TOTTONIANS 50 SWANAGE and WAREHAM 20
Water Lane
Saturday 31st August 2024
Pre-season Friendly

As pre-season run outs go, this was a good one as Tottonians scored eight tries and faced some more challenging moments early in the second half but still managed to defeat valiant Counties 1 Southern South Swanage & Wareham 50-20 at Water Lane.

There was plenty to be encouraged about. The new signings, including three who signed on the dotted line this week, looked very good whilst the full squad were given a good outing.

It didn’t take long for Totts to get off and running and it was a familiar name on the scoresheet, Scott Rogers who emerged from a pack drive after a five-metre lineout. Ethan Riley, taking on the kicking duties, made no mistake with the extras.

Fijian secon row Semisi Matatulu zipped over for the second try on 15 minutes before George Hixon was on hand to clean up after some poor defending in front of their own posts let him snatch Totts’ third.

The visitors hit back with a well worked score just before the interval but Kevin Raqio extended the lead again almost immediately.  Riley convering all of Totts’ four first half scores.

Swanage did cut the gap on the half-time whistle with another score and, despite being reduced to 14 men just eight seconds into the second half, they came out the more empowered scoring twice before Totts found their feet once again in the final quarter.

The second half drinks break on the hour mark seemed to galvanise the home team as Rich O’Donnell, a second try for George Hixon and a lovely passing move from midfield ended with Josh Andrews scooting in at the corner.

Right on the final whistle, Ethan Riley took his points tally to 15 for the day as he charged through for his sides’ eighth of the afternoon to complete the 50-20 victory.

Coach Phil Osman pronounced himself pleased with the effort his team put in and there was more than enough to look forward to ahead of the league commencement on Saturday against Chobham.