Tadley Bandits Skipper Steve Edney had a different aim, to win convincingly and to keep the Bandits in second place in the Merit league ahead of next weeks top of the table battle with Readingensians.
The pitch was firm after all the snow and the game started well for the Bandits with a swift try from centre James Moffat thanks to a clever switch of play from stand in 10 Simon Ansell, this was converted by Andy 'Wiz' Wisden. It what was a pulsating start to the game, Tadley Bandits took control of the game with the forwards winning opposition line outs and dominating in the scrum. Aide, Pikey and Edney were leading the charge in the front row with strong performances by Bosh and Jodi in the second row. More points should have been scored but over eagerness cost Tadely dear and the visitors tackling and commitment were top notch until late in the half when Bandit number 8 Dan went over for the 2nd try as he crashed through several of Wheatleys players of a stolen scrum. The Bandit flankers Mike Gibbons and Connor Roose were tackling like men possessed and creating many opportunities, Mike went over for the Tadley Bandits third try finishing of some superb team handling with Wiz coverting again. Wheatley created a good opportunity to get a deserved try just before half time to keep themselves in the game.
The second half saw a slow start as the visitors started well with Tadley Bandits spending lots of time in there own half and becoming a bit fractious. The nerves were calmed by newcomer Mike Maradona running from his fullback position to create then score a try on his club debut with some fancy ‘handywork’.
From this platform the Bandit backs went on to make several penetrating runs, weaving and crashing through Wheatleys defence. Super sub John Armstrong scored within minutes of coming on, an inspired subsituation by Edney.
Simon Ansell was commanding the backs at fly half and ran half the pitch to set up his long standing friend Neil Carter in a sensational try which could have been a flashback to their glory days from the early 1990's.
After dominating the line outs Jodi went forward and took a well worked try which was a well deserved after a huge contribution to the game.
Wheatley took a clever penalty kick and the bounce landed in the hands of their fast paced centre to get over Tadleys line for the second time. But again failed to make the conversion.
After another scintalating run from Armstrong Ben Sachs made the most of his changed position to centre to drive through Wheatleys forwards and backs, linking up with his centre partner James and other Bandits before crashing over the line to score Tadleys eighth try. The Bandits had six conversations all off the boot of Andy Wisden. Tadley were convincing winners, though the scoreline was slightly flattering considering Wheatleys gallant effort.
Steve Edney said 'this was a magnificent performance, the best game of our season so far. Every player was on top of their game but more importantly the team performance was one of total rugby, with players supporting each other at every breakdown and giving options on each run as we penetrated Wheatleys defence. We played together and for each other. Now we will take this performance into next weeks crucial top of the table battle against Readingensians at Red Lane in a game we need to win to stand a chance of winning the league.'
Bandits man of the match was Mike ‘Maradona’ Hill.
The Bandits- Maradona, Pete/Harvey, Saich, Moffat, Carter/ supersub jonny, Ansell, Wiz, Edney(C),Pike, Ady, Bosh, Kent, C Roose, Gibbons/Ali C, Big Dan |
