Indiscipline and mistakes prove costly for Woking.

Woking were soon penalised for not rolling away in the tackle allowing Haslemere to kick deep into the Woking half. This was a pattern that would continue throughout the first half enabling Haslemere to build continuous pressure. Woking defended their line impressively, but the hosts finally crossed for an unconverted try. More indiscipline allowed Haslemere to again work their way down the pitch and a further penalty for again not rolling away 5m from the Woking line resulted in Haslemere taking a quick tap penalty and scoring as several Woking defenders turned their back on play.

Eventually, Woking did work their way into the Haslemere half and got on the front foot with good handling by the backs seeing the ball make its way to both wingers to test their opponent’s defence. Just as Woking were coming back into the game miscommunication between backs and forwards lead to a mistake and the ball bouncing favourably for Haslemere to score a breakaway try under the posts.

Half time:  Haslemere 17 - Woking 0

Knowing that the first score of the second half would be pivotal Woking came out fired up to offer a more attacking threat and to get back in the game. Unlike the first half Woking started breaking the Haslemere defence and gaining yards. Largely due to strong running from Woods, Neil-Dickie, and Sines as well as Francis when he came on.

Mid way through the half Jacob Woods capitalised on a loose haslemere line out to power over from 15m out, taking several defenders with him as he crossed the line. Parker converting. With the game in the balance and Woking growing stronger there was still time to turn things around. The next 20 minutes were competitive with Woking putting their opponents under sustained pressure without really ever taking their opportunities. This was through a combination of more indiscipline and a lack of composure at crucial times.

A further penalty enabled Haslemere to gain good field position and with the final play of the match from the resulting lineout the Haslemere pack recycled the ball well and with the Woking defence stretched they scored under the posts.

Final score - Haslemere 24 - Woking 7

Mick O’Shea, Woking Captain

“I felt confident coming into the match that we could get a positive result. Haslemere are a good side that have been playing together several seasons and were up for it today. Indiscipline and mistakes cost us in the first half and if we had been able to convert our chances in the second half, we could well be talking about our first league win of the season.”

Next Fixture – Mitcham & Carshalton (H) Sat 29th January, 2pm Byfleet Rec