Wimbledon's fitness can't match strength of Tottonians

After their emphatic London Three South West win a week before, Wimbledon travelled to Tottonians at Southampton in confident mood, but the home team’s large pack got the match off by dominating possession and with it territory.

Despite this, on a warm afternoon Wimbledon came back into the match with their superior fitness in the second half. Both teams had kickers who kicked below their own high standards, and on another day this could have changed the result.

Tottonians lively forwards were ready to run their possession and Wimbledon’s defence made sure the impact they made was halted by strong tackling and covering. This came at a price when Wimbledon flanker George Earp left the field with a shoulder injury in the first half. But Wimbledon were always holding firm in the scrums despite being lighter, and they were lower than the Tottonians throughout the match.

Their line-out was also successful where number eight Julian Callanan won much of Wimbledon’s ball. Tottonians opened the scoring with a penalty for Wimbledon not releasing in the tackle, Tottonians possession led to a try for their prop Drake after 14 minutes. The conversion was missed, but shortly afterwards their full back Searle took the penalty gifted to them. The 11-point lead was effectively the same at the end. Their second try came from their right wing Jarvis, again unconverted.

Just before the end of the first half, Tottonians were opened up in a thrilling passage of play. Tottonians long kick-off was taken and after passing through the hands of Wimbledon fullback Rees, left wing Chris Baker and Rees again, Wimbledon’s score was opened after the ball had moved 75m from their 22m line. Outside half Pete Burrows missed the conversion. The 16–5 score stood until half-time.

Tottonians tired in the second half and Wimbledon took their second try when prop Jacques Mangiagalli side-stepped his tackler wide out after Wimbledon moved the ball down the line through about six players, the possession having been gained from a turnover in the Tottonians 22. At 19–10 with the kick to come and plenty of time left, Wimbledon sensed a possible victory, but to their credit Tottonians regrouped after the kick was missed and sealed victory with another penalty for offside near the end.

This Saturday, Wimbledon will be at home to Effingham with a 3pm kick-off.