Wheatley can't keep a semi

Wheatley were left frustrated as they went down to Blue Boar in this years semi final of the county shield competition,

Wheatley started the game well setting the tone early on and adapting to the new law governing the tackle. Wheatley were soon off the mark with a well worked try from a strong set piece allowing Dan Rule to go over in the corner after a simple 8-9 pick up. Aaron Laman converting, 7-0

Blue Boar bounced back constantly moving the ball wide to their wings and looking to use the pace they had in this position.
It wasn't long before Boar crossed the white wash to open their account with a unconverted try. 5-7

More of the same from Blue Boar saw them frequently in Wheatley's 22 and a resulting scrum saw Flanker Dan Bland harshly yellow carded for knocking the ball on in the tackle and allowed the winger to cross the line again. conversion missed, 10-7

Wheatley rode out the storm and were able to gain a foot hold in the Boars 22 which culminated in a penalty, Laman added 3 as Wheatley went into half time at 10-10.

Second Half saw an additional 3 yellow cards with Arron Laman heading to the bin for Wheatley for again (allegedly) knocking on in the tackle with the Boar 3 and 5 taking 10 for the same offence.

Wheatley had the opportunity to pull out a lead but missed penalties prevented this from happening,

Boar continued with their game plan moving the ball quickly to the wings where in turn the wings ran quickly! The plan worked well as they added a converted try 17-10.

Wheatley were becoming increasingly frustrated and conceded a soft penalty, with time running out, 20-10

Wheatley rang the changes and added pace to their attack. This paid dividends immediately with Jordan Hook now employing his customary hand off to allow him to weave his way over for a try which Laman converted 20-17

Unfortunately Jack Smith lasted all of (a generous) 2 minutes before having to leave the field with what turned out to be a dislocated and fractured shoulder. In the resulting shake up, Andy Willis moved to flanker and with Jack Taylor now dictating play from 10, Wheatley continued to press, but alas it wasn't to be full time 20-17

Another day another result Wheatley had opportunity to win this fixture and some improved handling would have seen a different outcome. Despite the disappointment, there are some positives to take, especially with the set piece and work rate being good, however execution needs work.