Wheatley have ensured representation in the final of the Oxfordshire County Shield after scoring an 11-5 victory over Blue Boar at Holton Playing Fields.
The BBO Premiership side earned a deserved victory on the balance of play, the men in purple dominating the opening period and scoring a try through scrum-half Jack Taylor on their way to an 8-0 half-time lead - one that could have been greater but for their opponents' resolute defence. Boar finished the half with 13 having had 2 players binned for breakdown offences.

Blue Boar's backline gave a better account for itself during a more evenly-contested - and enjoyable - second period, although a try coming through the visitors number 8 but ultimately unable to mount a comeback.

Wheatley, who have reached their first Shield final under the new coaching guidance of Geoff Ward, will play Littlemore in the final at Iffly Road, date to be confirmed.

Given that Wheatley and Boar had met at the same stage in the competition last year, the match had assumed a heightened sense of importance - one reason perhaps for a tight first half that was low on chances.
Intent

Wheatley came into the match having won their last three matches, immediately showed more attacking intent and took the lead in the forty second minute and capitalised further with an Aaron Laman penalty with Boars poor discipline at the breakdown eventually being spotted by the officials.

The Purple wall stood firm against their opponents and then fashioned themselves a rare break when Jordan Hook made the most of quick hands to burst through visitors defence.

An increasingly sharp Blue Boar resumed their forward momentum and it was little surprise when the number 8 crossed for the opener in the at the beginning of the second half with the conversion missed.

A more open contest developed, with Sanda Mpaza showing every inch of his defensive presence felt with a strong tackling.

Aaron Laman added a further penalty with more break down offences from Boar this gave Wheatley more freedom to compete at the breakdown and allowed for a more open game.

Wheatley held on for the victory with 13 men after replacement prop Simon Chadbone was red carded and skipper Alex Acklam was yellow carded for a team offence.

Final Score 11-5