Old Wheatleyans 22 - 20 Southam

With both teams boasting similar form, a tense encounter was expected and the Wheats Vice-Presidents were on the touchline to play their part.
The rain abated but a significant wind remained - gusting down the pitch, it would surely play a part in the outcome of the game.

The Wheats had several enforced changes in the pack and lined up with; Jase and Rossco hugging Jack in the front row, Rookey and Andy T continued in the row and Dog, Critch and Ronan made up the pack in the back row.
Lowey and Clarky were at half-back, Browny and Stevie C in the centre and Rhys, Leo and Dru made up the unchanged back-line.
Chunk, Loachy and Weaves completed the squad starting from the bench.

The Wheats kicked off with the wind at their backs and were immediately on the back foot as the Southam pack marched a driving maul 40 yards up the pitch, their good technique and power showing some signs of what was to come in the close quarter forward exchanges.
The Wheats were first on the scoreboard however when the forwards produced some quick ball which was well worked by the backs to provide sufficient space for Leo to gas over in the corner. Stevie C was just off target with the extras and the Wheats were 5-0 up.

The next fifteen minutes saw The Wheats pinning Southam into their own 22 with some good kick chase but Southam worked the ball out well and both sides were locked in an intense arm wrestle.

On 20 minutes, Southam drew level with a break away try that was well finished but had a hint of offside about it. The conversion was missed and the sides were locked at 5-5.
The Wheats were then guilty of spurning a couple of chances. Leo made an excellent break but just couldn’t produce the killer pass to put his support in. Another well worked move saw The Wheats unable to take advantage of a 2 on 1 that would surely have led to points.

On the half hour The Wheats once again took the lead when some superb running and support involving all three back row players saw Critch battle over the line for the try. Stevie C was on target this time and The Wheats were 12-5 up.
Southam had started to exert serious pressure on the Wheats scrum and with their 8 and 12 the primary attacking threats held The Wheats until half-time. The score was 12-5 to The Wheats – only time would tell if the lead was sufficient with the elements.

Southam kicked off the second half looking confident that they could chip away at The Wheats lead and the Wheats were determined to keep playing rugby despite the elements against them.
It was first blood to The Wheats after 5 minutes when Stevie C kicked a superb penalty into the wind – 15-5 to the home side.
We then had 20 minutes of thrust and counter-thrust as both teams threw everything at each other but the score remained the same until the 65th minute when Southam broke The Wheats defensive wall and scored a converted try to reduce the arrears to 15-12.
8 minutes later and the scores were tied as Southam struck a perfect drop-goal which bisected the posts from 40 metres.

15-15, squeaky bum time and 30 men on the pitch had 7 minutes to be a hero.

Clarky kicked off – a tantalising drop kick that gave his forwards every chance and it was Ronan Jones who leapt majestically to secure possession which he drove into midfield. The Wheats moved the ball left and Clarky delayed the pass beautifully to put Loachy through a rare gap in the Southam defence. Loachy drew the man and fed Stevie C who outpaced the cover defence to score a great try which he then converted fantastically to put The Wheats 22-15 up with just 5 minutes to go.

This fascinating match was still not over and after The Wheats had repelled a flurry of Southam attacks, they eventually ran out of numbers and Southam crossed for a try. It was 22-20 with the kick to come.

There was a collective intake of breath from players and supporters as the Southam player lined up the conversion that would mean a Wheats victory if missed or a draw if successful.
The metallic ‘ping’ as the ball rebounded off the post told The Wheats players and supporters everything they needed to know as the ball bounced away for an unsuccessful conversion. The Wheats opened their eyes, the referee blew the final whistle and the game had been won.

The match was a good advert for Midlands 3 WS rugby and ended cruelly for the visitors. I guess that’s why we all love this sport as there will be more twists of fate and heroes made at the same time next Saturday.