Rugby Union
Welsh suffer home defeat

Rugby Welsh 12 Atherstone 36

Midlands Four West (South)

EXPERIENCE proved key on Saturday as Atherstone inflicted defeat on Rugby Welsh in their final game before Christmas.

Welsh have been badly affected by injuries and unavailability to their senior players over the past few weeks and despite an improved performance against Atherstone they ended on the wrong side of the scoreline.

A strong start from the visitors saw their forwards dominating the opening exchanges, particularly at the scrummage.

Their mauling and pick up and drive techniques caused problems for Welsh but the hosts defended resolutely under severe pressure.

However, three five-metre scrums in the opening 25 minutes saw Atherstone score three converted tries.

The signs looked ominous for the home side, particularly when they suffered another injury blow as Phil Day left the field with a dislocated shoulder.

To Welsh's credit though they responded excellently. Captain Matt Richards had an immense game leading from the front, with Corrigan also winning crucial line-out ball.

Matt Cockman crashed over for a converted try before half time and Welsh had Atherstone rattled when the fly half scored his second try following excellent inter-linking play between the forwards and backs.

Atherstone were reduced to 14 men for a sin-binning offence but managed to keep the home side at bay despite huge Welsh pressure.

They gained confidence from this with their excellent back row preventing clean Welsh possession and victory was clinched with two late scores.

Welsh will hope that the break for Christmas will allow players to recover from their injuries as have shown that with a full squad available they can be highly competitive in this league.