1st XV vs Alcester (H) Midlands 4 WS

Old Wheatleyans RFC vs Alcester RFC

Wheats and Alcester met again after the previous match was abandoned before Christmas when an injury to the referee ended the game.

The Wheats started with Big J debuting at tight-head sporting a glorious tan that was the envy of the team. Jack and Andy Hibberd made up the front row. Andy T and Pace were in the Row. Hero, Superior H and Casper made up the pack in the back row.

A familiar set of backs lined up with Lowey and Rob T at half back, Loachy and Killer in the centres and Ross H, SBS and Josh making up the back division at full back and wings respectively.

A most impressive bench saw Baz, Millerchip, Super H, BJ and JT prowling the touchline waiting for their opportunity to smash it up.

The Wheats kicked off with a gale at their backs and so a fast start was essential. Within 50 seconds the Wheats produced a superb flowing move from the left hand touchline. The ball went through several pairs of hands and culminated in Josh flying over by the right hand corner flag. A stunning start and the Wheats were 5-0 up.

On the 16 minute mark, great play by SBS and a superb chase and first up hit by Casper set up the position for Hero to barge over, SBS was on target with the extras and the lead extended to 12-0.

5 minutes later SBS was on target with a penalty after good Wheats pressure and on the half hour, Ross bashed over following a good 5 metre scrum. 20-0 to the Wheats who were keen to secure more scores knowing they would have to face the wind in the 2nd half.

32 minutes and SBS gathered a superb Rob T cross kick, a powerful hand off sent him to the try-line and the conversion made it a great 7 pointer. An SBS penalty on the stroke of half-time saw the Wheats leading 30-0 at half time.

The second half was always going to be tough against the wind. Things weren’t helped when Hero noticed Billy on the sideline in close proximity to Mrs Wright and so got himself sin-binned on 3 minutes. On four minutes following a quick tap penalty, Alcester went over for an unconverted try to bring the deficit to 30-5.

The Wheats were forced to defend for large parts of the second half but their line proved unbreakable. Despite losing Jason to the sin-bin and falling foul of the referee on numerous occasions the only other score of the game came from a good break by SBS who fed Ross who outpaced the cover to go over from 60 metres.

35-5 to the Wheats and a good bonus point win against a spirited Alcester side. There was superb offence in the first half, magnificent defence in the second half and a fantastic 20 man squad effort overall.

The Wheats would like to thank Rob Sharratt for running touch and wish Charlie Hands all the best on his trip down under - keep in touch mate and thanks for everything!

Alcesters Match Report is here:
Alcester RFC Match Report