Wellingborough 10 Nuneaton 38

With the threat of a postponed game due to flooded pitches the Nuns were grateful that Wellingborough were able to switch the weekend’s fixture to their ground that was in perfect conditions. The Nuns didn’t leave any further thanks though as they wrapped up a fourth win in a row with a 38-10 score. They collected a try bonus point after 24 minutes leading 24-0 through tries from Tak Chawadya, Travis Bennett-Allcock, Tom Aherne and George Wallis. Two further tries form Fin Powell and James Lloyd plus four Lucas Brindley conversions secured the win.

Making changes from the previous weekend there were first starts of the season for Augy Clarke at hooker, Nick Walton at lock, Martin Wood in at number 8 and then Ryan Preston in the centres and Tak Chawadya on the wing. Fin Powell would make his debut off the bench. The game was also the 200th 1st team game for Tom Smitham.

It was a blistering start for the Nuns with the slope and wind in their favour. From the kick off the hosts tried to clear the lines but the ball was run back and then recycled from one side to the other with Tak Chawadya crossing in the corner for his first senior try converted by Brindley on 2 minutes for 7-0.

It was soon extended when after some more possession and territory the ball was worked wide for Travis Bennett-Allcock to cross for an unconverted try, 12-0 on 6 minutes. The hosts number 8 also picked up a yellow card for foul play in the lead up to the try.

Still dominating territory and possession the Nuns won a penalty. The ball was sent to touch and from a lineout 20m, out the Nuns secured the ball then set up a maul moving forward. Tom Aherne then broke off to cross the line with Brindley upgrading to make it 19-0 on 17 minutes.

The Nuns last score of the half came on 24 minutes. Wellingborough carried forward near half way but the Nuns managed to turn possession over. Tom Smitham made a half break before feeding the marauding Tom Aherne who set off on a 35m charge and finished with a pop to George Wallis in support. Brindley converted for 24-0 after 24 minutes.

The Nuns held the hosts at bay as they came back into the game but couldn’t capitalise on a couple of half chances.

The second half started with the Nuns now facing the elements but they started in a similar fashion as the first half ended. From one lineout set play the ball was worked for Augy Clarke to break through but he ran out of support and Wellingborough could clear.

From another Aherne charge up field he moved the ball out to Chawadya who had a 25m run in but play was brought back for a forward pass.
Wellingborough had their moments too, their scrum secured some ball for them and they used the elements to try and pin the Nuns back but took them until the 60th minute to cross the whitewash with a wide try unconverted, 24-5.

The Nuns soon hit back though. Moving the ball from one side to the other, Chawadya made a break up the touchline then fed the ball inside for Fin Powell to score on his debut which was converted. 31-5 with 65 minutes played.

Wellingborough claimed another try on 76 minutes but the Nuns finished on the front foot and Lloyd crossed from short range and Brindley added the extras with the last kick off the game taking the score to 38-10

Head coach Huw Thomas added “We were really keen to get the game on and thankful that Wellingborough could swap at late notice. The pitch was perfect which allowed us to show what we can do. We made a decision to test our squad this week and made some changes accordingly to see where we are at with strength and depth. Some good performances today have backed up those decisions and keep us moving in the right direction. The only downside was that we couldn't get the Saxons on due to the rain as they had also prepared well this week.”

1 James Redman 2 Augy Clarke 3 Ben Dawes 4 Nick Walton 5 Tom Aherne 6 George Wallis 7 Todd Bullions 8 Martin Wood 9 Tom Smitham 10 Max Carter 11 Travis Bennett-Allcock 12 Tom Eales 13 Ryan Preston 14 Takudzwa Chawadya 15 Lucas Brindley; 16 Ben Holmes 17 James Lloyd 18 Fin Powell