Old Wheatleyans 53 – 7 Coventry Technical
Cracking!
The long anticipated return fixture with Cov Tech finally arrived, a lot of hard work and thought had gone into this match – the Stade cauldron expected and needed a big big performance.
It was one of the most difficult weeks for the selection committee in the 78 year history of the club, Jamie Dean & Neil have done a serious amount of ass scratching over recent weeks regarding this fixture – hence the outbreak of piles within the club.
Several players who thoroughly deserved to play (especially considering recent performances) were more than admirable with there attitude, so a huge thanks to the likes of veterans Paul H, Kev Smith and Martin Ward.
There were however still a couple of disappointments - despite promises to buy him his own sheep Trussy was not able to get out of Wales, Greevy was apparently riding (no clarification if bird or bike) and new centre signing Mr X preferred to play with young boys whilst Poppa K was donning his dreads in London at a Levellers gig – smelly tramp! JK obviously had to also withdraw as he had played 70mins the week before and now needs a couple of weeks before being wheeled out again!
However, the starting line up was more than adequate, following a weeks rest for the big boys in the man row, Joe Loach, Greg and Andy H were re-united, focussed and ready to pack down with venom. They were reared by this seasons outstanding performer Ross and with Simon Mason back it is probably the best 2
nd row partnership the club has had since the days of McShame & AB (who believe it or not were sprightly and keen a few seasons back – another sad story of Wheats players ruined by booze). With lover man Casper at 7, Superior Hands at 6 and Skipper Pig at 8 the back row combo was as near to perfection as a belly of stella followed by a kebabish. At 9, the side were pleased to welcome back one of the most gifted players to play at the club in most people’s memories - automatically and naturally you think Dean – but no, Will O was back to offer the Beast the services of a truly class 9. Another outstanding player manned up at 12 – although Birchy was hardly ecstatic at been handed the 12 shirt he accepted gracefully. He was partnered by Brad who was chasing the Super’s try scoring tally. Jas W looked delighted to be handed the 14 shirt and was partnered by the elusive Browny and the yet again hungover Benno in the back 3.
From the off, Cov tech received the ko and planted one back to the waiting Benno and Skipper Pig who had a little cuddle with each others before Neil claimed the ball – both contenders for DOTD within 10 seconds!
A minute or so the later the forwards secured good clean ball, Brad peeled it back (if only) and hit the gas to beat a couple and put Browny in who finished in style.
The crowd fully expected the Wheats to chill and concede next – how wrong! The side went on to put in a massive performance for the next 20mins. The Beast slotted a tricky penalty against the wind and shortly after Casper showed his footballing skills to hack half the length of the field – everybody assumed a knock on would follow but he finished with class. Browny totally outgassed the oppoisition back line to score from his own half way following another Brad assist. Casper upped his try count further with some good pressure on the oppositions 10.
With the Beast having a great day with the boot the score line was unbelievable, after 20mins against the strong elements the Wheats were 25+ points up.
Easty and Birchy were combining superbly to put Brad into space, who was looking very dangerous with ball in hand a registered an outstanding 5. Will O also scored a superb individual try.
And whilst the backs get headlines, Cov Tech had there share of possession, but the defence of the Wheats pack was outstanding – all 8 were visibly up for it and it was a pleasure to watch. Andy H and Greg were offering their experience in the tight and doing their business in the loose. Joe was putting in was of his top draw performances boshing and tackling – if the other forwards could keep up with him and offer some support a further 2 or 3 tries could have been recorded early on. Ross was making the hits that nobody else quite fancied (his efforts were rewarded with a gaping cut to ruin his boy band looks, luckliy reams of yellow tape were applied to make him look like a case for the special hospital – Pig has sorted special rates for him already!). Simon Mason was adding the bulk and leadership the pack has been looking / begging for in recent seasons. Superior was awesome with his hits (aided by formula X) and was certainly inspiring the side, Casper was everywhere doing everything and everyone (we know now where he gets he lady chasing tactics from) – and then there was The PIG tying it all together like a wizard.
Well done all the forwards! Scrummage was more than solid and the lineout was the best for many games!
Enough respect for the forwards though, it was a half for the backs playing against the wind and come half time the board read 37-5 (the side should be ashamed of the 5 conceded!).
Turning round with the wind behind them talk of cricket scores were whispered – big mistake!
The 2nd half once again did not live upto expectations and the side will learn to play for 80mins one day! The man in the middle did an admirable job but the law was followed to the letter and the game never really got going again. The Tech started to play 8 man rugby and for periods frustrated the Wheats as they couldn’t get their hand on the ball (NOTE – tackle low and the opposition can’t set up a maul – see training section of website for tips). However the opposition found no way through the might of the Wheats defence.
Birchy did give the crowd a twitch with a trademark try – stepping off either foot and then skipping over the last defender. If it wasn’t so cold Brad would have made the twitch a semi by gassing a few and battering his way through a couple to go under the posts.
In summary, an outstanding team performance in the 1st 25mins followed by a great effort for the remainder. The green man and the outrageous early scoreline no doubt made it difficult for the side to push for a bigger score but all round a great result to take things forward.
Once again a copy of the current league table for those interested shows how we stand! Simple fact: we win last 2 games we finish top – but a lot lot easier said than done! Everyone needs to man up and make themselves available!
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Midlands 6 West (SE)
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|
|
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Team
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P
|
W
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D
|
L
|
F
|
A
|
Diff
|
Pts
|
Adjust
|
|
Stoke Old Boys
|
15
|
11
|
0
|
4
|
527
|
193
|
334
|
22
|
0
|
|
STADE DE WHEATS
|
14
|
12
|
0
|
2
|
414
|
203
|
211
|
22
|
-2
|
|
Coventry Technical
|
14
|
10
|
0
|
4
|
426
|
194
|
232
|
20
|
0
|
|
Coventrians
|
14
|
10
|
0
|
4
|
363
|
170
|
193
|
20
|
0
|
|
Atherstone
|
13
|
8
|
0
|
5
|
221
|
169
|
52
|
14
|
-2
|
|
Trinity Guild
|
14
|
3
|
1
|
10
|
207
|
358
|
-151
|
7
|
0
|
|
Warwickian
|
14
|
3
|
1
|
10
|
104
|
386
|
-282
|
7
|
0
|
|
Coventry Saracens
|
14
|
4
|
0
|
10
|
134
|
429
|
-295
|
6
|
-2
|
|
Rugby Welsh
|
14
|
1
|
0
|
13
|
157
|
451
|
-294
|
0
|
-2
|
|
Next league game is Covents on March 29th followed by Atherstone of 12th April – both very very tough tough games.
However, there are further games in between that need to be played to build on performances, this coming Saturday there is a home game with hopefully a 1315pm ko so we can watch England loose to Ireland afterwards at club in town.
Finally, a big mention should go to Carl, Gillam and Si H who all were there with kit and ready to play if called upon – these are the true club heroes! And all deserved their starting place and would not have weakened the side in any way. True clubmen.
MOTM – tough – Brad was class, Easty controlled the game once again, Birchy added more class to the backline, Browny ran some great lines, Casper was class, Will O was classier but Superior Hands gets the nod for an outstanding performance in the back row.
DOTD – the older generation for not going out sat night??? Pig & Benno for their cuddle??? No major contenders this week.
- Andy H – 7.5/10 – once again the unsung hero
- Greg – 7.5/10 – clearly not happy at coming off and offers huge amounts to the pack in all aspects (apart from lineout throwing!! (joke!)
- Joe Loach – 8/10 – the bosher boshed at every opportunity.
- Ross – 7/10 – would be 8/10 but looked such a fool with yellow tape on head and squealed like a girl taking it off.
- Simon Mason 7.75 – looked to get involved in everything.
- Superior Hands – 8.5/10 – motivated others with his attitude in defence.
- Casper 8/10 – deserved his 2 tries (but the 1 missed tackle out of the 100 was noted!)
- SP – 7.5/10 – calm, collected and good ball skills to link with backs on few occasions.
- Will O – 8.25/10: turned over more ball from the opposition than the forwards did! Linked with backs and forwards alike and always looked a threat
- Easty – 8/10: distribution superb again and often the final link to put people in to score. It should also be noted the beast passed the 100point mark in league games this season!
- Browny – 8/10: possible one of best games this season. Strong hard running.
- Birchy – 8/10: cleared lines a couple of times with great accuracy. Unlucky to be pinged on 4 or 5 occasions when flat passes put people in.
- Brad – 8.25/10 – no doubt now – is back to his best.
- Jas W – 7.5/10 – would have liked more of an involvement but kept the crowd entertained
- Benno – 7.5/10 – not really troubled throughout the game and came into the line with pace.
- Scan: 7.5/10 – on and off in 1st half due to blood injuries, and full on involvement in 2nd half.
- Drury: 7.5/10 – great to see back playing but unfortunately not given ball at all.
- Haddo: 7.5/10 as lively as ever in last 10mins.
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