Wheatley needed a Littlemore

Wheatley travelled over to near Neighbours Littlmore for the eagerly anticipated top of the table clash.

In front of a strong crowd Littlemore and Wheatley gave a strong account of themselves with both teams outstanding in defence, yet Wheatley were slightly more dominant in the scrum which allowed them to produce quick ball but too often Wheatley spilled the final pass or were unable to make the overlap count.

Wheatley encamped themselves in the Littlemore 22 but were unable to turn this pressure into points when confusion at the line out gave Littlemore the opportunity to clear their lines and put pressure back onto Wheatley

Littlemore were able to gain control of the driving maul and with Skipper Alex Acklam harshly judged to have entered from the side and disrupt the maul this gave Littlemore the opportunity to gain valuable yards and the resulting line out was duly driven over for 5

5-0

Half Time

Wheatley started the second half with more intent but were still unable to breach the home side's defence despite going close on several occasions. Eventually their endeavours were awarded with a penalty and Laman added the 3 points with the boot. 5-3

Wheatley continued to press and put Littlemore under pressure, but the resulting knockons were seemingly never ending with 30 plus scrummages. Littlemore ventured into Wheatleys 22 on one occasion but strong defence produced turnover ball but again Wheatley were unable to unlock the defence.

Wheatley back in the Littlemore half were handed the opportunity to add a further 3 with the boot but the usually lazer guided boot of Laman was this time off target.

Full time 5-3

Although a low scoring afternoon of rugby many of those watching applauded the manner in which the game was played and the way in which both teams gave everything and all in all two very evenly matched sides, Wheatley will rue the missed opportunities and in a game this tight the margins make all the difference

Well played Littlemore. Wheatley will wait with eager anticipation for the return fixture.