Sun 27 Apr 2025, 11:30
Sunday saw the Senior Academy travel to Petersfield for the rescheduled U18 Hants Bowl final vs Tadley.
This was always going to be a hotly contested game and with weather to match it didn’t disappoint.
With Wimborne choosing to receive the kick off we expected to control early possession, to the contrary Tadley got under their own kick and immediately put Wimborne under pressure in their 22, this gave Tadley the opportunity to settle themselves into their game plan and it paid off with an early converted try, 7-0 Tadley.
From the restart Wimborne showed calm resilience and confidence producing several scoring opportunities of their own and it wasn’t long before they crossed the line after some slick and well timed passes. 7-7
Wimborne this time controlling the restart set about Tadley keeping lots of momentum and possession and if they lost the ball, rapidly set themselves into their season long strong and aggressive defence line allowing them to regain possession before Tadley could gain any significant territory.
This consistent quality playing style from Wimborne was soon rewarded with a penalty kick, Score 7-10, this was followed in quick succession by an even more stylish second try, although the conversion attempt striking the upright. 7-15
Tadley although with their heads slightly down created many opportunities but always from deep in their half and with Wimborne’s confidence in each other’s ability growing, they snuffed out these threats and turned Tadley around time after time.
Wimborne building pressure from putting strong carries together and then stretching Tadley from side to side opened up 4 or 5 more scoring opportunities but just falling short of the finishing pass or legs to cross the line again. It has to be said this was in part due to Tadley and their defensive effort’s frustrating the Wimborne players and supporters alike.
Both sides battled on and Wimborne went into halftime with a well worked and deserved scoreline of 7- 15
If anyone thought this was probably the game won they very much underestimated the quality, depth and passion both teams possess and the 2nd half became an enthralling exhibition of U18s Rugby of the highest calibre.
It was side to side, turnover to turnover, Kick to kick, pass to pass, tackle to tackle, an evenly matched 15 mins, nervous yet enjoyable for all those there to witness. Wimborne kept thier heads and scored a well worked try and the conversion kicked 7 - 22.
The match continued in fascinating style, but Something had to give and it was Wimborne allowing Tadley to breakaway through a unusual gap in their defence and Tadley slotted the conversion. 22 - 14.
The game was back on for Tadley and they raised the tempo yet higher and to the delight of the spectator so did Wimborne.
Again great attacking play was met by even better defensive play from both sides and it was going to be another uncharacteristic error in Wimborne defensive line that allowed a sniping run form the scoring opportunity for Tadley which they gladly took and again kicked the conversion.
Scoreline with 7 mins to go 21 - 22.
Wimborne although now feeling the heat of a slender 1 point lead gathered themselves, plugged the gaps, and put Tadley under energy sapping pressure, with a try deemed held up over the line and 2 if not 3 scoring opportunities missed by being taken into touch just metres short- it was now or never for either side.
Wimborne made it their trophy to hold aloft when after a sublime passage of endless possession they crossed in the corner with 3 mins to go.
Still with the conversion to come Tadley had hope in a six point game, 21 - 27.
This kick would be a 50/50 completion rate at Premiership level, 1 yard in from the touchline and 35 yards out from the tryline, with a calm head and cool body language up stepped a Wimborne player to put the game out of reach. And with the sweetest connection off the tee the ball flew straight between the uprights and over the cross bar with just few a inches to spare.
You Beauty!!!! 21 - 29
Wimborne now had to receive a kick stay calm, composed and play rugby in Tadley’s half, which they did, forcing errors from Tadley as they tried to play catch up rugby.
It wasn’t to be for them and the Final Whistle blew to cheers for Wimborne but it has to be said this match was one to remember for both sides, not for winning or for losing but for the pure outstanding performance from both teams on the day.
Thank you Tadley for a fantastic match.
Congratulations has to go to someone though and today its to Wimborne Senior Academy, Hants U18’s bowl winners 2025.
One last comment from the Coaches, well done to the 7 U18’s that now progress onto Senior Rugby next season you have all set a standard throughout the Academy that next season will be hard to match, but due to your huge efforts this season I’m sure you have left the players staying within the Academy next season with no doubt of what is expected of them.
Best of Luck to all of you for what the future holds and we look forward to seeing everyone involved within the Academy this season pulling on the Wimborne shirt next season.
