March 2nd 2008
Wimborne - Salisbury
See match photos on Nick Payne's online album

February 24th 2008
Wimborne - Trojans
9 Photos
See match photos on Nick Payne's online album

February 17th 2008
Wimborne 59 - 17 Blandford
6 Photos
See match photos on Nick Payne's online album

After last week's disappointment a new ground to travel to, sunny, windy, a bit of rain then sunny again Blandford. An interesting start to the day for some parents as they did the journey twice as ASHMORE had forgotten his boots! Good job petrol is so cheap! After the pre match warm up 'MOYSEY senior' volunteered to 'ref' the affair and soon had the two teams on their knees so he could check their studs. A premature whistle blow got the minute's silence underway which was overruled by the tannoy, so the boys respectfully stood for a little bit longer than they had hoped.

The match got underway and Wimborne soon found out where the Blandford strengths lay, some enormous forwards dwarfed some of the Wimborne pack and so Wimborne sought to use the speed in the backs. CHAMBERS playing at wing had a couple of runs but just failed to evade the defence. The first try of the game came from ASHMORE, a typical barging run from the No 8 picking up at the base of the scrum, making good use of the added grip that rugby boots give he battered a would be tackler and dived over. Wimborne kept the pressure on and turnover ball won by the mobile CHILVERS and then quick hands through the backs put CROSSLAND in space out wide. He rounded the defence to score in the corner. Blandford made good use of their forward power and the match was to remain competitive despite the early tries. ASHMORE continued his good display and put in tackle after tackle on the Blandford No 8 who must have been 7' 9" or so the boys said. QUINN made some good early tackles and pressured the Blandford line narrowly knocking on with an intercept and later chasing a charge down by CHILVERS who was making a right old nuisance of himself. It was time for BEST to announce himself into the game and from loose ball near the halfway line the Wimborne second row went for the line, with possibly 'hand off of the season' he demolished the last line of defence and went over for a terrific solo try. He continues to impress this season and was unlucky to be stopped short of the line after another fine run. COPLESTON caught and drove straight into a Blandford brick wall and ended up with a 'shiner' to be proud of. Following a quick reshuffle in the pack Wimborne resumed on the attack. Half time came and went which gave the ref time to get his breath back and for him to sort out his whistle. The second half saw the Blandford pack enjoy the benefit of the slope and using 'hightower' their No. 8 they scored two well deserved tries during the half. ARNAOUTI bravely attempted the tackle but could have done with a step ladder. The try of the game came from ALLWOOD who played with tenacity throughout, he opened the Blandford midfield up with a show of the ball then made for the line. A further try by CROSSLAND and his dad was getting a bit hot under the collar, surely not a hat trick and the purchase of a 'jug.' To the delight of the Wimborne crowd CROSSLAND was again put in space and rounded the defence to score his third try. The game came to a close and ALLWOOD was justifiably named man of the match.

Thanks go to Mike Moysey for 'reffing', a job that no one wants but all too many are happy to give their judgements from the wrong side of the side line! Thanks also to Blandford for their hospitality and its great to see another Dorset side in this age group. And so to the Blandford Clubhouse and CROSSLAND senior despite numerous attempts at escape made the purchase, 5 pints of froth and 1 pint of beer!
Well done boys!
The Coaches

The day started with bizarre diversion signs pointing the Wimborne faithful towards Dorchester, a drive through the country is nice but a normal diversion would have sufficed! All we wanted to do was play rugby. We are then shown around the new clubhouse, however I discover that porches are really quite expensive and we are shown through to the changing rooms which appear to be slightly similar to the previous ones. Any Swans readers please have a sense of humour, we have nothing similar yet!
The next great news is that the appointed referee has been lost or kidnapped between Verwood and Wareham so kindly Swans offer a referee. Even worse news straight from the kick off 'Rottweiller' MILSTEAD is felled by the Swans flanker and although he carried on for few minutes he had to come off. I am not surprised as he had broken his collar bone! Matt we wish you a speedy recovery, keep growling! In a very competitive first half the pattern formed of a much improved Swans side winning ball at the breakdown by ferocious rucking and Wimborne attempting to spread the ball but being thwarted by the excellent cover defence of Swans. On at least three occasions the 'Wimborne Flyer WILSON' took the outside but was taken into touch. Eventually good work by DICKSON saw him evade defenders and score well wide of the posts obviously wishing to test the kicking skills of MOYSEY who duly obliged by slamming it straight through the middle. The second half began and again due to the strong defensive lines of both teams scores were difficult to come by, however Swans were able to score in the corner and left the match at 8 to 7 to the home side. And that is how it finished so we wish Swans all the best in the next round. Sorry its brief but we will have better days! All the boys gave 100% today and deep down as coaches that is all we ever want and so we move on! Hopefully in years to come Dorset will grow like other surrounding counties and move to league cups where teams can be tested over a season and not on some Sunday in November!

If it wasn't enough I then discover that Dom and Lilia MOYSEY have been eliminated from 'Strictctly Come Dancing.'
All the best
'Proud Coaches'.

After last weeks local derby it was time to travel and so after the disappointment of the World Cup Final we set off in the direction of Bath. Some people had maps, some had 'sat navs' which were renamed to 'sat naffs' and some just followed the crowd.
Unfortunately for MOYSEYsenior the first people he met were RICHARDS senior (Welsh) and WILSON senior (Irish)!
After a welcoming chat from the referee which included him pointing out to the players, 'you can of course swear but I can of course penalise you!' the boys set about their business. The boys were of course relieved that there was no trace of an Irish or French accent when he spoke, it was obvious that there would be no fourth official to spoil the party either.
And so the match began watched by a capacity crowd of '53 and a dog'. The crowd included Nigel REDMAN of England, British Lions and the coach of England U19 but born in Cardiff! and what a match they witnessed. Wimborne set off to an encouraging start but found the Bath try line difficult to cross, both sides were competitive in the tackle and breakdown area. The backs were making good use of the width of the pitch, early chances for ALLWOOD, QUINN and PAYNE were 'snuffed out' by a strong defensive line.
The first points on the board fell to Wimborne with a superb backs move after the forwards had gained possession, MOYSEY played MAIDMENT into the gap from his full back position and 'Scotty was too hotty' for the defence and ran one in under the posts. MAIDMENT who had postponed a visit to Alton Towers was also providing an excellent last line of defence.
Bath were still very much in the match and scored a try of their own to leave the score close as half time approached. It very nearly became two as the Bath 'speedster' was in the clear, MAIDMENT again slowed the attack and LEES provided a superb cover tackle to prevent a certain try.
After another inspiring input from the coaches at half time and refreshments of 'magic water' Wimborne conceded a try virtually in the first minute of the second half. One of the tries of the day was to come, MOYSEY sidestepping three defenders and the referree was tackled, the ball was recycled and 'Rottweiller' MILSTEAD took the ball on and on outpacing the defence to score under the posts. Even Mr REDMAN was smiling!
Changes to the back line gave ASHMORE an opportunity in the centre, he provided solidity in the tackle but caused a bit of panic when he lobbed the ball straight into the hands of the Bath winger. He will not be kicking again!
The improvement in the Wimborne tackling and contact area was there for all to see. Bath pressed and certainly for the majority of the second half looked like scoring but could not capitalise on their increased possession. Two tries were scored by Bath which left the score at 17 - 14.
Then came an effort of a late drop goal by the Bath No 10 which was charged down bravely by Captain HOLMAN who was obviously seeking Lewis MOODY like facial features. After that it all became a 'bit of a blur'. Wimborne started to drive the Bath scrum off the ball, were successful at counter rucking and even manged to make ground in the maul. COPLESTON and HOLMAN continued to put the tackles in and then HUGHES recognising the urgency ripped the ball at contact almost carrying a Bath player with him.
It was clear to all the Wimborne players and all the Wimborne parents that the 'last throw of the dice' had to be to get it to the left wing. Quick hands by MOYSEY, ASHMORE and QUINN saw the ball eventually land in the hands of WILSON the 'Wimborne Flyer.' Much to everyones delight he rounded four defenders before stepping back inside the full back and touched it down under the posts. MOYSEY maintained his 100% kicking record on the day and left the score at Bath 17 Wimborne 21.
What a game and what a finish! An excellent squad effort was rounded off with a 'pasty and squash' in the clubhouse.
Thank you to Bath for the fixture and the referee for his time.
The Coaches

Another fabulous day for rugby, the sun was shining, England had won the night before and so we travelled to Chapel Gate for the 'local derby'. With an injury list now occupying two benches and some players committed on 'school duties' Wimborne were pleased to have such a big squad. Twenty available from thirty four meant we had to dig deep but to see all the injured turn up to support shows what a committed and close squad we have built.

Much to the delight of 'MOYSEY senior', the first people he met at Bournemouth RFC were RICHARDS (Welsh), WILSON (Irish) and MALLACE (Scottish), obviously it was pointed out that he was the odd one out as he was the only one left in the World Cup! On such occasions we are British so come on England!

Bournemouth were in a similar position with availability and so the game got underway. Early success in the ruck led to ample possession for the Wimborne backs, aggressive tackling by the Bournemouth midfield kept them in the game, despite heavy tackles on MOYSEY and MALLACE both players thankfully and bravely continued in a disciplined way. The early Wimborne possession was countered by good use of the boot by the Bournemouth 10.

However the Wimborne 10 MOYSEY began to use his boot with an attacking purpose and put pressure on the defence by kicking the ball into space for WILSON to chase. It is fair to say that WILSON is fast and to much applause from the travelling support he raced in for two tries. More applause came from 'Steve' when he saw that WILSON had been substituted and so he had been saved from a 'getting a jug.'

The Wimborne forwards continued to dominate in the ruck and excellent tackling from 'Captain' CHILVERS, MILSTEAD and BEST meant ample ball for the Wimborne backs. Good work by 'Man of the Match' COATES-WALKER, COPLESTON,SMITH and LEES meant that the forwards were always pressurising the Bournemouth ball, even managing a few turn overs at the maul by driving the ball on. CROSSLAND managed a score in this period of dominance and MILSTEAD also touched down.

Come half time the players were 'mullered' and despite a refreshing drink of magic water they were left second best in the opening of the second half. Fair play to Bournemouth their magic water must have been better than ours because their heads had not dropped and they started to win possession at the contact area, deservedly they got back into the match and managed three second half tries.

Despite the second half onslaught Wimborne 'dug deep' and hung on, an excellent passage of play in the last few minutes showed what they lack in size they have in abundance in ball skills.

Thanks go to a much improved Bournemouth team for a competitive encounter and to the referee for his excellent display. Superb camera work by QUINN senior just managed to catch the back of the head of linesman HOLMAN but fortunately 'Smax' was also available with some action shots.

Thanks also to all the injured players that turned up to watch and offer their constructive advice from the touchline!

The Coaches

Firstly a big thank to Sherborne for this last minute invitation. There are some clubs that you never mind travelling to because the hospitality is always great and the rugby is always played in the right spirit, competitive but fair.

This is what rugby is all about, a drive through the Countryside (slightly longer if you are one parent!), the ref explaining 'no conversions from the road end cos' it might hit passing cars,' two Wimborne players injured but wanting to support their mates and thirty odd youngsters desperate to get on the pitch.
With both sides depleted due to injuries and D & W trials it was great just to get a game on, a big thanks to those Wimborne players that 'donned' Sherborne colours for the day.
The games first try was a joy to watch as the forwards won the ball, the backs passed along the line to winger CROSSLAND who discovered the joy of a 'firm but fair hand off' before outpacing the defence. Apparently he has been practising on his dad!
Sherborne mindful of the Wimborne pace in the backs did the right thing and started to play it tight in the forwards. The mauling game did not suit Wimborne but gradually they started to realise the key to success was to get the ball away form the contact area.
The two centres QUINN and MAIDMENT fed by the elusive MOYSEY worked well together, MAIDMENT on his return from that other sport beginning with 'F' took some excellent running lines which saw him score two tries. MOYSEY managed two successful conversions and had he been kicking instead of the current kicker for Wimborne Third Team they may have won as well.
Gradually the Wimborne forwards lead by 'Rottweiller' Captain MILSTEAD started to win more ball by being more competitive at the contact area. SMITH enjoyed two lineout steals and newcomer COPPLESTONE made a very impressive start at prop. With BEST and LEES winning ball at the lineout Wimborne looked in control. LAWES came close to the try line with one of his strong runs but a try for the forwards was not to be.
A last thanks to the Sherborne Ref and his linesman 'Wun armed Wixy' who allowed open play and were not forever blowing up.
An excellent start to the new season with a clear desire to play exciting open rugby, a few things to work on namely the scrum and keeping the ball in contact, but then again so have the Welsh!
The Coaches were delighted with the team performance, please dismiss the rather pensive looks from the side line they were trying to work out which premises to stop at on the way home.
The Coaches

Sunday September 23rd
LEXUS FESTIVAL

Another invitation to this year's event saw us travel to Chipping Sodbury RFC. The match reporter did not attend due to work commitments so this report will consist of fact, rumour and some things will just be made up.
Placed in a group with last years winners Monmouth, Wallingford and Cirencester this was going to be a competitive day. According to reports the boys didn't really get going in the first match against Cirencester who proved far too strong, so not the best of starts but things were to get better except for the injuries.
The second match Wimborne v Monmouth, a replay of last years final so the boys stepped up a gear and after a good supply of 'e numbered' sweets they played some fantastic rugby. Unfortunately the first injury occurred and 'Wun armed Wixy Richards' as he is now known went down after a physical tackle resulting in a broken collar bone.
Despite this the boys continued to play attacking rugby and defeated Monmouth. This left them with it all to do in their last Pool Match, in simple terms a try scoring 'fest' was required in the last game against Wallingford. In a thrilling encounter we won but just failed to secure a bonus point which saw us exit the competition, unfortunately this saw another casualty namely Zak Hurdle with a shoulder dislocation. What a day! Best wishes to both boys for a speedy recovery.
Another casualty of the day was the 'Richards' Gazebo which went airborne and was found in a nearby field alongside an 'Exeter Chiefs' rugby ball deposited there by a disgruntled Wimborne parent somewhat 'chuffed off' with it persistently landing on his pint glass.
Thanks to Alan BURBIDGE for his first aid efforts on the day but quite frankly he did absolutely nothing for the gazebo.
Thanks very much to Lexus for their kind invitation to a well organised event. We look forward to next year.
The Coaches