After a more than intense and furious preparation for the season this summer Wageningen has started the competition with a victory.The first game was an away game at the new grounds of URC, against URC4. Coach Bush had a complete team to his disposal, and Wageningen started with the best line-up, with some excellent substitutes eager to play.
During the line-up it became clear that everybody was very motivated and full of energy. Unfortunate result was that Eisma got injured during a unpleasant collision, he tore the skin of his eyebrow. But like with any good team there was a good substitute available, Kenn Lycett slided into Eisma’s position in the front row.
However, unlike Wageningen’s aspirations the first 10 minutes were for URC4. Their kick-off was not processed properly, resulting in a defending line-out for Wageningen in their own 22. URC4 put good pressure on our forwards and eventually URC4 came up with a try, taking the lead. This woke up the 15 players in the field of Wageningen, and from the kick-off plenty of pressure was put on the players of URC4. Resulting in a penalty, which Lycett kicked to the posts, unfortunately the wind drifted the ball away from the posts. But Wageningen kept URC4 pointed in their half by applying a lot of pressure. Soon resulting in a try for Wageningen when the pressure created some space for winger van Gastel who finished this of with a nice kick and chase. And after this try Wageningen sticked to the gameplan, applying pressure with the forwards and using the backs when the space was there. And with Pablo sliding in the line van Gastel was given another try to finish off, after the forwards pinned the URC4-players in their 22. Meanwhile URC4 kept trying to penetrate Wageningen’s defensive line, which didn’t happen, resulting in some frustration on their side. But Wageningen didn’t respond to their attempts to change the Wageningen composure. So the score kept ticking up, after tries from Gareth Borman and van Gastel Wageningen went into half-time with a comfortable lead of 5-24. Unfortunately scrum-half Peter van Kampen had to give up his position to Job Ausems, due to an ankle injury. Ausems slotted into the scrum-half position quite well.
In the 2nd half Wageningen continued how they ended the 1st half, by scoring tries. Van Gastel, Rammeloo and Gaastra build out the score. Especially the last try was an example of the good supportplay of the Wageningen forwards. Of course URC4 applied some pressure in between and Wageningen found itself twice defending on their tryline, but by good rucking and tackling they were able to dodge the bullet. Denying URC4 their tries. Halfway the 2nd half Wageningen had some less concentrated moments, resulting in a try for URC4. Which shows Wageningen that they have to keep up the composure the whole game, if not, it will be punished by our opponents. Near to the end Winger van Gastel joined Peter van Kampen on the side line with a nasty ankle injury. Which as we speak seems to be quite severe. But Bas Pape, who played an outstanding game took over from van Gastel and did a good job.
The endscore of the game URC4-Wageningen was 12-45, so a bonuspoint was earned. Next week the Duuvels, will Wageningen win?
