In the battle of the Mud and Flies Heath win out

Yarnbury 3rds v Heath 2nd/3rds

Team:

1. Kerr   2. Whitworth 3. Maxwell   4. James

5.Warrinder 6. Wilby 7. Dawes 8.Baxter

9. Owen 10. Reynolds 11. Dodd 12. Bruce 13. Wilkinson 14. Harriot-Brown 15. Cockroft

After a period of intense rain, a combined 15 of 3rd and 2nd teamers arrived at Yarnbury to see a pristine surface ripe for running rugby, the results of last year’s reseeding exercise at Yarnbury. Unfortunately, we were not allocated that pitch despite the 2nds playing on the first team pitch and we took to the field on a pitch, more apt for a re-enactment of battles on the western front.

With several 2nd team regulars either injured or unavailable, opportunities were available for some 3rds to step up together with returning stalwart’s Warrinder and Maxwell. I am reliably informed that at one point out front row had a combined age of 138, so experience was not going to be a problem here.

Heath started strongly with some early forays and drives through the forwards, however there was no fluency in the backs due to the conditions underfoot, so quality running was difficult. From early pressure Dawes, Wilkinson and Wilby all had efforts adjudged held up over the line, but Heath kept recycling and winning the scrums to eventually allow the classy Baxter to cross for a try just to the right of the posts, Cockroft added the extras. 0-7

Yarnbury were buoyed by this score and from the kick-off they kept the ball in the Heath 22 for the next 15 minutes or so. Attacks were repelled but eventually their fitness showed and they scored a similar try to Heath which was converted. Having the luxury of a few subs, they replenished their numbers and again started to dominate play in the Heath half.  Heath held strong this time, and a clearing kick by Reynolds was chased by Wilkinson who was then adjudged to have been tackled without the ball. The penalty drove us further upfield and again Wilkinson drew a high tackle penalty. Reynolds found touch on the 5m Line and from the secured lineout, Wilby was not held by a tackler and he managed to scramble over for a further try. Cockroft again secured the extras 7-14

The referee blew for half time and watching first team coach Harrison gave some encouraging words.

Yarnbury now had the benefit of the wind behind them but were running up a very slight slope, they had again exchange subs and the fresh dry extras added new impetus to their team. They dominated the first 20 mins of the half, and Heath once again did very well to keep the score to 7. Whitworth had a great chase adjudged offside, and Heath started to concede sloppy penalties. Towards the end of the half with both sides becoming tired and caked in mud, Wilby was unlucky to be yellow carded for alleged clamping. The last 15 minutes was going to be a tough task, Yarnbury again attacked and from one chip through they managed to charge down a clearance kick by Reynolds, and the ball bounced neatly over the line for a chasing winger to score and convert. 14-14

Some people would have settled for a draw being a fair result, but Heath wanted the win. With Wilby still off they defended well and for once managed to find some firm ground to bring Harriot Brown and Bruce into the equation. From one well defended charge by the Yarnbury backs, Bruce stole the ball and after drawing the defence he released the chasing Harriot-Brown who was never going to be caught, however we once again flirted with danger by unbelievably exchanging passes when already over the line to allow Wilkinson to score his 20th try of the season. Cockroft added the extras .All I can say lad’s is don’t do that in a playoff game with 2 minutes to go. Heath saw out the remainder of the game for a good win. 14-21