The Sonics Open Age teams endured a tough weekend with both 1st and 2nd teams in action for the first time this season. An understrength first team went down 44-18 away to Oxford and the seconds put in a brave performance but lost 70-50 away at Gloucestershire Warriors.
The 1st team found themselves under pressure from the kick-off as the Cavaliers camped down in their 20m but it took 12 minutes for the deadlock to be broken. Stand off Andy Winfield ghosted through the Sonic’s defence untouched to score under the posts giving the hosts a 6-0. The Sonics soon got back on level terms as they found some space down the right hand side. Dom Swann put centre Mike Gaston into a gap and he found his way over from 40m, beating the last defender with an outrageous side-step.
The game then saw defences on top till the 35th minute when the deadlock was broken by Ed Vickers who crashed over from 10 meters out to make it 10-6. Winfield once again added the easy extras to extend the lead to 12-6. Straight from the restart the Cavaliers broke once more and a weaving run Scrum Half Wez Newton saw him score next to the post to make the score 16-6. Andy Winfield once again added the simple extras making the half time score 18-6 to the Cavaliers.
The second half started off poorly for the away side with Ed Vickers picking up his second on 42 minutes and once again Winfield added the extras to put the Cavaliers in control at 24-6. The Sonic’s needed to score next to stay in touch and this they did with hooker Luke Williamson crossing over from close range. Swann added the extras to make it 24-12.
The Cavaliers then took advantage of a tiring Sonics defence having had control of the ball for the majority of the game. Four quick tries killed the game off before the Sonic’s had the last say with a try from winger Ryan Goodman on debut making the final score 44-18.
The 2nd team put in a brave performance in a game that Gloucestershire Warriors looked to have full control of at one stage. An improbable fightback was on the cards at one stage but Gloucestershire had enough quality to hold on despite conceding 10 tries. There were hatricks from Simon Price and 16 year-old Morgan Rees. Lawrence Roycroft added a brace with Harry Brooker and Freddie Blanks also crossing for the Sonics.
Both teams now have a week off league action over the bank holiday although a Sonics squad will be competing in the Bournemouth 7’s competition. Both teams return to action on the 31st May with the 1st team away to Leicester Storm and the 2nd team hosting Oxford Cavliers ‘A’.
