OWs smashed up by Vandals

The Counts were facing a significant injury crisis which forced them to recall prop Dan Bell five years after he made his last appearance, which meant that the combined ages of the two props, Bell and Paul Harris, was over 100. Within the first few minutes of the match, Walcountians lost their most penetrative back, Dom Barnaby, with the recurrence of a hamstring injury and the visitors took just four minutes to open their account with a try.

There was optimism that Walcountians might claw their way back into contention when fly-half Alex French banged over a penalty in the eighth minute. However, Vandals speedy and skilful threequarter line soon extinguished such hopes by running in two quick tries in succession in the 15th and 16th minutes.

The Counts however did not lack commitment and they appeared to be turning the tables on Vandals in a torrid 15-minute spell which saw them camped in the Vandals 22. Powerful ball-carrying by key forwards Dom Bell, Joe Henderson and Olly Sanders forced Vandals into desperate defence, and they were supported by intelligent tactical play from half-backs Alex French and Tom Downes. Unfortunately, the Counts were unable to breach the Vandals defensive line, the closest being in the 28th minute when they were held up on the Vandals line.
Vandals ran in two more tries either side of the break through centre Karl Hoade and winger Luke Phair.

Walcountians refused to be disheartened by this setback and continued to meet the challenge from Vandals head on, and keep the match scoreless for over 20 minutes. However, battle fatigue from their Herculean efforts began to tell in the final quarter when Vandals took advantage of the sin-binning of prop Paul Harris and injury to Counts skipper Joe Henderson to run in four more tries.

Walcountians have no match next Saturday and return to action on 16 March when they travel to Hove. Kick-off at Shirley Drive, Hove is at 3pm.