Wheatley ventured out of the shire for their opening match in the seasons County Shield campaign, Playing their games at Brackley RUFC Alchester, an invitational side are made up of players from several clubs in the region many now playing at Brackley since Alcester withdrew from the league structure.

Wheatley started well and with Alchesters lack of togetherness Wheatley were able to exploit the gaps in the defensive line with Jack Taylor the benefactor crossing the line twice inside the first 20 minutes with Aaron Laman adding both conversions.

Alchester grew into the game with some big ball carrying forwards battering the Wheatley defence but to Wheatleys credit the purple wall stood tall, Alchester were unable to breach the stubborn defensive line. It was Alchester who were becoming frustrated and this frustration was their undoing conceding countless penalties in the first half mainly break down infringements with discipline under control the purple men were able to exit the danger zone in a calm and orderly fashion taking a 12-0 lead into half time.

Alchester came out the blocks in the second half identifying their strong runners and continuously probing the defensive line, Wheatley conceded a rare penalty on the halfway, Banburys Tommy Gray took advantage of a broken field, with a quick tap was able to jink his way over and go under the posts adding the conversion.

The remainder of the the half Wheatley set new standards in defence, rebuffing the Alchester attacks and forcing the errors with the defensive pressure.

Wheatley remained under control with the set piece functioning well and Aaron Laman controlling play, the weather played its part as playing into a strong wind Wheatley's exit strategies we often hampered but with the ball in hand Wheatley remains in control, Alchester rolled the dice bringing on their substitutes who added more energy to the attack, Wheatley remained resolute and continued to be a hard nut to crack with everyone stepping up to the mark. on the death of the game Alchester did cross the line out wide with the open side flanker Louis Byrne able to dot down in the corner. Tommy Gray was unable to control his conversion attempt and the kick fell short giving the win to Wheatley.

Great team performance throughout from the purple men, unhampered by late changes to the starting line up this team showed a mental strength to see out the game.

Im not sure Wheatley will face a more physical battle this season and demonstrates what this group are capable of, special mention to the traveling support and James Butler and Pete Evans.

MoM Oli Kenworthy covered every blade of grass and pushed through the pain barrier