community advised of their exploits. For details of the
Wyvern's fixtures for the coming season, please visit their Website at
www.wyvernrfc.co.uk.
Sunday 16th April 2000
Bridgwater Bow Under Wyvern Pressure
Wyvern took advantage of an under strength Bridgwater
Veterans to avenge their pre-Christmas defeat, romping home winners by 36-0.
It took the Wyvern about 10 minutes to settle into the
game, but once they had found their footing they were completely dominant
throughout. Bridgwater struggled to secure any good ball and were unable to
produce consistency in their play.
Once Wyvern had scored then the tries began to flow. While
not always the most elegant of handling moves, the Wyvern backs and forwards
executed some neat interplay in driving the ball towards the Bridgwater line.
Good back row play from Brendon Andrews and John Atkins was well supported in
lose rucks and mauls by props, Jason Bailley and Paul Westwood. Scrum half, Tony
James, ensured a steady flow of ball which was well distributed by fly half,
Matt Dobbins. And with penetrating runs from full back, Martin Howe, and wing,
Dean Tindall, the match was never in any doubt.
The Wyvern scorers were Brendon Andrews, John Atkins (2),
Dean Tindall (3) and Matt Dobbins kicked 3 conversions.
The finale to the Wyvern season will be against the
Presidents Invitation XV, which will now be on Sunday 7th May (not the
30th April as in the fixture list), Kick Off 11.00 AM.
Sunday 2nd April 2000
Unbeaten
Wyvern come Unstuck at Petherton.
The Wyvern's 9
match winning run, stretching back to December 1999, came to a sorry end last
Sunday when an understrength side lost to hosts, North Petherton Veterans, by
24-7.
Of their 8
forwards 5 were back row, and while this meant the Wyvern certainly had plenty
of mobility, they lacked the weight needed to make this anywhere near an even
competition up front. The North Pertherton pack were totally dominant at the
set piece at in the loose. This provided an excellent platform for their backs
to build from, though the Wyvern can take credit for stout defensive work
which kept them in the game.
The first
Petherton try was a simple interception and run in, but given the imbalance in
the game it was an easy try which the Wyvern could not afford to give away.
The second came shortly after and was the result of driving forward play. With
the Wyvern living on Petherton's scraps, they consistantly failed to win their
own lineout ball and lost many of their own scrummages. Nevertheless the
defensive effort remained high and it was not till right at the end of the
first half that Petherton scored again.
As the Veterans
began to tire and the Wyvern began to secure some ball of their own, the
second half was much more of an even contest. Once again the Wyvern key to
staying in touch was their tackling, which proved so zealous during this half
that they were repeated penalised for various ruck and maul infringments.
These penalties allowed Petherton to remain firmly encamped in the Wyvern half
of the pitch, with very little restbite for the defenders. Once again the
burly Petherton forwards drive to the line to score.
A brief purple
patch for the Wyvern saw some excellent running and support which culminated
in a try for flanker, Jim Duncan, which was converted by Matt
Dobbins. However, this was as much as the Wyvern could muster before
the end, though they did keep Petherton from crossing the line.
For more
information about forthcoming Wyvern matches, please visit their website at www.wyvernrfc.co.uk
Sunday 26th March 2000
Wyvern Axe Devon
Side
The Wyvern RFC
continued their winning ways with a trip to Axminster, where they soundly beat
their hosts 31-0.
The match was
largely dominated by Wyvern who were rarely in their own half during the first
half. However, the disjointed manner of their play restricted scoring
opportunities. There were several individual breaks by Wyvern players who
suddenly found themselves isolated and without support, this then playing into
the defenders hands. Eventually hooker, Don Bagwell, was able to score
under the posts as he provided a supporting role to one of the individual
breaks. This was converted by fly half, Matt Dobbins, who also slotted
a penalty from fully 40 metres in the swirling cross wind.
The set piece
play was split between Wyvern dominance in the scrum and Axminster at
the lineout. This kept the homeside in the game until the second half when the
Wyvern forwards stopped making their solo breaks and began to use neat
interpassing to move the ball up the field. Linking well with the backs they
were able to release Dobbins who out sprinted the defence in the race
to the line. He converted his own try.
Axminster took
advantage of the slope to keep Wyvern under pressure, but further driving work
from the forwards took the visitors back up the field, eventually for second
row, Jason Bailley, to score under the posts with Dobbins
converting.
Wyvern were
reduced to 14 players as a result of an injury, but this did not deter them
and the backs made several penetrating runs up field. From a set scrum, which
followed one of these breaks, No.8, John Atkins, broke blind and was
able to drive over, dragging the desperate Axminster tacklers with him. Dobbins
converting once again.
In the dying
moments the Wyvern lost another injured player, but the match was already won.
The second half work of the Wyvern forwards will put them in good stead for
their encounter with North Petherton Veterans next Sunday, at North Petherton,
kicking off at 11.00 AM. Find out more about the Wyvern by visiting their
website at http://www.wyvernrfc.co.uk
Sunday 12th March 2000
Wyvern
Top Taunton
Not since October
1988 has Wyvern beaten Taunton Wanderers, but this weekend
the Sunday social side faced the Saturday regulars and came out on top,
winning by 6-5.
With the venue
changed to the Wyvern Club, the now home team faced a typically strong Taunton
side fielding many well known Taunton names from recent years.
Taunton were
strong in set piece and lose, but the Wyvern were able to secure their own
ball well at scrum and line out, which meant Taunton did not have it all their
own way. An early unconverted try by Taunton, with their strong running centre
scything through the Wyvern backs who did not lay a hand on him, suggested the
game was about to be all Taunton. However, mistakes, infringements and the
wrong options meant that both teams exchanged territory throughout the half.
Wyvern fly half, Matt
Dobbins, brought Wyvern back into the game with a penalty after 10
minutes. All credit to the Wyvern defence which then had to dig in and
withstand a sustained Taunton onslaught. Indeed, the ball did cross the Wyvern
line, but with many Wyvern defenders lying underneath it.
It was shortly
into the second half that Dobbins slotted another penalty
which put the Wyvern in front. This came from what would prove to be one of
the few forays into the visitors half. With the slope favouring Taunton, their
fluid back division repeatedly created gaps in the Wyvern defence, but were
ultimately unable to breach this defence completely. Taunton nearly slipped in
the left corner, midway through the half, but the winger put a foot into touch
just before grounding the ball. And with Dobbins missing two penalty attempts
at one end, the Taunton kicker threw away a golden opportunity when he missed
from in front of the posts with only minutes remaining.
As the game
neared its conclusion, things were becoming very volatile. This lead to each
team exchanging penalties, which were punished by long kicks to touch.
Wyvern players were dropping like flies as the physical nature of the game
took hold. However, they were able to hang on for the narrowest of victories,
but one which is certain to be the sweetest of the season.
Sunday 27th February 2000
Wyvern provided a very disappointing display against an understrength Martock,
however the home side were able to win the match and so maintain their unbeaten
run in 2000.
Wyvern were dominant in every area of the game, but failed to capitalise on
the excess of ball. Martock did very well to continually disrupt the Wyvern
flow, though Wyvern's poor passing and scrappy support play did as much to
prevent them crossing the gain line. Mid way through the first half Wyvern back
row, John Atkins, was able to gather the ball from a ruck and break
defenders tackles to score, this being converted by Matt Dobbins.
Wyvern were able to keep the visitors in their own half with long kicks aided
by the strong wind and the slope. Dobbins slotted a further penalty before the
end of the half to make the score 10-0. Ironically the strong wind also helped
the home side in the second half as the Martock kickers repeatedly kicked the
ball too long and over the dead ball line, thus being brought back to face
scrums often back in their own half.
Another penalty by Dobbins was the only score in the early part of the half.
Wyvern continued to dominate, but lacked any real direction, and with lose
passes and wrong options this kept Martock in the game. Indeed Martock's tall
fly half was able to stride though the appalling Wyvern tackling to score
shortly before the end of the game. However, the final word fell to Atkins who
gathered from the base of the scrum and scored under the posts, Dobbins converting,
making the result 20-5.
Next Sunday (5th March) Wyvern welcome the first ever visit of Ivel Barbarian
Veterans, Kick Off at 11.00am. Wyvern will need to bring their game up
considerably to meet this much more severe test. Find out more about the Wyvern
RFC by visiting their Website at www.wyvernrfc.co.uk.
Sunday 20th February 2000
Wyvern were pressed all the way to the final whistle at Wiveliscombe,
but the visitors came away victorious 21-7 and thus maintained their unbeaten
run in 2000.
Playing down the notorious Wiveliscombe slope, Wyvern found themselves
immediately being driven back up towards their own line. The Wiveliscombe attack
was such that it required the total commitment of the Wyvern players to stop the
repeated drives of the home team forwards and the mazey running of the young
Wivy backs.
While the Wyvern forwards controlled the set piece, the Wiveliscombe back row
made the most of any lose ball. Thus the game became deadlocked with one side
attacking, only for the other to win the ball and counter attack. The impasse
was broken when Wyvern fly half, Matt Dobbins, received the ball from
second phase play on the half way line and, seeing a gap in the Wiveliscombe
line, he galloped through and was then able to outrun the chasing defenders,
stepping outside the fullback to score to the left of the posts. He then
converted his own try.
The game now became dominated by the Wyvern who kept the home side pinned in
their own 22 with excellent forward play and good tackling from the back
division. Several attacking moves were repelled by Wiveliscombe before a set
scrum, just five metres out, gave the Wyvern the opportunity they were looking
for. The Wyvern backs prepared to execute a set piece move, however, as the ball
came from the scrum it was fly half, Dobbins, who sold the dummy which
created the space for him to run in under the posts. Again he converted his own
try.
Tensions were starting to run high and the referee had to give several
general warnings to both sides in the closing minutes of the first half.
The turn around during last seasons game saw Wiveliscombe take complete
control and eradicate the Wyvern advantage to win the game. The Wyvern players
were all to aware of this and the subsequent onslaught from Wiveliscombe was met
with equal commitment, particularly from centres Paul England and Dougie
James. Wiveliscombe used their home knowledge to keep the visitors in their
own half, using a series of deep and penetrating kicks. But Wivy were unable to
breach the defence and Wyvern were able to rally and even to push their way back
up the slope.
A long Wiveliscombe kick lead to a Wyvern counter attack, which saw forwards
and backs combining together in a series of handling moves which began on the
Wyvern 10 metre line. Maintaining the possession the Wyvern took the ball from
one side of the park to the other before full back, Gareth Hughes, ran in
under the posts. Dobbins converted.
This served to fire up the Wiveliscombe players who now ran relentlessly down
the slope, edging their way towards the Wyvern line. Had their handling been
keener they would surely have scored sooner, however, the score did eventually
come when a Wyvern ball was not controlled at a 5 metre scrum and the
Wiveliscombe scrum half gathered the lose ball and dived over, his try then
being converted.
With only 5 minutes to go the pressure was now on the Wyvern. Nevertheless
they were able to hold on and even finished the match with an attack which
brought them to within 10 metres of the Wivy line.
This was an excellent all round game for the Wyvern and puts them in good
stead to receive Martock next Sunday (27th) at Mountfields Road, kicking off at
11.00 am. For more details of the Wyvern, visit their website at
www.wyvernrfc.co.uk.
Sunday
13th February 2000
Bright sun and blue
sky welcomed Butleigh to Mountfields Road for this
season's fixture with
the Wyvern. But the good weather was the only welcome
as Wyvern set to task
in avenging last season's thrashing.
Butleigh arrived short
of a full team and even with the donation of a Wyvern
player had to play
with one man less. However, this did not seem to hinder
the visitors who set
about repelling the numerous attacks for the home side.
The Wyvern should have
made more of their opportunities, however unenforced
handling errors and a
proliferation of penalties not only allowed Butleigh
to keep Wyvern at bay,
but for the visitors to start applying pressure and
to drive Wyvern back
up the slope. The deadlock was broken by a moment of
individualism by
Wyvern fly half, Matt Dobbins; with a deft grub kick he
broke through the
solid Butleigh defence and won the race for the ball to
touch down for the
opening try, which he converted.
The match now turned
much more in favour of Butleigh. Their disciplined play
at scrum and lineout
secured much good ball for their outstanding back
division. Poor
tackling by Wyvern contributed to the ease of the Butleigh
reply, which was not
converted. Wyvern were able to score again before the
end of the half with a
neat handling move finished by winger, Simon Camp.
The second half began
with back row, John Smith, catching the ball from the
restart kick and
running 70 metres straight through the Butleigh defence and
scoring under the
posts. This was converted by Dobbins. A poor restart kick
again lead to a scrum
in the middle of the pitch. From this there was
another piece of
uniquely individual play by Dobbins who chipped the
Butleigh back line,
caught his own catch and then drew the defence before
passing to centre, Mark
Latchford, who ran in under the posts. Again,
Dobbins
converted.
Butleigh's discipline
now began to leave them and, while they continued to
make excellent driving
runs which even lead to a converted try, their set
piece play repeatedly
gave the advantage back to their opponents. Wyvern
were able to run in
two more tries before the end with full back, Gareth
Hughes (in his
last game for Wyvern), finishing a text book handling move
and No.8, Brendon
Andrews gathering up a lose ball to run in.
The final score of
41-12 was to be expected against a side with a man less,
but the cohesive
efforts of the Wyvern team demonstrated an abundance of
ability which will be
properly tested next Sunday at Wiveliscombe, kicking
off at 11.00am.
Sunday 30th January 2000
(This weeks report done by Clem Woodward - this is his FULL report, which
was edited by the paper before going to press)
“WYVERN PULL ONE OUT OF THE TOP-DRAW”
Wyvern
RFC latest encounter was played at the Wyvern Club on the 30th
January with the kick off at 11.00am, and believe me the spectators that turned
out to watch saw a truly well fought game.
The Wyvern often the under dogs battled
hard against a strong, mobile, and needless to say “useful” Wellington side.
The team led by Clement “injured
again” Woodward spoke strongly to his players, saying “the only way we
are going to win this confrontation is with, commitment, sprit and a lot of
heart”, and so the confrontation began.
Wyvern started well with good interplay
as well as hard and often ferocious tacking, with the wind and playing down hill
the elements were with the home side, and soon Brendon
“can I have a bag of millet” Andrews crossed the line to score a try.
However the conversion was missed and the matched continued. With Wellington now
fully up – for – it they began putting on the pressure with dominance in the
line out, but the Wyvern tackled0 like lions, ruck and lose play was the best we
have seen the season, and scrummaging was the usual high quality, and an even
game was had. The ref blew his whistle and the we changed ends.
Now you may have thought that with the
elements, and Wellington introducing fresh legs we would have been in trouble,
and for vast times of the second half Wellington were camped in the Wyvern half,
but to the credit of the Wyvern they did not cross the line, and with a
coversion Neil Jenkins would have been proud of by Matt “ Donkey” Dobbins Wyvern won the contest 7 – 0.
It would be easy to praise individuals but the team performance was the best
this season and certainly against the spirit in which the game was played. All
remains to be said roll on Butleigh!!
Sunday 16th January 2000
Wyvern’s first ‘return’ fixture of the season took
them to Somerton to face a side totally changed from the team which Wyvern
defeated so decisively in the Autumn.
While it was Wyvern who broke the deadlock with a penalty
from Matt Dobbin, it was Somerton who made all the play. The Somerton forwards
drove on relentlessly through the Wyvern tacklers and received the balance of
the penalty decisions in ruck and maul situations. This allowed Somerton to keep
the Wyvern pinned down in their own half. A short penalty allowed the Somerton
forwards to dash to line and score through some poor tackling. Further weak
tackling by the backs allowed Somerton to charge over in mid-field, this try
being converted.
A rally by the Wyvern pack took them to the Somerton line
late in the half. The ball was then recycled cleanly for the first time and the
Wyvern backs were released allowing Rob Jones to score under the posts, which
Dobbin converted. However, Somerton had the final say of the half with a quick
penalty from which a back row ran 40 metres, straight through the appalling
Wyvern tackling, and scored another converted try under the posts. Thus at half
time Wyvern trailled by 10-19 and really seemed under the cosh of the Somerton
pack.
The Wyvern backs, released again for only the second time,
scored early into the second half, Mark Vigar running through to touch down and
Dobbin converting.
Then, with the Somerton forwards driving them back once
again, the Wyvern suffered the loss of their Captain, Clem Woodward, when an
awkward blow to the head caused a split in his scalp. However, this seemed to
spur the Wyvern forwards on and they proceeded use rolling mauls to great effect
in not only driving Somerton back, but also in forcing them to stray off-side,
providing Dobbin with a further penalty kick which he duly put between the
uprights. Another penalty kick shortly afterwards was also converted and Wyvern
were now ahead by 4 points. The Wyvern backs were now running well with the ball
and gaining good attacking positions. Another forced error provided a 5 metre
penalty which John Smith took quickly and dived through legs to score, again
this was converted by Dobbin. Now with their heads high the Wyvern loose
forwards were running freely and, with the support of the backs, were making
excellent territorial gains with each play. The final lineout of the match
provided one last excellent ball which passed right down the Wyvern back line
for wing, Dean Tindell, to touch down. Dobbin converted with the last kick to
round off an exciting game, the final result being 37-19.
To find out more about the Wyvern RFC why not visit their
website at www.wyvernrfc.co.uk.
Sunday 9th January 2000
A monumental struggle between two sides desperate to start
the new century with a win saw the visitors, North Petherton Veterans, narrowly
beaten by the homeside, Wyvern, by 17-15.
The North Petherton forwards were totally dominant
throughout the first period. They played like a team of young bucks, rather than
a team of maturity. They drove from first phase and recycled the ball repeatedly
to drive Wyvern back and back. The initial flurry of activity lead to a try for
North Petherton, which suggested the game at that point was going to be a rout.
However, Wyvern were able to dig in and, by keeping the ball moving and away
from the dominant Petherton forwards, they were able to make ground up the
slope.
The Wyvern scored through flanker, Mark Halligan, after
some nice interplay between forwards and backs. With the failed conversion the
scores were level. But this was short lived as the visitors pressed hard again
and, after a series of penalties near to the Wyvern line, they eventually broke
through to score another unconverted try. The Wyvern defence remained strong and
the tackling continued to match the offensive play of North Petherton. However,
a set piece scrum, just five metres from the Wyvern line, provided an easy
scoring opportunity on the blind side for the North Petherton back row. The
missed conversion left the visitors ahead at half time, 5-15.
Now with the slope and the low sun in their favour, Wyvern
began to create chances with long probing kicks and penetrating runs from the
back line. The North Petherton forwards still dominated the second phase, but
the Wyvern forwards were able to win enough ball to keep the visitors pinned in
their own half. The pressure and determination eventually told and Wyvern left
wing, Martin Riley, was able to touch down from close range in the corner. The
missed conversion meant that the Wyvern still needed another try and time was
running out.
A series of scrums, inside the North Petherton half, were
then taken against the head by the Wyvern. This lead to several good attacking
moves from the Wyvern backs. It was ultimately quick recycling from the Wyvern
back row which released Wyvern fullback, Jim Smith, on a 40 metre dash to the
line, scoring under the posts. Fly half, Martin Howe, slotted the conversion to
put his side ahead for the first time in the match, 17-15.
At this point both teams were virtually exhausted. The last
five minutes were mostly Wyvern attack against rock solid North Petherton
defence, the game finishing with the visitors stuck in their own 22.
An excellent performance by the referee, Martin Langford,
and a wonderful playing surface provided by the Wyvern Club Groundsman, Mike
Sydenham, all contributed to a hugely entertaining game.
The Wyvern travel away to Somerton for the first time next
Sunday. To find out more about the Wyvern RFC visit their website at
www.wyvernrfc.co.uk.
Wednesday 29th December 1999
In a rugged and entertaining final match for this century,
the Wyvern recorded what was ultimately a decisive victory against an extremely
spirited and determined Fire Brigade side, 39-5.
A very competitive first half was punctuated by only one
try from Wyvern centre, Carl Howley, when he gathered up a dropped Fire Brigade
ball and eluded all tacklers in his 20 metre dash to the line. The story for the
rest of the half was of ferocious tackling by both sides, with no quarter being
given in rucks and mauls. The referee chose to interpret this exuberance as
general foul play and warned both captains that further indiscipline would
result in sending offs.
The half time team talk must have refocused the whole
Wyvern team. Fly half, Matt Dobbin, made much ground with excellent positional
kicking and acting captain, Martin Howe, used his fly half's goal kicking skills
to convert penalties into points, giving the Wyvern a 13-0 lead early in the
second half. From this the Wyvern then began to dominate. The Wyvern pack pushed
the Fire Brigade in every scrum, winning several balls against the head and
ensuring poor quality ball for the opposition scrum half. Their dominance was
underlined by a push over try, touched down by No.8 Brendon Andrews.
The Fire Brigade continued to tackle everything that moved
and took their chances to run with the ball. However, silly mistakes, such as
restart kicks not travelling the required 10 metres, provided the Wyvern with
excellent position from which to attack. Wyvern squandered several chances to
really rub things in, but still manged a further three tries from Matt Howley,
Carl Howley and Jim Duncan. Matt Dobbin missed only the last conversion.
But it was the Fire Brigade who were to round off the
scoring. This was by no means a concellation as their strong scrum half ran
through three Wyvern tacklers and took the fourth tackler over the line with
him. But this was all too late and the Wyvern finished up conclusive winners.
The Wyvern play next on Sunday 9th January 2000 when they
entertain North Petherton Veterans in a re-arranged fixture at the Wyvern Club.
Kick off is at 11.00 am. If you want to find out more about the Wyvern RFC
please visit their NEW website at www.wyvernrfc.co.uk.
Sunday 12th December 1999
A gale force wind and a mud bath of a pitch meant the trip
to Bridgwater Veterans was never going to be an easy one for Wyvern Rugby Club.
T he direct running of the Bridgwater back row and centres, combined with the
complete inability of any of the Wyvern players to make a good tackle, provided
for a very one sided game with the result never really in any doubt.
The final score of 33-7 reflected the Bridgwater dominance
in the loose play. The Bridgwater forwards secured good second and third phase
ball throughout the game, and made good ground at the same time. The occasional
spark from Wyvern was either snuffed out by Bridgwater or thrown away at the
point of contact.
The late Wyvern try by Don Bagwell, converted by Matt
Dobbin, came from some nice interplay, but at the stage of the game it was only
ever going to be a consolation.
This is a game Wyvern must learn much from as next week
they face a Taunton Police side who will be using the same kind of direct
running tactics. The match kicks off Sunday, 11.00 am, at the Wyvern Club.
Finally, advance notice that Wyvern Rugby Club will be
playing the Fire Brigade on Wednesday 29th December at the Wyvern Club, kick off
2.30 PM.
Sunday 28th November 1999
A first ever trip for Wyvern Rugby Club to Ivel Barbarians
provided them with a further 'W' in the results book with a 38-19 victory.
The game was made a poor quality affair through the lack of a
properly appointed referee and a gale force wind. Wyvern snatched an early lead,
against the wind, and thereafter never really looked back. With both sides now
having got the measure of each other, the return fixture in the New Year will
certainly prove more of a spectacle.
Wyvern scorers were Jim Odams (3), Phil Snow, Julian
Knief and Martin Howe, with Matt Dobbin kicking 4 conversions.
Sunday 21st November 1999
Wyvern Rugby Club threw away their chances against visitors, Blake
Bears, and suffered the pain of their first defeat against the pub side from
Bridgwater, 20-24.
Blake Bears arrived with a few new recruits, notably two from
New Zealand, and this brought a balance to the game not seen in previous
encounters between the two sides. Both sides were happy to run with the ball,
recycle from the breakdowns and go again. Indeed, the first three minutes were
non-stop flowing rugby with attack and counter attack.
Wyvern broke the deadlock with a 'soft' try from a lineout on
the Bears line. A fumble by the Bears had the ball bouncing back over the try
line and hooker, Mark Halligan, was there to pounce.
The dominance of the Wyvern pack at the scrums was nullified
when an injury to a Bears prop necessitated a change to uncontested scrums.
Ironically, from the very next scrum, Wyvern winger, Gareth Hughes, was
able to slip in the corner after a back row break to the blind side. However,
the Bears were quickly back in the game when their strong running centre broke
through the middle on the twenty two and ran through poor tackling to score
under the posts. Another Bears try on the stroke of half time came from a short
range penalty, with the Wyvern defence simply too slow to react.
After the turn around the possession was all Wyvern, but
dropped passes and throwing the ball aimlessly away after being tackled were
just some of the reasons for the lack of points to come from this possession.
The pressure did eventually yield a try when a poor clearance kick from behind
their own try line was charged down and the Bears conceded a try to Wyvern's
other wing, Simon Camp. The failed conversion left Wyvern ahead by only
15-14.
With the pressure mounting on Wyvern to secure a victory and a
new found vigour in the Bears, silly mistakes began to creep into the Wyvern
game. A series of penalties allowed the Bears to push the ball up field through
quick penalties and carefully placed touch kicks. It was a series of penalties,
ultimately coming up to the Wyvern 5 metre line, that brought the break through
for the Bears when they were able to force the ball to the line. This try was
converted and, with a subsequent penalty some minutes later, Wyvern needed at
least two scores to win.
The game was now all Wyvern and, but for the silly errors and
poor options, could have been theirs. The resolute tackling of the Bears was all
to their credit and it was with four minutes to go that Wyvern flanker Julian
Knief eventually broke through. Despite a last ditch effort Wyvern were not
to break through again and the result was a glorious one for the Blake Bears.
Sunday 7th November 1999
Wyvern Rugby Club traveled to Martock last Sunday and
recorded their most convincing win of the season, the final result being 75-15.
The game looked like it might be more of an even competition
when Wyvern's early two try lead was matched by Martock. However the
dominance of the Wyvern pack in the scrum and loose play began to tell. The
Wyvern backs were fed with much good ball which provided the basis for the multitude
of tries which followed throughout the game.
Only when an injury to the Martock hooker necessitated
a change to uncontested scrums did Martock look like regaining some of
the initiative, but they failed to capitalise on this and the Wyvern loose
forwards continued to exert their control on the game.
Martock did score a third try early in the second half,
but the game was already beyond them. Even when an injury forced Wyvern to play
on with one player less, they still continued to play open expansive rugby and
to run in several more tries.
Wyvern visit Butliegh, near Street, this coming Sunday.
Find out more about the Wyvern RFC at their Website at
www.wyvernrfc.freeserve.co.uk.
Sunday 17th October 1999
Axminster Rugby Club made their first ever visit to play Wyvern last Sunday.
It is likely to be a trip they will not forget for a while as they were soundly
thumped 54 to 5.
Wyvern lent the visitors a player to balance the numbers on the field, but
this did nothing to balance the overall result. Poor tackling by Axminster
throughout the game left them continually chasing back to stop the supporting
Wyvern players. There were many penetrating runs from brothers Rob and Jim Odams
at lock and centre respectively. This, combined with the Wyvern backs desire to
throw the ball out wide, meant that Wyvern were always making ground with the
ball.
Towards the end the game began to become bad tempered and Wyvern players who
found themselves inadvertently in the wrong place at rucks were given no quarter
under the boots of the advancing Axminster forwards.
During this phase Axminster had something of a resurgence, aided by the
awarding of penalty after penalty against Wyvern, and they found they were able
to spend some time in the Wyvern half. However, good Wyvern tackling and poor
options on the part of Axminster players meant they were never likely to add to
their first half try.
Wyvern try scorers were: James Odams (3), Rob Odams, Mark Halligan (2),
Martin Howe, Phil Ferris, Justin Bennett and Paul England, with Matt Dobbin and
Martin Howe kicking one conversion each.
Wyvern are home again next Sunday to visitors Wiveliscombe, Kick Off at 11.00
am.
Sunday 10th October 1999
In a close fought match Wyvern Rugby Club lost by 22-8 away against
Wellington 3rds.
The first half was well balanced with both sides having ample ball to run.
Likewise both defences were resolute and the deadlock of the first quarter was
broken by a solitary penalty kick by Wyvern fly half, Matt Dobbin. Wellington's
second and third phase ball improved and much of the latter part of the half was
played in Wyvern territory. There were several chances for Wellington players to
score, but these opportunities were squandered with poor handling in the final
phase of play. Almost at the end of the first half a Wellington lineout on there
own try line was not taken cleanly and, as the ball bobbled back over the
Wellington try line, Wyvern prop, Jason Bailey, was first to drop on the ball
for a Wyvern try.
During the half time break Wellington made numerous changes and the revised
combination of forwards and backs were more dominant during the second half.
Wellington now controlled the rucks and mauls, with the backs making numerous
penetrating runs. This new edge lead to an early try. Further pressure play by
Wellington began to force Wyvern into desperate defence and, despite excellent
tackling by the Wyvern backrow, Wellington were able to steal in for another
unconverted try. Late in the game Wyvern Captain, Clem Woodward, left the field
with a suspected fractured wrist. With their defence stretched to its utmost
Wyvern now began to concede penalty after penalty and ultimately a try was
scored under the posts. A further quick try by Wellington and the match was out
of Wyvern's reach.
Wyvern entertain Axminster next Sunday at Mountfilelds Road, Kick Off at
11.00 AM.
Sunday 3rd October 1999
Wyvern were easy winners against a spirited but unconvincing
Somerton, 53
points to 5.
Somerton, in their first full season since forming mid-season last year,
showed much strength and enthusiasm, particularly their two strong running
centres. But excellent defence from a combination of Wyvern backs and backrow
kept the visitors at bay throughout the match.
The first half was played largely in the Somerton half and the four Wyvern
tries were all as a result of good interplay amongst forwards and backs.
After the turn around Somerton applied considerable pressure, but they
continually kicked the ball away and allowed the Wyvern backs to run back at
them, setting up good positions from which to capitalise and score. Again, good
passing and support play was the key to the Wyvern tries.
The Wyvern scorers were: Rob Odams, Neil Johnson, Gareth Hughes, Justin
Bennett 2, James Odams 2, Mark Halligan 2 and Matt Dobbin kicked 4 conversions.
Wyvern visit Wellington Rugby Club next Sunday; kick off 11.00 am.
Sunday 26th October 1999
Wyvern RFC were outpaced by local rivals Taunton who ran out 29 - 15 winners.
The first half was dominated by the Taunton backs who ran in 4 tries, with
Wyvern slotting one solitary penalty.
The second half brought about a resurgence of the Wyvern forwards, however
they were unable to secure enough good ball for the Wyvern backs to apply any
real pressure. Taunton's loose forwards restricted Wyvern's advances, but Wyvern
were able to take advantage of good individual play to score two tries. Taunton
scored the final try of the game with a simple run in from the breakdown of a desperate
Wyvern counter attack.
Wyvern welcome newly formed Somerton next Sunday, kick off at 11.30 am.
Sunday 12th September 1999
Wyvern RFC started their season with a 7-7 draw against Taunton Police.
Despite having the better of the first half, in a game of few chances, Wyvern
goalkicker , Martin Howe, failed with several difficult but kickable penalties.
With the score 0-0 at the turnaround, Wyvern failed to use the advantages of
slope, sun and wind. The Police slowed their game down and began to dominate the
second phase and loose play. However, Wyvern centre Justin Bennett breached the
Police defence when a set scrum provided good ball for the Wyvern backs to pass
quickly through the hands. Howe converted from in front on the posts.
The Police then took advantage of some poor Wyvern defence to run the ball
almost to the Wyvern line. Only an excellent cover tackle from centre Jim Odams
stopped a certain try. Continued pressure, forcing several errors from Wyvern
players, kept the Police near the Wyvern line. In the dieing minutes of the
game, with the Police running a succession of tap penalties, the Wyvern defence
finally yielded and Andy Murphy was driven over from five metres. Kevin Connoly
then converted to level the scores.
Wyvern travel to Minehead Barbarians next Sunday.
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