Wombats Home In Scrappy Affair

Despite putting in a performance well below the standard they have set themselves so far in 2017, Avondale still managed a bonus point victory over a disappointing Shamrocks outfit at Ocean Park. Running in four tries to three the Wombats held on for a 26 – 17 win in the IDRU Builders Club Round 7 match to maintain their unbeaten competition lead.

With the predicted rain staying away the field was perfect for open football but both sides struggled to find their best form with poor handling being an unwanted feature of the game. At different stages throughout the match the usually slick Avondale backline managed to show their potential putting on several outstanding plays resulting in four five pointers. However both sides managed to fumble their way through the entire eighty minutes in a display which both coaches will be keen to put behind their sides.

After two early penalties shortly after the start of the match, Shamrocks camped themselves in the Avondale half and on the back of several strong raids on the Wombat line Hooker Chris Smith burrowed his way into the Avondale in goal to open the scoring. In the first play after the restart Shamrocks turned the ball over and the Wombat attacking unit sprang into action sweeping toward the Rocks line. Big Lock Gus Faleauto powered his way across for a try leaving several would be defenders in his wake. Silipa Tuigamala converted the try for the Wombats to take the lead 7 – 5 after seven minutes.

Both sides lost key players in the opening minutes with Avondale rep fullback Jacob Kara replaced with a shoulder injury early, followed minutes later by Chris Smith for the Rocks with an eye injury after a heavy tackle.