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Under 13s - Saturday 19th of April 2003
Wisbech 20
Staines 5
Two weeks after being crowned Norfolk County Champions the Wisbech side missing 6 regular players went down by 2 points to Cambridge. The
loss hurt and when the opportunity to make amends and end of the season with a win the boys grabbed it!
The opportunity came in the form of an invitation to play Staines RFC on tour in a Saturday fixture at West Norfolk grounds over at King's Lynn. The first half West Norfolk took to the field with 6 borrowed players from Wisbech to take on Staines U13 predominately second string. Staines took control early in the match placing W. Norfolk on
defence, who simply could not find any rhythm when they did manage to get hold of the ball. Staines was first on the scoreboard 5 - 0 with an unconverted try. Darryl Veenendaal took over at Fly-half and in his customary fashion started to dictate the game from the pivot position. This and the 5 borrowed Wisbech
lads were to prove the difference. Norfolk/Wisbech hit back - tries from outside
centre Michael Gillick followed up by Joshua Woulfe, (normally wing-cum-fullback playing out of position on the flank) took the score to 10 - 5 at half time.
The second Norfolk made way for a complete Wisbech side. Missing 4 regular A-team players this was as close to the Cup winning side
possible on the day - Staines responded by fielding their full A-team
setting up a thrilling second half.
Staines started the second half strong, taking the battle to Wisbech. However Wisbech forwards where in no mood for messing about meeting the physical challenge head on, showing
just why they are county champions.
Marshalled by skipper Veenendaal from scrum-half position their play in the loose, quick rucking and
defence on the fringes provided the platform for the Wisbech backs to work off,
centres George Fraulo and Michael Gillick causing huge problems for Staines in the midfield. As he had done throughout the season, George Fraulo broke the tackle, hacked the ball forward into the goal area, out sprinted the cover
defence and scored. Staines came back strong but Wisbech absorbed the pressure. Solomon Prestidge securing vital turnover ball put Wisbech back on attack. The forwards picking-and-driving through the middle and then the sudden unleashing of the backs showing great hands in very windy conditions moved the ball down the line for Michael Gillick to score in the left hand corner. At the full time whistle Wisbech had won their half 10 - 0 with two unanswered tries. Afterwards Staines team presented
Michael Gillick with an award for "the player that caused them the most
problems" and their coaches praising the Wisbech side
"as the best" they have played this season. Georges Fraulo and Ben Taylor who both had outstanding game share
"Man of the match".
Wisbech under 13's will next Sunday be competing in the Boston 7's tournament. This 7-a-side tournament, which will be covered by radio as well as TV, promises to be a thrilling spectacle with some of the best teams from across the Midlands and East Anglia in action.
Previously this age group as under 11's won the Six Counties 7's
Championship 2000/01 season. This would the last time Darryl Veenendaal would lead the team
out as captain, as he would be attending Sedbergh School in Cumbria from September where he had been awarded a rugby scholarship.
The 7's squad selected are: Trigger Coe, George Fraulo, Michael Gillick, Daniel Lamb, William Pettit, Solomon Prestidge, Joshua Seale, Darryl Veenendaal (c), James Wright and David Young.
[Photo
of the 7's team 2000/01]
Wisbech Standard Report.....
The scorers for Wisbech:
Tries: Gillick (2), Woulfe & Fraulo
Cons: 0
Report by Leonard Veenendaal
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