Willenhall 2nds 10 - Essington 1sts 12



At first I would like to say a big thankyou to all the players involved in the victory on Saturday against an experienced and well drilled Willenhall side.
Most of the newcomers that have recently joined the club and the young whipper snappers that have some how multiplied over the past couple of seasons would not of realised how important it is taking to the field against Willenhall.
(If you want an indepth reason as to why there is a \"friendly\" rivalary between the two clubs apart from they are in the same village then seek out an older member of the club i.e Jeff Osbourne, Blakey, Dave Brawn and im sure they will take you to one side and have a little word in your ear.)

Now getting on to the match report compiled by Jeff.

Essington travelled to Willenhall to play their first competitive game of the season. The first half saw Willenhall score all of their points with the advantage of the wind and slope of the pitch by slotting over a penalty kick and scoring a converted push over try.
However it would be the defence of Essington that would be a determining factor in this game. Unfortunately, Essington were unable to convert their early pressure into points at the half way stage.


In the second half Essington used the advantage of the slope to mount their attacks, with sensible kicking and strong runs were able to suprise their hosts.The mainstay of the play was around support in the tackle area, not allowing the opposition to gain ground and sensible positioning off the ball in defence.


The character of the side was shown with the late scores and continued pressure. Firstly a well worked try by Nick Brittain.Then a last minute effort, a try was scored from pressure on the oppositions line. Essington forced Willenhalls Fly-Half to kick from underneath his posts, this was then charged down and collected by Ollie Nicholls who crashed over and scored. The conversion was then take by Ali Cowprodder and sucessfully slotted between the posts.With this being the last kick of the match, the final whistle was blown and victory was secured.