Mavericks 28- 0 Mold

Mavericks 28 - 0 Mold – Saturday 13th October 2012

As rugby goes, this was one of those games that you have to grind out a win, and win the Mavericks did.
The second meeting this season between these two sides, saw a ‘beefed up’ Mold side arrive at Malone Field, looking for revenge for the earlier defeat. But the Mavericks held firm.
Let’s be honest, this match at times was not pretty, it was a war of attrition. The forwards were under pressure at the scrum, the backs did not have the luxury of time on the ball, but the heart of the Mavericks stood tall. Every player played their part to ensure that the Mavericks gained their fifth consecutive win.
The first half started with the Mavericks putting Mold under pressure. Some great tackling led to a turnover & Mold defending close to their line. After an initial clearance, Mold were back under pressure, as a rolling maul forced its’ way towards their line, which eventually led to legendary skipper Tim Woodward going over to score the try. Conversion complete meant a scoreline of 7–0 after as many minutes. There then entered a period of see-saw rugby for the next 15 minutes, as each side had possession, then gave it away without capitalising on it. The Mavevicks could have been well ahead if it hadn’t been for some poor handling. It wasn’t until Mold tried to play some expansive rugby that the Mavericks were fortunate enough to pounce on a mistake. As the ball was sent wide, Andy Smith found himself in receipt of a stray Mold pass, and ran 50 yards to score under the posts. The conversion gave a half time score of 14–0.
After some substitutions, the second half started with the Mavericks playing uphill, and into the sun. They had to weather a storm of Mold attacks, but held firm. Matt Hayes, Gordon Rogers & the newly returned John Rhodes making some telling tackles in the middle of the park, keeping the Mav’s in the game.
The forwards stuck to their task at the breakdown, and in the set piece, and from a line-out, the ball popped up to John Rhodes who weaved his way under three players to score, again converted. The rest of the second half was to and fro, with both sides threatening to score. John Rhodes swooped on a loose ball and again sprinted in to finish, conversion successful.
The game was finished only yards from the Mavericks line, but defence held strong. Final score 28-0 to the Mavericks.
Special mention this week to Chris Wildman, for his line-out work, not only taking all his own ball, but spoiling the oppositions, Neil Brookes for being an honorary forward for a week & Jack Woolley for another outstanding performance at scrum half
Captain, Tim Woodward, was quoted in the post match huddle “It wasn’t pretty, but none of you took a backward step in that game, for that you should be proud”.
I think that sums it up!
Score sheet this week: Tim Woodward, Andy Smith, John Rhodes (2), Gordon Rogers( 4 Cons).
Thanks again to Mold for the fixture, and to Martin Roden for officiating so well.