Rugby Union: Wasps grit pays off
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Orrell. .10
Wasps. . 11
WHEN northern grit meets southern determination the result is usually not very pretty, not very uplifting and often very close. So it was yesterday at Edge Hall Road where Wasps won by one point on a day so foul - wet, cold and windy - it drained the game of any semblance of enjoyment for the spectators and probably for most of the players too.
For Wasps it was their 10th victory in 11 Courage League games and it owed a great deal to their stout defence, frontal attacks and most of all to their good players in key positions. These were the men who saw them home in a testing final 20 minutes. Twice Orrell took the lead; twice Wasps regained it, the second time midway through the second half. Wasps had to hold on for victory to stand any chance of stopping Bath from winning the First Division. They did so, but the news of Bath's margin of victory, when it came through to the clubhouse at Orrell, practically assured Wasps of second place.
Wasps have a sturdy front row; Orrell's forwards revolve around the massive Bob Kimmins. In both the early scrums and line-outs tension was present and fists flew. Kevin Dunn's accurate throwing in meant that Kimmins and Orrell went for long periods without line- out ball.
On a day such as this when the ball was slippery, it was a tribute to both sides that their tries were scored by wings. Chris Oti's, in particular, was well deserved. He started a move around halfway, and moments and several phases of play later he rounded it off in the corner.
Paul Hamer's was the result of quick thinking - running a penalty. It gave Orrell the lead for the second time but it also spurred Wasps. Neither side would submit; neither could dominate.
But two penalties by Rob Andrew put Wasps back in front. It was Andrew who helped them protect their lead with his keen tackling and a series of long kicks when Wasps had the wind at their backs in the second half. And if it was not Andrew who was demonstrating touches of class then it was Jeff Probyn, surely as unlucky as anyone not to be going on the Lions tour, and Buster White, an underrated flanker.
Orrell: S Taberner (capt); P Hamer, S Langford, P Horrocks, P Halsall; G Ainscough, D Morris; M Hynes, N Hitchen, D Southern, B Kimmins, C Cusani, P Manley, S Gallagher, N Ashurst (D Cleary, 24 min).
Wasps: H Davies; P Hopley, F Clough, G Childs, C Oti; R Andrew, S Bates; G Holmes, K Dunn, J Probyn, R Kinsey, D Ryan (capt), F Emeruwa, M Greenwood, M White.
Referee: J Coulson (Northumberland Society).
Scores: Ainscough (pen, 9 min, 3-0); Oti (try, 26 min, 3-5); Hamer / Ainscough (try / con, 48 min, 10-5); Andrew (pen, 50 min, 10-8); Andrew (pen, 62 min, 10-11).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments