Wheatley 15 - 14 Hungerford

After last week’s disappointing defeat, Wheatley were adamant to get their first win of the season, especially as this was their 1st home game of the season. The pack was similar to the previous week but with the addition of Joe Hodbell at flanker and Jack Atkinson at 8. The back line was all new apart from Luke in the centres and Aaron on the wing. The return of Callum Jackson, Dan Rule, Sanda and Adam Muir to the backs gave Wheatley the confidence of taking the fight to Hungerford with a strong team.

After an eternity of warming up in the blaring heat and running a few moves it was time for kick off. With the sun high in the sky, high balls were going to be used a lot as you could barely see the ball when trying to catch it, but none the less as Nick Banton comfortably caught the kick off and carried in for the 1st ruck of the game. Harry Stubbs was making his debut at scrum half since his school boy days. He did an excellent job of slowing down play to allow that crucial moment of decision making for Callum.

It wasn’t long before Wheatley was pressing up the pitch keeping majority of possession. Once inside the Hungerford 22 and the back line was set, the ball floated out through the hands of the 10 and centres before making into Adam Muir’s grasp on the wing to be carried over the try line in the corner. Unfortunately the try was not converted but Wheatley was ready and set for the re-start. The game was flowing nicely with some good rugby being played by both teams. The Hungerford 12 being especially slippy with a good step on him. However this was quickly matched when Wheatley 2nd row Matt ‘BeeGee’ Gibb countered his step and proceeded to land the biggest hit of the game with the spectators roaring in support. The rest of the half was tightly matched with Aaron slotting a penalty and Hungerford scoring and converting a try.

With the team watered and refreshed in the still baking sun, both teams were looking to open the score line up. After open play the game was still closely matched with both teams taking turns to camp on their own 10m line. After seeming like an internity for Wheatley trying to break the Hungerford defence, Callum took the ball off Harry from a ruck, passing to Luke whilst looping round. This simple move created a massive gap right under the posts perfect for Callum to take the ball back off Luke to score unopposed. With Aaron’s conversion the game seemed set. Unfortunately another converted try was conceded, leaving the score 15-14. The final plays of the game were crucial as both teams were going guns blazing for the win. Then when Wheatley gave away a penalty in our own 22 for the final play of the game and the Hungerford kicker asked for a T, our hearts were in our mouths. Fortunately, the kick went wide and Wheatley secured their first win of the season.

All in all Wheatley played very well however the team still needs time to gel together and try to get a consistent team out every week.

MOM – Sanda (solid in defence and attack)
DOD – Poochie (going off after 5 mins)

Words - BeeGee