Sunday 21st January 2001

Mud, Mulled Wine and Defeat at Butliegh

Mud and mulled wine greeted Wyvern when they visited Butliegh last Sunday. Both were welcome as the former fended off the slight chill and the latter served to slow down the expansive Butleigh back division who ran anything from anywhere during this wet and slippery game.

Wyvern were slow to get going and watched the home side effortlessly score three early tries in 15 minutes. The Wyvern forwards then began to play the ball close and were able to work up into the Butliegh half. An interception by centre Warren Lewis gave Wyvern their first points, with fullback Martin Howe converting. However the balance of play was still with home side and two further tries were scored, despite the best efforts of the Wyvern defence.

The first half closed with a drive from the Wyvern forwards, neatly working the ball between them, and second row Patrick Robinson scoring under the posts for Howe to convert. This was then the pattern for the second half, with the Wyvern forwards retaining the ball and keeping it away from the creative Butliegh back division. The mud and a slippery ball caused many unforced errors for both teams and maintained the stalemate well into the half. Eventually Wyvern were able to get the ball to stocky winger Justin Bennett who drove through two tackles for an unconverted score in the corner.

While Wyvern played a much tighter and more tactical second half, they were unable to turn possession into real pressure and into points. A breakaway try by Butliegh ended the match, making the final score 34-19.

Wyvern entertain Taunton Wanderers next Sunday. For more details visit their website at www.wyvernrfc.co.uk.

Sunday 14th January 2001

Minehead Leave It Too Late

Wyvern took the initiative early on against visiting Minehead, but were soon locked into a rugged confrontation on a partially frozen pitch, which nearly jeopardised the match.

Days of persistant cold and frost only just allowed for studs to be taken by the pitch, but both teams and the referee were happy to continue last Sunday morning. Wyvern ran and supported well at the start and were quickly 12 points up with two tries from centre Warren Lewis; fullback Martin Howe converting one.

Then Minehead found their rhythm and began to create drives from first and second phase. The Wyvern defence remained sound through the first half and forced Minehead to opt for a penalty early the second half. Then, against the run of play, Wyvern brought in their stockily built winger, Justin Bennett, who took a short ball from a scrum and ran through 3 tacklers and outstripped the rest of the defence to score a 60 metre try. Howe converted.

Minehead attacked repeatedly thereafter and were eventually rewarded with an unconverted try. With only minutes remaining they continued up the slope to the Wyvern line. Penalty followed scrummage followed penalty, but the Wyvern defence always found one more man to make the tackle. Inevitably, tired legs and cold hands could not stop the onslaught and Minehead scored one final unconverted try just at the end of the match. The final score of 19-13 did not necessarily reflect the balance of the game, but all credit to the Wyvern who did not relinquish their lead once they had got ahead.

Wyvern welcome Butliegh Amateurs next Sunday, kicking off at 12.00 Midday.

Sunday 17th December 2000

Injury Time Win For Wyvern

Entertaining rugby at its most enjoyable was the fayre for those spectators who braved the cold last Sunday to watch Wyvern play visitors Bridgwater Veterans. With contrasting playing styles from each side, the match went from early stalemate to tit for tat scores, ultimately resulting in a win for the Wyvern by 27-24.

The deadlock was broken early in the match when a break by the Wyvern backs brought them to within metres of the Bridgwater try line. A poor clearance kick left a simple run in for Wyvern, but an offside Bridgwater player impeded play and the referee had no hesitation in awarding a penalty try, which Martin Howe converted.

Thereafter Bridgwater were dominant in the lineout, rucking and mauling, leaving the Wyvern forwards to tackle, tackle and tackle again. When the visitors did release to their backs, they found an impenetrable wall of defence, thus their main tactic throughout was to use the forwards to drive them up the field. The Wyvern, on the other hand, endeavoured to use the pace of their back division, but the Vets did an outstanding job of spoiling any ball the Wyvern did earn from set pieces. Late in the half, Bridgwater eventually found a way through, the No.8 breaking to score a converted try under the posts. Driving forward play lead to a further try on the stroke of half time, leaving the score at 7-12.

The second half began totally dominated by Bridgawater. Their lineout supremacy was demonstrated again when they drove a ball from the Wyvern 22 all the way to the line to score a converted try. But the Wyvern were now getting ball out wide and their backs began to penetrate. One such move ended with a try in the corner for strong centre Justin Bennett. A further period of sustained Wyvern pressure ended with a drop goal from fly half James Maurice. Immediately from the restart kick Wyvern ran the ball wide and, despite the desperate defence, back row John Atkinson scored near the posts for Howe to convert. Wyvern now edged ahead by 22-19.

With only a few minutes remaining, Bridgwater used their lineout dominance to create the platform to drive to the Wyvern line to score another unconverted try and retake the lead 22-24. But Wyvern had the final say when, in injury time, Maurice's deft cross kick into the corner was reached first by Howe, who fly-hacked the ball over the line and dived in to score. Even then, Bridgwater had time to be awarded a penalty, though the resulting kick at goal was missed giving victory to Wyvern.

Wyvern entertain the Fire Brigade at the Wyvern Club on Thursday 28th December, kicking off at 2.30 PM. For more details, visit the Wyvern Rugby Website at www.wyvernrfc.co.uk.

Sunday 3rd December 2000

Hat Trick Double for Wyvern

Wyern Rugby Club greeted and then defeated their visitors, Martock, with a 60-7 blasting of the South Somerset side.

From the start the Wyvern were dominant and it was only over zealous Wyvern infringements, which gave away many penalties, that kept Martock in the match.

Tries came from the fliers, with Justin Bennett at centre getting three and Martin Howe on the wing also getting three. And the forwards had their share with 2 from second row Jim Duncan and two from backrow Jim Frewings. Howe converted 5. Martocks consolation try came shortly before the end, but was far too little, far too late.

Wyvern visit Chard Veterans on Wednesday 6th December to play under lights, kicking off at 7.30 PM.

Sunday November 26th 2000

Revenge Is Sweet Against Blake Bears

Wyvern continued their winnings ways with an emphatic, though un-impressive, 43-7 victory over fellow Sunday Side Blake Bears, from Bridgwater.

Early pressure was all Blake Bears, with controlled first and second phase, and driving runs from their loose forwards. Wyvern made hard work of their tackling, a problem which hindered them and aided the visitors throughout the match. Likewise, when Wyvern did secure the ball, they were easily able to create huge gaps in the defence and exploit them to the full.

It was half way through the first half before Wyven scored their first try, creating space on the outside for wing, Martin Howe, to score wide out. Shortly after, a counter attack from deep resulted in a kick through which Howe gathered up and ran in for another unconverted try. With all the pressure now coming from Wyvern, the final play of the half provided Phil Ferris with a score, converted by Howe.

The second half was more of the same, though repeated handling errors and wrongs options from the Wyvern allowed the visitors to stem the tide. Nevertheless, the Wyvern were still dominant and sealed the match with tries from Jim Jones, Mark Halligan, Brendon Andrews and another for Howe (Howe converting 3).

Wyvern entertain Martock next Sunday at Mountfields Road. A further match has been arranged under lights at Chard on 6th December, kick off 7.30 PM.

Sunday November 12th 2000

Wyvern Weaken at Wellington

Last Sunday's match was preceded by two minutes silence, noting the significance of Remembrance Sunday. Unfortunately for the Wyvern, the silence continued into the game and the side never really woke up to the task before them. While dominated by the running and driving of Wellington, the game was punctuated by mistakes which meant that much of the play was restricted to set piece play. The final result of 17-5 in favor of Wellington was a fair reflection of the balance of play.

Nevertheless there were some wonderful phases of handling, with first one side making ground then losing the ball only for the other to take the advantage and counter attack into the opposition half. While open, running rugby was the key to ground gained by both sides, some poor tackling during these moments also contributed to territorial gains. While the Wellington backs were skillful and incisive with the ball in their hands, the Wyvern back division made little impression and relied on spoiling play to cross the gain line.

The combination of good running play and poor tackling lead to Wellington scoring midway during the first half, having turned defence into attack they came from their own half to score an unconverted try under the posts. This seemed to fire the Wyvern pack who now began to dominate the scrum and close play, making considerable advances up field as they drove the Wellington forwards before them. Ultimately this scrummage dominance yielded fruit when a five metre scrum was driven forward to allow No. 8 Brendon Andrews to pick up and drive over. Thus at the turnaround the score was level at 5-5.

Several fresh legs and more of the same driving runs saw Wellington dominate the second half. Long kicks and occasional breaks from the Wyvern kept them in the game and in the opposition half, but the scoring chances and the referee's decisions were not with the Wyvern. Despite continued scrummage dominance and some excellent rolling mauls, the Wyvern forwards never got enough good ball to release their backs and the backs never looked like breaking the Wellington defensive line.

With a try coming from a quickly taken penalty and another after some poor Wyvern tackling, this low scoring match was sealed by Wellington some time before the final whistle. While there were some exciting moments for the large crowd on the touchline, this did not have quite the usual sparkle that has existed in previous seasons. Wyvern will have to expand their close quarters work to provide better support in second and third phase play, if they are challenge many of the Saturday clubs they continue to play.

Next week Wyvern visit Axminster. With several injuries from this week this may prove a hard fixture for those who cross the Devon border.

Sunday November 5th 2000

Wiveliscombe and Wyvern Make Wonderful Rugby

The rain lashed down and the wind blew, but this did not dampen the spirit of the confrontation at Mountfields Road between Wyvern RFC and a Wiveliscombe XV, which was made up of players from each of their three sides.One notable guest for the visitors was former Bristol back, Simon Hogg, playing at fly half.

The game was played at pace throughout and, despite the appalling weather, the handling was quick and sure. The match flowed for multiple phases at a time, managed superbly by referee Reg Lewis, and this provided wonderful entertainment for the crowd that braved the weather.

The shear speed of the Wiveliscombe wing brought them their first try, which was quickly followed by a second. The recycling of the ball was the key and the Wivy forwards provided excellent fare for their backs to dominate the field. However, Wyvern made good ground themselves and pressed the visitors line on several occasions. Nonetheless it was Wiveliscombe who were to score again.

With the approach of half time the Wyvern were awarded a free kick about 15 metres out and a solo effort from scrum half, Phil Ferris, lead to a score, which was converted by fly half, Martin Howe. 17-7 at the turn around.

The game continued in the same vain for the second half, with early pressure bringing another unconverted Wiveliscombe try. Then the Wyvern pressure began to tell. The Wyvern pack drove relentlessly up the field from several set pieces and were rewarded with a try by prop and Captain, Jason Bailley. Howe converted. Minutes later a driving charge by Wyvern wing, Justin Bennett, was rewarded with an unconverted try.

Despite more Wyvern pressure, Wiveliscombe held on to win by 22-19. Next week Wyvern travel to Wellington.

Sunday 29th October 2000

Nearly, but not quite!

When Wyvern ventured to North Petherton the result was in the balance right until the final whistle, but the older heads of the North Petherton Verterans eventually ran out winners by the narrowest of margins.

Both sides tried to run with the ball, but repeated mistakes meant the game moved from set piece to set piece and never really got completely going. With the wind at there backs the Wyvern were able to keep Petherton pinned in their half, but the home side kept finding gaps in the Wyvern defence, which allowed them to move up the field and pressurise the Wyvern line. It was during one of these forrays that the Petherton fly half, while on the right of the field, saw his left wing stood wide and unmarked: a deft cross kick gave the wing the ball and the time to score an unconverted try.

After the turn around, the Wyvern defence sorted out the holes previously exploited by Petherton and this made things more difficult for the home team. But now they had the wind and repeatedly used the 'up and under' to push Wyvern back down the field. However, fly half Martin Howe was able to charge down one of his opposite number's kicks and, gathering the ball up, outsprinted the defenders to the line. He converted too.

With only minutes remaining Petherton slotted a penalty to give them a one point lead. Likewise Howe had a 30 metre kick to regain the lead, but this was pushed wide. Desperate attack and desperate defence brought the game its conclusion, Petherton winning 8-7.

Wyvern have there first home game next week when Wiveliscombe come to visit. For more details visit www.wyvernrfc.co.uk.

Sunday October 22nd 2000

Wyvern Turn Jeckle and Hyde at Somerton

After several weeks of cancelled fixtures, Wyvern Rugby Club ventured to play one of the other dedicated Sunday rugby clubs at Somerton. Unfortunately Somerton were unable to produce a full front row and Wyvern had to accept uncontested scrums from the start. This certainly helped Somerton, whose pack was much lighter and would have struggled in the set piece.

Wyvern were quick to assert themselves on the game. Dougie James was outstanding in the centre and made several breaks from nothing, which took the Wyvern towards the opposition line. After some initial exchanges, which allowed the Somerton backs to demonstrate their own penetrative running ability, it was James who scythed his way through virtually the whole Somerton defence from some 40 metres to make it to the line.

The Wyvern backs began to show great skill with handling and running moves, ably supported by a pack which was full of running as the normal trials and tribulations of scrummaging were not draining their energy. Three more first half tries by Jason Baillie, Justin Bennett and another by James, with one conversion by Martin Howe, put the Wyvern in a strong position. However this was by no means a safe margin. A basic mistake by fullback Howe allowed Somerton to score a simple try at the end of the first half, to leave the score 22-7 at the turn around.

While the Wyvern may have thought they were in the driving seat, this was not the case. Wyvern recovered their restart kick and ran in an outstanding try, scored by No. 8 Mark Halligan, which was the culmination of excellent handling and support play between backs and forwards. But then the game turned the way of the home team. They began to snub the Wyvern attack and to exert considerable pressure of their own. Despite this the Wyvern were able to poach a further try through winger, Justin Bennett. Then began the Somerton fight back. Concerted pressure on the Wyvern line eventually lead to break down of the Wyvern defence and a try under the posts. The poor restart kick brought the Somerton pack baring down on the Wyvern line once again. As the attackers gave away a penalty right on the Wyvern line, Howe stepped up to clear to the touchline, but his badly sliced kicked was run back by Somerton for another quick score.

The Wyvern lead was now only 24-34 and both centres, Dougie James and John Wren, were carrying injuries. Nevertheless, the Wyvern responded to the pressure and good driving play by the forwards rewarded the backs with excellent service which was pushed through the hands for an excellent try by fly half, Matt Dobbins. One final flurry and a break by Halligan got him within 5 metres of the line, where Julian Knief was on hand to cross the line. The match finished 24 - 48 in favour of the Wyvern.

This was a wonderful game of running rugby, though the Somerton players freely admitted the unopposed scrums certainly helped their cause. Next week the Wyvern will find a very different reception away at North Petherton, where the forward play is always the key to their strategy. For more information about the Wyvern, visit their website at www.wyvernrfc.co.uk.

Sunday October 1st 2000

Tough Times Against Taunton

With several regular players missing from key positions, this was always going to be an uphill struggle for Wyvern against their near neighbours at Taunton Rugby Club.

From the outset Taunton showed their eagerness to run with the ball and, with the help of some poor tackling by Wyvern, this lead to two early tries. However, this enthusiasm was tempered with sporadic mistakes which allowed the keen Wyvern backs to pounce and take their side towards the opposition line.

The ebb and flow of attack and counter attack made for great entertainment for the crowd gathered on the touchline. The Wyvern were able to pouch two tries back through Jim Morris and Dougie James. This looked like it might be the beginning of a Wyvern resurgence, but it was Taunton who had the last say of the half with another try coming from sloppy Wyvern defence.

Now playing against the wind and with their strength being drained by the monumentous effort of competing with the Saturday regulars, the Wyvern began to find the free flowing running of the Taunton backs and loose forwards was just too much. Despite contributing some nice handling moves of their own and getting one score through winger Simon Camp, the Wyvern were over run by the home side who ran in 5 more tries before the final whistle.

The score of 48-15 was a fair reflection of the fixture, though the post match conversation suggested that all the players and spectators enjoyed the game. The Wyvern now have a two week break before entertaining Burnham-on-Sea at Mountfields Road.

Sunday September 10th 2000

Minehead too much too soon in the season

In glorious weather, which provided excellent playing conditions, the Wyvern began this season's campaign with a trip to the seaside, to Minehead. Unfortunately the weather was the best part of the excursion with the visitors losing by 39-7.

The social nature of Wyvern rugby meant that this was the first time the team had got together this season and, not surprisingly, it showed. Though the team played with 100% commitment and maximum effort, this was never going to be a match against the fitter and faster West Somerset side.

Playing up the hill in the first half the visitors relied on the kicking of fly half, Martin Howe, to ease the pressure which was applied relentlessly by the Minehead backs and loose forwards. While the Wyvern showed dominance in the set piece this was never going to be enough to win the match. Minehead broke through midway during the half with an unconverted try in the bottom corner. Two more were to follow before the end of the half, which left the Wyvern trailing 17-0, but still very much in the game as they now had the advantage of the slope following the turnaround.

Driving runs from flanker Mark Halligan, No.8 Pat Robinson and hooker Don Bagwell all contributed to the massive second half effort from the Wyvern pack. Despite conceding a breakaway try early on, the visitors began to exert some pressure of their own. Opting for a scrum, following a penalty on Minehead's 5 metre line, the Wyvern pack drove the home side back over their own line where scrum half Glen Kettles dropped on the ball to score the Wyvern's first points of the season. Howe converted.

This concerted effort, combined with the lack of fitness and the sweltering conditions, served to drain the Wyvern team as a whole and the excellent support play of Minehead began to take over the game. Another try was followed by an opportunist score when confusion between Kettles and Howe provided easy fare for the marauding Minehead back row. The departure of injured second row Julian Knief was the final nail in the coffin and despite surviving further pressure towards the end, the final say was Minehead's with a try under the posts.

While the result was conclusive there are still many positive things for the Wyvern to take from this game. Team work and commitment are there in abundance, but fitness and speed will prove more influential during forthcoming matches. The next of these is comes this weekend when the Wyvern travel to Butleigh, near Glastonbury. For more information about the Wyvern, visit the website at www.wyvernrfc.co.uk.