Phil's Problem

By Elliott Josypenko
September 7 2004

Mark Woodrow, deputising for Aussie fly half Tim Walsh, has set Pertemps Bees a real selection poser after amassing 25 points in their stunning 45-25 romp at Henley.

Mark Woodrow, deputising for Aussie fly half Tim Walsh, has set Pertemps Bees a real selection poser after amassing 20 points in their stunning 45-25 romp at Henley.

Only a missed conversion in the dying seconds ruined his 100 per cent record after four conversions, three penalties and a drop goal.

Walsh, who had returned home for his sister’s wedding, will be back for Saturday’s home fixture against full-time Penzance but director of rugby Phil Maynard admits dropping ‘Woody’ after that display would be awkward. But Woodrow was limping towards the end and after missing pre-season with a leg muscle injury which has been refusing to clear up, the No 10 selection dilemma could yet have another twist.

Bees ran in five tries to three and it could have been a lot better if they had taken all their chances.

Maynard said: “We dropped the ball over the line three times so it could have been well over 50 points.

“But it was a good win. We still have to get some pattern on to the game but any team who goes to Henley and puts 45 points on the board can’t be a bad side.

“We saw things to work on, to get our teeth into but we were never in trouble the whole game.”

Apart from Walsh, Bees were also missing skipper Ed Orgee, out for six weeks after a knee operation following an injury in the pre-season against Newcastle, and full back Dave Knight who has not recovered from another knee injury.

Maynard’s ambition this season is survival. He said: “I want security by Christmas. I like to enjoy my Christmas dinner.”

With more performances like this he can start warming the mince pies now.