Drybrook 7ptsWells 21pts
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Drybrook’s proud unbeaten home record finally fell with this defeat by Somerset visitors Wells. By a strange quirk of fate it was Wells who were also the last visiting team to win at the Mannings, way back in February 2012, a run of 34 matches.
This time Wells were well worth their victory as they outplayed Drybrook for long periods and with the home side not on their best form, the outcome was seldom in doubt.
Wells started strongly and created an overlap in the 2nd minute but Drybrook just managed to keep them out. Further pressure followed and following a failed penalty attempt in the 4th minute the visitors took the lead with a second kick after Drybrook were penalised for not rolling away.
It took Drybrook 18 minutes before they made any inroads into Wells territory and outside half Alun Richards was unlucky to see his penalty kick rebound off the upright.
It was quick and slick from both teams but Wells began to shade it in terms of territory and possession and Drybrook were forced to defend for a long period.
Drybrook’s best attack of the half came to nothing when winger Mitch Baldwin just failed to hang on to the ball after some good support play involving several players.
Wells continued to ask a lot of questions of the Drybrook defence but both teams looked a little relieved to hear the half time whistle.
Half Time:
Drybrook 0pts
Wells 3pts
Five minutes into the second half Wells finally scored a try when quick recycling of the ball led to a break down the blind side and a score in the corner.
Two minutes later Drybrook found themselves defending their own line again and disaster struck when a charged down clearance kick led to a second try.
Drybrook responded very positively and relentless attacking almost brought a try for second row Marcus Cowles under the posts. Continued pressure followed and it came as no surprise when a gap finally opened and fullback Kristian Taft ran in under the sticks.
Richards converted to get Drybrook right back in it but from the restart Wells scored again, this time with a penalty kick following a high tackle.
Richards had the chance himself to pull back 3 points a few minutes later but pulled his effort wide and then a delightful break from Taft almost led to a second try for Drybrook.
Richards’s next penalty attempt went agonisingly close but Wells held on and began to frustrate Drybrook with some excellent defensive work, never allowing the home side any space or time on the ball.
With 10 minutes remaining the Drybrook backs attempted to move the ball wide but replacement winger Gareth Holdsworth failed to hang onto the pass and the ball went straight into the hands of his opposite number who raced clear from half way for the deciding score.
Drybrook tried to hit back but did not look capable of closing the gap against such a well organised and competent visiting team.
The Watts Contract Services players of the match for Drybrook were Danny Price and Luke Fisher.
Drybrook; Kristian Taft, Mitch Baldwin, Luke Fisher, Ben Large (Capt), Sam Peaper, Alun Richards, Tom Treherne, Dean Jelf, Ashley Howells, Elliot White, Niall Gibbons, Marcus Cowles, Danny Price, Lee Ward, Mitch Bourne.
Replacements; Jose Kabile, Gareth Holdsworth, Mitch Renton.
