Wells travelled to Doric Park on a bleak and blustery morning to face a recently regenerated and refocused Trowbridge Team, who were ably supported by two currently injured players: Ben H and Dylan.

The home side got things underway and some excellent pressure and counter-rucking from Lewis, who led from the front throughout the game, resulted in a penalty. Trowbridge’s scrum initially struggled to contest against the lower body positioning of the Wells pack, however this greatly improved as the game progressed. Some excellent phases of play from the backs: Josh, Jake, Gabrielle, Rhys, Simon, George and Nathan, who have evidently been working hard on their running lines and calls, was effectively demonstrated: leading to a Trowbridge penalty which Phil then smashed up over the line. The conversion, kicking duties being delegated to Ben, was wide owing to the difficult kicking conditions of the morning. 5-0

A loose ball at the back of the scrum, and some clearance kicks not finding their way to the touch line, put Trowbridge under pressure. Covering tackles by Max (having come onto the field for an injured Rhys), Simon and George, backed up by some excellent decision making by Nathan at full back showed great skill and capability. Wells’ backs combined well with their forwards to score, from some excellent offloading and turn of pace. Their conversion was scored. 5-7

From the restart there were some brilliant hard runs by Pete, Jack and Phil which got Trowbridge on the front foot. Wells however managed to strip the ball and regain possession effectively. Again some heroic cover tackles, this time from Josh and Simon, kept the visitors at bay, and their further effort to cross the try line was thwarted by Jack and Ben worked well together to hold up the ball. This didn't keep Wells out for long though and their continued pressure led to a further try and successful conversion. 5-14 Wells had a forward sin binned for repeated offences at the breakdown. Trowbridge capitalised on this and some direct running from Jack led to another try for the home side, the conversion was missed. 10-14

Half Time

In the second half Tom, Stelvio and Marcus joined the fray, accompanied by Rhys who had recovered from his earlier bump to re-bolster the organisation of the attack and defensive back line. Some excellent ‘donkey work’ from Joshua, Isaac and William, and some determined forward perseverance led to Trowbridge making their way up the pitch and retaining good possession of the ball. This was almost rewarded when Jake employed his evasive footwork and space finding skills to good effect and made several yards past the gain line to pass to a supporting, and very quick footed, Phil. The pass was unfortunately judged to be slightly forward. Wells reacted quickly to the referee and recycled the ball to their winger who sped up the sideline to score. The conversion was missed. 10-19

A great break from Tom and some excellent supportive play from Jake and Josh led to a Trowbridge try for Gabrielle, no conversion. 15-19

From the restart Trowbridge gathered the ball and an energised Tom made another excellent break, this time down the wing, showing some great strength and pace, before being taken into touch. The Wells clearing kick was charged down by Trowbridge’s line-out forwards however Wells managed to re-gather the ball. Some good work was again evidenced by Jack at the breakdown, who used his additional strength to hold up the tackled player. A later Wells scrum was brilliantly defended by Josh and Lewis who closed the ball down quickly. Further defensive pressure was rewarded by a Wells knock on. The ball later found its way back into Wells’ hands and a crunching tackle from Phil and excellent jackalling from Lewis once again won the ball for Trowbridge. Trowbridge were unable to take advantage this period of possession and some isolated ball carrying led to turnovers at the breakdown and a quick succession of penalties. Wells reacted quickly and a forward dived over the try line from close range. The conversion was good. 15-26. Time was called shortly after.

In all both sides were very evenly matched. Trowbridge showed some recently discovered determination and continually pressured the opposition in all aspects of play. As long as Trowbridge continue to employ their positive and determined mindset a win will not be far away.

Areas to consider for improvement: First up tackles, Supportive running, Distribution of the ball along the back line.