Joe Xiberras taking on the Medics defence
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Glamorgan Wanderers Dev Squad 24

Cardiff Medicals 13

“With a lot of young talent on show the club has a bright future” commented Manager Darren Joy after the Dev squad had overcome the difficult challenge of the Medics.

On a bright sunny afternoon the medics had the better of the early exchanges forcing the Wanderers back into their own 22. Both sides showed a willingness to run the ball at every opportunity with kicking a last resort and the pace of the game was kept at a high tempo. The medics took an early lead with a penalty but as the home side found their feet the medics were forced back into defence. Good carrying from Scott Britton, Mike Hurley and Dan Fernandez took play deep into the Medics 22 but the visitors defence held firm. With the Wanderers scrum starting to dominate the proceedings it was only a matter of time before the home side scored. A neat chip ahead from Flash Cawley bounced well for the chasing pack and Owen Marshall pounced on the loose ball to score. Lewis Johnson converted 7-3. From the kick off the home side were straight back on the attack and the visitors were again forced into defence. Despite plenty of pressure the Wanderers could not break the medics down and when they were given the chance the students looked dangerous with ball in hand. The heat slowed the pace slightly before the break but the home side looked comfortable at the halftime with a 7-3 lead.

                                          Ryan Beddows is halted by the Medics defence

Injuries to the medics front row resulted in a second half with passive scrums which removed a strong attacking option for the Wanderers. From the kick off the home side went close, but after a penalty had been declined in favour of a lineout the visitors struck. Turning the ball over in their own 22 they seized the opportunity and broke out of defence. Good handling and swift support outpaced the defence and they took the lead with a superb unconverted try out wide 7-8. With their confidence rising they extended the lead soon afterwards. Again quick hands in their own half provided the overlap and they raced away to score in the right hand corner 7-13. The Wanderers responded well. Good handling of their own took play deep into the visitors half and Ryan Beddows went close. From the resulting 5 yard scrum the Wanderers worked an opening for Mike Hurley who forced his way over to score. Johnson converted and the home side were back in front 14-13. As the game entered its final quarter the home side started to gain more control. A break from Joe Xiberras set up another attack and after a couple of quick phases Ryan Beddows crossed for an excellent team try 19-13. That lead became 24-13 soon afterwards as Dan Fernandez finished off another neat move to score in the corner. Both sides continued to try to run the ball at every opportunity but the heat took its toll and some of the handling became a little tired. The medics went close after a fine break in midfield but the Wanderers held on to record a good victory ahead of their East District semi-final.         

Report by: Alyn Humphreys