Old Wheatleyans 18 - 8 Old Yardleians

The visitors arrived in buoyant and confident mood following a double-winning season just gone and the rain abated just in time for kick-off to allow both teams to play some rugby.

Old Yards were indeed quick out of the blocks and crossed for an unconverted try in the corner early on.

The game was played at a good tempo with both teams looking to move the ball when opportunity allowed.

Wheats pressure led to a penalty from Billy Smith and an unconverted try from Birthday Boy Tom Brown to put the Wheats ahead. This was cancelled out by an Old Yards penalty to bring the score to 8-8 at the break.

Disappointed with their first half showing, at half-time, increasing the intensity and speed or the ball from contact were highlighted as key, as well as better discipline.

The Wheats slipped into 3rd gear in the 2nd half and played with more fluency and power than their now tiring opposition.

Rhys Horton crossed for a long-range try following good inter-play, Billy smith added the extra points and kicked a further penalty to put the Wheats 18-8 ahead.

A satisfactory start to the League campaign with much to work on and 7 players to welcome back into the squad to fight for places.

Well done you Wheats Boys!

Team: 15) Kilian Kleine, 14) Billy Smith, 13) Rhys Horton, 12) Tom Brown, 11) Leo Craddock, 10) Rich Lowe, 9) Ollie Thorpe, 8) Ben Craig (c), 7) Ben Weaver, 6) Neil Saunders, 5) Andy Thomason, 4) Paul Wright, 3) Jack Langley, 2) Michael Clark, 1) Liam McCrea.
Reps: 16) Rich Davies, 17) Ronan Jones, 18) Joe Bristow