Issue 147

Flying Firsts

23rd October 2006

Even before an emphatic opening game to their BUSA season UWS coach John Blade claimed his side were "far more advanced than at this stage last year", and their preparation was evident as Swansea defeated Brunel in a match which they dominated for large periods. Blade embarks on his first full season in charge with a squad bolstered by a number of promising freshers and is looking for his team to play "as expansive a game as possible". He did not have to wait long.

Swansea began the game strongly, the fired-up pack immediately piling the pressure on Brunel. Swansea were ahead within 15 minutes as good work in the scrum saw the ball released to the backs. An incisive break from outside centre Neil Higgins led to captain Rich Watkins rounding off the neat move with a try in the corner. Watkins added the conversion.

Swansea then lost wing Steven Hatch to a hamstring injury. His replacement Sam Bordiss made an instant impact. His break and offload in the tackle led to fresher Luke Khan going over for a debut try. Watkins' conversion gave Swansea a 14-0 lead.

Their comfortable margin didn't last long as Brunel hit back instantly with a try of their own following a huge overlap on the left. Swansea, however, restored the 14- point cushion after a good exchange between Luke Hopper and Andrew Taylor, resulting in Hopper scoring in the corner.

The sides went in at half time with Swansea leading 19-5 and looking a far more powerful and organised unit than their Brunel counterparts. Brunel's insistence on kicking away much of their possession saw them, aside from the try, rarely threaten the Swansea line.

Swansea began the second half strongly, number 8 Daniel West breaking from his own half and beating three players before the ball was lost forward in a move that should have resulted in a score.

Swansea didn't have to wait long for a fourth try though as Khan stepped past three players to score a brilliant individual try under the posts, his second of the game. Rich Watkins converted again as Swansea took a 26-5 lead. Brunel responded well, and instantly broke back with a try to keep themselves in contention. However, they continued to kick away possession, and never looked like threatening a comeback.

Late on Swansea, looking confident and in control, showed their class once more as Watkins cross-field kick was gathered on the right wing by West who's magnificent offload allowed Neil Higgins to cross for the try his performance deserved.

Brunel managed a late consolation try with the final play of the game, but it was too little, too late, as Swansea ran out comfortable winners.

Captain Rich Watkins declared himself "extremely pleased" with the win, and reserved special praise for Sam Bordiss, Neil Higgins and man of the match Daniel West. Watkins also praised the way the new players had settled into the side, declaring himself "very pleased with the new players and freshers".

A positive start to the season, then, for an organised, talented and powerful looking Swansea squad as they look to bigger challenges to come as the season progresses.

Tom Mooney