After last week’s defeat to Sutton Coldfield, in what was probably Wolverhampton’s worst display of the season, Whitchurch were welcomed to Castlecroft with the home side looking for a backlash. Injuries and unavailability’s meant that Conor Fereday and Scott Mackenzie were welcomed into the squad, Wolves were also pleased to have Alex Bird back although in an unaccustomed role on the wing. Further reshuffling to the back line saw winger Azza Norman lining up at 13 and utility Ben Barnes taking his place at 14.
On a cold crisp afternoon, Whitchurch dominated early proceedings moving the ball across the pitch probing for space in the defence. Time and time again heavy forward runners challenged Wolves in the 13 channel but the black defence remained resolute. It was only after a loose line out that Whitchurch managed to cross the whitewash. The fumbled ball was collected by the lively scrum half who sniped down the blind side. Whilst would be tacklers appealed for obstruction, touch or any other infringement they could think of the 9 dotted down in the corner. The difficult conversion was missed.
This spurred Wolves into action and they replied immediately with a try of their own. After concerted pressure on the try line from Wolves forwards the Whitchurch 7 illegally prevented a certain try. The tap penalty was then crashed in by Mark Evans and Ryan Home before Gaz Hill got it over the line with the assistance of several players driving him over. Tom Jones made no mistake from the tee to make it 7-5. The score line held until the half time whistle.
The second half was all about defence, to be precise, Whitchurch’s defence. All game it had been fairly evident that Wolverhampton were keener to play rugby whilst the visitors preferred to kick corners, a shame given the obvious pace and talent of their back line.
It was also evident that whilst Whitchurch’s heavy runners had dominated the first quarter, Wolverhampton’s lighter, fitter forwards were taking control as the game went on.
Wolverhampton spent large portions of the half camped in the opponent’s half but were unable to create any real try scoring opportunities and so it was left to Tom Jones to keep the scoreboard ticking with three long range penalties.
This was the only score of the half allowing Wolverhampton to take home a 16 – 5 victory.
On the whole every player performed this week in stark contrast to the week before. Sam Pryor controlled the game superbly at 10, TJ kicked perfectly for posts and Conor Fereday came in to shore up a previously shakey line out. However, for the third consecutive week the stand out performer was full back Gareth Jones. Not only does his all-round play and ability to perform as a second receiver give a greater balance to the back line, his kicking from hand gives an invaluable get of jail card when required.
Next week Wolverhampton welcome Worcester Wanderers to Castlecroft for a 2.15pm kick off. Hope to see you all there!