The first half was marked by injury and numerous penalties. Two WNEC players suffered injury in the first half, but the team stayed strong, playing much of the first half in Westfield territory, but squandered our chances through ill discipline and loose possession security, but the lapses were more mental than any problems with skill or technique, as to be expected in the first match of the spring campaign. After the first half came to a close, the score stood drawn at 0-0, with our defense being a particular strongpoint.
In the second half, Westfield came out firing and put together a period of sustained pressure on the WNEC line before darting over for a score off a five meter scrum. Although the kick was missed, Westfield clearly enjoyed taking the lead by 5-0.
Their advantage was to be short lived, however, as the sting of a conceded try brought WNEC to life and we kicked into a higher gear of intensity and aggression. Aggressive physicality at the ruck protected the ball and several players stepped up with powerful carries to hammer into the Westfield red zone before eightman Stephen Farnham powered over under the posts. Loosehead prop Ryan Shultz nailed the conversion to take a 7-5 lead for the visitors. A second try was not long in coming as WNEC powered into the defense before scrumhalf Zack Phelan put replacement winger Jon Fields down the sideline, who showed great skill to draw the defender and offload back inside to Phelan for the scrumhalf to vault over in the corner for a try on his birthday. Although the difficult kick fell just short, the WNEC sideline honored their Captain with a rousing rendition of the Happy Birthday Song.
After another lengthy break for an injury, Westfield made a raft of substitutions and were able to scrap back into WNEC territory. Although we were able to steal the ball off them, two attempts to clear the ball upfield were foiled and Westfield eventually scrambled over in the corner at the death, earning their kicker a shot to tie the match, but the kick had neither distance nor direction and WNEC were victorious 12-10.
Special recognition to Jake Eastman and Dan Fonseca, both of whom came off the bench to make their debut for the club at lock and outside center, respectively.
For me, the Man of the Match had to be scrumhalf Zack Phelan. He was tireless and fearless about the pitch in defense, controlled his pack well, and delivered good passes from the base. Being on hand to score his try was the icing on the cake. Plus, his mom made cupcakes for the team.
Special mentions have to go out to Ryan Shultz, who's kicking not only made the difference on the scoreline, but was also a potent territorial weapon, including a monster sixty yard punt from one twenty-two to the other, to the whole of the backline, who's defense and tackling were excellent, and to flanker Van Nguyen, for managing to get himself one half of a yellow card.
WNEC 12 (Tries S. Farnham, Z. Phelan, Conversion R. Shultz 1/2) to Westfield 10 (Two tries, no conversions)
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| Bridging, sir? |
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