Hungerford II 45 - 12 Wheatley II

Wheatley 2s headed to Hungerford for a good game of social rugby on a beautiful November day. However, all did not start well with two players "missing" the bus and needed to be picked up. After many phone calls and messages, Wheatley arrived with plenty of time to spare . . . .

With a few changes of positions needed to put together a makeshift front row to start the game, captain Pete Ramsdale moved to prop, followed by Matt 'BeeGee' Gibb moving into 2nd row. As the team warmed up, we realised how small the pitch was, much to the delight of the slightly unfit players.

Following the whistle and a scrappy kickoff, the 1st of many scrums took place. After several phases of play through the forwards, the backs finally ended up with the ball. Then with a defence cutting pass from James Bowley, Claude, yes Claude, finally scored easily in the corner. Unfortunately the conversation was missed, but the team marched back with their heads held high.

Scrappy kick off number 2 lead to Hungerford’s 1st real taste of possession, and again after several phases of play between forwards on both sides, the Hungerford backline ran a try into the corner. Then a rare occurrence happened, Hungerford's no.8 stepped up to take the conversion and comfortably slotting it between the posts much to our team’s amusement (hardly missing a kick all day).

The rest of the 1st half was a mirror to the start, lots of action for the forwards and the backs making metres with every little bit of possession. Wheatley’s 2nd and final try of the day came from scrumhalf Will running a strong line to arrive under the posts. As the team shuffled back to our own half the ref kindly asked if we would like to take the conversion. Front row Alex Gabbidon immediately saw his opportunity for greatness and casually got the 2 points. Hungerford quickly scored in the same sort of style to end the 1st half.

Motivational talks over we got into position to win this closely matched game. Unfortunately due to lack of substitutes (yes that's our excuse) the next 40 minutes lead to Hungerford scoring a few points and Wheatley getting nothing.

We are still waiting for our first away win of the season, which is jut around the corner. We welcome Quins IV on Saturday to write some of the wrongs, mainly having a sub! On the plus side, Claude scored and Jimbo was back playing.

MOM - Will

DOD - Alex Gabbidon for wanting to play fullback

Words - BeeGee