Match Reports
Saturday 4th September
South West 1 East
Witney 27 – 8 Marlow
The visitors finished fourth in this League last season and so Witney knew this would be a tough test but they had nothing to lose but few could have predicted the final scoreline. Five tries were scored and after a nervous first 15 minutes, the lads really knuckled down and all 18 players did themselves and the club proud. There will be tougher tests to come for sure but this was a fine effort from all involved and shows the hard work pre-season really paid off.
The opening ten minutes showed Marlow dominate territorially and even though possession was fairly even it was the visitors that made the impression as James Lamb and his team struggled to get out of their 22. No scoring chances came but the initial intensity was something they had to get used to soon. Marlows fly half slotted a penalty to open the scoring and that was a fair reflection of the early exchanges. This kick started Witney into gear and they started making inroads into the visitors half and strong running from the forwards with Jez Hicks and Tim Muller working hard and Carl Campbell being everywhere as usual. Crucially, the set pieces were going well with Sam Collins finding his jumpers right from the off and on Marlow’s throw, they often found themselves under pressure. The scrums were going well too with Alan Richens and Mark Fuller both gradually getting on top of their larger opposite numbers. With big Joe Rowles showing up well at the base of the Witney scrum, the forwards were really starting to find their feet. That said, Marlows driving mauls looked impressive and sent alarm bells out but most of their best work was in their own half and so was not a real threat. Witneys pressure saw the visitors give away a penalty but Henry Lamb failed to convert as he hit the post and this was an area which a school report would read “could do better”.
Witney still looked nervous in some of their play and some moves were being forced but their nerves were soon settled with the opening try of the match. With the play sweeping left, scrum half Gareth Campbell changed direction and broke right and fed winger James Monks (left). With winger and full back to beat, the there was still a lot to do but he “bounced” first the winger and then the last line of defence to score the first try for Witney in this League. Henry Lambs sweetly struck conversation from out wide missed by inches but the match was now really up for grabs and so the crowd started to buzz.
For the next 15 minutes, Witney played some good rugby and enjoyed most of the best rugby played. Phil Gouldie showed some fine skills to collect his own chip ahead but Marlow regrouped and snuffed out the threat. Skipper James Lamb looked hungry in the tackle and his team followed his example. All this pressure failed to materialise into points though and Marlow broke downfield in the closing minutes of the half. This time they got their driving maul moving where it mattered most in the Witney 22 and slowly crept towards the line. The score seemed inevitable and so it proved as they crossed the line to take the lead, the conversion being pulled and the interval was looming with the score at 5-8. Witney had one last chance and put the pressure on from the kick off. Marlows second row was yellow carded for killing the ball and most of the watching Hailey Road faithful expected a kick for posts. James Lamb elected to go for the try and the forwards drove forward, the ball was recycled quickly and Carl Campbell broke blind, drew the defence and released brother Gareth Campbell who scampered over. The conversion was missed but the lead had been regained and with the visitors down a man, Witney knew they needed to take advantage.
A team talk from coaches, Phil Harper and John Campbell, made sure the lads stayed focussed at the break and returned with a vengeance in the second period. Jez Hicks and Carl Campbell put pressure on from the kick off and a lovely nudge forward from James Lamb saw Marlow under huge pressure five metres out. The momentum was all with Witney and the pressure started to show with a number of Marlow players picking up knocks. Fair play to them though, they kept the home side out and all Witney could muster was a missed penalty from their efforts. The visitors 15th man returned but Witney had gained momentum and the score came thanks to a sublime pass from fly half Henry Lamb who hit Phil Gouldie (right) on a great line and he scampered over for a super try, this time Henry Lamb did add the conversion and Witney were 17-8 up and in the driving seat. The forwards were now really enjoying themselves with Marc Copperwheat making some great ground and despite some wrong options and rushed passes, the territory was all Witney. The visitors began to get on the wrong side of the referee and their frustration just handed more impetus to the home side.
A fourth try came from concerted pressure and good team play. Winger Aaron Lambourne made some good ground and Joe Rowles became more influential before the backs were again released. Some neat passing saw Carl Strutt score out wide and despite the missed conversion from Garath Campbell, Witney were now two scores up. Marlow started to come back with their 12 and 15 both finding holes and only good cover defence saw any half chance snuffled out. The final score came from more concerted Witney pressure and another fine flat pass saw Gouldie run through for his second score and the match was now over as a contest.
The final ten minutes saw replacements Robbie Richardson, Owen Fowler and Robbie Mills all heavily involved. Marlow gave their all but the Witney determination in defence was typified by second row Marc Copperwheat who took out the Marlow winger with a covering tackle and the final whistle sounded to leave Witney jubilant.
1st XV
Gouldie, Lambourne, *Lamb(J), Strutt, Monks, Lamb(H), Campbell(G): Fuller, Collins(S), Richens, Hicks(J), Copperwheat(M), Muller, Campbell(C), Rowles
Repl: Fowler(Muller-55), Richardson(Fuller-65), Mills(Lambourne-70)
VIEW FROM THE TOUCHLINE
Great start, some nerves for sure and some wrong options but when the lads found the intensity they needed, they really did themselves proud. The visitors were hunting in two’s and three’s but Witney had four or five players at each breakdown and that proved crucial as they turned their visitors over on a number of occasion due to that. The commitment was excellent and with a number of players missing, the players showed the coaches that they want to be the team who are there to be shot at. Lets not get carried away though, it was a great start but every match in this League will require this effort and while we got away with the missed 14 points from the boot this week, in future matches, this could prove crucial.
Berks, Bucks & Oxon Prem "A"
Marlow 2nds 6 - 11 Witney 2nds
On a warm summers evening on a train bound for nowhere….Why not start the season with a good song after a solid team performance and the first points of the league campaign.
Two penalties from captain Simon Copperwheat interjected by the only try of the match from number 8 Will Hook were enough to give Witney’s travelling support a pleasant onward journey home but Witney will need to be more clinical as the season progresses missing numerous opportunities to make the match safe in the second half.
With Danny Godfrey delayed due to Burger King commitments the side had a distinctly young feel about it, Jack Birks making his debut at scrum half, Thom Murton at full back and Bomber Harris starting in the front row, this was however evened up on the sideline as Birksy senior, Bennett Senior and the diminutive Mr Toase added their wisdom. From the off Witney were on the metal, the pack led by hooker Adam Copperwheat got down to graft. The tight play and contact areas were dominated with Matt Cally also carrying the ball superbly all day. The first points were on the board within 5 minutes as Copper stroked over a penalty from just inside Marlow’s 10 metre line. Jack Birks at 9 was producing good ball for George Bibby at 10 who had the comfort of a rampaging Wayne Caffekey playing at 13. Wayne’s rugby brain is superb, slotting easily into this role and never failing to make the gain line and provide a good target for the back row. Marlow’s open side flanker was their star player putting George under pressure at every opportunity and it was from a charged down kick that Witney scrambled and eventually gave away a penalty to even things up. Witney then re-took the lead before half time after Adam Copperwheat was denied a try for a forward pass after a great passage of play with quick ball seeing a 4 on two overlap. It was Will Hook who picked a great line to slice the Marlow defence and go over unopposed for a 8-3 half time lead.
Marlow did look dangerous on the break with their full back particularly slippery and Witney’s defence worked well with Leigh and Taafy 
working as a team to push the attacks down the cul de sac of the touchline. Will Macburnie’s work rate was matched by the team as Marlow failed to get any field position and it was this work rate that gave Witney further try scoring opportunities. A 5 metre scrum enabled Witney to march Marlow back toward s their line but with the line beckoning and the scrum disintegrating Hooky could not get to the ball cleanly . Further chances came with overlaps created and a bit of early season over excitement saw the ball being over run and the pass not accurate. Si Copperwheat missed two more pots at goal before landing a penalty 15 minutes from time to give the visitors some breathing space. Changes were then made as Will Hook pulled his buttock, Taff Davies the able replacement and Dan Godfrey came on for James Harris (left) who earned Kevin the Chicken for his great work in the tight play. This was a strong performance and laid a good bench mark for future perfomances.
2nd XV
Harris (Godfrey 65), Copperwheat A, Cally, Bennett, Copperwheat S (Capt), Macburnie, Quartermain, Hook (Davies 55), Birks, Bibby G, Gurney, Lee, Caffekay, Taafe, Murton.
Repl: Godfrey(D), Davies(T)
Sunday 25th April
Oxfordshire Cup Final
(Reports from Mike Knox, Oxford Mail)
Chinnor Are Record Breakers
Chinnor 68, Witney 0
Chinnor were in record-breaking form as they destroyed Witney to win their first Oxfordshire Cup for eight years at Iffley Road on Sunday.
The high-riding National 3 South West side recorded both the highest ever score in a final and the biggest margin of victory to end their eight-year long drought in this competition.
A dominant display by their pack laid the platform for half-backs Toby Prescott and James Cathcart to spark a series of attacks which brought them ten tries.
Witney have enjoyed a successful season, gaining promotion from Southern Counties North, but this was, perhaps, a game too far for them.
Although they never gave up – one would not have expected them to – they just could not win or retain possession long enough to pose any sort of threat.
Cathcart put Chinnor 6-0 ahead with two penalties in the first 13 minutes, while Witney full back Ed Mitcham hooked his two penalty chances wide of the posts.
A key moment arrived after 20 minutes, when Witney lock Owen Fowler was yellow-carded following a Chinnor attack on his own try line.
Considering the next set-piece play was a five-metre scrum to Chinnor, it was no surprise that their No 8 Tom Mowbray was able to score the simplest of pushover tries right under the posts.
Cathcart converted this one and then landed a notable touchline conversion after full back Ben Farr had turned up on the outside of winger James Serrano to score in the right corner.
Chinnor scored a third try, while Fowler was off the field when Prescott and Farr set up a touchdown for left wing Chris Elder. Cathcart again added the conversion.
But the fly-half's most spectacular play of the match came when he sent a pin-point cross-kick to the left corner where prop Joe Winpenny collected and dived over amid the biggest cheers of the afternnoon.
At 32-0, the final was basically all over at half-time, but if Witney had thought that their opponents might let up in the second half, they would have been mistaken.
Within ten minutes of the restart, Chinnor had added two more tries through flanker Sam Jones and replacement prop Tom Whelan, from a pushover.
Cathcart converted both, the latter from the touchline.
Witney tackled well, especially their centres Carl Strutt and James Lamb, but there was no way they could halt Chinnor’s attacking threats which came from all over the field.
Replacement No 8 Liam Gilbert finished off a couple of scoring moves, while Elder scored his second and centre Sam Stoop completed the try tally in injury time.
Cathcart, who added one more conversion to take his personal haul to 18 points, was chosen as man-of-match.
But this could have gone to virtually any Chinnor player in what was a wonderful all-round display in front of a sizeable crowd.
For Witney, the sight of 50-year-old Mark Serle coming on as a replacement in his final game, was a reminder that rugby is about more than winning and losing.
Chinnor:
Farr, Serrano, Shiel (Green 58), Stoop, Elder, Cathcart, Prescott, Winpenny, Cawston (Webster 64), Pickett (Whelan 47), Hutchings (capt), Jackman, Jones (Hastings 64), Williams, Mowbray (Gilbert 47).
Witney:
Mitcham (Lambourne 41), Monks, Strutt, J Lamb (capt), Thomas, Bibby, G Campbell, Burke (Serle 68), Collins, Richens (Fuller 50), Fowler, Rowles (Bennett 68), Muller (Caffekey 41), C Campbell, Hicks.
Referee: T Foley (Bristol).
Man-of-the-Match: Cathcart.
Saturday 17th April
Southern Counties North
Witney 19 - 12 Amersham & Chiltern (PHOTOS)
On a sun drenched afternoon in front of a packed Hailey Road crowd (over 600 people), the top two sides in the League played for the title, the scene was set but would the match live up to the occasion - indeed it would. Witney looked a bit nervous at the start but the first set scrum put them at ease with scrum half Gareth Campbell doing some great spoiling at the base of a scrum. It was similar fare at the opening lineout wher Jez Hicks was sent skyward with perfect timing and pinched the Amersham ball. The whole match followed a similar pattern with Amersham winning plenty of ball but they were harried all afternoon as the Witney players but in some exceptional mileage with the Campbell brothers Carl and Gareth to the fore.
Good work from Gareth Campbell and Owen Fowler saw Witney have their first serious foray into Amersham territory and the visitors strayed offside to give away a penalty which Ed Mitcham converted nicely. Amersham came back strongly and were awarded a penalty of their own but missed from 40 metres out. There followed a period of concerted Amersham pressure and they strung eight phases together asking serious questions of the Witney defence but every question was answered as the communication and commitment of the home players was excellent. The Amersham desperation at trying to break through saw them knock on and Wtney cleared their lines. Good work from number eight Jez Hicks at a ruck saw the ball stolen but a promising Witney attack came to nothing. Ed Mitcham gathered a stray kick well and his return was followed up well and Witney started to string some nice rugby together. With Witney pressing in the 22, Amersham cleared their lines but the kick was returned superbly by Mitcham who jinked his way through and was left with one defender and two players outside but he elected to jink again and the golden chance was gone. Amersham were now on the offensive and a clearing Gareth Campbell kick was well followed up by Jake Thomas and the match really started to pick up the pace. Amersham kicked well into space and were again in Witneys 22 but a crunching double tackle from Jake Thomas and Carl Campbell thwarted the danger.
Witney pressed up the field and a powerful thrust from skipper James Lamb and a magnificent kick from George Bibby saw Witney five metres from Amershams line. The visitors conceded a penalty and Witney elected to tap and go, looking for the opening try. The atack was snuffled out but the visitors had not retreated 10 meteres and another penalty saw Mitcham extend the lead to six points with only five minutes of the half remaining. Witney were finishing the half strongly and great work from Owen Fowler down the blindside saw Louie Collins almost released but he couldn't hold the difficult pass. A minute later through he was released but just as he received the ball with the line at his mercy, the hamstring injury returned which allowed the Amersham defence to get back but illegally so and they gave away a penalty and also had a player sin binned in the process. Mitcham converted and the deficit increased to nine points. Aaron Lambourne came on for the luckless Collins who limped off. Good work from Sam Collins at the restart saw Witney finish the half on a high and another half of that quality would see them lift the League title but a lot can happen in 40 minutes.
Lambourne was in the thick of it early on as he secured the Witney kick off but Amersham managed to steal and clear their lines. From the lineout though, great Witney hands down the line saw Jake Thomas finish well in the corner and the Hailey Road crowd went wild. Mitcham missed the conversion but with 14 points to the good, this was now Witneys match to lose. What they needed was a consolidation period, what they got was very different. They failed to secure the kick off and Amersham won the ball releasing their number 10 who stepped nicely to break the first line of defence and showed good gas to run in under the posts. The conversion was a formality and within seconds of extending their lead, Witney now found themselves only one score behind. It was then Amershams turn to look a bit nervous as they kicked one straight out and then gave away a penalty. Witney again elected to run the quick one and Aaron Lambourne was inches away from scoring but the frantic defence was good. Amersham cleared their lines but were caught offside yet again and this time Witney went for posts. Mitcham pushed his kick and if just missed. With legs tiring in the heat, some gaps started to appear with Mitcham making one nice break and Amersham finding some space too. You felt there were more tries in the match but it was in the balance who would get them. Amerham chipped behind Witneys defence but Jake Thomas was alert to the danger and just managed to get back to touch the ball down. Good kicking from Gareth Campbell an Ed Mitcham saw Witney attack again and Aaron Lambourne was high tackled to give Mitcham a long range penalty attempt. He struck it pretty well but it just dropped short and the nailbiting tense atmosphere continued. Amersham looked to have broken the line of defence but Carl Campbell put in a typical cover tackle to thwart the danger.
An Amersham kick to the corner saw them mount a useful attack but Witney cleared but not for long. Amersham attacked again and their chip behind saw nobody at home for Witney and the ball popped up nicely for their centre to touch down. The conversion was missed but the margin was now only two points and it really was anyone's match as the clock started to run down. Witney had brought on Mark Fuller and Wayne Caffekey by this time and the fresh legs were needed as the match was still as frantic as ever. Amersham knew time was running out but had a chance as a Witney indescretion saw a penalty given away 50 metres out. The Amersham full back gave it a hefty thump but it fell short. From the 22 drop out, Witney kicked directly into touch and with a scrum centre field, this was Amersham's golden opportunity. With the blind side packed, they broke open from the scrum but Witneys defence was in place and Gareth Campbell read the situation perfectly, intercepting the pass and showing good pace to hare up the field. He ran to the Amersham 22 before being caught and found Ed Mitcham in support and running at full tilt. He ran for the corner and with the Amersham cover just catching him a group of players bundled over the line and into touch. The crowd looked to the referee who looked to touch judge before awarding the try. The Hailey Road crowd went balistic and even though the conversion was missed, it would now take a miracle for Witney to lose the match. The final couple of minutes ticked away and the final whistle saw Amersham players sink to the ground and Witney players and supporters jubilant.
It was a fitting finale to a magnificent season for the whole squad and coaches Phil Harper and John Campbell joined in the celebrations knowing their hard work over the countless training sessions had paid off. The best two sides in the League had put on a good show and we wish Amersham all the best for their play off match against Frome. The partying went on deep into the night but the lads will now have to regroup and put in once last major effort as they take on Chinnor in the County Cup Final on Sunday at Iffley Road, Oxford.
1st XV
Mitcham, Thomas, *Lamb(J), Strutt, Collins(L), Bibby, Campbell(G): Burke, Collins(S), Richens, Rowles, Fowler, Muller, Campbell(C), Hicks(J)
Repl: Fuller(Burke-50), Caffekey(Rowles-65), Lambourne(L.Collins-37)
VIEW FROM THE TOUCHLINE
A match with passion and commitment in abundance, fair play to both sides who put on a great show for the large crowd. The Campbell boys were magnificent but to single out any players would be unfair as this was a true team effort. That Gareth Campnbell break resulting in Ed Mitcham's try was spectacular and the noise when the try was awarded was buzzing. Amersham players and spectators played their part too and they brought over a lot of support who did their club proud and both lots of supporters applauded good play from either side, which was nice to see. The lads who were lucky enough to play in this match will never forget the experience as these are the ones you remember when your playing days end. The league above will mean a tough season lies ahead but that is a long way off and the lads have the small matter of the cup final next week to enjoy before that is even given a second though. Great day, great performance and a great league season comes to a magnificent end.
Oxfordshire Cup
Chinnor's head coach Jason Bowers said their cup success was the perfect way to end the season.
He said: “We haven’t won it for a few years, so it was great to produce such a fantastic display on the day.
“Our experience of playing at a higher level of rugby, our physicality and fitness levels, plus the sheer quality of players made a big difference.”
He was pleased that his side did not let up, scoring the last of their ten tries in injury time.
“We pride ourselves on playing flat-out for 80 minutes of rugby in every game,” he added.
Bowers had praise for their beaten opponents.
“Witney never gave up and showed great spirit, and I thought they were outstanding. But for us, it was a lovely way to end the season.”
Witney’s assistant coach John Campbell said: “It was possibly a game too far after a long season” for his team.
“We achieved our main aim of promotion, but despite the heavy defeat, it was still a great day for for us to play in the final.
“I thought the sin-binning of Owen Fowler was a little harsh.
“They scored 21 points while he was off the field, and we were never able to get into the flow and were always chasing the game after that.
“Chinnor showed us respect and there was no show-boating on their behalf. But the two-level gap between the sides showed.”
Berks, Bucks & Oxon North 1
Amersham & Chiltern 3rds 31 - 14 Witney 3rds
No better way to end the season than an away game to the league winners. Amersham have lost only twice this year so we were able to go out and have a go without any pressure. We put up a very good fight against an excellent Amersham team. For 65 minutes we matched and at times were better but a poor 15 minutes saw us concede to many points. That said we knocked on 2 clear try scoring chances and also got turned over on the Amersham line so the score line could have been a lot closer. Everybody played very well but also about everybody made some mistakes too. The scrum was very competitive from both sides and both teams had to switch and change the front 3 more than once to try and gain the upper hand. In the end Terry won out in this battle and I would say we just pipped this area. Again we suffered from having no Awesome to jump in the line so we had to tap all the penalties rather than kicking to the corners but in truth with the backs line up we had this was no bad thing. All our points came from Leigh (I'm guessing he's now our top points scorer) in the second half. The first one saw Will make a great run and wisely pick out Paddy instead of Copper. Paddy used simple quick hands to release Leigh outside the defence and in under the posts. The second one saw Joe make a great break, as he did all afternoon, which finished with a kick up field. With the last Amersham defender too interested in trying to pull Joe back Leigh was there to fall on the ball under the sticks. Although Amersham won the league we may still see them next year as they can not go up into the league above. This also applies for the 2nd placed team Quins. This has been a long hard year for the 3's with the availability of players really hitting the lower teams in the club. We survived however and hopefully next year it will start to pick up again. Thanks to all the players who have played for us this year. As we had it on us, Kevin went to Birthday boy Robbie for an all round aggressive display and Tit went to Kyle for missing all his kicks including one bang in front of the posts, this after slotting them over from the half way line during his warm up.
3rd XV
1. M Calley (T Hickman 20), 2. R Richardson, 3. P Holliday, 4. R Pearman (S West 30), 5. M Brocklebank, 6. S Young, 7. W MacBurnie, 8. S Copperwheat, 9. M Jones, 10. L Dougless, 11. R Mills, 12. J Collins, 13. R Lakely, 14. Paddy, 15. K Tiltman (L Manning 45)
Scorers : Tries - L Manning x 2, Cons - L Manning x 2
Berks, Bucks & Oxon North 2
Witney 4ths HWO Aylesbury 3rds
A late cry off from Aylesbury saw the end of the 4ths season.
Saturday 10th April
Southern Counties North
Witney 17 – 11 Grove (
PHOTOS)
When Louie Collins aggravated an injury in the warm up, you felt like it could be one of those afternoons for the home side but they rallied round and managed to come through a very tough test, but in all honesty, it was always going to be just that.
On a lovely day for watching rugby of not playing in it, the visitors started well and it was obvious they had come along in determined mood. Witney were looking nervous but a fine steal in the lineout from Hicks, closely followed by a similar effort by Carl Campbell gave Witney some good ball and they started to get into the match. A superb intrusion from Mitcham ripped open the Grove defence but as he drew the last line of defence, his pass was behind winger Lambourne who could not reach back for it and the chance was gone. If it had been to hand, he would have had a run in. That chance was gone but Grove were under considerable pressure and gave away a penalty, Mitcham converting from more or less in front. What was needed now was some consolidation but Witney failed to secure the ball from the restart and gave away a penalty and the successful kick made it honours even.
Witney were starting to show good strength in the set scrums but were falling foul of the young referee who was penalising them even though they were driving forward, it was puzzling to the large Hailey Road crowd and was stopping Witney take advantage in that area. While most of the Witney players were looking slightly nervous, young hooker Sam Collins was having a good one, hitting his jumpers and doing some great tidying up work in the lose too. Grove looked dangerous on the counter though and their full back was a real live wire who ran intelligently from any loose Witney kicks.
Witney were playing some good rugby in patches though and Bibbys clever chip almost saw Lambourne released but Witney were far from their flowing best as the game often was being dominated by the defences. Carl Campbell was industrious in the defensive chores and not far behind was brother Gareth and more often than not it was one of those two who were making the crucial tackles. Mitcham kicked a fine second penalty from wide out and the home crowd felt this was the moment they may edge ahead, they couldn’t have been more wrong as Grove’s kick off was again not secured and from the resulting penalty, Grove levelled again.
Eventually Witney di cross and their try came from good defensive work and from the ruck Witney skipper Lamb fed Strutt. The centre managed to skip out of the covering tackle and canter over from 40 metres out, Mitcham surprisingly missing the conversion. Lambourne had one jinking run and Rowles did some solid work but it was Grove who had two difficult penalty attempts but failed with both. The remaining minutes of the half ticked away leaving the match very much in the balance at 11-6.
Both teams knew the opening exchanges would be very important but it was Witney who took it to heart and really battered the Grove line. Lamb, Thomas and Bibby all had good intrusions before the home forwards camped on the visitors line. The Grove defence was excellent and although they managed to keep their try line in tact after a number of forward rumbles, they did give a penalty and Mitcham converted to extend the home sides lead. All that pressure really warranted (and needed) a try as the crowd hoped but they were disappointed and the match remained tight and so there was a tension within the crowd and on the park. Witney enjoyed more pressure but again could not cross the line and had to make do with another Mitcham penalty as Grove’s defence were unlucky to be penalised but the three points saw Witney extend their lead.
Mitcham and Lambourne combined well to make good ground before Lambourne was bundled into touch but again Grove’s defence was solid and they cleared their lines. The kick didn’t make touch but Witney failed to counter and from Grove’s possession on halfway their winger got the ball in limited space but showed good pace, strength and awareness to cross over to reduce the deficit to only five points.
The remaining 15 minutes saw the visitors press but they only ever really created one chance as they kicked nicely to the corner from a penalty. However, from the lineout, Witney counter rucked well and stole a the ball to deflate the visitors. The final whistle sounded and Witneys celebrations were as much from relief as anything else. They probably deserved the victory on the balance of play but know they will have to play a lot better if they are to have any chance of defeating Amersham next week.
1st XV
Mitcham, Thomas, *Lamb(J), Strutt, Lambourne, Bibby, Campbell(G): Burke, Collins(S), Richens, Rowles, Bennett, Caffekey, Campbell(C), Hicks(J)
Repl: Fuller(Burke-50), Haire(Bennett-65), Taafe(Strutt-60)
VIEW FROM THE TOUCHLINE
A nervous effort but the boys showed great character to seal victory and notch another vital two points. A number of changes tested the depth of the squad but those who came in all did well. Some good things in patches but that period of pressure on the Grove line just after halftime should have resulted in a score and early on the Mitcham pass that failed to reach hands cost a try too. Grove’s forwards were really up for the match though and despite coming off second best on the lineouts they fronted up very well in other areas and the Witney pack know they will have to put in a better performance in the title decider next week with Amersham. It will be an interesting week for both these clubs next weekend with Grove playing Milton Keynes in a “head to head” for third and fourth while Amersham visit the Hailey Road ground for the battle for the League title. The opening match of the season at Amersham was a nailbiter that could have swung either way, no reason to think that next weeks clash will be any different, perhaps it will come down to who wants it more on the day.
Berks, Bucks & Oxon Prem "A"
Witney 2nds HWO Bicester 2nds
In what was going to be Fish's last League match as captain, there was huge disappointment (if predictable) when Bicester cried off on the morning of the match.
Two points secured but not in the way anyone would have wanted.
Berks, Bucks & Oxon North 2
Witney 4ths 14 - 41 Gosford All Blacks 2nds
Things went pretty well first half but went "pear shaped" in the second!
Full Report to follow.
Wednesday 7th April
Friendly
Bicester Vets 15 - 14 Witney Vets
Witney surrendered a 14 point lead and should probably have had the nous to win it.
Team to be confirmed.
Vets XV
Walker, Mikey Stewart, Blacker(J), Martin, Tim Swift, Murray, Spencer: Holliday, Aldridge, Hobley, Pearman, Chatterton, Mark Sellick, Brown, Williams(J)
Repl: Glen Davies, Bruno (got on), Casper Morris
Scorers: John Williams, Chris Murray, Remy (2 cons)
Saturday 3rd April 2010
Berks, Buck & Oxon Prem "A"
Witneys 2nds 13 – 27 Oxford Harlequins 2nds
2nd XV
D. Godfrey, R. Richardson, M. Fuller, S. Copperwheat, O. Fowler, R. Haire, W. MacBurnie, S. Chatterton, J. Collins, L. Douglas, J. Taafe, C. Strutt, M. Dunbar, R. Mills, N. Phillips
Repl – R. Gurney (Taafe), G. Davies (Haire), J. Harris (Godfrey)
Trys from Owen Fowler and Carl Strutt. 1 penalty from Simon Copperwheat.
Friendly
Abingdon 36 - 23 Witney 3's / 4's
A combined 3's / 4's team played a very strong Abingdon team a what turned out to be a good game for the watching crowd of a dozen people. Abingdon were the more organised team and used their large strike runners well to score a number of tries in the first half through missed tackles from Witney. We didn't give up however and good play by the pack won us a few penalties which Leigh converted with ease to keep us in with a shout. On the stroke of half time Dan looked in but was stopped short and from the resulting ruck Toby was held up over the line. Half time and heads were still high as we were now competing a lot better. Jamie was putting himself about excellently and Martin was nice and vocal at 9, a role he's getting better at every week. We spent a lot more time in Abingdon's territory in the second half and were again rewarded with some penalties and a few tries. First Phil Wasgrove wearing his 1940's football shorts pulled off a super hip swerve style side step and showed some pace to score in under the posts and later Dan Purkuss pounced on a dropped Abingdon ball to canter in. Although we conceded a number of tries this was against an Abingdon side that was surely containing some of their 1's team players and we put up a really good fight. To score 23 points against strong opposition was a great reward for all involved. Thanks to Abingdon for lending us one of their players when Phil had to leave the pitch with what looked like a broken rib, get better soon Phil, and also for providing us with a jug in the changing room. One league game left against league leaders Amersham in 2 weeks time then a deserved rest.
XV
1. A Clickard, 2. J Perry, 3. P Holliday, 4. Bruno, 5. T Perry, 6. K Anders, 7. Jamie LP, 8. S Young, 9. M Jones, 10. L Manning, 11. M Timms, 12. R Lakely, 13. D Purkuss, 14. Paddy, 15. P Wasgrove
Tries - P Wasgrove x 1, D Purkuss x 1
Cons - L Manning x 2
Pens - L Manning x 3