Wheatley Get a semi

Wheatley have taken one step closer to the final of this years competition with an impressive win over Chipping Norton at Holton playing Fields,

Wheatley raced out of the blocks, setting an early pace and looking to utilise a speedy back line, it wasn’t long before quick recycling enabled fly half Andy Willis was able to link his way over for the opener inside of 2 minutes. 5-0 Aaron Laman added the conversion 7-0

From the resulting kick off more explosive phases of play put Wheatley in a commanding position inside of the visitors 22, Wheatley were able to impose pressure on the Chippy line out and with the ball loose veteran second row Nick Banton pounced on the loose ball to collect a rare 5 points. 12-0 Aaron Laman added the extras 14-0.

Wheatley were not having it all their own way however, as Josh Hillsdon had to be replaced by Jack Taylor after suffering a blow to the head.

A third try came soon after as slick hands from Wheatley saw speedy winger Dan Rule arrive in space, beat his man and cross the white wash out wide 19-0 Laman missing the conversion.

Wheatley then seemed to take their foot off the gas and failed to produce the slick interplay that had bore fruit in the opening 10 minutes which allowed Chipping Norton to get a foot hold in the game with strong running from their 15 and 8 and, hindered by their continued infringement at the breakdown, Wheatley found themselves pegged back on their try line. Strong running and playing the offloading game, Chippy were able to breach the purple wall, scoring a unconverted try. 19-5.

This rattled Wheatley and Chippy hung on to complete the half in the ascendancy, but with the score remaining at 19-5

The second half started with Wheatley receiving the kick (after dropping it... Again), and looked to pin chippy back into their own half. With Chippy forced to clear their lines the consequential line out saw scrum half Aaron Laman side step his way over for his 100th point of the season and Wheatley's 4th try. Laman was unable to convert. 24-5

Wheatley were now back in control and were building phases and creating space. Wheatley saw several chances go begging with poor handling letting them down (Joe Hobdell and Adam Muir being the main offenders!), fortunately with a well functioning set piece Wheatley were still able to put pressure on the visitors backline and force the errors.

Slick handling from substitute Jack Taylor allowed Wheatley to apply a sustained attack with Cailin Taylor the benefactor, and bringing up try number 5. 29-5 Laman converting for 31-5

Wheatley, having now used all of the bench, were able to up the pace and produce some free flowing, champagne rugby. Man of the match Jordan Hook was full of running, taking the high ball and with some good use of the fend found himself in space to put fellow sub Jack Smith into space with little to do other than swan dive (again) over the line, 36-5 Laman added (a more difficult than necessary) conversion, 38-5

The try of the match, and possibly Wheatley's season to date, was saved till last! Again Hook was instrumental in it's creation as Jordan took the ball deep inside his own half and proceeded to round the onrushing Chippy defence, only to weave his way back across the pitch to round them all again! After running 150 yards, Hook eventually found support in the form of back row forward C.Taylor who, with future selection in his mind, gave a well timed pass to the supporting Chadbone who finished from 25 yards* and chalked up Wheatley's 8th try! 43-5 Laman added another 2 to his tally of 17 points, 45-5

Wheatley were guilty of more handling errors and missed the chance to add more points to their tally before the ref blew for full time, with the game ending 45-5 in Wheatley's favour

Wheatley will be full of confidence looking forward to this weekends visit from Chipping Norton in the league, but will be weary of the wounded animal. A good display all round from the boys in Purple and the additional fitness was telling for Chippy in the final 20.

Words - Tam

*25 yards? We'll have to go upstairs on that one...