ABBEY WOOD 25 Sea View RFC 24

HISTORY was made on Wednesday of last week when Sea View RFC, the youngest rugby club in Wales travelled away to Abbey Wood RFC, the youngest rugby club in England, for a midweek friendly.

An impressive, floodlit arena was the stage for one of the most enjoyable games of rugby that the View has been involved in since the club’s creation nearly 2 years ago.

The ceremonies began with a minute's silence for Willo’s father, Mickey Williams, who sadly passed away on Tuesday, March 16.

Despite this difficult time, Willo performed admirably in his milestone 25th game for the club and our deepest sympathies go out to his family members for their loss.

The game kicked off with Sea View receiving. Strong running from Leon Ford, returning from injury, set the high benchmark for what was going to be a brilliant game of rugby. Sterling work at the breakdown by Chris Hann and Trevor Huelin provided quick, clean ball for stand-in scrum-half Reth Davies.

Early Sea View pressure was countered by a brilliant Abbey Wood defence and for 10 minutes the scores were tied at 0-0.

Led by the Skipper, Jon Blake, the View totally dominated the scrums, winning over 50 per cent of the opposition ball and not losing one of their own for the entire match. This provided the perfect platform to allow the backs to obtain undisturbed ball through the game.

Sea View were unable to capitalise on their early dominance and this allowed Abbey Wood to gain their composure and start to take control of the game.

A long spell of Abbey Wood possession found them on the Sea View try line but superb defensive tackling from Wayne Burston and Jaffa Braithwaite kept Abbey Wood from scoring.

However, a moment of indiscipline resulted in a penalty being awarded to the home side, which was easily converted from under the posts.

Undeterred by the concession, Sea View battled hard and were awarded a lineout 15 yards from the Abbey Wood line. A trademark lineout manoeuvre saw Leon Ford break through the Abbey Wood pack and crash over the line to score the first try of the game. Unfortunately, Glyn ‘Gumbo’ Smith was unable to convert.

Abbey Wood came back strongly and another penalty was awarded to the home side after an illegal attempt to get the ball by the View pack. Another 3 points were added to the Abbey Wood total, from 20 yards out, as the Sea View pack paid the price for their indiscipline.

Sea View dominated the next 10 minutes of play, with Steve ‘Hollywood’ Ball linking up nicely with his backline. However, a wayward pass by Chris Taylor allowed the Abbey Wood winger to scoop the ball and run the full length of the field to score a converted try under the posts.

Despite the setback, the View battled on, showing the attitude that has gained them their ‘never-say-die’ reputation.

Chris Taylor made up for his earlier mistake with a brilliant catch and a strong run. After stunning interplay from the backs, they were rewarded with a penalty 5 yards from the goal line.

Reth Davies took a quick ‘tap & go’ and the ever-supportive Trevor Huelin was able to receive the ball and power his way over the line. Due to an injury to Glyn Smith, Steve Ball volunteered to take the kick which he unfortunately missed.

The Sea View try somehow took Abbey Wood up a gear and provided the home side with the confidence that they seemed to lack at the start of the game and as their forwards piled on the pressure, great handling from their backs enabled them so gain an unconverted try before the break. Half time score: Abbey Wood 18, Sea View 10.

Entering the second half, Abbey Wood aimed to continue with a tight-rucking game-plan with the intent to control the game by moving around the heavier Sea View pack.

This was successful for long periods and the home side enjoyed a lot of possession.

However, their forwards occasionally over-committed to rucks, leaving large overlaps on the outside which Sea View failed to exploit, mostly due to handling errors.

Eventually, the rucking game began to take its toll on a tiring Sea View pack and the Abbey Wood flanker finished a well worked try under the posts, leaving an easy conversion for their kicker.

Some much needed substitutions were made, which included the return of Ross Adams after a long ankle injury. Justin Sammut and Tim Fowler both slotted into the side well, producing some great runs and tackles.

The View, inspired by the leadership of their senior players, rallied for the last 10 minutes and wisely encouraged their younger wide men to capitalise on the tiring Abbey Wood team.

The home side resorted to some tactical kicking to relieve the pressure but Sea View eventually stretched the home defence, with Chris Burston scoring two converted tries as the game drew to a close.

Frantic Abbey Wood attempts to get the ball out of play were thwarted by Sea View’s hunger and determination, but a handling mistake at the base of the ruck provided the necessary stoppage to allow the referee to blow the final whistle.

Final Score: Abbey Wood 25, Sea View 24. A thrilling end to a thrilling match.

The Bristol-based side will be coming on tour to South Wales during the off-season where Sea View will again be their opponents.

Sea View would like to thank Abbey Wood RFC for their generosity in paying for the mini bus in which Sea View travelled to Bristol. This gesture emphasised the spirit of the sport and the friendships that are created between distant clubs.

Thank you also to Willo for staying sober and being our chauffeur, Frank for washing the kits so quickly, Justin Sammut for escorting the minibus and picking up the stragglers, Ben Cotter for travelling from Swindon to make it and, as always, our main kit sponsor LNC Floor Coverings Ltd for making our first international friendly a reality!

The View face a bottom of the Premier League battle against Tongwynlais this Saturday, which is sure to be a exciting game at the base of the valleys.

Then, their final league fixture is a home derby v Sully Sports on Saturday, April 10. Hope to see you there. C’mon the View!