Metro League Division 9 – Old Wesley 27 Bective Rangers 19
(1st Oct) Having gained momentum in their opening match against Coolmine last week, the 5th XV knew they would have to step up a level to beat local rivals Bective. The troops were rounded up late on Friday night and a solid group from last week had returned with, of course, some new additions.
In the opening half the team struggled to gain possession and went down early to a brace of Bective tries. Wesley did regain some momentum through line-out ball and scrum. It wasn’t until the end of the first half when center Mark Strong received an extremely ‘flat’ pass to crash his way over the line. The teams went in at half time with Bective leading 19-5.
We are not sure whether it was an early birthday present or an excuse for David Bursey to bend the refs ear but Bursey led the team out in the second half. He turned the grand age of 48 on Sunday. Graham Wood of course still leading the charge at 55. Wesley built phases through superb carrying from Neale ‘Smashy’ Richmond and Andy O’ Sullivan. The enforcers at the breakdown James Pearson Evans, Andrew Ruttle and John Love secured possession. Bective were stopped in their tracks by big tackles from Gavin Power, Brian Leveau and Tommy Emo. The forwards did their part which gave fly half, Sean Ballance, the space to orchestrate the backs and put Wesley over for some brilliant tries. Aaron McDonnell, James “Jim-jam” Smith and seasoned player/coach Graham ‘Gresh’ Richmond all getting on the score sheet.
The final score was 27-19. A great come back by the Wesley side. Our Man of the match was “Paul BK” who made some very important carries from the base of our scrum. He took a lot of heavy knocks but managed to pull through and last the full 80. Thanks to the supporters, players and coaches for making it a successful game and what a fantastic comeback.