Veseyans 1xv started the new year with an away fixture at local club Handsworth RUFC. The weather was looking good for some free-flowing running rugby which suits V's however the pitch was very heavy underfoot. Veseyans winning the toss and electing to play uphill in the first half started the brighter of the two teams and had the lions share of possession and territory in the first 20 mins but failed to score due to some resolute defence and silly mistakes. Handsworth then had their first foray into the V's half. A line break from their fullback was stopped short however V's transgressed at the breakdown and Handsworth kicked a easy penalty to go 3 - 0 up. This didn't deter the V's who knew they were playing the better rugby and they hit back almost immediately with a series of drives which pulled in the Handsworth defence leaving space for Antek Paszwoski a score in the corner. The touchline conversion was slotted by Matt Gillick. Not to be outdone Antek's brother Darius soon followed him on the score sheet with a try almost immediately from the kick-off. No.8 Courtney Cumming went on a defence busting run and while the fullback brought him down, Darius was on hand to receive the pop pass and go under the posts, again converted by Gillick, 3-14.
With V's on top, the try bonus point was secured before half time with tries from Will Slattery, snipping over from a nearby ruck and Lewis Gaffney who rounded off some great interpassing up the blindside from a lineout on halfway, both converted by Gillick. Half time score 3-28.
Now going downhill the V's started the 2nd half as they ended the 1st on the attack and were soon crossing the whitewash again with Matt Johnson supporting and going under the posts, converted by Gillick. Try number six was the second for Will Slattery. Following a penalty kick to the corner, the lineout was secured and following a series of forward drives the scrum half was on hand again to dot the ball over the line.
Credit to Handsworth's young side they never gave up and then had their best passage of play in the game. With V's transgressing and with the home side having nothing to loose they ran everything and were rewarded with 2 tries, one a penalty try due to a high tackle and the other scored by the centre who cut a line which opened up the V's otherwise rock-solid defence. V's, however, had the last word and rounded the match off with a second try for Darius Paszwoski. Handsworth, trying to run out of defence were put under pressure and in a big hit by the centre they spilt the ball. Darius was quickest to react and picked up the ball and cantered under the posts. Matt Gillicks' 6th conversion rounded off the match. Final score 15-47 to V's.
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