RUGBY: Tremendous victory by Rugby Welsh to stay top of the league

Midlands 5 West (South)

Chaddesley Corbett 10

Rugby Welsh 34

Welsh started 2020 with a tremendous bonus-point victory in rural Worcestershire, avenging an earlier defeat and maintaining their position at the top of the league.

The win was again based upon a full team performance, excellent in defence and clinical in scoring tries when the opportunities arose.

The scene was set in the opening minute when Welsh counter-attacked from deep inside their half, the ball going through several pairs of hands before a deft inside pass from Wilson gave Jack Taylor the opportunity to score an unconverted try.

Chaddesely responded and had plenty of possession but the Welsh defence was solid, driving their opposition backwards with impressive hits, with Glenn Bond’s kicking also helping to move Welsh away from their goal line.

As the half progressed Welsh began to win the forward battle with Lorenzo Galleno, Jamie Roche and Leigh Colledge making impressive carries to set up good field position.

Following a period of pressure second row Roche burst through a couple of tackles to score a try converted by Glenn Bond. On the half hour mark a deft box kick in midfield by Ricky Reed was expertly gathered by Galleno who charged over for a try. Chaddesley managed to narrow the gap scoring an unconverted try with the last play of the half.

Welsh began the second half determined to use the conditions effectively and two early tries helped them build a strong lead. Firstly with both sides seemingly playing pinball, Robin Tyerman, who was impressive throughout, capitalised on a loose ball and ran through for an opportunist bonus point try.

Then a great tackle and rip of the ball from Adam Bond saw him slip a ball to the galloping Jason Warren who raced in under the posts. Glenn Bond converted.

Welsh were now in control and although Chaddesley continued to play a good style of rugby they were rarely able to breach the Welsh defence.

They deservedly scored another try but the good sized Welsh travelling support had more to celebrate in the closing moments when a box kick from Ellerington saw Gareth Hart gather and he slipped a pass to Jason Warren who scored his second try.

Welsh will want to keep their momentum going when they face Dixonians at Alwyn Road this weekend, kick off 2.15pm. Also for the first time in over 10 years a second team called Rugby Welsh Barbarians will play Quorn also at home with a venue yet to be decided.