On a great autumn Sunday afternoon Wheatley will take heart from the fact that despise having a 17 man injury list Wheatley were still able to call upon a 20 man strong squad to face a strong Oxford University Whippet in the County Shield.

From the kick off Whippets raced into an early lead moving the ball wide at every opportunity, with Wheatley continuously cought narrow a three try cushion was soon established.

Wheatley hit back with a try from centre Ben Kelsey converted by Josh Hillsdon, on the Half Hour mark Wheatley prop Simon Chadbone saw red after retaliation leaving Wheatley with a mountain to climb.

Wheatley also lost Ben Kelsey , Toby Butler and Oli Kenworthy with a hamstring, Hip and knee injury’s, this gave debut opportunity to both Luke Ball and Tom Edmunds who to their credit gave great accounts of themselves throughout the remainder of the match with Joe Taylor making a welcome return.

It was the university who were next to score opening up a 24-7 lead, Wheatley now stemming to realise a game was being played started to function well as a unit. Tom Edmunds was next to score with some fine support play and Jordan Hook converting.

Wheatley continued to battle hard but eventually tired and the youthful Whippets exploiting the extra man advantage.

The game finished 14-43 with Whippets running in a couple of late try’s

Special mention to the match day sponsor The Pointer Butchers a Brill.

MoM Tom Edmunds
DoD Tam (red rage)