A much needed preparatory run out at Parkwood on Saturday saw a very positive outcome for the Warriors as they took the win in a hard fought game against Swanley RFC. With extremely dry conditions under foot the pitch was unforgiving, but it didn’t harden the spirits or the intent of either team; both sides moving the ball and taking the game to their opponents from the off. It was evident that everyone involved was loving being back on the pitch and playing rugby.
Weavering looked to counter a heavy Swanley pack early by setting their scrum to counter the weight advantage with good, low technique. An approach that served them well as the game went on and legs became tired. Creating the platform for the ball to reach the backline was a priority of the day, allowing some free running and creativity as much as possible given the sunny, dry conditions. Swanley defended well, consuming a lot of crash ball, putting in a real defensive shift. Making quick ground was the name of the game with both teams working hard to break the gainline with each play, trying to create as much space for that killer pass. Weavering played some tidy forwards rugby, shipping left or right at times to some well set up pods. Swanley forwards were taking the game to Weavering at every opportunity too, crashing through on numerous occasions, breaking the defensive line and creating scoring opportunities of their own. Weavering’s back line looked comfortable with ball in hand with some slick passing along the line, creating and converting opportunities to run at the Swanley defense into points.
While there were some great quality kicks out of hand from both teams, it wasn’t a day for kicking conversions. Some will say the sun was blinding them, others might point out the kicking tee “wasn’t their usual one”, but nonetheless a healthy scoreline was completed through no less than 7 tries scored.
There was a glint in the eye of many a player, having enjoyed a great day’s rugby and a few cold beers and a BBQ straight afterwards. It was good to be back.
Mountainous Jim Swaisland took our MOTM nomination from Swanley for his decisive display at 10. Dan Mason made a cameo late in the game only to win himself DOTD for at least one backwards kick pass. There were subsequent rumours of retirement, but we will watch that space keenly.
Special mention for Michael Seers, scoring a try on his long awaited come back game for Weavering, the dancing feet of the lithe Jack Carlton who glided across the scorched Parkwood earth on numerous occasions, the return of Scott Murant pushing the knee to its limits, and the hefty shift put in by our much changed front row of Michael Hick, Keith Mewes and Ryan Sheridan. Max Charles was in fine Captain’s voice, despite cultivating the shiner of all shiners for more than half the match.
Huge thanks to Swanley Rugby Club for contributing to a great day, and we wish you the very best of luck for the coming season. You are welcome at Parkwood any time.
