RUGBY: Friendly win over AEI for Welsh

James Buckland, who scored two tries for Rugby Welsh against AEI

Easter Saturday friendly

Rugby Welsh 34

AEI 14

Welsh took part in an Easter Saturday friendly game against an AEI side in a game played in good spirit with the home side running out victorious.

The weather as usual this season was wet and windy and Welsh played against the elements in the first half.

Despite a couple of weeks inactivity they began well and were soon ahead, when following a lineout close to the lineout Curly crashed over for an unconverted try,

The set piece was an area which Welsh dominated and this gave the opportunity for the backs to show their skills. James Buckland increased the lead with a try and shortly afterwards Guy Shaw powered his way over for another score with both efforts converted by Angus Wilson. AEI competed well but were unable to prevent Buckland scoring his second try before half time which Wilson again converted.

The second half saw Welsh continue to dominate the set pieces but to AEI’s credit they produced a committed performance and were rewarded with a breakaway converted try.

However, Welsh used their lineout effectively to set up forward drives often driving their opposition back and Curly crashed over for his second try from one such move. AEI scored their second converted try through Nathan, but the final word came from Jamie Roche. Picking the ball up on the 25 metre line Roche went on a rampaging run with his giraffe like figure powering over for a try under the posts, despite the attention of the lions trying to catch him!

Wilson converted to complete the scoring of an entertaining contest despite the conditions.

This game helped to prepare Welsh for their return to league action this week against Five Ways Old Eds at Alwyn Road Kick off 3pm. Welsh still have a chance of finishing In the top two, as Five Ways have slipped to second following defeats in recent weeks to both Welsh and twice to Keresley who now appear likely to win the league.

Welsh have saved some of their best performances for matches against Five Ways and will be hoping to continue in similar vein this Saturday.