Roundheads 18 | 10 Aldeburgh & Thorpeness

On a cold and blustery afternoon, the Roundheads took to the field against league leaders Aldeburgh & Thorpeness, who were unbeaten all season.

From the outset it was apparent that the visitors were expecting an easy game; however, the Roundheads, fielding a mixture of youth and experience, presented the league leaders with a challenge. The Roundheads front five, featuring stalwart Alan Goggin, Tom Dale and Luke Voce in the front row, with Wayne Charles and Joe Walters providing the power in the engine room were not only able to hold the Aldeburgh pack, but on a number of occasions were able to dominate them. This allowed No8 Ian Lewis, supported by Austin King and Will Disney at 6 and 7 respectively, to react to breaks from the Aldeburgh back row and three quarters.

Against the run of play, and capitalising on Roundhead mistakes, both in handling errors and tackling, the visitors ran in two tries, neither of which were converted. The Roundheads pack was bossed by Taff Price, who combined with fly half, Ian ‘Bart’ Wilkinson, to distribute the ball to a rampaging centre partnership of Craig Charles and Henri Clements, supported by the pace of wingers Gareth Frensham and James Pearce, and Sam Migan at fullback. Despite a series of knock ons and handling errors, it wasn’t long before the determination and effort of the home side were rewarded. Try’s from ******* and Wayne Charles, together with a successful penalty from the boot of Bart saw the home side end the first half with a 13-10 lead.

Several changes at half time and an injury to Will Disney, saw Gareth Frensham move from wing to second row, Alan Goggin replaced by Alex Pink and Jake Boardman filling the void in the backs. The power of the pack was evident at times, when Ian Lewis was able to link up with Taff Price, whose quick delivery allowed back to release the three quarters. The combo of Craig Charles’ handling, Henri Clements’ raw power and the speed of both James Pearce and Jake Boardman saw the latter cross the line to give the hosts an 18-10 lead. Despite a continuous assault on the Roundheads line for the final 6-7 minutes of the game, the sheer determination, resilience and physical effort of the hosts saw them hold out to seal a thrilling and thoroughly deserved victory.

We came, we played, we won, we had a beer

Report by Neil “ginger twin” Williams