By Mark Elliot

Stevenage proved too strong for Welwyn in this local league derby on Saturday. During a one-sided first half, Welwyn persisted in kicking the ball to Stevenage in open play whose dangerous backs took full advantage, running in tries form deep positions through a combination of excellent support and good finishing. County winger Ian Crompton and veteran Samoan hooker Tavita Famaousili helped themselves to a hat-trick of tries each and the game was effectively over as a contest long before half time.

Playing down the slope in the first half, Stevenage took an early lead with a converted try only for James Littlejohn to keep Welwyn in the hunt minutes later with a straightforward penalty goal. Welwyn's kicking tactics and ineffective tackling presented Stevenage with three virtually identical tries within the space of fifteen minutes and Welwyn faced an uphill struggle, trailing by 24-3. Youngsters Dave Wells and James Littlejohn had some good moments for Welwyn during a difficult first half and the rejuvenated and Andy Hawkins coped well with some difficult ball at the base of the Welwyn scrum. Andy Smith coped well with his speedy opposite number Michael Wilson, but it was Ian Crompton on the right wing who caused Welwyn most of their problems. A quick and deceptively strong winger, Crompton proved very difficult to bring down time after time.
Just before half time James Littlejohn converted another penalty to bring the score to 29-6 at the interval.

William Freeston replaced Ed Whittam at half time and with the benefit of the considerable slope, Welwyn proved more competitive in the second period. Backs coach Phil Waters then shuffled the backs around with Peter Elliott moving into the centre, Littlejohn moving to fly-half and Yourgos Alexander completing the game at full back. The change did not seem to help Welwyn's defence with Crompton scoring twice more early in the half breaking through a number of tackles. Head coach Andy Riley then brought Rob James into the back row in place of Andy Hawkins and Alan Crawley replaced Barry Crowe on the left wing. Showing a determined spirit and good fitness, Welwyn dominated the last 15 minutes of the game and scored two forwards' tries through William Freeston and Richard Stokes, with Littlejohn adding a conversion. Other Welwyn highlights in this period include a fine break by centre Danny Creak and a crunching tackle by Stokes on his opposite number Barry Cook.

Welwyn face a tough game next Saturday at home to joint leaders Chingford - kick off at 2.30.

Close match report.

By Andrew Bolton

Welwyn 4th XV were away to Old Grammarians 2nd XV this week. Both teams looking to get their season on the road, Welwyn started well, matching Old Grammarians tackle for tackle and making some strong break away runs. Despite tenacious efforts from Welwyn, Old Grammarians back line proved too strong crossing the line twice and went into half time in the lead. Welwyn came out fighting, narrowly missing several attempts including a run away scrum on the Old Grammarians line foiled at the very last minute. Determination in the air, Welwyn strived forward throughout the second half with maestro half back and man of the match, Harry Atkinson, producing a first class display. Unfortunately a late try from Old Grammarians sealed their victory, 24 - 0. Welwyn hope to find their feet in an injury filled season next week at home to Cheshunt 2nd XV, while also keeping a close eye on the upcoming cup tournament.

Close match report.

If the match had finished after twenty minutes Welwyn would be through to the second round of the cup after going two tries and a conversion with no reply from Harps. The first try came from a powerful display by centre Scott Clewlow, who burst through the defensive line to score under the posts. The conversion was duly slotted between the uprights by Tim Wilson. The second try came from captain James Smith, playing at fly half, who took the ball from Harry Atkinson at scrum and chipped through four Harps players and out-paced them to touch down the try. Harps then woke up and sought revenge, running in a couple of soft tries after the Welwyn midfield missed their tackles. But just as the crowd had started to predict a Harps rout, the Welwyn forwards stepped up a gear and came close on several occasions before finally after a series of passing moves along the back line Smith took the ball from a ruck and forced himself over for his second try. Man of the match was awarded to Alex Tenn, who had an outstanding game.

Close match report.

Welwyn under 15's (A) ran out comfortable winners 42 - 12 at Old Albanians (B) this weekend, the match was a closer affair than the score line suggests but again power and pace was the key to Welwyn's final dominance.
Welwyn's pack provided another solid platform winning against the head or in the line out. Tom Webb (prop) was rewarded with a try, hard work from the back row Will Hubbard (open) , Alexander Palmer Wales (Blind) and Judd Otene(8) cancelled out many attacking oppurtunities and put pressure on Old A's forwards and backs alike. Good running lines from Bradleigh Lack assisted by the rest of the backs allowed the pace of Karolis Kyvedys (outside center) and Ben Agalawatte (wing) to dominate down the sides and run in a number of trys - congratulations to Ben for 3 trys on the day. Full back Ian Forbes provided a staunch line of defence on a number of occasions then turned the table by some fine free running play and kicking. With fine performances from all in the squad (all to be mentioned in the future) it was another good result as the team moves closer to the first League fixture of the season.

Close match report.

Welwyn under 15 girls played their 3rd Surrey league game on Sunday against the Hampshire Penguins who are a 3 club cluster team made up of Basingstoke, Petersfield and Havant rugby clubs.
In a very good strong game which saw the Welwyn girls play some of the best rugby to date they finished the game 27- 5 winners with trys from Lotte Clapp x3, Rachel Selwood and Amber King and one convertion from Abbie Maxwell which made it 3 wins out of 3 for the young Welwyn team. The Penguins defended well and had a strong pack which led to them winning most of the scrums, they eventually made it through our strong defence to score their only try, Welwyn had three girls making their debut on Sunday Danielle, Cholie and Emilie all never having played rugby before and the coaches look forward to seeing them continue to develop with the team.

Close match report.