Rugby Union
Eds are beaten at the leaders

Willenhall 35 Edwardians 0

Midlands Three West (North)

EDWARDIANS had no answer for the power of league leaders Willenhall on Saturday as they proved unable to repeat the victory they secured when the two sides met earlier in the season.

The visitors applied pressure in the early stages, making a better start than in recent weeks, but they failed to point any points on the board before Willenhall cleared.

Points were proving difficult to come by for both sides as Willenhall also struggled to find a way through when on the front foot, but eventually they forced Eds off their own scrum which led to the opening try.

The second half did not begin well for Eds and while the talk at the break had been of raising the effort and tempo levels, the visitors were simply unable to keep hold of the ball for multiple phases.

Willenhall capitalised by repeatedly pinning Eds in their own territory with long range kicks, leading to a score for their flanker.

The game followed a similar pattern for the next 20 minutes which was compounded by Eds having to chase the game whilst Willenhall were able to add three more scores, largely from their dominant scrum set piece.

Eds kept the ball better as the game wore on but a combination of handling errors, a lack of support and good defence from the home side kept them from troubling the scorers.

The scoreboard reflected a comprehensive victory for the hosts but Eds were left frustrated as they had shown glimpses of good rugby and signs of improvement from previous weeks. Ultimately they paid the price for Willenhall’s dominance in the scrum and an inability to keep hold of the ball at crucial times.

Eds now have a free weekend but return to action on February 16 when they entertain Shrewsbury in what will be their first home game since December 8.

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