Rugby Welsh 35 - 20 Old Wheatleyans
Dog Sh*t !!
With just a mere 8 changes from the week before the Wheats looked forward to the challenge of Rugby Welsh Away.
With a front row shortage due to injuries and general gayness, the local pimp was called into the side for his first game in Wheats colours this season, post-match the club managed to strike a deal with him to use his forehead as advertising space. Tony Harris started at hooker with Scan the only surviving member of last week's FR. The 2nd row was made up of Ross and a remarkably sober McShame, although he still managed to turn up 25mins late. Kn*b. Si H returned to the back-row along with the Weaver father-son-combo (aka “The Ghost” & “Casper”). Captain Dean Bryant started at 9 with AB at 10. Gillam, complete with new hair cut came into the centre to partner Jamie K with Matt Brown and the Adonis on the wings with big Rubery at 15.
The game started brightly with the Wheats 9 using the old show and go from a quick tap penalty to make good yardage into the Welsh half, the ball was re-cycled 2 or 3 times and then shipped through the backs to allow Matt Brown to finish in the corner. 5-0 – good start. But the Wheats wouldn’t be the Wheats if they didn’t allow the opposition an immediate score, in fact they were feeling so generous this week that they allowed the opposition to run in 3 unanswered tries in 10mins – 19-5. The Wheats back-line was having a shocking off-day in both attack and defence. The word sieve does not even begin to describe the way the tries were allowed in. However, what was more disappointing was the dog sh&t found all over the pitch and the referee refusing to move it.
The Wheats were spending time in the opposition half but were failing to come away with any points, a good 8 pick up by the Ghost led to Dean bursting through the Welsh defence and off-loaded to Casper – who had somehow managed to keep up with the blistering pace, the Welsh infringed and the Wheats were awarded a penalty in front of the posts, this time the Wheats disappointed the growing crowd and opted for 3 points. 19-8.. Next score came from the Welsh – a well struck penalty to make it 22-8. The score remained the same until the half time whistle went.
At half time Scan went off injured, Adam came on into the back row with Jas W returning to the front row and Greg moving to 9. Bosher Bryant moved into the centre with Gillam transferring to the wing.
The 2nd half got off to a good start, JK charged down a 22-drop out and fed the rampaging Bosher who in turn drew the defence and fed Gillam with absolute precision to allow him to use good footwork to score in the corner. Conversion obviously missed. 22-13. The Wheats never felt they were outplayed or outclassed, but not having won for so so so long the team has lost that competitive edge that they need to get the “W”. The Welsh were next to score, centre Dean Bryant expertly guided his opposite number into JK’s channel only for Jamie to then flap around and miss the Welsh 12 who went in under the posts. Resultant conversion good from the Welsh Bead who had a good day with the boot, 29-13.
The scripts pretty much write themselves this season, the Wheats losing with no pressure then start to exert some authority on the game. Long periods were spent in the Welsh 22 but silly / fuc*ing stupid mistakes kept letting them down at the last minute. The Ghost took matters into his own hands and scored an excellent solo try down the blind side, AB lined up the most difficult kick of the day far out on the right hand side – well struck 29-20 with plenty of time left on the clock.
Following a superb tackle in the midfield JK got to his feet and turned the ball over – great snaffling – unfortunately the referee disagreed and on only their 2nd visit to the Wheats 22 came away with 3 points. 35-20.
Neither side looked overly interested in the game, but the Welsh were slightly more committed to the cause and held on for the win.
Even with a weakened side, the Wheats should be disappointed not to have took more from the game – it’s definitely not the year of the stag!
MOTM – Casper was outstanding in the 7 shirt and wins the award, but his old man came a close 2nd following a gutsy performance.
DOTD – so many contenders! Greg and Jas for their “up & unders” – Gregs went backwards and Jas managed to kick the ball straight into the back of his own player! JK for missing the Welsh inside centre for the Welsh try in the second half. Rubbery for bleeding like a virgin. But it was nice to have Gillham back in the side and for old times sake he takes the award.
Player Ratings:
1. John B: 7/10 – what he lacked for in fitness he made up for with advertising space. Superb scrummaging.
2.Tony H: 6/10 – reliable throwing in at the line out and starting to realise that with his size he can do some damage in the tight and the loose.
3.Scan: 6/10. Good work protecting McShame from a shoeing following his accidental incident with the Bead. Was missed in the second half.
4. McShame: 7/10. Very lively and great work in the lineout.
5. Ross: 7/10 – Also lively and some good work in the tight. Gets around well.
6. Si H: 6/10 – At fault for one of the Welsh tries when he was gassed by their 45 year old nr 8. Other than that a solid performance.
7. Mini Weaver: 8/10 – another excellent game – fearless and athletic.
8. Greg: 8/10 – led the forwards well, some good pick-ups and big hits early on.
9. Dean B 10/10. The complete 9 performance in the first half followed by an exemplary display at 12 in the second half.
10. AB: 6/10. Good out of hand kicking, slightly over complicated some moves but an all round good performance. Is growing into the 10 shirt as the weeks go by.
11. Matt Brown. 6/10: Took his try well and linked well with Rubbery through the game. Showed good strength to nearly go over in the 2nd half.
12. Gillam. 6/10 – a real club man playing out of position in the centre and then on the wing in the 2nd half. Bleeds the Wheats colours.
13. JK: 6/10: a little quieter than usual but still looked dangerous in attack and defence. Needs a regular centre partner!
14. Jas W: 6/10: As solid as ever, not given enough opportunity with the ball in hand.
15. Rubery: 6/10: Steady performance at the back. Always reliable in defence.
16. Adam: 7/10 – great first outing for the Wheats – look forward to seeing more of him!
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