Wimbledon 3-20 Shelford
Coach James Ogilvie-Bull believes there was plenty to learn from Wimbledon’s season-opening defeat to Shelford.
With the Dons promoted to National Three London & South East this season and Shelford relegated to it, it was always going to be a tough opening game.
The visitors scored two tries in each half as they showed Wimbledon, who squandered chances, how to finish.
“You learn more from a defeat as a squad than you do in a victory,” said Ogilvie-Bull.
“We defended well but it was frustrating that we didn’t quite get over the line in attack.
“But I think the result shows we can compete and compete well at this level.”
Wimbledon started brightly, dominating the opening exchanges, but it was Shelford who would strike first.
After a ten-minute spell of resolute Shelford defending, the away team began to exert pressure of their own and Tom Lucas opened the scoring on 20 minutes.
Like all tries scored during the game, the conversion was missed, but 15 minutes later Shelford struck again as James Kellard went over.
Wimbledon replied with a penalty just before the break, leaving the score 10-3 at half time.
Wimbledon continued to display organised and disciplined defending in the second half but struggled to assert themselves upon reaching the Shelford 22.
Grant Anderson and Jamie Beswick each scored for Shelford, who were made to hang on for the final seven minutes as they were reduced to 14-men but Wimbledon could not break them down.
Next up for Wimbledon is a trip to Hertford, who beat Eton Manor 65-7 in their opening game, on Saturday.
Feature image courtesy of England Rugby, via Youtube, with thanks
