Old Wheats defeat Mens Own on their own patch

MATCH REPORT
OCTOBER 19th – AWAY v Northampton Mens Own
RFU Senior Vase Round 2

Having been given a bye in the first round of the competition, the Wheats began their RFU Senior Vase on Saturday in the 2nd round and with a visit to rural Northamptonshire to take on Mens Own.

A full coach left the Stade taking players and supporters on the hour long journey and they arrived in good time to make their respective assaults – the players on the pitch and the supporters on the bar.

The sun broke out on arrival and despite a few dark clouds appearing midway through the match, the rain kept away and allowed for a pleasant afternoon of rugby for all concerned.

Showing a handful of changes from the previous week’s victory against Shipston, the Wheats lined up with; Clarky enjoying being the filling in a Liam and Jack sandwich in the front row, Rookey and Andy T continuing their impressive partnership in the engine room and for the first time this season Craigy, Dog and Critch completed the pack in the back-row.
Lowey and Clarkey Mc continued at half-back, NRL Steve and Browny started in the centre together for the first time and the back 3 of Rhys, Leo and Dru remained unchanged and completed the starting XV.
On the replacements bench were the evergreen Ghost, Loachy and Rubes.

The first 5 minutes were typical of these sorts of games and both sides were very much feeling each other out. The NMO 13 made an impressive break through the first line of defence but was dealt with by Dru who made a superb cover tackle taking him into touch.
The Wheats won their lineout and proceeded to work their way up field and once in NMO territory forced the penalty which Stevie C slotted to put the Wheats 3-0 up.
4 minutes later, NMO levelled things up with a penalty of their own following Wheats indiscipline at the breakdown.
For the next 20 minutes, the Wheats upped the pace of the game and started working in wider channels. On two occasions, the Wheats broke the gain-line and were heading under the posts to score when pulled back by the referee for forward passes which left the visiting supporters somewhat baffled.
But the response on the pitch was a mature one – keep playing, stick to the game-plan and points will come.
On 35 minutes, another great move by the backs sent Leo soaring into space past 2 players, the ever present Critch was on hand to provide the link to Stevie C who crossed for the first try of the game which he duly converted to put the Wheats 10-3 up at the break.

Half-time conversations centred around minor tactical and technical tweaks, protecting Lowey and maintaining discipline. The final words from Rookey seemed most apt; “Let’s blow these away in the next 15 minutes.”
The second half started and with Rookey’s prophetic words ringing in their ears – that’s exactly what the Wheats did.

Within 12 minutes, Dog had crossed for 2 tries and Leo 1 and with Stevie C converting 2 the Wheats extended their lead to 29-3.
All three tries finished excellent team play, moving the ball left and right, recycling well and exploiting the space with a ruthless efficiency.

The try of the game came on 62 minutes. Having defended and repelled 3 NMO 5 metre lineouts, the Wheats pack produced their scrum of the game to turnover the ball and then the move started, just outside the Wheats 22.
It culminated only seconds later with Dru dotting down for a try which Stevie C converted to extended the lead to 36-3.
5 minutes later and the Wheats were at it again – Leo crossed in the corner for his second try of the game and the Wheats sixth and final. Stevie C hit the post from the touch-line – 41-3 to the Wheats.

It was a very good 18 man performance from the Wheats who completely dominated large parts of the match against a game NMO.

They celebrated their victory in colourful style on a boozy coach-trip back to the Old Boys with Stevie C decided to drink 2 drinks for every point he scored (16pts).

(Match Report by Mase)