Understrength GAB 2s inches from 2 league points

Despite efforts from Captain Stuie, The Twot & Rob Eynon, only 11 fit players made it to Witney to take on their 4th team - even with the promise of a post match social including England Scotland. Thanks to those who made the effort, including Matt Strong who drove direct from Luton Airport still showing signs of après-ski. Thanks also to Marc Grant and Tim Davies who came to watch, injuries preventing them from playing.

Throughout Witney kept things level in terms of playing numbers - lending us 3 players for the first half and with a 4th joining at half time. 4th team manager Caspar brought 2 Toms to join him and an Ian came on for the 2nd half at lock after playing a full 80 for Witney 3rds in their early kick off.

in the early exchanges it was clear the result from the reverse fixture was not going to be repeated with the unsurprising lack of familiarity in the backs (where both Toms were at centre) as well as confusion about how best to cover the gaps resulted in a disjointed performance from both teams as they looked to settle into the game.

Witney scored first, and second, both following poor tackling from the boys in black (10-0). The defence did improve and with it Gosford grew into the game. Rich Robbins was making good ground from 9 and keeping things simple in the backs, well supported by the forwards, territory started to swing in Gosford's favour.

Gosford did get on the score-sheet eventually through Carl Brooks, his collection of the scoring pass from Rob Eynon the second time both had handled the ball in a flowing move involving at least 4 other pairs of hands.Carl missed the drop kicked conversion.

Witney scored again just before the half ended and the teams swapped ends at 15-5.

The half time talk was about tackling and for the first 20 of the second half, Gosford not only kept out Witney, but added 2 scores of their own to take the lead. First Bearded Tom took a crash ball in the Witney 22 and drove his way over before stroking over the conversion for 15-12. Then following a scrum win against the head Rich Robbins took off down the blindside for an excellently taken try in the corner and the lead at 15-17.

Sadly, that's where the good news ended. Gosford came close a number of times, but didn't make it over the whitewash for the bonus point try (and one which would've also secured a losing bonus point). The attack generally continued to function well, but unfortunately Gosford fell off a few critical tackles leading to 2 more Witney scores and a final score of 25-17

Leaving with nothing did not feel like a fair return. Witney made Gosford feel very welcome in the clubhouse after and everyone enjoyed the exhibition match from HQ as precursor to a good night out.

Thank you once again to Caspar, Tom, Tom and Ian for helping us out with players.