Wimbledon kick off London and SE Premier by taming London Irish Wild Geese

Wimbledon started their London and SE Premier campaign with a 25-17 win over London Irish Wild Geese.

New recruit Rob Ellis looked lively and elusive to tacklers on the left wing, but the first score was a well-taken drop goal by Irish outside half Mark Abraham on 20 minutes.

Wimbledon replied four minutes later with a strong driving maul that lasted for 20 metres and the resulting penalty was kicked by Wimbledon outside half Steve Boatman to touch.  The lineout was won and hooker Josh Forrester scored near to the posts.

Scrum-half Harry Tabb was unable to convert into the wind but 10 minutes later the second try came as Rob Louw scored near to the posts. Tabb was again unable to convert into the wind. The Dons led 10-3 at the break.

Lock Alex Campbell’s calf injury saw him replaced by Jack Cook, causing the first reshuffle of the pack.  Freddie Hooper scored the third try, converted by Tabb.

The lead was extended 11 minutes later by an unconverted try by wing Rob Ellis to secure the bonus point.

The injury curse struck again with a head injury assessment to lock Louw sending on Bradley Ugodulunwa at prop and Bertie Haskins going to flanker.

Flanker Jack Cooke had to be replaced after a head injury by Tabb, the scrum-half now playing on the flank.

Wimbledon had more than half their pack playing out of position and a loss in momentum saw London Irish Wild Geese close the margin of defeat with two tries.

Regan Botham kicked a final penalty for the Dons.

Wimbledon’s second side beat Bishops Stortford 29-15. Their third side won 12-8 against Old Blues seconds.

The Dons are at CS Stags 1863 on Saturday.