LAST GASP TRY DENIES WOKING VETS

Woking kicked off and enthusiastically took the game to their hosts forcing them deep into their own territory.

The early exchanges set the tone for the match with both sides extremely physical in the tackle and at the breakdown. Back rower Steve Rhodes and, second row Dan Hills set the benchmark with some crunching hits that repelled the attempts of the Guildford ball carriers to make ground. Woking’s early pressure told when Woking charged down a Guildford clearance kick for Paul Rose to touch down.   

As the drizzle came down the Woking pack were enjoying success in the scrums and line outs without being able to convert it into points. As the half ended the Woking pack were held up following a catch and drive from a line out close to the Guildford line meaning they went in 5-0 up.

Guildford started the second half strongly having been taken aback by the quality and consistency of the Woking play in the first half. With both sides making rolling substitutes the game ebbed and flowed with both sides having periods of pressure relieved by indiscipline or errors as the ageing bodies tired.

A series of penalties allowed Woking to get deep into Guildford territory and following several phases of play prop Jol Nash powered over. Mike Aitchison added the extras from in front of the posts.

Having extended their lead, the Woking defence was finally breached as Guildford scored a converted try of their own to make it 12-7 when the influential Hills was sent to the sin bin. Despite their numerical advantage Guildford could not add to their score.

Back to their full complement Woking were able to work a catch and drive from a line out to the Guildford goal line. Despite committed defence from Guildford Woking were able to recycle the ball before it was popped to forward Dan Christmas to finish off.

Yet again Guildford came back and refused to accept that the game was a lost. With just 4 minutes remaining and after Woking had conceded territory and possession through a series of penalties, they worked an opportunity to score out wide. The conversion was missed meaning Woking still led 19-12.

With enough time remaining for the restart Woking kicked off knowing that the next time the ball went dead the game would be over. However, there was one final twist as a tired and slightly misplaced restart gave Guildford just enough time to gather the ball cleanly and work it wide. With the Woking defence scrambling to get across the park the hosts backline had too much pace for the cover to sprint the length of the pitch to score under the posts. With scores tied 17-17 Guildford converted the easy kick to snatch victory.

After the match Mike Aitchison said, ‘For our first ever official vets fixture I couldn't be prouder of the guys. Most of the squad probably have not played for at least 6 or 7 years so it was great to see so many old faces, many of whom have still got it. Guildford have an established side so if you had told me before the match that the difference would be 2 points I would have been pleased. However, to lose it in the manner we did is a touch disappointing, but credit to Guildford for not giving up’.