Writtle welcomed South Woodham Ferrers to Paradise Rd for their rearranged league fixture in very wet and muddy conditions. It was good to see Writtle finally welcome back a few players from their ever growing injury list, it has been a tough start to the New Year for the home side, but this week saw them able to have 18 players available to play. SWF having similar availability problems where glad to get back on the pitch as well.
The game started well for Writtle with some good early pressure resulting in a penalty, which was narrowly missed. But it was not long after that the score board had its first points, some good driving work and off load saw Harry Marshall drive over for the first points with James Gresty adding the two points. Buoyed by this Writtle kept up the pressure, with the scrums and line outs securing a reasonable amount of possession, it only time before Writtle scored again through Flynn Williams and another successful conversion by Gresty. The final few minutes of the half saw the home side score their third try, from a strike against the head, Writtle broke down the blind side with Mikey George breaking the line and pass to supporting Josh Ross for another score, with Gresty keeping up his fine kicking. As the half drew SWF eventually broke into the hosts half and dotted down for a try and conversation, after some fine forward play.
The second half saw the heavens open, and the testing conditions got worse. The second half started well for the visitors, with them unsettling the Writtle rhythm and forcing many mistakes. With now the weather playing it’s part the game got very scrappy with both teams trying to force the play, but it was Writtle who managed to hang on to the ball long enough for Lawson Cook to get the bonus point try. With the game going to uncontested scrums, it took some of Writtle’s power away, but the hosts can feel a little puzzled when two kick and chase opportunities were stopped by what could be penalty try situations where denied.
The full time whistle saw Writtle secure the win, but again at a cost with two more long term injuries.
Next week Writtle travel to K&F for the penultimate league game of the season.