1ST XV WIN AGAINST FRENCH VISITORS (12/12/2009)
Despite a very shaky performance Wellington came away as close winners against a powerful French team from Saint Vincent (Senlis), near Paris.

The 1st XV clearly underestimated their French opponents (or perhaps their work in the Scottish Plate competition is taking its toll) and found themselves under intense pressure for the first ten minutes.

The second ten minutes saw very much more composure as the host side made the hard yards with which to put their backs away.

Thereafter, they seemed to assume that they could get the glory without the work, and poor focus in the loose saw them making heavy weather of getting simple possession.

St Vincent at this stage dominated the home scrum (it is fair to say that Wellington conceded some bulk in the forwards) and seemed much hungrier for the ball, taking turn over ball in many situations through some aggressive counter-rucking.

From there on Wellington seemed rattled and failed to gain their usual composure - indeed, spilling the ball on many occasions and far more than they would like, even taking account of the freezing weather.

Wellington ran out eventual winners, 27-22, and although it was a nervous performance at times, the game was not remotely dull and the home side will have learnt some useful lessons.

The French team can go home fairly satisfied after a very physical encounter. Their 8 club players certainly put together some great combinations when they came together and delighted the crowd with elusive running and fierce play in every breakdown situation. Chapeau!

Wellington, too, can take some credit from the game as they `blooded` some younger and less experienced players against large and very spirited opposition. Additionally, it shows that Wellington are happy to tough it out when under pressure (even of their own making) with Peter McCallum (always a power house, even with ankle damage), Burns Tennent-Bhohi and Robbie Fergusson (devastating despite illness dictating his being on for only a few minutes) astute readers of what appears in front of them and always able to keep going when the heat is on.

We would like to thank all Wellington parents who hosted players from St Vincent. It was an exciting weekend and very worthwhile.

Thanks go to Mrs Coontz for her work and attention to detail in organising the visit; for Mr Ness (at a very busy time!!) for organising teams, transport, hospitality etc; Mr Stovell for refereeing; the omnipresent Mr Helps for running the line and helping entertain.

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