Wyke Rugby Match Report

Wyke rugby team came back from 24-12 to earn a 24-24 draw against their local rivals Wilberforce College.

The first half started disastrously for Wyke as straight away from kick off they were under pressure after the ball bounced into touch on the left edge. To make matters worse the referee penalised them for offside putting them under immense amounts of pressure early in the game. But fair play to Wyke as they held out and forced an error after a couple of big hits from Ellis Dickinson.

The game was end to end before an error from Wyke gained Wilberforce some momentum which only increased following another penalty for offside and then a penalty for dissent. The Wyke defence finally fell apart as a switch play to the left hand side put Wilberforce’s winger over in the corner.

Wilberforce piled on the attack once again but a stray pass on the right flank was intercepted by Kieran Wilson who showed some pace to race ninety metres only to be caught by the Wilberforce full back. From the following set, Wilberforce conceded a penalty because the markers were not square and Ellis Dickinson barged over to the left of the posts. The try was converted by Wilson to edge Wyke two points in front.

Wilberforce hit straight back through their full back who scooted from near his own line to sprint past the disorientated home defence. Wyke gifted Wilberforce valuable field position again as their kick off went straight out on the full. The away team capitalised on this mistake as the left side centre crashed over to extend their lead.

But on the stroke of half time Wyke hit back through hooker Tom Greenham who dummied over close to the line.

Half Time score 16-12

The second half started the same as the first half with Wilberforce making the most of an error strewn first half as quick hands saw the full back score his second of the game, quickly followed by the centre also completing a brace of tries. Luckily for Wyke neither try was converted leaving them only twelve points behind Wilberforce.

With under ten minutes remaining Wyke have themselves a chance as Sam Simms crashed over from close range which was easily converted by Wilson leaving a six point deficit. Wyke's perseverance paid off as quick hands to the left hand edge sent Daniel Williams over in the corner, calm under pressure Kieran Wilson kicked his fourth conversion from four attempts to level the game. But unfortunately Wyke couldn't take advantage of having an extra man following Wilberforce having a man sin binned for dissent and the game finished 24-24 with conversions being Wilberforce’s downfall as they outscored Wyke five tries to four.