Scunthorpe 64 - 19 Wellingborough

Wellingborough made their furthest journey of the season as they travelled to Scunthorpe in search of their first win of the season.

Borough were forced to make a number of changes in the week leading up to the fixture and as previous weeks, had a number of first choice players missing through injuries and holidays. The most significant of these being Nick Murphy, who was replaced by John Crabtree.

The game started at a good pace with both teams looking to run the ball in perfect playing conditions. Scunthorpe crossed the line twice, before Wellingborough responded with a well worked catch and drive move which resulted in Kyle Danns scoring.  Scunthorpe’s backs were showing too much speed out wide and scored two more tries, a second for their New Zealand winger who was a constant threat when ever he touched the ball.

The half ended in bizarre fashion when Scunthorpe were rewarded a penalty just because captain Steven Gall was passed the ball by an opposing player who mistook him for one of his own team mates.  The kick was converted by the home side’s number 9 who had a great day with the boot.

The second half began with Wellingborough putting everything into both attack and defence with Keir Davidson, Andy Fordham and John Cartwright defending hard and carrying the ball well, as the team began to resemble some of the form of last season.  The forwards were dominating the set pieces as the home side had no answer to the visitor’s power in the scrum, with Davidson, Adam Parker and Toby Johnson leading the charge.

Scunthorpe continued to out pace Wellingborough on the wings and scored 5 more tries with the Kiwi winger ending the game with 4 tries.  Borough refused to give up and stuck it out to the end and scored  two tries through Gall and Karl McAndrew with Rob Armstrong converting them both as the game ended 64 – 19 to Scunthorpe. 

Wellingborough showed true grit and determination through out the match and can be pleased with their performance after the disappointing performances from the opening games of the season.  With players returning to strengthen the side in the next few weeks, Borough will be looking to improve on this performance and build for next week’s game.