Wanstead10

Ely13

(Powergen East Counties 1)

ONCE again, a lack of pragmatism cost Wanstead dearly as they squandered another chance of moving up the table, and instead their lack of composure saw them drop points at home.

Ely started with the elements in their favour and swiftly scored two tries through their midfield, much to the surprise of the home side.

Going behind spurred the Herons into action and their scrummage, with Dan Foster at prop to the fore, began to regain the ascendancy while the back row and midfield strung together some promising moves. However, this promising play did not result in any scores and the half ended 10-0 in the visitors' favour.

The beginning of the second belonged to the Herons as skipper Danny Burns and replacement flanker Jason Watkinson began making some considerable dents into Ely's defensive pride, with Burns especially profiting with two tries to his credit.

But after these two levelling scores the Herons must have thought they had the game won, as for the second week running they began to spray ball around with decreasing effectiveness.

This profligacy in possession caused dissent and frustration in the Herons ranks and this was manifested by infringements, one of which resulted in the clinching three points for the visitors.

Despite this being a good performance by Wanstead, their inability to put the game beyond the reach of opponents will trouble skipper Danny Burns.

January 30, 2003 10:30