Summit moves into view as Welwyn produce fine display to beat leaders Verulamians

PUBLISHED: 12:23 15 November 2017 | UPDATED: 12:27 15 November 2017

Neil Metcalfe

Verulamians RFC V Welwyn - Rob Picken in action for Welwyn. Picture - Karyn Haddon.

Archant

Verulamians RFC V Welwyn - William Freeston in action for Welwyn. Picture - Karyn Haddon.

It was their second away win of the year and they delivered in fine style, clinching a bonus point in the seven-try success.

They started quickly, taking a 3-0 lead through a Rory Harcourt penalty, won due to an infraction at the breakdown, after just two minutes.

Vees had a glorious chance to level immediately but their kick was pulled wide, one of three kickable penalties spurned.

And Welwyn made them pay instantly with their opening try minutes later.

Verulamians RFC V Welwyn - Daniel Comben in action for Welwyn. Picture - Karyn Haddon.

A Verulamians line-out was overthrown and David Wells gratefully took advantage to score, with Harcourt adding the extras.

Welwyn’s second came moments later, a move which started within their own half, Harry Gillespie spotting a mismatch in the backline and sprinting past the covering tackle to score in the corner.

Welwyn continued to press in both attack and defence and, with the home kickers out of form, they made the pressure tell with Dan Comben and Harcourt adding converted tries.

Verulamians did manage to get on the score sheet before half-time with a penalty for offside but by the time the whistle sounded, Welwyn had the bonus point in the bag and led 29-3.

Verulamians RFC V Welwyn - Harry Di-Lieto in action for Welwyn. Picture - Karyn Haddon.

The second half followed a similar pattern to the first, with Welwyn’s aggressive defence and powerful attack causing Verulamians many problems.

Aaron Chandler scored the fifth before a rolling maul from a line-out sent Ashley Dobney over.

Their final try came courtesy of Rob Picken after a line break from Josh Milton and quick ruck.

After an excellent start to the season that saw them win the opening six, Vees have stuttered losing two of the next three.

Verulamians RFC V Welwyn - Christian Sloan in action for Welwyn Picture - Karyn Haddon.

However, they had had the final say here, scoring a consolation try in the corner and almost adding a second.

They remain top but Grasshoppers are now level on points with them, with Welwyn ready to pounce on any slip in third.

On this form, you would not back against them.

Welwyn have a break from the league on Saturday when they go to Aylesford in the RFU Senior Vase.