Wellesbourne 12 – 29 Old Wheatleyans
Average…….
With the 2 top performers from the previous week unavailable due to Gaids and Homework, the club once again showed massive strength in depths with THE PIG returning at 8 and Gillam joining him in the back row to hopefully offer something towards DOTD.
Other than that the side was unchanged heading over to Wellesbourne knowing a tough game lay ahead.
A quick warm up and the game got underway with the Wheats playing against the elements.
Early exchanges were encouraging although a certain je-ne-se-porquois was missing. However, following a good 2 man hit from McShame and Si H, a turnover followed and prop Andy H found himself in the back line and linked well with Captain Tit-Head who in turn fed the looping Aitkins who showed true form and class to register the 1st points.
The pack were missing the edge from the previous week, with the rucking not as ferocious and a lack of desire to fall on the ball. However, the defence around the breakdown was again top notch. Scrum time was even with the tight 5 doing excellent against a big Wellsbourne pack.
A quickly taken penalty deep in the Wheats half was fed to JK who did well to draw 4men (apparently?!) and feed Lewis on his outside who showed true gas for the 1st 50m to out strip covering defence and then sold the full-back down the road, then slowed to a “medium” pace to dot down under the posts for a great solo try.
At 12-0 up the side should have upped the ante, but were busy slapping themselves on the back when Wells took a quick re-start, a great kick put them in the corner and they soon registered 5 to change the game. Heads went down a little (THEY NEVER SHOULD!!). Wells scored again with an awesome chip gathered by the centre to go under the posts.
The Wheats regrouped and Aitkins once again came to the rescue with another well worked try. Going in 17-12 at half time the side received a rocket up their rears from the skipper. With all knowing what was going wrong the question must be asked – why do we do it to ourselves!!!
A forced change was required in the backs at half time with yet another Wheats injury!
The half time chat had good affect with more nuts been shown in the early exchanges. A great move in the backs saw Aitkins feed the rampaging Wardy who had taken a awesome line, unfortunately he forgot to take the ball with him! More importantly, all were gutted to see Aitkins lying on the floor in obvious agony. Without doubt having his best season it was not pleasant for him, or more importantly the Wheats! The game was put on hold awaiting the arrival of the medics. Luckily the side decided to carry on with some energetic touch and drills, leading to Lewis pulling his hammy!
The game re-started with the Wheats truly delighted to welcome Bobby McGowan back on to the field, playing at 10. After a self imposed exile for 3 or 4 years whilst playing the “other” game, having him back is another massive plus! From ½ scrum-half at the start of the season the side now have 3 and some great options when all the injuries get resolved.
Robbie’s 1st contribution was to hoof the ball down field and put the wheats in a great position. Wells managed to clear their lines again, the Wheats were up against a resilient side who played with great passion and skill throughout.
From here the side recorded a contender for try of the season, some good ball was won and crashed up, with Dean once again 1st to the breakdown quick ball followed and all the backs combined beautifully to leave Wardy a difficult 10m to go in under the posts. 24-12.
Again, Wells came back and the Wheats were far from comfortable. Up step Stevie J for a great cover tackle that saved a certain try and what would have lead to a nervous last 15.
Some further great D followed deep in the Wheats 22 with no gaps showing. Gillam also deserves praise, stepping into big boots, time and time again he put men down and showed pace of old to turn over some critical ball. Backed by the Hodgkiss bros Neil & Si both also made critical hits at the right time. As did McShame who was severly unlucky to be punished several times for securing great turn over ball.
With seconds left another opportunity arose and Lewis and Dean once again worked the blindside like magicians, giving Dean the opportunity to turn on the after burners and dive like a swallow to finish.
To sum up, far from a great performance but a good result.
MOTM: he will prob be annoyed by this stage of reading the report as there is little mention of him, but …. JK tackled and carried liked a demon throughout, leading from the front would prob be an understatement. The hits of old came rumbling back as the opposition were put on the back foot everytime. A great all round performance from the captain. Overall it was a team performance with good dog.
DOTD: Brad for getting injured! Everyone hopes that it is not too serious, he will be missed massively in the next few weeks, Get well soon from all. Kisses xx
The side now move on to another league game next week against Warwickians, who are always more than tough. Once again, everyone respond on availability etc.
Wells set the mark for great food after! Thanks to them for a good game, patience with the injury and great hospitality. A true rugby side with great team spirit and quality players!
- AH: one the top performers, obviously thoroughly enjoyed his battle at scrum time.
- GW: running out of complimentary things to say about the granddad of the side. True balls.
- JL: carried with usual ferocity and scrimmaged superbly.
- AJ: carried with confidence and the work horse of the side today.
- JM: 2weeks on the trot showing the massive plus he brings to the side. Another top performer.
- SH: great hit late on sent opposition into last week.
- JG: back to the Gillam of old…..? Outstanding!
- NH: did well to own the opposition all day (?!). Seriously, filled big boots and stepped up to the mark, a stand out micky the munch hit in the 2nd half.
- DB: if anybody would like to train I will practice passing! Watch out stevie J, brad & jas – I’m coming for that top try scorer (do 2nd team or playstation tries count?!)
- BA: awesome again until left the field. Speedy recovery hoped for!
- JW: some great barrel runs and hits. All the back 3 linked well.
- JK: as above – raised the benchmark.
- MW: Class never grows old!
- SJ: Saved the side in D and lovely take, run & kick in 2nd half.
- AL: 100% back! Outstanding try and everywhere all game.
- CD: Given limited chance again, to say true Wheats player would be an understatement!
- DK: played like a demon!
- RM: as he said, its likes ridding a bike. He also mentioned he was awesome which again appears to be true! Everyone looks forward to some more show boating!
Injury Update …..
Dan Scott: broken wrist. Back any week now.
Ross Lacey: broken thumb. 1 or 2 more weeks.
Casper: serious knee. Target Feb return.
AB: shoulder impingement. Some physio would help!!!
Adam Mason: back, neck, age! 1 or 2 more weeks.
Easty: ankle ligaments. 1 or 2 more weeks.
Browny: pinned and broken ankle. Target Jan return.
Brad: knee ligaments. Tbc
To alleviate issues and with a view to getting the 2nd team going again, further strength will be added to the club imminently. Watch the net this week with 2 signings due to be unveiled with forms signed and both becoming legible next weekend, a further 3 are very close and all being well will be signed and legible for the 1st league game in Dec! Exciting times ahead …….. (including an all day session on Nov 22nd …….)
Craven St run is the current call for the xmas bash, thoughts needed on a theme …….
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