2010-2011 Season Match Reports
Old Wheatleyans 52 v 3 Coventrians RFC (9th April 2011)
The day arrived and it was bathed in glorious sunshine, something the Old Wheat’s were anticipating and hoping for – we had a trophy up for grabs (Clayton Flick Memorial Day – it was fantastic to hear the Old Boys at the end talk so passionately & emotionally about him to us younger lot who unfortunately never had the chance to meet him), our VP’s were out in force with beers in hand (including two Coventrian’s stalwarts) and there was an opportunity to secure second place in the league and seal an automatic promotion spot (as this year there are three teams that come down from the league above).
After a very positive display two weeks ago against Copsewood, the Team had a consistent look of it (something extremely unusual with OWRFC) – with Mason & Chunky packing down with the effervescent Harty selected to hopefully combat Coventrians weightier front row. Pace & BJ hugged together in the second row and the Club welcomed Ben Craig to back row, alongside Little Ben (Hands) and Skipper Wrighty moving to 6 to accommodate Big Ben into what was going to be a bruising encounter with their No.8 impressing in the reverse fixture earlier in the season. Half back pairing remained the same, with Lowey keeping the 9 position and Rob T once again flourishing into the Fly Half role. Loachy was looking forward to playing against a weighty centre who would hopefully offer him some resistance and D-Day lined up outside him relishing his new found partnership with Loachy inside – freeing D-Day up and giving him acres of room in which to work his magic. The impressive Dan Nolan returned for Easter to slot in at 15 and Ross H and Mini Drury occupying the flanks with lots and lots of menace! Kai, Jack & McGowan all dealt with the blow in benching very very well, and they all got on later in the game as we knew they would.
An excellent training session on the Thursday evening set the platform for this fine performance, the Team training with one another (something we will have to take into next season if we want to improve!) and formulating some sort of plan & tactics, rather than playing off the cuff Deano style! The atmosphere of the day was fantastic and the lads rolled this onto the pitch, we were confident that we could win enough ball in both set and loose plays to give the backs a sufficient platform in which to attack on the front foot. Ben Craig made an impressive debut at No. 8, marauding through the Covent’s forwards like they weren’t even there and he was soon on the scoresheet crashing over the line leaving several men in tow. The lineout was where we had most clarity and this enabled quick ball for Rich Drury to touch down after some great hands by Loachy (never thought I’d say that!), D-Day and Ben Craig. Lowey’s pencil legs missed the conversions. Several quick phases then resulted in D-Day to go over with some fine work by Loachy smashing it up and the back row recycling quick ball.
Half time was all about maintaining the quick tempo and doing what we had been doing, but better. The lads responded straight away, Ben Hands showing the Covent’s a clean set of heels and dotting down. Rich “Twigliani” Drury was exceptional on the wing, he dotted down for his second and had two disallowed by our own linesman! Also Dan “Oliver” Nolan, who was having a fantastic game went over for his second to send the half-cut VP’s into raptures at the Stade – it was one of those days where everything was coming together – simple and effective Rugby. Then, we put on McGowan.
Well, if ever there should have been a single child, it was Rob – he craves attention, loves it, thrives on it and above all demands it. Even the water bottles were carried with a swagger one can only dream of, his words of encouragement were fantastic but mainly about him not being on yet and didn’t disappoint. His first passage of play set up one of Oliver’s tries with an exquisite pass – his second intervention was to replace Lowey with a touch line conversion from Drury’s second try and slot it perfectly through the middle of the sticks and his third...well his third...he ran 30m on his way to a ‘mild fisty cuffs’ that was already settled by the time the ‘tanned one’ arrived to then push the Covents lad and then leg it – which started another set of handbags right in front of the crowd. He had a smile on his face – and that obviously, was the main thing! An eventful 10 minutes cameo – but we wouldn’t have it any other way.
The final whistle went and cue the celebrations, the lads had delivered and the great thing was it wasn’t down to one individual or a significant point in the season – it was the consistent attitude of all the Players & Supporters & the emerging talent that the Club now has – there is a buzz about the future at the WHEATS. Wheat’s all around the world, where ever they may be, can raise their heads with pride – we are back on track! Long may it continue.
Report written by Paul Wright
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Copsewood RFC 5 v 36 Old Wheatleyans (26th March 2011)
Wheats travelled to Copsewood, hoping to gain revenge for their defeat to the same opposition at the Stade in the first half of the season and knowing a win was vital towards s the second automatic promotion spot. It remained dry and the ground firm, which it was hoped would suit the Wheats back line boosted by the return of Ross Harrison and Rich Drury.
For an away game albeit in Coventry there were a large contingent of Wheats supporters on the touchlines, all eagerly anticipating the match. They were not to be disappointed. This was perhaps the most complete Wheats performance of the season, against a Copsewood side who contributed fully to the afternoon’s entertainment. In attack the Wheats always looked threatening, in defence, apart from a few instances down the blind side, solid and as the game wore on more and more aggressive. Copsewood did have a strong running centre who took some putting down, but Wheats players swarmed round him and got the job done.
Ross Harrison opened the scoring about five minutes in, finishing off a handling move and then D-Day went round the outside of his man to dot down on for a try converted by Lowey. Copsewood struck back with forward surges rewarded by a touchdown from close in on the narrow side. 12 – 5 and Wheats knew they had a fight on. Further pressure on the Copsewood line, saw two chances go begging in the same passage of play and although the Wheats recycled well to keep alive possession was eventually turned over. For the first time in quite a while, the Wheats had dominance in the scrum and the Copsewood ball was always under pressure from Chunky, Mase and Ben Baines. Despite Ben having to go off with a damaged shoulder towards the end of the first half, Andy Hibberd was more than able to keep this going for the remainder of the match. Kai used this platform for a fine pick up and drive for Wheats third try in the corner.
Wheats defence held for the remainder of the half, despite several harsh penalties which seemed to result from Copsewood knock ons. Half time 17 -5.
The second half was more of the same. Loachy had made some big dents in the Copsewood defence throughout the game and secured Wheats bonus point fourth try with close range bosh in the corner. He then turned provider in an unexpected way, by tidying up loose ball in his own in-goal area and from behind his own try line unleashing a monster left foot punt down the touch. A glorious sideways bounce straight to D-Day on the follow up and try time under the posts, which Lowey once more converted. Throughout this period Copsewood had been assaulting Wheats line. Now the Defence really worked and worked well. Aggressive tackling kept Copsewood at bay and their exertions began to tell, although to be fair, they remained positive throughout. Wheats wrapped it up however with Ross H using quick feet to waltz towards the opposition line, quick ball and Kai taking a brilliant line for the pop pass to score his second try, which Lowey made perfect. A 36 -5 victory, hard fought and thoroughly thoroughly deserved.
Everyone deserves a huge slap on the back for this effort. The front row must have enjoyed going forward for a change and Mase really put in a shift having only got home from abroad at 3am, not just scrummaging but putting in big hits round the loose. Not sure he really wanted to come off for Jack late on! Ben J Ross Lacey and Wrighty got round the park all day. Wrighty did have a couple of rests though and there are rumours of a Harlequinesque blood capsule knocking around somewhere! Never mind, Andy Thomason more than made up for the skip’s absence during these comfort breaks. Kai was a presence in the loose as usual and took his 2 tries really well but the MOTM was Jenks. He will probably hate this, but he is approaching 50, playing only his second game of the season and was everywhere. Some of us knew he would do this, to others it will have been a new experience, so hope you enjoyed it. (Don’t mention the 6 Nations!).
The backs played really and perhaps showed the benefit of 6 of the 7 actually having trained together the previous Thursday. Lowey was doing some great box kicks, Rob Thomason getting the backs going well (despite lots of offside from Copsewood missed by the ref) and booming a couple of huge kicks downfield. With England struggling for a centre partnership, look no further than D-Day and Loachy!! Three tries between them, what more can you ask! (You did say the cheque was in the post right?). Neither winger scored but Alex and Dru both had good runs at the end of backs handling moves and Dru completely nailed his oppo and when we say completely, if you saw Tuilagi’s hit on Abendanon at the weekend it was like that! Ross H enjoyed himself at fullback, with his score and assit (but perhaps not the tackle from his opposite number late on which slammed him into the bedrock!)
Another of those days, when it would be petty to give a DOTD (although Lowey went close with his pass to Rob T (6’ 4”?) which went 3’ over Rob’s head). However any suitable nominations with anecdotal evidence will be gratefully received and published.
Be proud to be an Old Wheat, get behind the team, either by playing , training or just turning up to watch. Next week 2 April is the Wheats Colts against Leamington Colts at the Stade (3pm kick off). Then 9 April is the big one. Coventrians at home (3pm kick off) to secure promotion. If that were not enough it's also the Clayton Flick memorial game (The younger lot might say “Who?” Take it from those who know, top, top bloke. Taken far too early in the Lockerbie bombing) and also the Vice President’s Day game.
Match Report written by Greg Weaver
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Warwickians RFC 12 v 33 Old Wheatleyans (19th February 2011)
The Wheats arrived at a cold, wet Warwickian ground looking for a win in the league after close defeats in their previous two matches.
They had a strong squad assembled and the expectant travelling fans were looking forward to a close, hard fought encounter against a Warwickian side whose results had shown vast improvement in recent weeks.
The game kicked off and the first 10 minutes left the Wheats under no illusions as to the size of the task ahead of them.
Warwickians launched frenzied attacks with their pack getting the best of the early exchanges, gaining territory and attacking the 12 channel relentlessly. They crossed for the first score of the game and took a 5-0 lead on the 5 minute mark.
Warwickians continued to pressure the Wheats defence which held firm, D-Day and Rob Thomason snuffing out the regular attacks.
The Wheats came more in to the game and started to secure some possession. The scrum was under pressure but clean channel one strikes from Charlie Taylor allowed Skipper Hero to pick and go from the base and set up useful attacking platforms.
It seemed that The Wheats were forcing play and dropped balls, forward passes and little knock-ons were disrupting any continuity. They were playing into the wind and up against a motivated team, what they needed was a bit of composure. They realised this. They started attacking from deep. And the tries came.
Ross Harrison making his first appearance of the year dummied his way over from the half-way line, D-Day sprinted in from 30 yards and Josh White screeched in at the corner for another 5-pointer. Mitch converted two from 3 and the Wheats were 19-5 ahead.
The Warwickians of old would have rolled over and died but they showed their new found spirit and determination and came right back at The Wheats.
Spirited Wheats defence gave way to another Warwickian try, this time converted. 19-12 to The Wheats and it was very much all to play for.
Up steps Skipper Hero. Wrighty grabbed the game by the scruff of the neck, drove his team on and he got the response he demanded from his team. Lee Harrison was immense at 7, tackling like a demon, running hard yards and off-loading sublimely. BJ found his game, started stealing line-out ball and carried strongly. Andy T and Ross in the row were putting it in, making yards and defending superbly. Charlie, Chunky and Harty started getting close to parity in the tight and popping up to good effect in the loose.
Mitch played like he had never been away, distributing superbly and getting the ball away from the breakdown quickly and effectively. Rob Thomason showed that he is maturing into a superb player, strong in defence and playing with his head up releasing his backline at the most opportune moments. D-Day was very strong in defence and organised those around him very well. Ross Harrison looked very dangerous every time he got the ball in his hands stepping and dummying his way out of tight situations. Josh was back to his potent best, Bristow running, quite literally, into anything in a black shirt and Jayes looking dangerous with ball in hand.
Changes were made at half-time and the bench came on to great effect. Lowey kicked and marshalled superbly and the Wheats has its very own Lewis Moody with the kick-off chasing from Hex. Jack came on to add a bit of fire and feistiness to proceedings.
The Wheats dominated the second half securing the vast majority of possession and territory.
The best passage of play was an interchange of passing and offloading between Hex and Charlie which mirrored perfectly exactly what had been worked on in training on Thursday – woohoo!
Josh grabbed his second of the game after blitzing 3 Warwickians defenders for pace and Skipper Hero boshed his way over for a try that his efforts deserved.
So satisfactory but not spectacular – an OK performance but a great bonus point win to keep the boys in second place in the league.
The Wheats have a wonderful, young 1st XV squad that are growing in stature, experience and confidence with every game this season. They are doing the shirt and the Club proud.
So come up and give them your support for the rest of the season!
Match Report written by Mase
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Old Wheatleyans 3 vs 8 Clavedon RFC (5th February 2011)
After a few losses for the Wheats since the first meeting between these top two teams in the table, this was not quite the make or break game that it had been hoped for earlier in the season. Despite that it was still an important fixture for the Wheats to show their metal. The Stade braced itself to host a full-blooded fixture……… and it certainly got that.
Chunky and Jack continued there front row alliance, this time joined by Charlie Taylor admirably answering the SOS call & returning from Uni in Manchester (other students take note). Top performer BJ was joined in the row by his old pal & last seasons skipper (this season's biggest injury homo) Ross Lacey. Some good news in the back row saw the Super & Superior Hands get the week off from selling toys to children & join Captain “Haymaker” Wright.
A highly talented & once again extremely pretty back line was put together. Converted 10, Lowe, teamed up with 2nd Row come Fly-Half Thomason (AB Mark 2?) at half back. A new centre partnership was formed, with Wardy (making his 1st league start since the end of the war) joining the ever present (when not trekking up some hill a long way away) D-Day. Pace man Josh was joined in the back 3 by Storey (Loose C8nt) and our own answer to Bed Foden, Joe Bristow. The bench was made up of James Thomason (thanks for stepping in at last minute), Dan Very Complicated Surname, and Matt Jayes.
A number of injuries since the New Year (including Mosey’s 10 second cameo at training on Thursday along with Richard 'Twigliani' Drury tender little leggies) and a few unavailability's (Keenan, Millerchip, JB, Si Wright, Mini-Weaves, McGowan, Harrison Brothers!), meant that it was again a different line up for the Wheats. It was still a strong squad including a significant number of players under 25 and they were obviously well focused in coming up against strong opponents unbeaten in the league.
The wind was obviously going to be a factor, blowing straight down the pitch towards the car park end (We need some better names guys). I have no idea who won the toss, but the first half saw Claverdon with the wind at their backs and therefore the Wheats needed to be prepared from the off, to ensure they stayed on terms.
It was certainly tight, the conditions and probably nerves playing a big part. Claverdon took a 3 point lead with a wind assisted kick from inside their own half, but missed a similar kick to extend their lead. Wheats tackled like demons and although the scrum was under real pressure, to their immense credit they conceded no more points even with a number of opposition put-ins deep in their 22. The line out functioned well, especially against Claverdons no. 4, whose pituitary gland must have worked overtime at some stage. Even the referee acknowledged him as Jaws, when Rich Lowe christened him thus whilst pointing out some misdemeanour. Indeed Lowey could have brought it level with the last kick of the first half, but a difficult kick against the wind just sailed wide.
The dedicated bar staff, well Deano and Ghost, exited the pavilion at the end of the half time break to see Beero in his capacity as touch judge sprinting behind the Claverdon posts, seconds after the restart –TRY WHEATS!! Alas no, despite a number of T signs with the arms (Cricket review – keep up) , pleas, bribes and even checking the CCTV camera outside 35 Norman Place Road, the referee would not be swayed from his decision made from somewhere on Christ the King Under 10’s pitch that Josh had knocked on in attempting to ground the ball.
What would have been the perfect start to the half, snuffed out in an instant. FECK!!
Thereafter the game only seemed to intensify. Monster hits being put in by all the Wheats and to be fair Claverdon as well. Claverdon pressure in the Wheats 22 saw shennanigans erupt allegedly instigated by Jaws (would love to say for biting but twas not the case) and a fair old melee ensued. The end result of this were yellow cards for Rich Davies (for coming to the assistance of Beero (see above!)) and the Claverdon 12. The hold up may have affected Wheats concentration as shortly thereafter, Claverdon moved infield and then back blind to score in the corner.
Undeterred, Wheats took up the challenge once more and a Rob Thomason penalty from a similar position to the Claverdon one, reduced the deficit to 5 points. Unfortunately despite further pressure, no more scores could be achieved and Claverdon emerged with an 8 – 3 win. Their relief at coming out with such a hard fought win was palpably evident. Wheats had given their all and only just come up short. The effect the disallowed try had was difficult to gauge but they just kept going despite that disappointment.
A final thanks to James Thomason & Matt Jayes who admirably stood on the sidelines freezing their nuts off – true heroes of the day. The evening turned to night, the night turned to the early hours and the Wheats enjoyed a good drink (& arm wrestling competition?!).
A good club day. Well done all! Let’s keep up the work.
And – Spectators – keep coming & encourage more – you make a real difference to the players and the atmosphere around the club.
The whole team deserve huge praise for their commitment to the cause, the Stade salutes each and every one of them. No DOTD this day, everyone can justifiably hold their head up high having given their very best.
Thanks also to the large number of Claverdon supporters, who helped create a great atmosphere both pitch side and in the bar. Good Luck in the League above next season, hopefully we'll be joining you!
Match Report written by Dean Bryant & Greg Weaver
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Old Wheatleyans 47 vs 15 Old Warwickians (30th October 2010)
T H E M I CK H I B B E R T M E M O R I A L D A Y
Friends new & old gathered to honour our club Hero
Sadly Mick passed away earlier this year leaving a huge void in the lives of many. The Old Wheatleyans and Former Pupils Association certainly miss his booming voice, his laugh and the massive amount of work he used to put into keeping the organisations running.
Mick first played for the Old Wheatleyans in 1965 and played for an unbelievable 30 seasons up until the mid 90’s! He was a member of FRUMAS (Front Rows Mutual Appreciation Society) and was never seen to take a backwards step. Since retiring his input into all areas of the club has helped us to survive some tough periods.
Over recent seasons Mick was ever present on match days. Not only did he run the touch, he checked the boilers were on, got the flags in and out, changed barrels, cleaned glasses etc etc. He also enjoyed a post match debate with referees and was not slow in coming forward to tell players what he thought of their performance!
There has never been and likely never will be such a dedicated club man.
It has been many a year since the club house has been so full before a game, as significant was the number of players available to play – 44! Therefore we were able to field two strong sides at home vs Warwickians – Mick would have loved the sight of a busy clubhouse whilst so many players were put through their paces during the warm up (Oldies chose to warm up with several pints of Worthingtons, a pack of Silk Cut & several cans of deep heat – the old changing room scent was back!).
A special mention to all the students who travelled back especially to play this weekend – Tom Jackson, Charlie Taylor, Big Kris, Phil McCallum, Saul The Bear, Josh White, Dan Nolan, Kai, Ross Harrison, Joe Bristow, Danny Lawrence (even though injury meant he could not actually play) and last & least Alex Myers! – you are all true Old Wheats & cannot be thanked enough for the effort you made.
Veterans Simon Partridge, Rich Hartopp, Pete Lowe, Martin Ward, Dave Beere & our big man friend Scan also made their first appearances of the season, as did big man Joe Loach – joining his old man on the field once again. There was another father son combo with Greg & Ben Weaver improving the looks of the side.
In all, many VP’s, Guests & Players had covered many 100’s of miles to attend the day.
Both teams took the field together and lined up for a Minutes silence – a very poignant, moving and emotional sight. Marion Hibbert’s thumbs up to the assembled Wheats as she stood on halfway with the referee meant a great deal to everyone.
With both games underway the VP’s and club guests were treated to some exciting rugby during the early stages. The 2’s (aka Old Wheats Rangers) were running in tries galore, whilst the 1’s registered an early score under the posts.
Whilst the 1st XV did not play as well as they would have liked, they never looked in trouble and had a comfortable lead come half time. Warwickians raised their game in the 2nd half whilst the Wheats failed to find their “A” game, however a bonus point win at 47-15 was a good one in the bag. The fact the team are not happy with such a win shows how far we have come in under 12 months – onwards & upwards. The scrum at times was much improved & Hands Brothers both had their best game for sometime. Super looked almost fit scoring a good few tries whilst brother Superior had a storming game at number 8, both in attack (solo try) & defence. He also got the biggest cheer of the day when with ball in hand in deliberately ran out of his way to smash the opposition prop to the floor. They did however let themselves down at the final whilstle by taking their tops off to show off their weedy bodies for the camera.
Dan Scheimann also made his first appearance at loose-head – a great performance & one for the future.
The 2’s ran riot all afternoon and the game was cut short by 20mins, Steve Hextall topped the scoring with 5, immediately before leavin’ on a jet plane to go back to Canada. The Bear registered 3 & Big Kris 2. Loachy, Charlie Taylor, Ghost and Casper also got on the score sheet.
A big thank you goes to Warwickians for bringing 2 teams over & entering into the spirit of the day.
After match activities included an old fashioned sign song, some naked men & an evening to remember at Fleet Street - all in honour of our legend!
All that’s left to say is thank you to absolutely everybody who came along, thanks to Mick for all he did over the years & for all the happy memories.
Our Legend x
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Clavedon RFC 18 vs 13 Old Wheatleyans (23rd October 2010)
On a typical Autumn day The Wheat's set off for what was an eagerly awaited fixture against Claverdon, who were sitting just a point behind us in the League. Claverdon had also recognised that this was a crucial fixture for their Club as they had organised a VP's Day in recognition of the important game, having a 200 strong partisan crowd cheering in a field was better than the three farmer's and his flock that would normally occupy that field. It made for an interesting and enjoyable day for all. There's not many days that cravats and bow tie's are acceptable in life in general, but in a field surrounded by cattle it seemed appropriate attire for Clav's VP's! Rather.
The Wheat's preparation had been thorough with all excited about the fixture, but we had sustained an unprecedented amount of drop-outs, ranging from hernia's to an extremely sad bereavement (RIP x) on the morning of the game - with up to six 1st Team Regulars missing/out of action. Our squad is big enough to have coped with such unfortunate set of circumstances.
The game didn't get underway until 45mins past the agreed KO time due to the Referee not turning up - luckily he was being assessed and his assessor stepped up to referee once he had phoned up his good lady to bring down his kit for him. The day wasn't getting any better!
The game eventually got under way with The Wheat's starting on the stronger footing in the opening exchanges, with great place kicking by Rob Thomason put The Wheat's in commanding positions and it wasn't long before the portly fly half from Claverdon buckled under the Wheat's pressure and threw a wayward pass only for RT to intercept and dot down under the posts in which Mitch converted to go 8-0 up.
With the Wheat's struggling to gain the upper hand in the scrums due to the heavier well drilled Clav pack, it was proving hard to provide our backs with the clean ball that they have become accustomed too in the season so far. Our lineout also wasn't functioning well and Clav did well to starve our backs of ball and prevent momentum from our dynamic running forwards. Clav were edging more and more into the game due to the dominance at the set piece and it was a well worked lineout and rolling maul which provided the home team with their first points of the day. After several clinical efforts to kill the ball, the Referee rightly spoke to the home skipper and warned him that similar tactics would mean a Yellow Card, Clav duly responded with a much more cleaner game. Unfortunately, a set of quick hands and overlap then allowed the Clav backs to seek advantage with an overlap and dot down in the corner, yet again the fly-half surprisingly didn't put enough 'weight' behind the conversation and it fell 'short'. An infringement this time by The Wheat's allowed Clav an easier kick in front of the posts, this time for the 10 not to miss, going into the break 13 - 7 down.
Clav seemed to have a clear and decisive game plan that was workjing with great effect, trying to punch holes through the opposition with an agricultural vengence that would have worked if not for some extremely strong and robust defending by a young Wheats pack, fantastic defence though could only last for so long as their inside centre was having a great game with his direct running, setting a platform for their large pack to recycle and go again. This was rapidly setting the tone of the game. It was illdiscipline again from the home side which allowed The Wheats to score two quick successive penalties to bring the score back to 13 - 13, in an exciting end to end encounter.
With the rain pouring down and spirits up on the sidelines, the momentum was more in favour of the home side, but for dogged defending again by the Wheats, the home side would have gained another few tries to secure their much sought bonus point and win. They eventually drove over the Wheats line from the back of a scrum to go 18 - 13 up and for the conversation to sail wide much to the deight of the Wheats supportors.
The final 10 minutes resulted in the Wheats pressing, yet again feeding off scraps, but for some last ditch defending by the home team we may have grabbed an equalising try, though not to be.
In a scintillating game played in great spirit by both Teams and watched by a friendly and jubiliant set of fans, it looks like both of these Teams will take it to the wire. Whilst Clav probably feel that they needed to win this game to stay in touch, in hindsight they will probably be rueing not gaining a bonus point, but with all the shenanigans before the game for the Wheats, the Wheats were pleased with gaining a losing bonus point and preventing the home side from getting the additional point. It sets the league up nicely and all attention is on the reverse fixture in February at the Stade!
We'll see you then Clav! Bring your cravats....you'll need them!
Match Report written by Paul Wright
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Old Wheatleyans 55 vs 18 Wellesbourne (9th October 2010)
Wellesbourne were the visitors to Stade Wheats this Saturday and they arrived fresh from a league victory the previous weekend against Copsewood and full of confidence.
For the Wheats, Skipper Hero was absent and with a few lads heading back to University there were a number of changes to the side that beat Cov Tech in the last league fixture.
Jack Langley started at hooker following some impressive performances in recent weeks - JB and stand-in skipper Chunky were cuddling him from prop. The athletic combo of BJ and Pace packed down in the Row. Matt Jayes and debutants Charlie and Wattsy made up the pack in the back row.
Bobby linked with Rob T at half back, JK was back from long-term injury for his first league game in over a year at 12, D-Day returned from trekking in the Andes (wtf!?) to start at 13. The exciting back 3 was made up of Sam and Josh on the wings and big Ross H at 15.
Dr Hartshorn, Mitch and Big Dan made up the match-day squad giving coach DFS lots of options from the bench.
Conditions were bang on for an afternoon of running rugby and the crowd were treated to a hard fought contest.
Wheats opened the scoring within 5 minutes. The pack secured some quick ball and D-Day cut inside off his right foot and opened up a gap in the Wellesbourne defence which he accelerated through and dotted down under the sticks. Bobby added the extras and the Wheats were 7-0 up.
The impressive BJ broke through two tackles and then outpaced the fullback to dot down for a 7-pointer and jet-heeled Josh flew in at the corner to open up a 19-0 score-line for the Wheats after twenty minutes and the boys were looking imperious.
The second twenty minutes of the first half proved a different matter entirely as a brave and stubborn Wellesbourne side came more into the match. They were dominating the Wheats at scrum-time, disrupting the Wheats lineout and started to build some phases of their own. Wellesbourne were also quicker to grasp the referee’s interpretation of the breakdown and a number of penalties were awarded against the Wheats.
Wellesbourne crossed in the corner for a try which was superbly converted and a successfully kicked penalty, given for another Wheats infringement, saw the deficit narrow to just 19-10 at the break.
Kai came on for Charlie and Big Dan replaced JB at half-time.
The second-half started much as the first had finished with a very hard fought contest up front. Discipline was still proving a problem and Wellesbourne kicked an early penalty to make the deficit just 6 at 19-13.
The Wheats then found their stride and started securing quicker ball with Mitch on at 9 and it was used to great effect.
Discipline was much improved and D-Day ran in two more to secure his hat-trick and jet-heeled Josh followed suit.
Perhaps the try of the game came following some lovely play by BJ, Chunky and Big Dan – the two front-rowers linking beautifully in midfield to put D-Day into space and feed Pace who crashed over for a score.
Bobby and Mitch converted 3 more between them.
In between the deluge of Wheats points, Wellesbourne crossed for another score and the game finished 55-18. Another bonus point win for the Wheats, who have now taken a maximum 15 points from their first 3 league games and sit proudly at the top of the table.
Excellent for 40 minutes and below par for 40 minutes, the victory leaves the Wheats full of confidence but with their feet on their ground knowing there is a lot to work on.
Next weekend the Wheats take on Spartans at home in a friendly, ahead of an away trip to promotion chasing Claverdon on the 23rd – players see you on Thursday 6.45pm for training, supporters – see you next Saturday.
Match Report written by Adam Mason
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Coventry Technical 5 v 35 Old Wheatleyans (18th September 2010)
Saturday’s game was the much anticipated clash away to city rivals Cov Tech and The Wheats were determined to build on the previous week’s success at home to Cov Saracens.
A large, expectant crowd was in attendance and were rewarded to a hard fought local derby between two committed sides.
The Wheats showed 5 changes to the starting XV from last Saturday. This became 6 when Rob Thomason’s SAT-NAV broke down and then became 7 when Dru pulled up in the warm-up. These gym monkeys spend more time on the treatment table than the ‘pint and a fag warm up’ guys.
So the team eventually lined up with Scotty and JB hugging Chunky in the front row, Andy ‘The Reliable’ Thomason packing down with Pace in the engine room and quite possibly the prettiest back row threesome ever formed in Kai, Skipper Hero and Beardy Harrison.
Mitch started at 9 and Ross H was coerced into filling the 10 jersey. The boy band theme continued in the centres with Nolan and Simmo looking buff and ready for action. Josh ‘Wheels’ White, Jace ‘Barrel’ Wetton and J ‘The Chunderer’ K made up the back 3.
Jack, Matty and Marco prowled the touchline like caged tigers eagerly awaiting their introductions.
The Wheats were playing with a slight breeze in the first half and so a good start was essential, and that’s exactly what they got.
They began at a pace that the Tech pack struggled to cope with. The scrum was secure and the lineout functioning well. Within 5 minutes, the Wheats had the first points on the board.
Beardy Harrison made a break through the heart of the Tech defence and offloaded to Chunky who was faced with an 8 man overlap. Obviously he sent the dummy...shocker! Fortunately his blushes were spared as the recycled ball was moved right for The Barrel to dot down in the corner for a 5 pointer. Mitch was close(ish) with the conversion.
The Wheats continued to play a pacey, attacking game, the front five were starting to get on top at scrum and lineout time and the tries continued to come.
JB boshed over from at least 5 yards, Dan Nolan smashed his way through the smallest of gaps and took 3 men over the line with him, Chunky snaffled some loose ball, had a juggle and crashed over for a 7 pointer and the Wheats lead was looking imperious at 22 - 0, and had secured a bonus point to boot!
The final points of the first half came when came when chunky bundled over for his second of the half and a fifth for the seemingly unstoppable force of the Wheats. Another close(ish) conversation sailed past but not through the post leaving the half time score at an impressive 27 – 0 to the travelling side.
The stage was set for the Wheats to push on and post another impressive points total but the start of the second half saw a more determined and focussed opposition take to the field.
Cov Tech pressed hard from the outset and the Wheats were put firmly on the back foot and in to defensive mode. An early unconverted try for the opposition allowed them to get some points on the board and signal their intent for the closing stages of the game. At this stage any defensive frailties in the Wheats line would have been exposed and turned in to points by the opposition, but the Wheats stayed strong and tackled hard putting in a fantastic defensive performance to shut the opposition out for the remainder of the game.
Though the Wheats were largely attacking from broken play and struggled to shift the ball out wide in the second half, there were still a number of moments which showed the dynamism of the Wheats in full flight and the power of a pack of forwards who seem to be familiarising themselves with each other’s game. First a rolling maul on the back of secure line out ball (a much anticipated addition to the Wheats artillery) led to ex-skipper Ross John Lacey dotting down in the corner to add another five, and a penalty in front of the posts, from JK, added a further 3 to an already healthy looking score line.
This was certainly a game of two half’s for the Wheats. The first an elegant and efficient display of attacking rugby, and the second a gritty and hard fought affair which displayed the defensive prowess of a team full of confidence.
However most importantly, both half’s, although worlds apart in style, led to another comfortable ‘W’ for the Wheats faithful.
Match Report written by Bobby McGowan & Adam Mason
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Old Wheatleyans 73 - 17 Coventry Saracens (11th September 2010)
Having seen the wealth of talent that were sidelined through injury, an uneducated man may have worried about what lay ahead, but the team sheet for the opening game of the season made for mouth watering reading. A combination of steel and stealth lay in wait for an unexpectant opposition. Experienced heads, young faces, and new Old Wheats made for an exciting prospect.
There was a new feeling amongst the players and supporters alike, one that has been absent amongst the Wheats faithful in recent years, anticipation and expectation was in the air.
Tick tick tick.....the clock chimed three and the season was underway. A quick blast of the referees whistle signalled the onset of a siege, the like of which nobody could have predicted. It took a mere two minutes for the deadlock to be broken and the tone of the game to be set.
The first try, scored by Dru, was the culmination of a synchronised pack of forwards presenting quick ball, some slick distribution by Mitch at 9 and powerful and elegant running out wide. A combination that was repeated no less than 11 times in a high scoring match.
Whilst the opposition held their own in the set piece, and proved to be well drilled in the scrum they simply had no answer for a rampaging pack with ball in hand and a try hungry line of backs with gas to burn. Their hard earned 17 points were the only blotch on an otherwise immaculate performance.
There were too many great individual performances to mention them all but purely for the hatful of points, the kicking and quick distribution of Mitch (9 cons), powerful and direct running of Dru (4 tries), elegant effortless running of Ross (2 tries) and Nolan (2 tries) and lightning pace of Josh (3 tries) out wide, all deserve a special mention.
This victory however, was earned by a team playing in perfect harmony, and was celebrated in ernest by the whole club. The off season has seen clear progression both on and off the field and the new additions to the squad have had an immediate impact. Whilst the league table means nothing at this stage of the season it is still great to be sitting pretty at the top. Let’s hope this is the start of a successful season for the Wheats.
Match Report written by Bobby McGowan
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