1st XV vs Edwardians (H) RFU Junior Vase

The day had finally arrived. With the original fixture postponed 2 weeks previously, The Wheats welcomed Edwardians to the Stade to do battle with the prize of a place in the Midlands final up for grabs.
Edwardians reached the National final at Twickenham last season and so they arrived brimming with confidence and with a strong Cup pedigree. It was all set up to be a fiercely fought encounter and the teams didn’t disappoint the large, expectant crowd.

The match itself was a superb advert for Rugby Football. Both teams went at it, playing at a pace and intensity that would have graced a level far above the Junior Vase.

Wheats selection had been tough. With only an 18 man squad available in the Cup there were some disappointed Wheats – but fair play to them, they turned out in force to cheer on their Club.
Millsy, Rossco and Dom were in the front row, Hero and Andy T in the engine room, with Critch, Lee H and BJ making up the pack in the back-row.
SBS started at 9 and Rob T at 10. Loachy teamed up with new signing Sam Bristow in the centres, Henry was at full back with Ross and Josh on the wings. Chunky, Casper and Stow were on a strong looking bench.

Choosing to play with the conditions in the first half, a fast start was imperative for the Wheats and that’s exactly what they delivered. A superb Rob T kick took play deep into the Eds 22, BJ stole the lineout and the Wheats pack drove forward towards the Eds line. Eventually Lee Harrison was held up over the line but it was a magnificent start and a real show of intent.

Early nerves were on show from both teams with SBS and the Eds fly-half both missing kickable penalty goals.

Eds started to come more into the game over the next 10 minutes but it was from more superb lineout ball that the first score came – Ben Jackson crossing the line after a great driving maul. This time SBS had his radar bang on and added the extras to put The Wheats 7-0 up.
Both teams continued to play attacking, attractive, running rugby but respective defences were up to the task with some great bosh being dished out - the only other score of a pulsating first-half came when Eds fly-half converted a penalty successfully to close their deficit to 4 points.

Half-time and the Wheats were 7-3 up. SBS had to leave the arena with a shoulder injury – get well soon Billy – Casper came into the back-row and Lee H showing his versatility moving to 9.

The second half began as the first had ended - intense battles all over the pitch and every single player putting his body on the line. If anything, Eds were getting the upper hand and it was only brave, committed Wheats defence that repelled them from the try line.
It was therefore perhaps against the run of play when the Wheats moved play into the Eds half with some powerful forward surges. The ball was recycled inside Eds ‘22’ and moved left into the welcome arms of Ross H who crossed for his 22nd try of the season. Henry was just wide with the conversion and the Wheats were 12-3 up.

The 9 point lead lasted only 3 minutes as Eds produced a strong scrum drive and forced the Wheats over the line for a pushover try. The kick was missed and the game was tentatively poised at 12-8 approaching the hour mark.
20 minutes to go in a Cup semi-final. Who wants it more? Who’s prepared to summon the last ounces of blood and sweat for their team? Could this young Wheats team show the maturity to close out the game?
The Wheats came out firing from the restart - firing into Eds, securing turnover ball and hitting up with strong forward drives close to the ruck. Eds were struggling to cope with this approach and gave away a penalty which Rob T kicked into the corner. The lineout was won and the ball driven on. When the ball was finally grounded, Eds, wary of the Wheats driving play at the side of the ruck left a gaping hole behind the ruck, which Lee H exploited crashing over the line for another Wheats try.

Again, Henry was close with the conversion which drifted agonisingly the wrong side of the posts. 18 minutes left and the Wheats were 17-8 up.

The maturity the Wheats showed for the next 18 minutes was incredible for a team with an average age of just 23. No nerves, just an amazing desire to give it everything to win the game. Picking and driving, defending powerfully, communicating effectively and demonstrating the heart it takes to win a game of this magnitude.
Eds showed exactly the kind of spirit that took them to HQ last year. They never gave up and threw everything they had at The Wheats. Their efforts were rewarded 4 minutes into injury time with a converted try.

Joyous, emotional scenes greeted the final whistle with Wheats players and spectators embracing in victory.

The game finished 17-15 to the Wheats and they take their place in the Midlands Junior Vase final against Bloxwich RFC.

After such a great game, it’s important to recognise the significant part played by Edwardians – and we wish them all the best in their league campaign as they seek to secure promotion from Midlands 4 West (North).

We would also like to thank Earlsdon RFC for loaning us their kit for the fixture - it was good to see they also won their Semi-Final and will be playing Stourbridge in the Midlands Senior Vase Final.