Old Wheatleyans 24 Southam 40

Wwith the same players as the start of the season the confidence has grown and they are now playing as a team which showed in this match.

Southam started at great pace and wheats struggled to get there hands on the ball, after 15 mins Southam took the lead when No8 Will Lyne fed flanker Keiron Ackford to score a try wide out. Wheats then came into the game and scored a converted try 7-5. On 20 mins Flanker Will Grindal kicked a penalty, soon after centre Ali Thorpe back after a long injury scored a fine weaving try 7-13. Soon after wheats scored a try 12-13. Southam although good in the rucks and maul, seemed to struggle in the set pieces, but there continued enthusiasm to be first at the breakdown showed reward most times. Southam increased there lead on 35 mins, when Will Lyne ran 25 meters to score , Grindal converting. On the stroke of half time Wheats scored a converted try H-T 19 - 20

At the start of the second half Southam were asleep as Wheats scored after only 2 mins of the restart to lead 24-20. Southam then started to boss the game with some strong running by locks Matt Catterral and James Lander, who was now starting to dominate the line out. Grindal kicked another penalty to make it 24 - 23 The game was now free flowing and Southam knew they they could win, if they tightened up the defence and kept the ball away from wheats main players. On the 30 mins a foward maul led by Hooker James Finch resulted in a try for Lock James Lander, Grindal converting. Foward pressure allowed Skipper Pete Burnell to kick a drop goal, in the final minutes Man of the Match, Matt Catterall powered over for a try, Grindal converting from wide out.

A very enjoyable game to watch played in great sprit by both sides willing to attack at every opportunity, the great escape continues as Southam have now scored 16 points in the last 4 games.

Man of the Match - Matt Catterall