SENSATIONAL FIRST HALF PERFORMANCE SECURES WOKING AWAY WIN
Merton RFC 17 vs Woking RFC 55
Following a rest week, it was back to action in Surrey Counties 5 as Woking travelled up the A3 to Merton. Despite several injuries and absences, Woking named a full 20-man squad and were ready to build on the form shown in earlier games that saw them topple the league leaders in their previous fixture.
From the start, Woking did not take their foot off the pedal with powerful runs from the forwards, from the returning James Turner-Wells and John Dickie gave which gave the new half back combination of Rhys Parker and Michael Aitchison plenty of time and space to orchestrate proceedings. With 18 minutes gone, Woking had raced into a 31-0 lead with tries coming from Captain on the day Keiran Williamson, Tom Capstick, Josh Claydon & Adam Quinn scoring a brace.
At their rate of scoring, it looked like Woking could rack up triple figures with the message going round was to not get complacent. However, a combination of trying to keep the ball alive in greasy conditions and a series of injuries saw prop Joe Griggs, hooker Mark Rose, centre Andy Walsh, and the influential Josh Claydon, the latter with a nasty broken thumb all depart in the space of 10 minutes. With their momentum taken away Woking had allowed Merton to come back into the game. However, Woking with the slope in their favour did manage to extend their lead as John Dickie and James Turner-Wells touched down.
Half time: Merton 0 – 45 Woking
Despite the emphasis on sticking to the gameplan Woking were unable to continue their scintillating first half form. Through a combination of playing uphill and changes due to the injuries sustained in the opening half Woking never regained their dominance.
Instead, it was Merton who gained the upper hand in terms of possession and territory as the visitor's defence worked hard to keep out a reinvigorated Merton side. Occasionally, thanks to individual brilliance Woking were able to add to their lead with a further 2 tries from Quinn who took his personal tally to 4 tries.
As Woking tired and reduced to 14 men because of a yellow card Merton were rewarded for their perseverance with 3 late tries.
Full Time: Merton 17 - 55 Woking
Captain for the day Keiran Williamson commented after the game “A bit of a mixed day. I was delighted on how we started and the ruthless brand of rugby we played. However, the injuries to key personnel and forgetting our game plan was a bit of a disappointment. Full credit to Merton for their efforts in the second half but we need to get back to training on Wednesday and focus for a tough home match against Feltham RFC.”