Wheatley vs Bletchley

Wheatley weathered storm Deidre to and overcame a resurgent Bletchley side to record a 22-3 win. Wheatley produced a great 15 minutes of play scoring at will with Jordan Hook standing out, the Purple men came out the blocks with real determination and took all aspects on their own terms, moving the ball quickly wide and keeping the ball in hand, Wheatley were soon rewarded, quick phase play saw Pete Mitchel in space, moving the ball wide saw Jordan Hook emerge on the wing, Jordan stepped inside to go under the posts to open the scoring, Aaron Laman landing the conversion. From the restart Wheatley wanted more, speed of play was electric with the forward pack recycling ball with real urgency, Bletchley couldn't live with the breakdown and the Wheatley back row dominant, With the ball in open play the back line were operating with great confidence and faced with a ridged defensive line a deft touch from flyhallf Arron Laman fullback Jordan Hook was able to out pace the Bletchley defence and grab his brace inside of the 15 minute mark. with the conversion missed. Wheatley not willing to change their approach continued to press the Bletchley attack with hight risk came reward, Aaron Laman charged the defensive line and collected an interception with plenty to do Aaron put his head down and grabbed a try of his own, The conversion struck the upright. 17-0 The conditions now began to dictate play, with Bletchley now able to retain possession it was the Wheatley defensive strength that stepped up to the plate constantly rebuffing the waves of attack, Sanda Mpanza was in his element seeking out the big hits to lift the teams defensive effort, with Bland and Bailey a constant thorn in the home teams side. Jack Smith was living on the edge but was turning ball over and continuously putting his head wear it hurts (or not in Jacks case) but the constant disruption prevented continuity from the home side. On the stroke of half time Wheatley conceded a penalty in front of the sticks giving away an easy 3 points but having starred down the barrel of the gun for 20 minutes Wheatley's defensive wall bas not gaining to break! Half Time 3-17 The second half was much hampered further by the torrid conditions the scrum was becoming more influential win play and without a recognised loosehead the pressure on the Wheatley front row was starting to tell. Wheatley rolled the dice and relieved Simon Chadbone of his warm sub suit and shuffled the front row. Wheatley sured up the scrummage adding pressure to the homes sides scrum half Wheatley were now once again becoming more disruptive to Bletchley play. With Wheatley now beginning to pick up the pace of play Jordan Hook broke through the defensive line only to be brought down illegally and the resulting kick put Wheatley into a great field position and with the lineout functioning well Wheatley opted to drive the maul and despite Bletchley's best efforts the maul stood firm and crossed the line for Jack Smith to score. conversion missed 3-22 The remainder of the half was a combination of lineage and scrummaging and hyperthermia! with both teams ecstatic at the final whistle with the prospect of a hot shower in everyones thoughts! Great display from the purple army with the top 2 inches influencing the Wheatley's great performance. Man of the match could have gone to a number of players with Pete Mitchel prominent in the loose and considering the conditions hitting his man in all but one lineout, Jack Smith was over the ball at each and every opportunity turning over on numerous occasions, Spencer Bailey was back to his best chopping down the Bletchley attack, Jordan playing with his head up looking to exploit the space with some great lines and great kick chase, Sanda Mpanza as alway a rock in the back line setting the tone looking great in attack. but it was Dan Bland that picked up this weeks MoM as he lead from the front strong defensive performance, turning over ball and disruption at the lineout all contributed to a solid performance.