Westbury RFC start as they mean to go on

Saturday 25th. September 2021 Dorset & Wilts Division 1 North Calne 10 – 18 Westbury

HAVING played no league rugby since March 2020, Westbury travelled to Calne to start the campaign in Division 1 of the Dorset & Wilts League. 

It took just 30 seconds for Westbury to score, when from the kick-off, as new signing Joeli Navuku caught the ball and kicked it back to the opposition and using his pace ‘Joe’ followed up and reclaimed the ball.  He then set off for the try line, but was tackled just short. He off loaded to supporting winger Alex Down, who had the easiest of touchdowns to open the scoring.  Scrum half Mat Inseal kicked the conversion.  7 – 0 to the visitors. 

The next score from Westbury was from a penalty after 20 minutes which was converted by Mat Inseal.  Calne were now down to 14 players after their flanker had been red carded.  Using the player advantage, 8 minutes later Westbury were able to add to the score with another Inseal penalty. 

Calne came back at the visitors and a few minutes later opened their account with a well taken penalty after Westbury were caught off side.   13 – 3 to Westbury at half time.  

During the break Westbury’s coach brought on replacement scrum half Dan Heatley, moving Inseal to stand off and resting Navuku.  

Heatley got into the action straight away and within the first minute, Westbury forwards set up a ruck inside Calne’s 22. Heatley picked up the ball from the back of the ruck and spotting a gap in the defence, charged over the try line. The conversion was missed.  

Westbury made a series of mistakes in the second half, misplacing passes and being too casual around the field. Calne felt this and applied significant pressure to the White Horse back line, trying themselves to keep the score down. 

With minutes to go Westbury’s wing, Alex Down, was yellow carded for a late tackle. Before the defenders had organised themselves, Calne moved the ball wide to score a well worked try in the corner.  The conversion was added, bringing the game to a close. 

An 18 – 10 victory to Westbury, there will be lots to look at on the training paddock but a pleasing effort all the same. 

Next week Westbury will welcome Royal Wootton Bassett 2nds to Knott Field. 

Report by Paul Couzens, President of WRFC.