As winter finally thawed for long enough to allow a game of rugby, The Pump Technology Sponsored Tadley, champing at the bit for a game after a 6 week gap between league games, took on Wimborne in the return leg of their Southern Counties league fixture.

Earlier in the season, abysmal weather had seen the powerful Wimborne pack outmuscle Tadley in the tight to see them run out comfortable victors. However, following some positive training sessions, Tadley were eager to avenge this defeat and get 2009 off on a positive note.

The home side welcomed back Stuart ‘Clippy’ Campbell in the second row and Gareth Cripps-Jones on the wing to bolster the ranks and when flyhalf Charlie Cox’s first kick off of the game not only made it past the half way line, but also carried a full ten metres, there was a feeling that this would be a good day for Tadley.

Indeed the Red Lane boys started well, retaining possession and frustrating the opposition into giving away penalties. Coach Mark Vatcher had called for patience in attack before the game and this seemed to be more apparent as Tadley were able to build phases and apply pressure. With ten minutes gone, Gordon Grierson finished off a period of sustained Tadley pressure by crashing over from close range. Cox duly converted and the home side had a 7-0 lead.

More of the same followed with committed tackling throughout the side blunting the efforts of the visitors. Tadley possession was used effectively and again some powerful forward inter-play led to a second try for number 8 Mike Keeley.

Unfortunately, midway through the first half Tadley were reduced to 14 men. A reshuffle was required in the midfield which saw Darren Staley step out from the back row. A period of consolidation ensued as the side adjusted to being a player short. There was still time before the half time whistle for Gavin Dampies to make his mark as he showed that he hadn’t left all of his pace in the bars of South Africa over Christmas and still had enough gas to touch down under the posts to extend the lead to 19-0 at half time.

The second half saw the home side weather a storm from the Wimborne forwards but the questions that were asked received affirmative answers as the Tadley defence held firm, even as the boggy ground started to really sap the energy from tired legs unused to a full 80 minutes of recent game time.

It was a tribute to the determination of the home side that they managed to keep the visitors to zero until virtually the last 5 minutes of the game. A late consolation try for the visitors was not enough to dampen the spirits of the Tadley camp though, and a 19-7 victory was satisfying and well-deserved. There is still plenty to come from this talented and improving squad of players and with a jam-packed schedule of games over the next few months, make sure you’re around to support the boys as they bid to make a move up the table.

Tadley – Dampies, Cripps-Jones, Williams, Pike, Smith, Cox, Bailey, Grierson, Summers(Swadders 55), Lowe, Harris, Campbell(Titley 60), Murray©, Staley, Keeley