Shipston on Stour 7 - 53 Old Wheatleyans

A real determination to put things right and do themselves justice was apparent in the warm-up which was executed with discipline and intensity.

A few changes had been made to the squad as a result of some big performances for the Stags in previous weeks.
Jack moved into the hooking berth with Liam and Jase Richards for company in the front-row. Andy T joined Rookey in the engine room and Ronan, Hunty and Craigy completed the pack in the back-row.
Lowey moved in one to 9 and was joined by Clarke McCallum at half-back. Loachy and Browny were in the centres with a speedy looking back 3 of Leo, Rhys and Dru completing the starting back-line.
Chunky, BJ and NRL Steve made up the squad on the bench.

The rain had been left behind in Coventry and the sun broke through in Shipston just in time for kick-off and a big, expectant crowd greeted the teams onto the field.

The first ten minutes were quite frantic with neither side able to create any sustained pressure or possession.

The first opportunity came when Craigy broke on the left hand-side and made 50 yards before being hauled down. But the travelling Wheats supporters didn’t have to wait long for the first score – Leo going over in the corner following a powerful carry from Ronan.

NRL Steve got a taste of the action whilst Dru got his knee strapped and was immediately called into action to slot over a penalty following a Shipston infringement at the breakdown – the Wheats were 8-0 up.

5 minutes later and NRL Steve was again to the fray as a well worked move saw him jink inside the cover defence and dot down for a try which he converted. Having scored 10 points in a 10 minute cameo, Coleman returned to the bench as Dru re-joined the action.

It proved a stroke of genius as 7 minutes later, Dru crossed the line after a 40 minute break that showed great power and pace. The Wheats were 20-0 up and coasting.

Taking their foot of the gas slightly allowed Shipston back into the game and they put together their best rugby of the half and sustained offloading and powerful running saw them cross for a converted try just before the interval. Half-time and the Wheats were 20-7 to the good.

Half-time chat highlighted the positives of the set-piece domination the forwards were achieving, along with the good execution from the backs – BUT – complacency was not an option and the next 15 minutes would prove crucial. Craigy led the battle-cry and proved good to his word.

A powerful display from the pack and some rampant running in the loose saw Craigy cross for 3 tries in 20 minutes, 2 converted by Coleman. The Wheats led 39-7 with fifteen minutes to go.

There was still time for; Chunky to make an 8 minute cameo before getting a horrible dislocated finger, BJ to enjoy an impressive 20 minute spell in the back-row and further tries for Ronan (just the 50 metres) and Dru (49m). Coleman converted both taking his personal tally to 18 points and the final score to 53-7.

An impressive display and a great result which was created by an incredibly solid platform set by the pack. They dominated the scrum, put real pressure on the opposition lineout and ran hard and strong in attack.

There is still a lot to come and many areas to work on but it was a terrific response from all 18 players to get the season back on track.

Well done you Wheats Boys!