Atherstone 13 – 17 Old Wheatleyans
The long torturous journey was made to Atherstone with a much changed side, Barrel came into the front row for Macca; an injured Bettsy was replaced with another seriously big guy – newcomer BC; Kondom & AB packed down at 6 & 7; Brad moved into the centre & Beno returned at 15. So with 6 changes to the previous week it was going to be interesting ………….
There was some serious nip-ons in the warm up due to the freezing village weather; a strong wind was blowing up field & the sun shone brightly. Therefore the pre-match toss was always going to be important & skipper pig pulled out a beauty & the Wheats played against all the elements in the 1st half.
Both sides started strongly but although the Wheats pack were lighter they were more than matching their counter parts in all areas. The side should have been confident anyway going into the game but early exchanges boosted the confidence & the side realised they should win with ease.
With the front 5 solid & BC looking to get on the ball, the back row were dominant with AB & Kondi turning over ball at vital stages. The backline looked like they could score at will, although they were having some trouble with the opposition off side line / seriously quick defence – Easty did politely ask the referee about this but was left eating humble pie. Charlie was manning up @ 12 & there was no way his opposite man was getting through him. Brad was beating his opposite nr for fun & the back 3 were looking to get involved at every opportunity.
Whilst Atherstone had chances thanks to there well drilled rolling maul, the Wheats were 1st up to score with Brad skinning the defence on the outside then stepping back inside just to prove he could beat them again to score under the posts, conversion good 0-7. Typically, Wheats took foot off gas & did not take the initiative to build a lead, Atherstone scored from another good rolling maul. 5-7.
With half time approaching there was a slip up at the back following an Atherstone up field kick & Atherstone took the lead. Half time 10-7.
This was no disaster as the Wheats now had the elements in their favour, although the Atherstone crowd was getting a little excited. From the off the Wheats simplified game plan of getting up & playing in the oppositions half was working. Both sides were getting occasionally frustrated with some decisions & it was starting to become a scrappy affair. Atherstone were unlucky with one rolling maul when the K Man accidently lost his footing & the maul came down, Atherstone boots bore down on the K Man for his innocent slip.
The Wheats were awarded a penalty near to the Atherstone posts & despite protests from some muppets cleverly opted to shoot at goal. The Beast stood up to pass his 50-point mark in league games this season. 10-10.
The Wheats were generally dominant now, although the Atherstone were having the better of the scrum which was causing the Wheats some problems.
With ongoing pressure the Wheats were awarded another kickable penalty, luckily the Loach ignored screams off “don’t do it” & tapped to himself & dragged the Atherstone 15 over the line with him. 10-17. A great decision, well executed was agreed by all afterwards.
To be fair Atherstone were also winning the spectating battle, the Wheats were outnumbered approximately 50-5. The strong support got what they wanted when Browny accidently bought down his opposite nr & a mass brawl / tickling session occurred & some spectators managed to get a dig in. Boxer Browny came off the worst with a massive haymaker from the Atherstone 7 knocking him into next week, although he wasn’t deterred & like all special people got up for some more!
From the resultant Atherstone penalty (apparently there was an RFU ruling that retaliation doesn’t matter on the 1st Sat in December) the score was 13-17.
There were a few hairy moments but the Wheats had the best opportunity to score again but the backs were unable to keep ball in hand.
Elation / relief to get out the cold at the final whistle (after a 55mins 2nd half!). Wheats W 13-17.
The side played well but made hard work of the game. They must learn to back themselves more & have more confidence going into games, not wait to see what the opposition are like before getting too involved.
On the downside, the 2nd XV game had to be called off on Friday morning due to lack of commitment / nrs; we must field a 2nd XV every week; excuses such as Cov City, Cov Rugby, Fake Injury (Gillam), Uni Work, it’s cold, generally not returning messages is absolutely disgraceful & the club will find themselves in trouble in the not too distant future if people continue to make these excuses / don’t commit more. Moan over. Thank-you to everybody who was available Saturday, those that did & didn’t play – please continue to support your club as much as possible.
Membership is now seriously overdue – Proper Men £35, Students £15. Standing order forms can be obtained from Simon (or
downloaded) if you want to spread the cost. And don’t forget the snazzy polo shirt you get for FREE with the membership payment.
A friendly this week at home, a club game with everyone involved, if you haven’t already done so please let Dean (07712 877772) or Neil (07876 352131) know NOW whether or not you are available. Believe it or not we both have better things to do than chase you all every week all week – stop being ignorant & return messages / phone calls!!!
The following week (17th December) is the big one – Covents – we must field 2 teams for that fixture. Preparation for a big xmas night out is underway for Sat 17th – final details will be confirmed but keep it free (naked ladies may well be involved).
MOTM: more big performances from lots of players, judges came down to a decision between Brad & Joe – award went to …….. Joe Loach for his match winning try & general play throughout the game.
DOTD: worringly for the 2nd week on the trot few contenders, but Browny gets the nod for trying to fight the world.
- A Hibberd: 9/10 – totally solid in all aspects.
- Jas W: 9/10 – did not score which is always disappointing but totally reliable.
- Joe Loach: 9.5 – great running with ball in hand.
- Ross: 9/10 – another big hit – time to make 2 tackles per game now
- BC: 9/10 – always looking to get involved, great defence & Attck – anyone know what BC stands for?
- AB: 9/10 – an awe inspiring return to the side – snaffled & battled throughout until a phantom leg injury meant he had to leave the field
- K Man: 9/10 – lasted 80mins!! A real inspiration to the side, a full KFC bucked has been offered for him to return every week.
- Neil H: 9/10 – bosching, tackling & some great decisions. (post report note: there may be some confusion over whether these comments are meant for this person)
- Dean B: lots/10 – no show & go this week.
- Easty: 9/10 – 3 from 3 at goal, copped well under pressure & surpassed the 50 point mark in 7 league games.
- Browny: 9/10 – was given some opportunity but obviously a little cold to use all his gas!
- Charlie 9/10: played like a demon in earlier exchanges & had his opposite nr in his big pockets.
- Brad 9.4/10: there can be no doubt now he is very close to been back to his best! Great individual try & used gave other around him opportunity to play.
- Long Man: 9/10 – unfortunately not given much ball this week & looked cold at the final whistle! But didn’t put a foot wrong.
- Beno: 9/10 – safe & reliable as ever apart from one bleep but a top performance yet again.
- Si H: came out of the blocks firing & was everywhere in the last 20mins.
- Carl D: good commitment & solid in last 25mins.
- Scan: great to see him back playing! Only given 5mins.
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