With their sights firmly fixed on taking another step towards the top spot in the league, Wimborne travelled to Minety on the Wiltshire/Gloucestershire boarder for what could have been a tricky game against a team that had achieved the double over Wimborne last season.

On a pitch that had not fared well during the recent bad weather, it limited any running opportunities to the wings to avoid the thick muddy areas in the centre of the park. Although Wimborne were down to 14 players, with Leigh Coulling in the sin-bin for early offences at the ruck, Wimborne duly stamped their authority on the game when Steve King and Gavin Maltman linked to release Maltman to score in the corner. Hooker Richie Brokenshire was next on the score sheet following a series of driving mauls that allowed Brokenshire to collect the ball at the back of the maul and find the gap in the defensive wall to score the try. James Mikolajewski converted the kick for the extra points.

The second half saw Wimborne attacking down the sloping pitch using the firmer ground out wide with greater effect. Carrying the ball down the wing, Phil Andrews released Jamie Hawkings to carry the ball towards the Minety line, setting up a series of scrums that culminated in Jason Llewellyn darting through to score a try under the post. Mikolajewski converted to put Wimborne 19 - 0 in front. Jamie Hawkings was again the inspiration for the next Wimborne try. After breaking through the gain line, Hawkings carried the ball towards the Minety try line to set up a series of scrums that Wimborne elected to take instead of the penalty kick after Minety struggled to keep Wimborne out. Finally, a big push from Wimborne's forwards over the Minety try line allowed Charlie Morgan to touch the ball down at the back of the scrum. After the re-start, Wimborne were immediately back on the attack with Andrews now attacking down the opposite wing. Slipping through several tackles, Andrews popped the ball to Denny Champ to smash his way through the defence to score an unconverted try.

Jim Brokenshire was next to use the easier ground on the outside with a solo run that started in the centre of the park, weaved his way out to the wing and then down the touchline to make it a double celebration for the Brokenshire brothers with both Jim and Richie scoring on the day. Replacement Kevin Busby made an instant impact on the game when he came on for Andy Unwin in the Wimborne front row. Linking with Mikolajewski on the blindside of the maul, Busby drew the defenders and then released Mikolajewski to score in the corner. Minety were now tiring from a very calculated and organised Wimborne performance. In the final minutes of the game, the pressure of being camped in their own 20 metres was just too much and following a series of penalty offences, the referee awarded Wimborne a penalty try.

Wimborne have now moved to within 3 points of Frome at the top of the Southern Counties league following Frome's drawn match against a much-improved Sherborne team. Wimborne Second row Jamie Hawkings said after the match, "I was pleased with our team performance today; everyone knew the role they had to play and executed their individual tasks perfectly. February is an important month for us with tough matches against both Frome and Sherborne coming up."

Wimborne welcomed London Wasps scrum half Mark Robinson for a coaching session at their Thursday night training and also welcome Paula Roberts, Wimborne's new Sports Therapist. Paula is the latest edition to a growing Stour & Avon Magazine sponsored Wimborne set-up, to help support the team in their race for promotion.

Next week, Wimborne are at home to Ivel Barbarians RFC.

Wimborne 1st XV: Andy Unwin, Richie Brokenshire, Russ Tinsdale (Capt), Andy Hopkins, Jamie Hawkings, Leigh Coulling, Denny Champ, Charlie Morgan, Jason Llewellyn, James Mikolajewski, Jay van Wyk, Jim Brokenshire, Steve King, Phil Andrews, Gavin Maltman, Kevin Busby, Dave O'Bryan, Sean Murphy.

Match Reporter:
Green Grass

On a semi frozen pitch and the temperature not going above 1c, it was not only going to be a battle between two inform teams looking to maintain their unbeaten runs, it was going to be a battle with the wintery elements. Unfortunately, the cold weather took its toll on the players of both sides; there were several injuries from hitting the hard surface, some unusual handling errors from frozen hands and players slipping on the icy surface. It was not until 30 minutes into the first half that Wimborne managed to breakdown the Devizes defence. With a wide move out to James Mikolajewski who shrugged of the defensive tackles, Mikolajewski released Gavin Maltman to crash over the try line in the corner. With much of the battle being played in the centre of the park, it was becoming a fierce forward encounter with both sides winning and losing ground. Devizes levelled the scores in injury time at the end of the first half with a well-worked try in the corner.

The second half saw the battle of the opposing forwards continue with both teams having little to show for all the hard work they were putting into the game. Following the replacement of Charles Roberts who sustained a shoulder injury, Dave O'Bryan come on to add fresh power to the Wimborne forwards. With immediate effect, Wimborne started to take charge and dominate the set pieces. Wimborne flankers Denny Champ and Leigh Coulling were working in tandem to pick off the Devizes fringe players to allow No.8 Charlie Morgan to gain free access to the ball. With two driving mauls, Wimborne had Devizes pinned on their try line and for the second week running, Wimborne Captain Russell Tinsdale found the gap to drive over the line. With Mikolajewski's conversion kick, Wimborne moved 5 - 12 in front. Mikolajewski then put Wimborne two scores in front when he converted a long distance penalty kick. With Tinsdale off and Andy Unwin on as replacement, Wimborne kept the pressure on Devizes but could not convert the pressure into points. In injury time following a series of 5m scrums, Devizes run in a late unconverted try.

Team Manager Richard Martin said after the game, "Devizes is always a hard place to come to and go away with a win so we count this as a successful day. However, I felt the lack of cohesion, for the first time this season, caused us to look disjointed at times. Injuries to Steve King, Charles Roberts and Russell Tinsdale will give us a nervous week but they should all be fit after treatment for next week's game at Minety. Confidence is very high at the Club and when the news come through that North Dorset had lost, a result that moves Wimborne into second place in the league, it made the hard work that went into this victory all the more enjoyable."

Next week, Wimborne are away to Minety RFC.

Wimborne 1st XV: Ben Hunt, Richie Brokenshire, Russ Tinsdale (Capt), Charles Roberts, Jamie Hawkings, Leigh Coulling, Denny Champ, Charlie Morgan, Jason Llewellyn, James Mikolajewski, Jay van Wyk, Mark Griffith, Steve King, Phil Andrews, Gavin Maltman, Andy Unwin, Dave O'Bryan, Jim Brokenshire.

Match Reporter:
Green Grass

After last week's flowing display against North Dorset, expectations were high for a similar performance from Wimborne this week. However, a battling Oldfield had other ideas and although the score suggests otherwise, Oldfield stifled the Wimborne attack throughout the game with determined forward play.

Wimborne put down their marker with a try within the first 2 minutes when James Mikolajewski charged down the blindside to score in the corner. This should have set the platform for Wimborne to runaway with the game. However, it took another 35 minutes before Wimborne took advantage of their territorial dominance to add to their points. Gavin Maltman joining the attacking line from his fullback position, linked with Steve King and Jim Brokenshire to score a try in the corner. Mikolajewski added the extra points with a successful conversion kick.

Wimborne stepped up the pace in the second half and gave a performance that showed why they are promotion contenders. Within minutes of the re-start, King went on one of his jaunty runs with Mark Griffith as his outside runner; Griffith collected the ball from King to finish the move with a 40-metre sprint to score under the posts. Mikolajewski converted the try to put Wimborne 19 - 0 in front. Mikolajewski then added to Wimborne's points tally when he converted a penalty when Oldfield's three-quarter line were caught offside at the ruck. Moments later and to the applause of the watching crowd, Phil Andrews collected a pass from King and weaved his way through the Oldfield defence, leaving defenders rooted to the spot with his trademark side step to score a try under the posts. Mikolajewski converted the try. The last play of the game saw Wimborne Captain and Man-of-the-Match, Russell Tinsdale, drive through a mass of Oldfield players to score an unconverted try.

Russell Tinsdale said after the match, "All credit to Oldfield today as they were a hard team to breakdown. It was not a pretty game to watch but I was impressed with our forwards today who fought a hard battle and held their nerve particularly when Oldfield had a series of scrums on our 5-metre line. Charlie Morgan was outstanding at the back of our scrum and held the pack together for us to overcome any tense moments. We are now only being held off an automatic promotion spot by points scored. Hopefully, we will be able to make this up over the coming weeks."

Before the game, David Wolfenden the owner of Ferndown based car and van hire company Abacus, was pictured with the team when he presented the Abacus sponsored team shorts.

Next week, Wimborne are away to Devizes RFC.

Wimborne 1st XV: Andy Unwin, Richie Brokenshire, Russ Tinsdale (Capt), Andy Hopkins, Aaron Day, Leigh Coulling, Denny Champ, Charlie Morgan, Jason Llewellyn, James Mikolajewski, Jay van Wyk, Mark Griffith, Jim Brokenshire, Steve King, , Gavin Maltman, Ben Hunt, Sean Murphy, Phil Andrews.

Match Reporter:
Green Grass

Following the enforced month's break due to the recent weather conditions, both teams were anxious to see the game played in this top of the table clash. North Dorset had done a fantastic job on preparing the pitch to give perfect playing surface and Wimborne had done a fantastic job maintaining their fitness levels.

Wimborne laid down their marker from the off by winning the first scrum against the head and sustained the pressure throughout the match. There was not a time throughout the game that the North Dorset forwards were not being pushed backwards against a totally dominate Wimborne pack. The first Wimborne try came from a cross-field move that saw full back Gavin Maltman crashing over the line for an unconverted try. North Dorset seemed to be in shock from the ferocious start and were still reeling when a scrum was driven over their try line for Wimborne's Charlie Morgan to score at the base of the scrum. James Mikolajewski duly converted the try. Just before the end of the half, North Dorset converted a penalty to take the score to 3 - 12 at halftime.

A lapse of concentration by Wimborne at the start of the second half saw North Dorset take another three points from a penalty that pulled them back into the game. However, Wimborne hit straight back when James Mikolajewski and Jason Llewellyn combined to open up the North Dorset defence for Mikolajewski to score a converted try. With Wimborne's backs creating gaps everywhere, a cheeky cut back by Jay van Wyk saw him slice through an advancing defensive line that was totally wrong-footed allowing van Wyk to score under the posts. Mikolajewski converted the try. It would have been easy to sit back and wait for the final whistle but Wimborne were hunting as a pack and were not about to take their foot off the gas. A Mikolajewski and King interchange created another opening for Mikolajewski to drive through to score his second try of the day. The final Wimborne score come from a tireless Jim Brokenshire who took the long way round to the try line to score an unconverted try. In the last play of the game and with Phil Andrews off the park due to injury and Steve King in the sin-bin, North Dorset scored against a 13 man Wimborne making the final score look a little more respectable.

Aaron Coulling of Aaron Manufacturing Ltd, one of Wimborne's many team sponsors this season said after the match, "This was a fantastic Wimborne performance. I was particularly impressed with the way the Wimborne forwards set about their task and dominated the game. When you take into consideration that North Dorset had only conceded 15 points at home before this game, the final score speaks volumes on Wimborne's performance." Andy Dobson, Wimborne's forward coach said, "What a game, the team really believe in themselves and are now at the stage where they believe they can beat any team in the league."

The coaching staff and players would like to thank local schools who have allowed Wimborne to use their facilities during the bad weather conditions to maintain fitness levels in preparation for this game.

Next week, Wimborne are at home to Oldfield Old Boys' RFC.

Wimborne 1st XV: Andy Unwin, Richie Brokenshire, Russ Tinsdale (Capt), Andy Hopkins, Jamie Hawkings, Leigh Coulling, Denny Champ, Charlie Morgan, Jason Llewellyn, James Mikolajewski, Jay van Wyk, Jim Brokenshire, Steve King, Phil Andrews, Gavin Maltman, Ben Hunt, Aaron Day, Mark Griffith.

Match Reporter:
Green Grass

Click here to see match photos

A nervous start, following last week's powerful display against Dorchester, saw Wimborne pinned in their own half for long periods as they tried to get to grips with an effective Tadley pack. However, it took a penalty after 34 minutes of play before Tadley turned their pressure into points. To add to Wimborne's misery, winger Phil Andrew's was sin-bin for a team offence when he held on to the ball at the ruck. The shock of going down to 14 players for 10 minutes woke Wimborne out of their indolent state and within minutes of the restart, Steve King had broken the defensive line and powered his way over the try line. James Mikolajewski converted the try to edge Wimborne in front. Unfortunately, yet another penalty in front of the posts allowed Tadley to go in at the halfway period only 1 point behind.

Wimborne got the start to the second half they wanted when Jim Brokenshire caught Tadley napping and slip through a gap to score a converted try. Tadley then imploded when their number 8 was red carded for striking out following a series of Wimborne tackles that also saw Wimborne's Steve Davies sent to the sin-bin. Although Tadley managed to slot another penalty kick through the Wimborne posts, their pack was struggling once Davies returned to the field giving Wimborne the extra man. Driving Tadley back at every scrum, it was an uphill task for them that soon had their older heads spinning under the pressure. The final score of the game came from a driving maul at the lineout. Hooker Richie Brokenshire drove the Wimborne forwards on as they pushed Tadley back over their own try line before he touched the ball down from the back of the maul.

This was the first time Wimborne had won at Tadley for fifteen years and with the win consolidated their top three position in the league table. A pleased Dave Oliver (coach) said following the match. "This was another big game that the team just had to win if they were to keep their promotion hopes alive. We are now at the halfway point of the season and the team have still to reach their full potential so the next couple of months look very promising. This time last year we would not have been able to take the pressure Tadley were putting on us in the first half but this year, we are able to maintain our composure and swiftly turn defence into attack."

Next week, Wimborne are away to Minety RFC.

Wimborne 1st XV: Tom Napier, Richie Brokenshire, Russ Tinsdale (Capt), Andy Hopkins, Jamie Hawkings, Leigh Coulling, Sam Tucker, Steve Davies, Jason Llewellyn, James Mikolajewski, Jay van Wyk, Jim Brokenshire, Steve King, Phil Andrews, Gavin Maltman, Andy Unwin, Charles Roberts, Mark Griffith.

Match Reporter:
Green Grass

12th December 2009
Wimborne 2nd XV 37 - 12 Puddletown

Click here to see match photos

To complete an historical day at Leigh Park following the opening of the new facilities, it was imperative that Wimborne build on their recent good performances to move into third place in the league. A win against visitors Dorchester by more than five points would see Wimborne leapfrog Dorchester to keep the pressure on the top two teams.

For the first 10 minutes of the game, it was Dorchester who looked the more likely to score as they piled the pressure on through their pack. However, the Wimborne defensive line held firm that seemed to drain the Dorchester players even in this early stage of the game. After the early flurry, Dorchester found themselves being pushed backwards and having to defend on the back foot. With the referee playing advantage after an offence at the ruck, Jason Llewellyn moved the ball quickly out through the backs to Steve King who in his own ignitable style, burst through the Dorchester defence creating the space for Phil Andrews to collect the pass from King to score the first try of the day. Almost immediately following the re-start, James Mikolajewski was slotting a penalty through the Dorchester post to put Wimborne 8 points in front.

The next phase of play had the large crowd cheering in approval as Wimborne went from one end of the pitch to the other in one sweeping move. Captain Russell Tinsdale drove out of the Wimborne 22m area with his pack in support around him, the ball was taken on by Jay van Wyk, Jim Brokenshire, Steve King and Mikolajewski to weave their magic up the field culminating with a Brokenshire try.

Wimborne started the second half in no mood to let Dorchester back into the game. With Denny Champ and van Wyk putting constant pressure on Dorchester's fly-half Adam Jones, a loose ball winged its way out to Andrews to outpace his opposite number to score a try. Unfortunately, whilst the try was being run in, Dorchester's Richard Bamett suffered an ankle injury that saw the game stopped for some considerable time. With the light fading, the game was moved to the second team pitch. The change of pitches never altered Dorchester's luck, a looping pass was intercepted by King who then ran the length of the park to score under the posts. Mikolajewski scored the conversion to complete Wimborne's tally of 25 points on the day. In the dying minutes, Dorchester scored a consolation try to avoid the lockout but this was too little too late.

Wimborne captain Russell Tinsdale said after the match, "This was a big game for us today. It was so important that the team put in a good display on such an important day for the Club. The new facilities are great and on behalf of all the players, I would like to thank everyone that has been involved in making it happen."

Prior to the match, Wimborne were pictured with support sponsor Aaron Coulling of Aaron Manufacturing Ltd. Aaron's business partner and brother Leigh, is a current first team player.

Next week, Wimborne are away to Tadley.

Wimborne 1st XV: Tom Napier, Ben Hunt, Russ Tinsdale (Capt), Andy Hopkins, Jamie Hawkings, Leigh Coulling, Denny Champ, Charlie Morgan, Jason Llewellyn, James Mikolajewski, Jay van Wyk, Jim Brokenshire, Steve King, Phil Andrews, Gavin Maltman, Richie Brokenshire, Sam Tucker, Mark Griffith.

Match Reporter:
Green Grass

Click here to see more match photos

Difficult weather conditions did not deter either side from serving up an entertaining game of rugby that would see the victors move to fourth place in the league table. Wimborne took control of the game from the start with a Jim Brokenshire try within the first minute after crashing through the Sherborne defence after the Wimborne forwards had regained the ball at the kick-off that left the Sherborne forwards out of position.

Sherborne were visibly shaken by the ferocity of Wimborne's start and were struggling to get into the game. After 20 minutes, Wimborne's Jamie Hawkings charged down a kick and carried the ball deep into the Sherborne half to set-up a ruck that released Brokenshire and King to create space for winger James Mikolajewski to smash over the line for a try that he then converted. Wimborne then started to cruise that let Sherborne back into the game. A Sherborne penalty and a converted try ended the half with only 2 points separating the teams.

The start of the second half was a repeat of the first. Receiving the restart kick, Wimborne quickly moved the ball out wide for Mikolajewski to move pass his opposite winger to score a try within the first minute of the half. Mikolajewski converted the try to take Wimborne 10 -19 in front. All credit to Sherborne as they regrouped and came back at Wimborne with a converted try. However, the driving rain was taking its toll on the players and errors were creeping in on both sides. Pinning Sherborne in their half for long periods, it was only going to be a matter of time before Sherborne were going to make an error. Unfortunately, the error was in front of the Sherborne posts that gave Mikolajewski position to kick the penalty. Yet another error in front of their posts, Sherborne gave themselves no time to recover from a further Mikolajewski penalty.

Wimborne manager Richard Martin said after the game "That was an excellent Wimborne performance that showed how far the team has come over the last 12 months. It was particularly pleasing to see the support the players were offering each other that allows the ball to do the work. This free flowing style is now evident in all aspects of our game causing numerous problems to our opposition. I was especially pleased with the effort of the forwards that created the platform for the backs to work from"

Next week Wimborne celebrate the opening of their new club facilities with a home match against Dorchester.

Wimborne 1st XV: Andy Unwin, Ben Hunt, Russ Tinsdale (Capt), Sam Tucker, Jamie Hawkings, Leigh Coulling, Denny Champ, Charlie Morgan, Jason Llewellyn, James Mikolajewski, Jay van Wyk, Jim Brokenshire, Steve King, Phil Andrews, Gavin Maltman, Kevin Busby, Simon Ely.

Match Reporter:
Green Grass

Wimborne had a flying start when they scored within 28 seconds with a Jay van Wyk try after he had charged down a kick and collected the loose ball to score under the posts. James Mikolajewski then collected his first of his eight conversion kicks of the day.A stunned team Ivel never recovered from this early shock and could only look on in amazement as Wimborne systematically took them apart for the rest of the game. Wimborne's next points followed only minutes later when man-of-the-match Steve King put in a crunching tackle that forced the ball to come loose for Sean Murphy to carry towards the Ivel line. With perfect timing, Murphy released the ball for Mikolajewski to score the try out wide.

The Ivel team were weary every time King had the ball as he was causing mayhem whenever he advanced. Drawing defenders towards him King collected the ball in his own half and cut through the Ivel defenders to cover over half the pitch to score a converted try. Reeling from the Wimborne offensive, Ivel tried to regroup and reverted to keeping the ball in their forwards but this just delayed the inevitable as Wimborne rolled the Ivel pack backwards. Having pushed Ivel back yet again, the ball came out to Simon Ely and with one quick step Ely wrong footed the Ivel defence for an unruffled Jim Brokenshire to weave his way through a crowded defence to carry the ball under the posts for a converted try.

The second half started much the same as the first with Sean Murphy scoring a converted try within 30 seconds of the re-start. Mikolajewski then collected his second try after Gavin Maltman joined the line to break through the cover defence and slip the ball to Mikolajewski to score a converted try. Ivel then rallied with a short period of pressure but were struggling to make a breakthrough. After an Ivel scrum on the Wimborne try line, Murphy picked up a loose ball to take Wimborne back up the pitch. Taking Murphy's pass on the halfway line, Brokenshire turned on the afterburners to score a converted try. It was left to King to complete a high-quality display and to collect his hat trick of tries with two late tries to compound Ivel's misery.

Centre Jim Brokenshire said after the match: "This was a great display when you consider that we were resting players ready for the big game next week at home against Frome. I was particularly impressed with the forwards display as they gave the backs the platform to create space and use the speed we now have throughout the team. More importantly, it was good to see Denny Champ back home safely from his tour aboard having only arrived back home on the morning of the match."

Wimborne 1st XV: Kevin Busby, Sean Murphy, Andy Unwin, Andy Hopkins, Dan Wale, Leigh Coulling, Denny Champ, Steve Davies (Capt.), Jason Llewellyn, James Mikolajewski, Jay van Wyk, Simon Ely, Jim Brokenshire, Steve King, Gavin Maltman, Russell Tinsdale, Phil Andrews, Ben Hunt.

Match Reporter:
Green Grass

On the eve of All Saints Day when traditionally all things dark are prominent, Wimborne took the treats on offer and proffered the odd trick to sink Devizes.
Banished into the past was the slow start Wimborne was suffering from earlier in the season as right from the start they pressured and tormented the Devizes forwards.
Within minutes of the start, Wimborne had driven the scrum over the try line for No.8 Steve Davies to touch down for the first points of the day. This was quickly following by a James Mikolajewski penalty to establish an 8-point Wimborne advantage.

With both the forwards and backs on top form, it was appropriate that Jim Brokenshire's try was initially set-up by forward Dave O'Bryan before Brokenshire crashed over the try line.
Now back to full fitness, Wimborne fullback Gavin Maltman is playing some exciting rugby, with his first attacking run Maltman jinked around three defenders before scoring a try that was converted by Mikolajewski. Unfortunately for Wimborne, Brokenshire was sin-bin for 10 minutes for a team offence due to persistent handling of the ball on the ground. The numerical advantage allowed Devizes to take their only points of the half with an unconverted try. However, before Wimborne's full numbers were restored, Steve King ripped open the Devizes defence with a blistering run down the right wing to score under the posts. On-form kicker Mikolajewski converted the try to move Wimborne 27 - 5 in front. The last action of the first half saw Mark Griffith using all his strength to shrug off the tackles to score a well-worked try that involved all of the Wimborne three-quarter line.

The second half started much the same as the first with Wimborne running their lines and pinning Devizes on the back foot. Jay van Wyk taking the ball from Jason Llewellyn, sent the defence the wrong way when he stepped back in to straighten his run and scored under the posts. Mikolajewski again converted. Wimborne then had Maltman sin-bin for a loose tackle. This allowed Devizes to hit back with two tries and a conversion. However, as Maltman re-entered the fray, Griffiths was judged to infringe a Devizes kicker and replaced Maltman in the sin-bin.

As the match drew to a close, Steve King had the final say with a well worked try.

Wimborne manager Richard Martin said after the match, "This was a fine performance and is a just reward for all the hard work the players are putting in on training nights. Coaches Dave Oliver and Andy Dobson have moulded the players into a tight unit and we are now seeing all their effort paying dividends."

Wimborne were pictured before the game with Jim Lynch of J N Lynch & Sons.
Mr Lynch said that he was please that his company is a support sponsor for the Wimborne teams this season and that his company is associated with the new look Wimborne set-up.

Wimborne 1st XV: Andy Unwin, Sean Murphy, Russell Tinsdale (Capt), Richard Jordan, Andy Hopkins, Dan Wale, Dave O'Bryan, Steve Davies, Jason Llewellyn, James Mikolajewski, Jay van Wyk, Mark Griffith, Jim Brokenshire, Steve King, Gavin Maltman, Kevin Busby, Tom Shorricks, Charles Roberts

Match Reporter:
Green Grass

All eyes were turned to Wimborne's 2nd XV at the weekend when they hosted Chippenham in the quarter final of the Dorset & Wilts 2nd XV cup. These two teams last met in the semi final stage last year when Chippenham were runaway winners, however, the new look Wimborne were going to prove a much tougher obstacle to get over this year.

While Wimborne had most of the play during the first half they were finding it difficult to convert the pressure into points. It took a drop goal from John McManus just before the end of the half to edge Wimborne in front. Now playing with the wind behind them, McManus was pinning Chippenham down in their own half with kicks that were finding the open spaces. After intense forward pressure from Craig, Walton, Greaterex, Brown and Murphy, Wimborne were awarded a penalty when Chippenham's only choice to stop a try was to give the penalty away. In the swirling wind and out by the touchline, McManus slotted the kick through the posts to double Wimborne's score. McManus was soon called on again to extend Wimborne's lead with another penalty kick following a high tackle that floored Lewis Warner as he tried to break through the centre of the Chippenham defence. In a short 5-minute spell, it was the turn of the opposition to return the pressure as Chippenham swung the ball out wide and charged in for an unconverted try to bring them back into the game.

However, it was left to Wimborne to have the final say in the match when Sam Tucker made a tackled that turned over the ball for Bobby Brown to go for the line. Brown was stopped short of the line but Chippenham were judged to have entered the ruck from the side. A quick tap penalty had the ball winging its way out to Jamie Walton to score the try and take the game out of Chippenham's reach with only minutes left. To finish a fine display, McManus gained the extra points with the conversion.

Wimborne Captain, Charlie Morgan said after the match, "This was an excellent result against the current holders of the cup and a satisfying reversal of last year's result. I have been impressed with the youth in the side and the way Iain Bolton (2nd team manager) has moulded the side together. Hopefully, we will be able to go all the way to the final and bring the cup to Wimborne".

Wimborne 2nd XV: Jamie Walton, Sean Murphy, Calum Craig, Ed Greaterex, Paul Watson, Bobby Brown, Charlie Morgan (Capt), Sam Tucker, John Mcmanus, Tom Shorricks, Mark Walter, Nick Horne, Brad Morgan, Lewis Warner, Calum Wilford, Lawrenca Brady, Ben Orchard, and Jacob Barrass.

Match Reporter:
Green Grass

In a bruising encounter, Wimborne gained their first ever victory at Oldfield in convincing style. With Wimborne's Jamie Hawkings in the sin-bin after only 6 minutes, Wimborne were forced to defend against a powerful Oldfield team that were determined to press home their numerical advantage. However, it took a penalty in front of the posts for Oldfield to gain anything from their pressure. The roles were soon reversed when Oldfield were reduced to 14 players after an off the ball incident that allowed Jay van Wyk to level the scores. After the high intensity of the opening half hour, the match then settled down to a more sedate pace as both teams looked to open up the oppositions defensive lines. Unfortunately for Wimborne, a late penalty took Oldfield into half time 6 - 3 in front.

Having had the territorial advantage in the first half but behind in points, Wimborne exploded from the blocks and were soon in total control of the game. A van Wyk penalty was quickly followed up with a move that had the ball travelling through the hands of all the Wimborne backs to produce a sweeping move across the field culminating in a Steve King try and conversion. A King penalty kick took Wimborne out of reach of a tiring Oldfield side. Nevertheless, Wimborne were not about to sit back on their lead but pushed on to cement the victory with a Steve Davies try and a further King conversion.

Wimborne Captain Russell Tinsdale said after the game 'This was a well deserved victory after all the years coming to Oldfield and going away empty handed. However, what was pleasing was to see how the younger players are adjusting to playing in the senior competitions. Today we had Jack Green, Ryan Johns and Dave Tomlinson all making their first team debuts and with Simon Ely and Dan Wale already established in the team, it gives the side strength in depth with an excellent mixture of youth and experienced players.'

Wimborne 1st XV: Kevin Busby, David Tomlinson, Russell Tinsdale (Capt), Jamie Hawkings, Andy Hopkins, Dan Wale, Denny Champ, Steve Davies, Jason Llewellyn, Simon Ely, Jay van Wyk, Mark Griffith, Jim Brokenshire, Steve King, Gavin Maltman, Jack Green, Ryan Johns and Dave O'Bryan

Match Reporter:
Green Grass

High flying North Dorset were the visitors at Wimborne's Leigh Park at the weekend looking to maintain their 100% record this season. For much of the half the honours were even as the two sides settled into a rhythm of play that was entertaining the large crowd. However, Wimborne lost their way during a 10-minute segment to allow the opposition to open up a 17-point lead that was to prove fatal. However, in a complete reversal of play during a 5-minute spell in the last minutes of the half, Wimborne hit back with two Steve King tries that were both converted by James Mikolajewski to go in at the end of the half 14 - 17 behind.

Wimborne came back out for the second half looking the stronger and playing the more attractive rugby. Putting pressure on the North Dorset right flank, Wimborne drew the opposition in to create the overlap out on the left flank for Jim Brokenshire to score an unconverted try to take Wimborne in front for the first time. Unfortunately, it only takes a couple of mistakes to turn a game and unlucky for Wimborne, the two mistakes were converted into points by North Dorset to secure the win.

This was a very entertaining game to watch with both sides evenly matched and playing some exciting rugby. Wimborne now go to Oldfield Old Boys' next week looking in good shape even after this defeat. With so many areas of Wimborne's play now falling into place, it will be but a short time before they start putting opposition to the sword. The team would like to wish Denny Champ a swift and safe return with his trip away in the next few weeks. Best wishes must also go to JP Wyngraad who played in the Wimborne 2nd XV's 24 - 24 match at Westbury. JP broke his ankle in only his fourth match for the club and everyone wishes him a speedy recovery.

Wimborne 1st XV: Kevin Busby, Sean Murphy, Russell Tinsdale (Capt), Richie Jordan, Andy Hopkins, Dan Wale, Denny Champ, Steve Davies, Jason Llewellyn, James Mikolajewski, Jay van Wyk, Mark Griffith, Jim Brokenshire, Steve King, Gavin Maltman, Simon Ely, Jamie Hawkings and Dennis Fry.

Match Reporter:
Green Grass

Wimborne are still to come-up with a strategy that will get them into game mode before the opposition. For the third time this season, Wimborne were behind before they stamped their presence on the game. Falling behind to a Corsham try, Wimborne hit back with a Dave O'Bryan try following intense pressure from the Wimborne forwards. James Mikolajewski then converted the try in the blustery conditions. However, while Wimborne Captain Russell Tinsdale was off the field for a blood injury, Corsham hit back with a penalty, two tries and a conversion to go in at half time 20 - 7 in front.

The second half was a complete reversal of fortunes for Wimborne. With Andy Hopkins on for Jamie Hawkings, Wimborne started to exert pressure on the Corsham pack that culminated in a try for Steve King. Man-of-the-Match James Mikolajewski then scored the best try of the game that started on the Wimborne 22m line. The ball went through the backs hands to winger Mikolajewski on the halfway line, Mikolajewski then jinked his way through three defenders to score a try that Mikolajewski converted. This brought Wimborne to within a point of Corsham and very much on the ascendancy. Within 18 minutes of the restart, Wimborne went in front with a shrewdly worked try that saw Jim Brokenshire break into space to score under the Corsham posts. Mikolajewski duly converted. All Wimborne had to do was shut-up shop and keep control of the game. Unfortunately, Corsham found the gaps in the Wimborne defence to score two converted tries that put them ahead. Wimborne then threw everything at Corsham to get back on terms. Mikolajewski then hit a gap as Corsham were drawn into a head-to-head battle in the forwards to score an unconverted try.

The final minutes of the game had Corsham desperately defending their try line to hold back the Wimborne onslaught as Wimborne threw everything at Corsham to pull back the three-point deficit. In the last play of the game, Wimborne had a four-man overlap without a defender in sight but the official stopped play for the crossing of Wimborne's centres that mystified both sets of players.

This was a great game to watch as both teams battled it out both in the forwards as well as the backs. I am sure lessons will be learnt, as Wimborne get ready for the home game on Saturday against high flying North Dorset.

Wimborne 1st XV: Andy Unwin, Kevin Busby, Russell Tinsdale (Capt), Jamie Hawkins, Richie Jordan, Steve Davies, Denny Champ, Dave O'Bryan, Jean-Pierre Wyngraad, James Mikolajewski, Jay van Wyk, Mark Griffith, Jim Brokenshire, Steve King, Simon Ely, Andy Hopkins and Jamie Walton.

Match Reporter:
Green Grass

Before the pre-match warm-up, the Wimborne team lined up with Gavin Weeks, Sales Manager from the Stour and Avon Magazine for the official presentation of the new sponsored shirts. Gavin said ahead of the game that everyone in the local community as well as the staff at the Stour and Avon Magazine wished the teams at Wimborne Rugby Club a successful season both on the pitch as well as off the pitch with the new club development that was now taking shape.

Unfortunately for Wimborne, the game did not start well with Wimborne handling the ball on the ground and Minety converting the penalty. This was quickly followed with another Minety penalty that for the second week running saw Wimborne, having had all the play, facing a point's deficit. However, this was the jolt that Wimborne needed as they soon started to convert the pressure into points. Richard Brokenshire was first to cross the try line with a bustling run that broke the defensive line to score an unconverted try. This was quickly followed with a Mark Griffith try when Griffith linked with Steve King to outpace the defence. James Mikolajewski converted the try. Richard Brokenshire then bagged his second try of the match following some sleek forward play. James Mikolajewski again converted to nudge Wimborne further in front. Throughout the half, Jim Brokenshire and Mark Griffith hustled the Minety backs into making a series of errors, ultimately one Minety error too many converted into a try for Wimborne's James Mikolajewski. Capitalising on a loose ball, Mikolajewski scored under the Minety posts, Mikolajewski then converted his own try. With Wimborne forwards completely on top in the scrums and lineout's, Minety were struggling to gain possession of the ball. Coupled with the high temperatures and the intense power of the Wimborne pack, Minety were tiring quickly. Jim Brokenshire finished the half off in style with an unconverted try to take the score to 31 - 6 at the end of the half.

The second half started with total forward domination by Wimborne. After going through 11 phases of play, Gavin Maltman took a pass from Dave O'Bryan to score an unconverted try. Wimborne then sat back a bit and the game become a little lethargic as the heat took its toll. However, whenever Minety looked like stepping up their game Wimborne stopped them in their tracks. Wimborne's forwards demoralised Minety's pack by winning eight scrums on the Minety put-in and continually stole the ball at the lineout. Wimborne's front five of Busby, Brokenshire, Tinsdale, Hawkings and Jordan operated as a tight unit and with the support of Coulling, Champ and O'Bryan, they drove the Minety pack at every opportunity. Late in the game Wimborne brought on debutant Simon Ely, Gavin Marchant and Mark Hopkins to replace some tiring legs. Although there was a late Minety try, Jay van Wyk scored Wimborne's final try of the day (in front of his visiting mother from South Africa) after Jim Brokenshire and Griffith had linked to release van Wyk to score an unconverted try. This final score gave Wimborne a convincing 41 - 13 home win. Next week Wimborne are away to Corsham.

Wimborne 1st XV: Kevin Busby, Richie Brokenshire, Russell Tinsdale (Capt), Richard Jordan, Jamie Hawkings, Leigh Coulling, Denny Champ, Dave O'Bryan, Jason Llewellyn, James Mikolajewski, Jay van Wyk, Mark Griffith, Jim Brokenshire, Steve King, Gavin Maltman, Gavin Marchant, Mark Hopkins and Simon Ely

Match Reporter:
Green Grass