Prems put Bedok to bed to set up 6th straight Grand Final
Tries (5): Humphreys, Wong, Harris (2), Penalty
Conversions (1): Sasiadek (1)
Penalties (3): Sasiadek (3)
After a weeks break, the league was back into action with a semi final against Bedok Kings. Long terms injuries aside, Wanderers were almost back to full strength with only Full Back Mike Patterson being absent.
Bedok started the game strongly, and after Wanderers had given away some sloppy penalties Bedok worked their way up to the Wanderers try line. After 5 minutes of pressure Bedok eventually worked their way over, missing the conversion for a 5 point lead. Wanderers kept their heads under pressure and fought back, some good phases and strong running from the likes of Humphreys and Rahman getting Wanderers into the Bedok 22, from there they earned a penalty, Sasiadek slotting the 3 points. Wanderers earned a 2nd penalty 5 minutes later, Sassy again slotting the 3 points.
With Wanderers now in the ascendancy they won a penalty which was kicked into the corner. After multiple phases and some solid pick and goes from the forwards, Hooker Matt Humphreys went over for his 5 try of the season, Sassy missing the extras.
Bedok were not going down without a fight, and fought back into the game as the 1st half wore on, but resolute defence and good tactical kicking were keeping them out. Then from a lineout on the left side of the pitch, the ball went to Tommy Ingram, who put over a lovely dinked kick chase which Charlie Chong nearly got on the end of, in the resulting confusion centre Jamie Harris picking up the ball and putting it down to leave the score 18-5 going into half time.
Wanderers started the 2nd half well with Sassy slotting 2 more penalties and Wanderers dominating possession and territory. 5 minutes into the 2nd half there was a pause in the game, as Conor went down with what looked like a serious injury after a clash of heads, thankfully he was just tired but was subbed off just in case for Reiner. Soon after Wanderers scored their 3rd try. Some strong forward carries got them go forward ball, and hands down the line put Jonny Wong away down the line to out strip his opposite number and touch down, Huey slicing the extras wide. From the kick off, Wanderers worked back down into the Bedok half, and after Bedok turned over the ball on their own 5 meter line and tried to counter, centre Jamie Harris’ linespeed enabled him to intercept a pass for a simple jog under the posts.
Bedok unsurprisingly came back into the game, throwing everything at the Wanderers defensive line, captain Gaspar Tan leading the charge with some powerful carries. However Wanderers showed some character and heart that was missing in prior games to hold out, eventually having the final say with a penalty try after Bedok collapse the scrum 3 times on their own line to leave the final score at 38-5.
So another Grand Final for Wanderers, against an SCC side who put in an impressive performance to beat a strong Bucks side.
Team: Gull, Humphreys, Ho, Brennan, Rahman, Roberts, Riha, Campbell, Hoo, Ingram, Wong, Mahoney, Harris, Chong, Sasiadek
Man of the Match – Robbie Riha
