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| VIGO 16 SHEPPEY 20 |
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| Written by Kelly Ackary | |
| Tuesday, 02 February 2010 | |
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Vigo have made a habit of shooting themselves in the foot and this match proved no exception. They contrived to hand the game to their visitors, although Sheppey earned praise for their never-say-die attitude securing victory deep into ‘Fergie time’.
Sheppey, although bottom of the League, are a dangerous proposition at any time. After recent good results and possessing a huge pack, they thundered into Vigo from the off. Commitment and determination also lead to plenty of penalty opportunities for their opponents and so it proved in the opening minutes as Dave Winstone confidently slotted a penalty to give Vigo the lead. Sheppey’s game plan centres on their pack and they were content to kick for position and then attack Vigo from close quarters. Vigo defended reasonably well, bodies laid on the line for the cause as some shuddering hits, kept the large crowd entertained. The Villagers were certainly aided and abetted by some poor handling by the Islanders and some courageous tackling by King and Smith. The try, however, when it came was relatively soft. Vigo’s forwards, conceding height, weight and ground throughout were crucially nudged back at the breakdown. The clearing pass hurried, the clearing kick charged down and Ethan Roache had the easiest tasks of plunging on the loose ball. Winstone kicked another penalty before the first of a couple of contentious decisions which disconcerted all and sundry. A penalty kick by Bradley Box flew at least a yard wide. The crowd knew it, most of the Sheppey players knew it but strangely, the Sheppey touch judge raised his flag. The referee who should have had a good as view as anyone, gave the benefit of the doubt to the Islanders and thus, Vigo were behind. Rumours of the next Specsavers advert to be filmed on the sub-tropical area that is known as The Isle of Sheppey, are undoubtedly unfounded !! Nevertheless, the slope of Vigo’s reserve pitch, in action because of heavy frost making the first team pitch unplayable, is generally considered to be worth at least two scores. Vigo started to prove this theory, but first they had to subdue the excellent Sheppey back. Struggling for ball, Vigo were making little headway, although some meaty charges by the superb Andy Wilford and Matt Thorogood, gave back some to the Islanders. Winstone, as reliable as ever, regained the lead with another penalty as Vigo gradually began to get their game together. Then came the moment of madness that probably decided the match. An attempted penalty by Box dropped under the bar. Vigo’s defence all looked at the ball as though it was beneath their dignity to fall upon. The lively Craig Rowbotham, who had a marvellous match for the visitors, did what you are taught to do as soon as you are taught to pass the ball, and that is to chase everything. Whilst Vigo gave their impression of Easter Island statues, Rowbotham dived on the ball for the softest of tries to the amazement of both sets of supporters. Inspired and in desperate need of points, Sheppey flew at Vigo, who were forced back grudgingly. Only some brilliant counter rucking and grim defence by Vigo kept out the rampant Islanders. Rob Hayes was everywhere and it was no surprise that he figured heavily in Vigo’s try. Winning a scrum, Vigo attacked for arguably the most coherent passage of play by either side. Winstone made a slashing break, continued by Hayes who flew for the posts. Sensing the converging defenders he found Ban Paget, on as replacement, who joyously went over for the try, Winstone converting. With only injury time remaining, Vigo just needed to keep the ball in the Sheppey half, but Sheppey desperately fought back, forcing Vigo back inch by inch. Vigo struggled to clear the ball as Sheppey threw themselves into the fray, even the referee blocking an attempted clearance. There was some confusion as to the time remaining as thirty seconds apparently covered a line out resultant line-out and further clearance. Surely, that was time, but the referee decided otherwise and Sheppey had one last attack. And they scored. The line out throw was missed but Chris Baine managed to get to the loose ball and forced himself over in the corner to the unconfined joy of his teammates and supporter alike. Team: J.Weller (rep; B.Paget); J.Smith, O.Jarman, D.Winstone, A.King; D.Norton, M. Grassick; L.Walker, M.Thorogood, A.Higgins; A.Wilford (capt..), D.Cox; A.Porter (rep: D.Dunn),R.Hayes;D.Couchman Referee; S.Bradford (Kent) GOM’s view. Vigo’s brave display was spoilt by schoolboy errors. Sheppey perhaps deserved something as their never say die attitude earned them the points. Their pack refused to give up but Vigo’s forwards, though bending in the storm refused to break, and an absorbing match ensued. Again Vigo were missing crucial players in the threes but the ‘reserves’ strove mightily. Someone, somewhere has upset the Gods of Rugby to see so many injured threes this season, Weller forced off in this game to add to a litany of woes for the Club. |
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