This much-anticipated league clash kicked off in the midst of a storm—something beginning with a B—with strong winds and heavy, persistent rain. Everyone braving the conditions knew it wouldn't be a feast of flowing rugby.
Battling the elements in the first half
Croydon Wanderers (CWRFC) played into the wind in the first half, ceding territory as the Footscray fly-half used his big boot and the wind at his back to keep CW pinned in their own half. The CWRFC scrum dominated, with an excellent front row of DiSchino, Wiggins and Bellamy—in only his second game at hooker—giving respite from the elements and opposition. Full back Parry deserves a mention for having to field many long kicks and rightly deciding to run the ball back rather than kick into the gale; once he can form a connection with his wingers, this will be a useful counter-attack weapon.
CWRFC tried to put the ball through the hands, but resolute tackling and the elements made gains hard to come by. Their main source of progress came through determined running of the tight forwards, often into two-person tackles, yet still making the gain line. Returning number 8 Defretas popped up in all areas to take the ball into contact, his first game in two seasons.
Croydon soaked up everything Footscray could throw at them with stern tackling and breakdown pressure; the penalty count was heavily in CWRFC’s favour, which eventually led to two yellows for the opposition. Croydon did manage to advance further down the field but, despite a couple of close efforts, were just denied. Footscray, once back to a full complement, got back down the other end to force a score in the corner just before half-time. Half-time score 0 - 5.
Turning the tide after the break
With the wind at their back, Croydon immediately took control of possession and territory; aside from a few kicks, they played the entire half in the Footscray half. Unfortunately, the scrums were now uncontested, which did CWRFC no favours; wave after wave of attack was repelled with strong defence, with a fair share of dropped balls, no surprise given the wet conditions.
Despite fly half Organ using his line, the best way to advance was through the strong running of the forwards. Twenty minutes in, the pressure finally told when pocket-rocket flanker Cousins got the ball 22 metres out, beat the first man, used his piston-like hand-off to fend off the cover, and scored a try over by the posts; it was converted. The score rose to 7 - 5.
A strong finish to secure the win
The pattern continued from the restart: constant pressure and resolute tackling, with CWRFC still doing well at the breakdown, save for the occasional lineout going astray. It looked like that was the end of the scoring for the day. Then, as the clock ticked past 75 minutes, that man Cousins did a familiar burst, from closer range this time, to force his way over for a deserved second try, converted by Lawrence. There was still time for Croydon to march downfield and, through several phases, scrum-half Lawrence got over in the corner for an unconverted try. Final score 19 - 5.
A deserved, if hard-fought, win for Croydon Wanderers; it shows how the team is developing, learning there are different ways to win a game of rugby, and that staying on the right side of the referee, particularly in those conditions, does help.
The whole team deserve credit; the front three have already been mentioned, returning second row Owen—in only his second game back from a badly broken leg—with new guy Kurt bringing impact and energy. Young Zee on the flank, in just his second game for the club, was a factor in many breakdowns. Sean had to fill in at scrum half for the first half before reverting to his preferred flanker in the second half. It was not a day to be in the backs, but Ed, Vill, Duane and James stuck to their tasks and tackled anything that moved, as did Will when he came on.
Mentions for returnees Billy Cannon and Jack—he didn't last long, but it was good to see him on the pitch again.
Final Score: 19-5
CWRFC Player of the Match: Archie Bellamy
CWRFC Tries: Jamie Cousins, Alex Lawrence
CWRFC Conversions: Alex Lawrence
