Mavericks 50-7 Mold

Anselmians Mavericks 50 - 7 Mold

For the third meeting this season, both sides fielded some new faces.
The match was played in great spirits, as usual between these two familiar teams.
After the 2 previous encounters, Mold had ‘beefed up’ their pack, which took the Mavericks by surprise at the first set piece.
The first half kicked off with the Mav’s downhill, and with the sun at their backs. After some great forwards play to secure possession, the backs worked their magic. Great handling led to an early opportunity to put points on the board, running in the first try after 2 minutes through Jack ‘Helmet’ Williams . At this point, 5-0 up after 2 mins, the Mavericks must have thought they were in heaven. But beware the wounded animal. Straight from the kick off Mold were back on the offensive. Pressure at the scrum, and an effective line-out allowed them to secure plenty more ball. An unusual lapse in defence gifted Mold the opportunity to run through 4 would-be tacklers, scoring under the posts. Conversion completed, the scoreline was 5-7. The rest of the half saw Mavericks stung into action. Lots more free-flowing rugby, more tackling & more pressure saw the Mav’s cross the line several times through Nev Pickard, Del Alderson & Andy Smith. Conversions scored, the half-time score was a healthy 24-7.
Up the slope in the 2nd half, the Mavericks continued to put pressure on Mold. The set piece was functioning better, with parity at the scrum & increased domination of the line out, young Chris Wildman causing Mold all sorts of problems. A few minutes later after some strong running from the backs, led by Andy Smith, backed up by some great rucking, Nev Pickard scored out wide. The Mav’s then went into another gear, stopping every advancement by Mold and forcing them onto the back foot. Once turnover was secured, the backs were able to continue to dominate, Andy Smith picking a lovely line to cross again. Del Alderson, not wanting to be outdone, crossed for his 2nd of the match, minutes before Nev Pickard went over for his hat-trick just before the whistle. Final score Mavericks 50-7 Mold.
Some notable performances this week: Thanks to Rob Smart for his guest appearance & superb display of kicking, young Luke Williams, who put in some yards with his carries in open play & tackling as well as softening up the opposition hooker for his aged dad, Helmet had his usual great game, Nev Pickard leading from the front, Harry's coolness under pressure& great hands & Andy Smith leading the back line.
“Man of the Match was a tight call this week, I might need several pints to ponder this one”, commented Captain Tim in the bar. But it was decided that with his great support lines, good hands (not to mention some good tackling) Andy Smith pipped others to the award.
Thanks Mold for the great game played in great spirit, we will see you in the very near future ie. next week at your place!
Also thanks to Damian for officiating manfully.
Scores: Nev Pickard (3), Andy Smith (2), Del Alderson (2) & Jack Williams(1). Rob Smart 5 cons.
Lastly, other news. There has been a birth of an Honorary Maverick! Congratulations to Matt & Claire Moscrop on the birth of their daughter. The only true reason you should miss a Mavericks match!

Disclaimer: Whilst I did watch most of the match from the sidelines, I am assured that (in the style of Eric Morecambe) “I have all the right scorers, but not necessarily in the right order!!)