Sat 2 Dec 2023
It was a cold and foggy day at Reading Abbey but the pitch was totally playable. Shire were looking to build on their good result from last week and the team this week at least had a full set of recognised backs! It took only 4 minutes for Shire to open the scoring when Arun Luis ghosted over, giving Rhys Stewart an easy conversion. From a lineout, Shire went on one of their typical drives but were stopped short, meaning that Neil Evans had to run all of 8 metres to touch down. There was plenty of open space to exploit and Matt Margot, Chris Wiseman and Gwyn Robins all made significant yardage. Up next was the comedy moment of the game when, from a 5 metre scrum, Matt Margot went over but transferred the ball to Gwyn Robins who somehow managed to run over the dead ball line. No guesses as to who got DOTD then ! Order was restored soon after when Chris Wiseman went over unopposed under the posts giving Rhys Stewart another simple conversion. The last 10 minutes saw Shire run riot with 2 tries for Jonny Parry and another from James Pritchard. Rhys Stewart converted all 3 to give Shire a commanding lead at half time.
Half Time Score: Shire Hall 40 Bracknell IV 0
The start of the second half saw a determined Bracknell side take control of the match despite being so far behind. Bracknell deservedly scored from a good driving maul which seemed to shake Shire back into the game. Ollie Homan-Green took the ball on many times to secure good territory and so did Matt Margot. The best try of the game came when Shire decided to keep it simple and run the ball along the backs, resulting in a good try for Laurie Moss. Rhys Stewart added the conversion to put Shire back in control. Jonny Parry then secure his hat trick with the simplest of touchdowns which the four watching Shire former players (Wieliczko, Cooper, Morris and Godfrey) all reckoned that they could have scored! The 9th and final try was scored by Chris Stott who went over after a quick tap penalty by Chris Wiseman created the space which Rhys Stewart converted.
A resounding victory – yes but many points were left out on the pitch by Shire’s tendency to leave the final pass too late, resulting in chances going begging. Next up in two weeks will be a trip to High Wycombe, the only team we have yet to play. A win would set us up very nicely for the return match with Reading Abbey after Christmas.
Final Score: Shire Hall 59 Bracknell IV 5
Tries: Jonny Parry (3), Arun Luis, Neil Evans, Chris Wiseman, James Pritchard, Laurie Moss, Chris Stott
Conversions: Rhys Stewart (7)
MOTM: Ollie Homan-Green – many big carries
DOTD: Gwyn Robins – ‘scoring’ over the dead ball line
