Romans stay top July 2015

Romans stay top after seesaw Swindon St. George fixture

Courtesy of Bath & Wiltshire Romans RLFC

Bath & Wiltshire Romans RLFC made hard work of a 42-26 victory over Swindon St. George at their Supermarine ground. The victory sees them maintain their 100% West of England Premier League unbeaten record at the top of the table with 4 wins from 4.

The Romans raced into a 16-0 lead with first Joe Knight, who has been in outstanding form, bursting through the defensive line to run 40 yards to score near the sticks and was dually converted by Huw Parks. Shortly after prop Olly Spence ran a good line to go over near the sticks again with Parks converting, second row Justin Reid went over from close range with attention from two defenders.

Then St. George struck back as the Romans seem to get ‘lackadaisical’ when they get into the lead and take the foot off the gas. St. George scored two tries in quick succession via Mike Keeley and Bruce Vuetanatotoka as the Romans made a few errors and gave away penalties. This brought the score to 16-10 with all to play for.

However, Romans new prop on debut Paul Bond couldn’t quite believe a gap had opened in the defence and he stormed over from 10 yards out. Parks missed the conversion for a half time score of 20-10 in the Romans favour.

Bath & Wiltshire Romans RLFC Olly Spence
Romans prop Olly Spence runs into heavy traffic from Swindon St. George defenders from left to right Bruce Vuetanatotoka, Macauley Reynolds, and Carl Baker

Romans full-back Jimmy Godfrey was first on the score sheet in the second half out pacing and out stepping the St. George defence to go over half way between the side line and the post. Then another debutant centre Ross Pollock pick up a loose ball from a defensive position to race 40 yards and go over unopposed under the sticks with Parks converting.

However, again the Romans let St. George back in with an unconverted try via Charlie Cox in the corner bringing the score to 30-14. It wasn’t long before Joe Knight scooted away for his second try and converted himself after Parks was having a mixed day with the boot, 36-14. St. George again came back into the game when half-back Connor Tomley did a clever chip over the Romans defence and gathered to score under the sticks, 36-20.

The Romans then attacked down the right hand side to give substitute wing Matty James the opportunity to side step the wing defence and go over near the posts unopposed and Joe Knight converted bringing the score to 42-20. There was one last twist with St. George having the last word with a converted try by Scott Neary for a final score of 42-26 to the Romans.

romans vs swindon 2 July 2015
Romans Loose Forward and captain for the day Joe Knight fends of the Swindon St. George defence

Romans spokesperson Chris Chatten said “We expected a tight game and it was challenging for us at times. As a new club we are really impressed with the togetherness in the squad as we have new players coming in ever week from different environments and different union clubs. However, we will also look forward to welcoming back Armed Forces internationals Mike Harrison & Tom Howley (Player-Coach) next week after their tour of Australia”

The Romans are still keen to recruit new players for the run in and end of season play offs anyone wanting to get involved in the club as a player or a volunteer should contact them via:

Twitter: @RomansRLFC
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/romansRLFC
Email: romansrlfc@gmail.com

You May Also Like