Wimbledon gore the Bulls (From Wandsworth Guardian)

Wimbledon gore the Bulls

10:28am Tuesday 15th September 2009 in Rugby Union

Wimbledon’s 30-12 victory over Aylesford Bulls in London One South on Saturday was far more convincing than the score suggests, writes Tony Mann.

The Wimbledon line-out was particularly impressive. Some accurate throwing-in by Graeme Symon, and later Ben Birbeck, and great hands by all the jumpers, provided the backs with almost endless possession and created the platform for two excellent pushover ties, both touched down by the impressive Mal English.

Andy Reilly kicked a penalty, with Mike Simmons landing the only conversion from five attempts.

It took 20 minutes for Dons to convert their early pressure into points, man-of-the-match centre Mike Norton scoring in the corner.

Some casual play 10 minutes later allowed the Bulls’ Pete Stevens to cross the line unopposed to equalise, before Reilly’s penalty and a fine try from the same player put them 13-5 up at half-time.

With ample possession and number 10 Dave Rees in commanding form, the backs threatened to break loose at any moment. However, it was the pack, with their first pushover, who scored next.

Then came a gem of a try from fullback Jonny Rawlinson, who jinked past four defenders to score under the posts. Simmons’ conversion put Dons 25-5 ahead, though Stevens responded with a soft try, converted by Dave Dorton.

English grabbed the final try late on.

Wimbledon travel to Beckenham on Saturday.