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Tom Hill scores Wallingford's third try

Wallingford 22, Wootton Bassett 3

A superb second-half display saw Wallingford gain a deserved victory in the Southern Counties play-off and promotion to the highest level in their history.

Wallingford were fairly lucky to be leading 5-3 at half-time, but gave the large Hithercroft crowd plenty to cheer about in the sun with three second-half tries.

They have now won two promotions in two seasons and should enter South West 2 East full of confidence.

After a nervy start, Wallingford showed great resilience in defence, led by centres Pete Holton and Johnny Collett.

And once Wootton Bassett started to tire, Wallingford took full advantage.

Bassett full back David Martin, who looked the most talented runner on either side, showed some early intent before centre Tim Gallimore put the visitors ahead with an eighth-minute penalty.

It could have been worse for Wallingford when Bassett knocked on from a promising catch-and-drive move.

But the hosts scored an excellent try on their first visit to the visitors' 22 on 16 minutes.

Powerful breaks from Ed Jenkins and Mike Turner eventually forced a five-metre scrum from which the outstanding Derek Viljoen dummied his way past a static defence and over.

Martin and wing Duncan Fletcher were still causing Wallingford problems and the pressure only increased when flanker Mike Chapman was yellow-carded on 22 minutes.

Bassett flanker Bruce Elliott jubilantly celebrated a try soon afterwards only to be called back for a knock-on.

This was definitely a let-off, but Wallingford tightened up their defence and closed out the first period, despite scrum half Viljoen struggling with a leg injury.

The visitors started the second half in determined mood, but were rocked by Wallingford's second try after 52 minutes.

Collett straightened his run to scythe through midfield and the supporting Holton found full back Venners, who glided in and converted the score himself.

Bassett appeared to be running out of steam and almost conceded again when Collett's scoring pass to wing Nick Risk was adjudged to be forward.

Some decent backs moves were mixed in with some ferocious tackling with Henry Pooler and Jenkins's double hit on lock Ian Mason the best of the bunch.

No 8 Ian Jeffrey and lock Mike Turner were both stopped from close range on 68 minutes, but the home fans were soon able to celebrate.

Man-of-the-match Holton blasted through the centre and fed hooker Tom Hill to beat his man and touch down for 17-3.

That was game over, but Wallingford bagged a deserved fourth try when fly half Pooler jinked his way past a tired defence in stoppage time.

Wallingford nearly had a grandstand finish when captain Kris Blaszko came close to driving over following a lineout.

But as it was, they had produced a fine display to cap a triumphant season.

Wallingford: Venners, Risk (Strang 77), Collett, Holton, R Turner, Pooler, Viljoen, Blaszko (capt), Hill, Jenkins, Lewis, M Turner, Ma Chapman, Mi Chapman, Jenkins. Reps not used: Broome, S Henderson.

Referee: T Davis (Oxfordshire).

Man-of-the-match: Holton.

5:17pm Monday 28th April 2008

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