Wheatley 67-12 Harwell

With the recent death of Jason Laman, Wheatley welcomed a strong Harwell side on what was bound to be an emotional day. A good turn out of players and supporters alike gathered to pay tribute to Jason in the most fitting way – winning a game of rugby.

Wheatley were on the front foot from the off and neat work along the back line caused Harwell problems all day. Lewis Taylor linked up well with the variety of centres used; as well as fullback “Irish” Jonny and wings Ed Wilson, Keith Parsler, Mike “Butterfingers 1” Ridge and Ryan “Butterfingers 2” Sharkey. Sharkey and Ridge both throwing the ball on the floor despite no defenders being near, to make the game a bit more competitive.

You might say it was a day for squandered chances, Sam “I don’t like to pass the ball, give me some more weight building supplements” Butler wasted many an opportunity by backing himself and not passing; Parsler being so surprised to find himself one on one with the try line, he slowed down to look for defenders and got tackled; and the ref missing an obvious try by James “Man of the Match” Pollard.

The Wheatley back row supported the back line with aplomb, special mentions to John Keown, Billy Cannon and Jack Smith for their tireless work around the pitch. Especially Jack who got pretty seriously concussed and forgot where he was. Hope the JR was a nice place on Saturday afternoon at 4 o’clock! This all conquering triumvirate was destroyed, however, when Tobias “Amish” Pocock tried to escape the front row and pretend to be a number 8. Know your place Pocock! Seemingly the rightful successor to the Laman “tubby wobble side-step” he unbelievably made a run from inside his own 22 to the half way line before getting tired and giving it to someone else.

Captain and enforcer, Pete Ramsdale, also had a top game. Despite being broken and unfit, somehow he manages to squeeze on a pair of shorts every week and take to the field to give away penalties. His ox-like work in the scrums only complimented his terrific work in the line-outs where he has come up with the tactic of catching the ball with his face. Later on that night, he showed us how he could be run over by a parked car.

Lots of people scored tries and had a great impact, but I think the main thing is that we played with smiles on our faces, just as Jason always did. And we won. And we missed kicks in front of the posts (Polly), just as Jason always did.

Wheatley 67 – 12 Harwell