Tribute Counties Western North: Wellington Chiefs 74pts, Cheltenham 15
Wellington Chiefs bounced back from the previous weekend’s heavy defeat to open their win account in style at the Athletic Ground yesterday (Saturday).
The Chiefs ran in 12 tries in a dominant display as they overwhelmed their visitors to record a much-needed victory after a difficult start to the season.
They made the perfect start when George Slade raced 80 metres to touch down after only three minutes and give the home side a 5-0 lead.
Callum Warren then crossed for the Chiefs’ second try, converted by Alex Davey, before adding his second with a powerful run from ten metres out. Davey again added the extras to make it 19-0.
Wellington continued to dominate and extended their lead after 31 minutes when a superb break by Tom Slade created the opportunity for Jack Macadam to score an unconverted try.
Cheltenham briefly interrupted the home side’s momentum with a try against the run of play, reducing the deficit to 24-5.
However, the Chiefs responded in style as a fine multi-phase passing move ended with Jonny Clist crossing the line. Davey’s conversion made it 31-5.
There was still time for another Wellington try before the interval as a great break by Mike Fulwell led to another unconverted score, giving the hosts a commanding 36-5 advantage at half-time.
The Chiefs picked up where they had left off after the break, with Tom Slade intercepting a Cheltenham pass to race away for a try, converted by Davey.
Slade was soon on the scoresheet again, finishing off some excellent teamwork to stretch Wellington’s lead to 48-5.
Cheltenham managed a second try, helped by a fortunate bounce of the ball, but there was no stopping the Chiefs as they continued to attack at every opportunity.
The ever-present scrum-half Will Brewer produced an outrageous double dummy to deceive the visitors’ defence and cross for another excellent try. Davey’s conversion took the score to 55-10.
Tom Slade then completed his hat-trick with another superb team try, again converted by Davey, as Wellington passed the 60-point mark.
Cheltenham responded with their third try to make it 62-15, but the Chiefs were determined to have the final say.
Skipper Ollie Price led by example as he crossed for Wellington’s 11th try, with Tom Owen taking over the kicking duties to add the conversion.
And it was fitting that the final score should come from player-coach Joe Snow, the former Exeter player marking his debut with a try to complete an emphatic victory.
It was an outstanding all-round performance from the Chiefs, who showed tremendous attacking flair and teamwork throughout.
After a testing opening to their campaign, the result will provide a huge confidence boost for Wellington.
Photos by Gill Paltridge.
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