Witney 36 - Beaconsfield 0
A the interval there was a worried feeling among the Hailey Road faithful as
Witney had dominated territorily but had failed to capitalise and were only 5
points to the good thanks to Charlie Bennett's try. As long as the visitors were
within touching distance, their belief would only grow. Henry Lambs strong
individual effort saw a huge sigh of relief and when Aaron Lambourne glided
over with his first touch of the ball, the two points were secured. Further
tries came from James Lamb, Joe Rowles and Gareth Campbell, Henry Lamb slotting
three conversions including a blinder from the touchline to convert his brothers
try.
Various reports from the Oxford Mail (thanks Ed) to come.
1st XV
Phillips, Collins(L), *Lamb(J), Strutt, Monks, Lamb(H), Campbell(G): Burke,
Collins(S), Richens, Fowler, Bennett, Muller, Campbell(C), Caffekey
Repl: Rowles(Fowler-50), Serle(Burke-60), Lambourne(Phillips-60)
VIEW FROM THE TOUCHLINE
On other days, missed chances may prove costly but the lads were fortunate on
this occasion. There were some good moments on the first half with Charlie
Bennett and Sam Collins both carrying well and the first two scrums being awsome
as Beaconsfield were "monstered" in the tight. However, despite the coaches
wishes, too many balls were kicked aimlessly away and when we did keep the ball
in hand, the support play was generally good. The boys were also bullied a bit
in the lose exchanges and the visitors were far more street wise on the deck.
Monksy was unlucky not to be awarded a penalty try and Louie was thwarted by
soem great cover from Beaconsfield no 8 as well lack of control from some set
scrums where we should have been able to capitalise on our dominance. That said,
we dominated territorily and after the long break and with a greasy ball, there
were always going to be mistakes. The second half saw some nice tries as the
visitors defence tired and a deserved win for the boys. Well done especially to
"Bucky" for a storming debut and some fine performances from Tim and Big Joe
too.
Berks, Bucks & Oxon Prem "A"
Reading 28 - 23 Witney 2nds
