Wheatley Go Nuclear

Wheatley made what is their furthest away trip of the season to Aldermaston looking to continue where they had left off, having beaten Oxford two weeks prior. With some players unavailable, Wheatley were already with a untested back line and had to make further changes to the starting line up after losing Joe Hobdell and Jack Atkinson to illness on Saturday morning.

None the less Wheatley made an impressive start and were soon putting the home side under immediate pressure and were rewarded with an early shot at goal that was missed.

Wheatley continued moving the ball around and stand in 10, Josh Hillsdon, was looking to move the ball wide at any opportunity. Josh’s quick thinking enabled him to unpick the Aldermaston defence with a deft chip over the on oncoming defensive line and a fortunate bounce saw Josh over the white wash to score 5-0 Gav Stanton adding the conversion. 7-0

With confidence growing Wheatley were once again deep in the Aldermaston half continuously probing the defensive line. Some dogged work from the forward pack created some quick ball that gave Iain Downer the momentum to seemingly sidestep his way over for 5 more points. 12-0 with Stanton missing the conversion.

Continuous infringements from the home side again gave Gav Stanton another opportunity for 3 points and made no mistake on this occasion adding the 3 points. 15-0

Aldermaston made a trip to the wheatley half via conceded penalties, which Allowed the home side to sustain an attack on the Wheatley line. Aldermaston breached the defensive line and finished the first half on the scoreboard 15-7

Wheatley raised the tempo in the second half using the quick ball well and some neat interplay between forwardss and backs allowed Craig Buddle to dot down in the corner. 20-7 Stanton unable to add the extras.

Wheatley now applying a Barbarian approach to the game saw loose forward Oliver Kenworthy's industrious support of the outside pay off and allowed him to turn the opposition back line this way and that before crossing the white wash. 25-7 Stanton missing the conversion.

Aldermaston rallied and threatened to add a consolation try but spilling the ball allowed Kenworthy to pounce on the loose ball and out pace the pursuing defence to complete his brace. 30-7 Stanton added the extras 32-7

Wheatley's performance surpassed the expectation this week with the amount of changes to the team but showed some strength in depth and strength of character to not let it affect the performance. The selection committee will have a tough time in the coming weeks with many players staking a claim for a first team spot. Wheatley have come along way in 12 months the fruits of their labour is beginning to show.

Words - Tamworth