Derby win puts Wymondham back on top

Wymondham 27 Crusaders 0

Wymondham claimed the derby spoils to stretch their winning run to 12 matches – and move back to the top of the table as a result.

In a match that was switched to Browick Road after heavy overnight rain had left the Tuttles Lane surface unplayable, Wymondham went ahead when a charge by Tom Armes saw Auden Airdrie and Charlie Duffin release their backs, with Tom Midgley spotting a gap and darting through for a try which was unconverted.

The game then became an intriguing tussle with the visitors having most of the possession but Wymondham's defence again in superb form and charges by big second rowers Tom Baxter and James Boggan gave Crusaders problems, as they were to do throughout. Another great break by Armes then allowed the backs to progress and when this was stopped the pack set up a driving maul which Crusaders could not stop and Armes scored a deserved unconverted try.

After the break Conor Airdrie produced a fine bit of play which saw good thrusts by Andy Marriott, Chris Rodgers and James Boggan apply more pressure on the Crusaders defence and when the backs were released Duffin and Andy Mackay fed Midgley who again spotted a gap and charged through for another try which he converted himself to make it 17-0.

Crusaders still had plenty of territory and possession but the excellent Wymondham defence yet again made it all come to nothing.

Then more good work by Midgley saw Chris Collins-Reed applying strong pressure on Crusaders' last defender which nearly led to a fourth try. But Wymondham responded to a take by Conor Airdrie which Rodgers, Boggan and Baxter pushed on towards the visitors' try line and Aaron Swanborough scored a superb bonus point try, converted by Midgley.

Midgley converted a penalty to stretch the lead out to 27-0 at the finish.

This was a thoroughly entertaining derby with Crusaders not letting themselves down at all with a good display which, against lesser defences, would have brought them reward.

With morning leaders Ely losing 17-11 at home to Wisbech and only earning a losing bonus point Wymondham returned to the top of the table with a game in hand which is the postponed fixture at Mersea Island re-arranged for this Saturday.

If Wymondham could win that one well it would increase their advantage at the top to six points with six matches left to play.