Despite their position in the table, Winslow have had some good results and the small pitch suited their territorial gameplan. Having lost a number of players on the morning of the game, Wheatley had more cripples on the sideline than subs, so no one was allowed to get injured.

The game started brightly for the homeside as pretty much straight from the kick off, a standard clearance kick and chase was gathered up by the Winslow full back who then beat an entire team of Wheatley spectators to cross over with barely 3 minutes on the clock. Wheatley regrouped and decided not to let that get them down, and from the kick off, an excellent tackle on the Winslow catcher forced a turnover. Wheatley worked it in to the opposition 22 and then returning milk bottle manufacturer, Big Jase completed a typical try, bulldozing through the half tackles of the defence to go in under the posts. Adam Muir missed a simple kick.

The rest of the half was relatively well balanced, neither team managing to convert decent chances. Barney appeared to forget he had players outside him and tried, partially succeeding, to batter down a brick wall; whilst Nelly, on the occasion of his 21st birthday, made some scything runs to split the defence. However, this all proved fruitless as Winslow scored another try and penalty before half time to leave the score 15-5 at the break.

Wheatley knew the job they had to do, and were confident of being able to win the game, so started the second half in strong fashion. After a prolonged 10 minute period in the Winslow 22, Wheatley won a penalty and decided to guarantee coming away with something after a couple of failed attempts in the corner, so Muir stepped up to take the points. This proved to be the start of a purple patch for the visitors as the backs quick hands started to make mincemeat (or keeping up with the times ‘horsemeat’) of the defence. With quick recycling from the forwards, particular mentions go to the back row of Danny, Adam and Ben – as well as big Jim’s arsecrack – the backs were allowed free reign to make in roads.

After one such move, Poochie – who appeared to be magnetised to the kick-offs – found himself one-on-one with the Winslow fullback. After dropping his shoulder and flooring him, Poochos scampered over for a try, and after sitting, rolling over and giving paw he got a pat on the head as a treat for scoring a good try. Wheatley continued to use this tactic, and shortly after, Big Jase scored in similar fashion after making the Winslow winger see stars.

Wheatley now had the lead and were still in the ascendency, looking for a try bonus point. Anthony, Jordan and Tom were doing great work in defence after Barney and Adam were running off on their own. With top game management from Tippet, Wheatley looked after the clock, and once again camped out in the Winslow red zone. Barney, showing his usual overzealous greed broke through tiring tackles and went in under the posts. Finally Muir could make a kick.

With 10 minutes left to play and a 10 point lead, Wheatley ran the clock down successfully. Pete Mitchell’s line-out throwing hitting Adam repeatedly allowed the game to be slowed right down. Winslow did, however, manage to force their way over for a losing bonus. Stout defence prevented them for 5 minutes before finally the line was breached, but it was too little, too late. Winslow had lost it, as their second row starting on Big Jim and their linesman starting on Barney indicated.

A good win after two unfortunate results means Wheatley are in a comfortable position in the league with only a handful of games to play.