In glorious conditions, Winchester scored six unanswered tries in their first match of the season against fellow-promoted rivals Wimborne, writes Dai Henley.

With five minutes on the clock, a Winchester throw on Wimborne’s five-metre line resulted in a controlled catch and drive by the pack. With immaculate timing, they fed the ball back to scrum-half Connor Breen, who sniped over the line. Fullback Josh Tolan’s conversion failed.

Following a Winchester scrum inside Wimborne’s half, Winchester’s rampant backs spun the ball swiftly to winger Tom Banks, who outpaced his opposite number to fly over in the corner. Fly-half debutant Tommy Hare, a signing from Portsmouth, converted to make the score 12-0.

Another perfectly executed catch and drive on Wimborne’s five-metre line resulted in front-rower Jim Beavan touching down. Hare converted, making the score at half-time 19-0.

Wimborne started the second half full of endeavour and, after twenty minutes, were rewarded with a try by centre Max Bracken following the only lapse in Winchester’s otherwise superb defence. The conversion failed. 

Following a fine penalty kick to within five metres of Wimborne’s try line by Hare, another catch and drive from the resulting line out led to Hooker Jimmy Wallis touching down. Hare converted to make the score 26-5.

In complete control now, Winchester added two further tries following excellent running from skipper Matt Golding, a rejuvenated front-rower Alex Lee, and second-rower Saul Morgan. Hiscock, then Golding dotted down. Hare converted one of the tries to bring the final score to 38-5.

This victory was built on Winchester’s powerful defensive line speed, giving Wimborne no room or time to set up their lively backs.