Swans Match Report
| Tonbridge Juddians 50 |
 |
Staines Swans 17 |
Saturday 21st January 2012
National League 3 London & SE
National League 3 London & SE
Staines feels the weight of Tonbridge.
Staines Swans were bought down to earth by high flying big spending Kent side Tonbridge Juddians. With several key players missing, Greg Knight's team knew they had their work cut out today.
It was the Swans, who took the initial lead from the kicking of the reliable Chris Wells. With an exchange of kicks from the leagues top scorer Harding, the home side took control of the game from there on.
Staines played some good enterprising rugby but just couldn't keep the ball long to ask any real questions of the Tonbridge defence. It was not until just before half time that Staines put together some quick phases of play, enabling Big Junior Harrison to crash over the goal line to score a well-deserved team try. With Wells converting the extras, Staines went into the half time only 24-10 down.
Tonbridge started the stronger in the second period, running in 2 early tries.
With Chris Bishay asking questions with the ball in hand Staines were not out of this contest yet. It was from a long clearance that the Swans scored their 2nd try of a well-worked line out.
With Tom Cleary calling the shots Staines drove hard for the line, with scrum Half Jason Lee going over for his first try for the Swans this season from close range. Wells conversion kept some reality to the score at 43-17.
It was Tonbridge though who had the last say, scoring an excellent try duly converted by Harding to take the honours 50-17.
Tonbridge Juddians 50 (24)
Staines Swans 17 (10)
STAINES SWANS were:
Foster, Pruce, Cornish, Wells, Bishay, Webber, Lee, Jones, Filbey, Bachour, Cleary, McDermid, Cleary, Shanahan, West, Walker, Major, Forster.
Staines are hoping to be back to full strength next week for the visit of relegation threatened side, Havant.
