RUGBY Welsh scored five tries against Five Ways to secure another impressive 36-12 victory and in the process ensure that the second Midlands 5 West (South) promotion spot will be settled on the final weekend of the season.
Five Ways are a well organised side, but in their two previous encounters Welsh have generally dominated proceedings and Saturday’s match was similar.
The Welsh set piece was again dominant with plenty of lineout possession being won by Crowe and Colledge, while the front row of Richards, Grant and Parkinson caused immense problems for the opposition scrum.
Welsh had the benefit of a strong wind in the first half, which was well used by Buckland and Shaw with their tactical kicking.
They were soon ahead with a penalty from Guy Shaw and then, following a five-metre scrum Adam Higham bulldozed his way over for an unconverted try.
Mid-way through the half Adam Bond made a break and fed fellow centre Jason Reynolds who scored the try which Shaw converted.
The Welsh forwards were in complete control at this stage and following a five-metre lineout a catch and drive was set up and Matty Richards crashed over for the score.
There was still time for Shaw to kick a penalty to give Welsh a 23 point half time lead.
The second half began well when Anthony Reynolds scored a well taken try on the corner which was superbly converted by Shaw. Welsh knew from previous encounters that Five Ways could make a comeback and this initially looked the case when they scored a try and Crowe had to go off with a knee injury.
However Welsh responded well and were generally in control of the rest of the game.
An excellent three quarter move saw full back Shaw come into the line at pace and he beat the covering defence for a try which he converted. Although Five Ways continued to work hard and scored another converted try Welsh thoroughly deserved their bonus point victory.
The two sides are now level in second place with the final matches in a fortnight’s time although Five Ways, with their superior points difference, holding the upper hand.
