Walcot go top after ending league leaders’ unbeaten record

Walcot took over at the top of Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South by beating Swanage & Wareham at Albert Field in a battle of the top two.

Walcot go on the attack during their Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South clash with Swanage & Wareham | Photo Jon Taylor

The Dorset side came to Lansdown at the summit, with Walcot lying second on points difference.

At the start of play, both teams were unbeaten, each with five bonus-point wins to their credit – but the hosts took the honours by emerging 20-19 victors.

Walcot’s success on Saturday 8th November means they are three points clear of the Swans, who still have a vastly superior points difference.

The match started slowly but the visitors went ahead in the 12th minute.

Much to Walcot’s surprise, the men from Purbeck took a quick penalty and ran the ball into the corner for a try.

Walcot look for a way through against Swanage & Wareham during the Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South match at Albert Field | Photo © Jon Taylor

The home side came back into the game. And after a spell of sustained pressure, Jack Newman broke through the Swans’ defence to score under the posts. The 25th-minute try was converted and Walcot led 7-5.

And Walcot were back over the line again three minutes later. After a break by Adam Wilton, the ball was recycled down the line and Finn Dewar touched down for another try that was converted.

A penalty from in front of the posts ensured the hosts took a 17-5 lead into the break.

The Swans piled on the pressure in the second period and Walcot struggled to get out of their own half.

After 50 minutes, good back play by the Bestwall outfit sent their winger in under the posts. The try was converted.

The Swans maintained the pressure and only good defence by Walcot kept them out.

However, Swanage & Wareham crossed the line again in the 70th minute and the conversion pushed them 19-17 ahead.

Walcot hit back and were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, Cam Dewar making no mistake from the tee to take the score to 20-19.

The travellers roared back and pressured the Walcot line but the hosts managed to win a turnover. An interception by Jonah Edwards then took play from the Walcot half into the Swans’ 22, where the game ended.

Walcot described the match as exciting and felt that the result was in the balance until the final whistle.

The hosts hailed a great team performance, highlighting their defence and scrum.

With no league action for Bath-based teams on Saturday 15th November, the local XVs will next chase South West Division points on Saturday 22nd November.

Among the matches is a Counties 2 Tribute Ale Somerset derby between Avon and Oldfield Old Boys at Hicks Field.

Local teams’ fixtures for Saturday 22nd November:

• Counties 1 Tribute Ale Southern South: Salisbury v Walcot.
• Counties 2 Tribute Ale Dorset & Wilts North: Combe Down v Melksham 2nd XV.
• Counties 2 Tribute Ale Somerset: Avon v Oldfield Old Boys.
• Counties 3 Tribute Ale Somerset North: Gordano 2nd XV v Old Sulians.
• Counties 3 Tribute Ale Dorset & Wilts Central: Avonvale v Salisbury 2nd XV, North Dorset 2nd XV v Combe Down 2nd XV, Warminster v Bath Saracens.
• Counties 4 Tribute Ale Somerset North: Oldfield Old Boys 2nd XV v Keynsham 3rd XV, Walcot 2nd XV v Frome 3rd XV.