Match Report: Southwold 69 – 7 Shelford

Southwold produced a superb all-round performance on The Common, overcoming strong winds to secure a commanding 69–7 victory over Shelford. In challenging conditions, Wold managed the game intelligently, combining forward dominance with clinical finishing out wide.

The tone was set early through a powerful driving maul, leading to phases down the wing where Theo Kenny showed great strength to beat two defenders and open the scoring at 5–0. Momentum continued as a well-executed lineout move saw Kenny cut through again, this time finishing under the posts to extend the lead to 12–0.

Southwold’s pressure at the breakdown forced errors, and when Shelford were pushed off the ball, Luke Wade reacted quickest to score and make it 19–0. From a goal-line dropout, Wold attacked with intent, Kenny grubbering cleverly inside for Mike Barron to win the race and touch down for 26–0.

The forwards continued to dominate, earning a scrum penalty which led to Gavin Starks picking up at the base and linking with Wade, who finished from close range for 33–0. Further scrum control saw Wade break the line before setting up hooker Chris Aldous to score, sending Southwold into half-time with a commanding 40–0 lead.

The second half followed a similar pattern. From another solid scrum, Tom Keeble crossed in the corner to make it 45–0. Slick handling in broken play between Charlie Buckley and Guy Blades then created space for Keeble to add his second in the corner.

Southwold’s backs were in full flow, and from a lineout on halfway, a well-worked move saw Keeble slice through the defence to complete his hat-trick under the posts at 57–0.

Shelford showed resilience and were rewarded with a try from a powerful midfield break, reducing the score to 57–7. However, Southwold responded immediately, with Harry Simpson providing a superb pass to release Theo Kenny, who finished well in the corner for 62–7.

The final word fittingly went to Keeble, who capped an outstanding individual performance by beating the cover defence to score his fourth try of the afternoon, sealing a comprehensive 69–7 victory.

A dominant display built on set-piece strength, smart use of the conditions and excellent teamwork across the pitch. Credit to Shelford for their efforts throughout in difficult conditions.

Arn the Wold!