Wheatley go down to the chippy

Wheatley seconds made the trip over to Chipping Norton excited at the prospect of playing some expansive rugby with a wealth of experience and talent on display. Wheatley were hit with a couple of late player unavailability but still managing to field 15 players, Wheatley were in good shape to have a combative afternoon.

Chipping Norton were under threat of being thrown out of the league had they not fielded a team, this seems to have galvanised the club spirit and gave them an unlimited supply of substitutes for the afternoon.

Wheatley made a strong start showing our intent to move the ball quickly with plenty of offloading, forwards and backs inter play. It wasn't long before this paid off and Joe Hobdell was able to open the scoring. Unfortunately club captain Simon Chadbone had forgotten his kicking boots and missed the kick.

Wheatley continued to press for much of the half but somehow Chipping Norton would seem to emerge with the ball and were able to break away, beat some flailing defence and hit back with scores of their own.

More flowing rugby from Wheatley and wing Dan Rule mesmerised the defenders and got himself underneath the posts for a try with Cailin Taylor adding the extras.

Wheatley trailed at half time 17-12

Wheatley started the second half with the same intent however more breakaway tries from Chipping Norton saw the lead increase to 27-12.

Wheatley showed some endeavour to get back into the game with some terrific running from experienced second row Nick Banton, unfortunately the try line was just a little too far for him.

Alex Gabbidon was also prominent in the loose but unfortunately wasn't able to get outside of skipper Joe Hyde for what was sure to be another five points.

Joe Taylor secured his place in the dick of the day yearbook with his fumble and drop over the line, again what would've been another five points

Alex Gabbidon did add another five points out wide, Caillin was happy to hand kicking duty back to Tamworth who unfortunately shaved the upright and another 2 points went begging.
The pack performed well taking all but one scrum, both theirs and Chippys and Nick Banton was in fine form at the line out despite his feet never leaving the ground.

I take this opportunity to welcome Arthur Richards to Wheatley making his debut on the wing.

Wheatley were left wondering how they didn’t come away with more, losing 27-17 having long periods of domination, however it was a great game to be involved in and played in the right spirit.

Congrats Chippy until next time...