Sat 6 Jan 2024
Shire Hall 48 Reading Abbey II 21
With our pitch still not ready in Sonning, we were forced to play our home game against Reading Abbey II at their ground. Shire fielded probably their strongest team of the season, looking to avenge the defeat suffered to Reading Abbey in September. It was all about game management against this strong Reading Abbey team. From the first whistle, Shire took the game to Reading Abbey and it only took 3 minutes to score the first try with a Neil Evans classic at the back of a driving maul. Rhys Stewart added the conversion and Shire were on their way. However Reading Abbey had other ideas and an outrageous dummy by their centre fooled the entire Shire defence to bring the scores level. This seemed to shake Shire into action and it became clear that Shire’s forwards would become the driving force in the game. Good runs from Will Jellicoe, Max Davies and Matt Corcoran saw Shire gain good ground and with Gwyn Robins imperious in the lineouts, much possession was guaranteed. For once, Shire’s offloading under pressure was excellent and much good ground was gained. After solid work by the forwards, Rhys Stewart went over under the posts to regain the lead. The conversion was successfully added but Reading Abbey had other ideas. A well worked move score them cross again and the scores were back level. On the half hour, Shire scored a crucial try when Luke Jellicoe went over after bamboozling the Abbey defence with his mazy running. Rhys Stewart added the conversion to give Shire a 7 point lead. As the half drew to a close, Reading Abbey missed a penalty in front of the posts (we’ve all done it!) to give Shire a further boost.]
Half Time Score: Shire Hall 21 Reading Abbey II 14
The half time team talk focussed very much on maintaining good game management and keeping the ball alive. After yet again more sound work by the forwards, Jonny Parry was given enough space to unleash his speed to go over after only 2 minutes of the half. Rhys Stewart added the conversion and Shire were now 14 points ahead. However Shire were penalised for another high tackle and Laurie Moss was sent to the naughty step for 10 minutes. This was a crucial time to play clever with 14 men and this was achieved with the only score coming from a Rhys Stewart penalty. Shire’s defence as a team was outstanding with good tackling from Jonny Parry and James Pritchard denying Abbey’s fast wingers any room to get away. But a momentary lack of concentration allowed Abbey’s winger to get past 4 tackles to cross to reduce the scoreline to 10 points. It was time for Shire forwards to take complete control and they dominated a series of drives, resulting in Ollie Homan-Green going over wide in the left. Rhys Stewart landed the difficult conversion to put Shire 17 points ahead. The last 10 minutes of the game was all Shire’s including a brilliant Sam Watkins spoil at the base of the Reading Abbey set scrum (I was told to mention this!) A fortuitous headed pass from an Reading Abbey player fell into Laurie Moss’ hands and with a quick transfer, Jonny Parry went over. A further conversion success for Rhys Stewart ensued and even in the last few minutes, Shire continued to press. A wonderful break from Rhys Stewart so nearly created a try but in the last play of the game Shire were awarded a penalty. Much to the crowd’s displeasure, Rhys Stewart added the further 3 points to seal the match.
All in all, a brilliant performance from all the players. The only visible mistake was Ollie Homan-Green’s pass to the opposition and the result was one of the best – was it as good as our Cup victory over Broadmoor years ago ? So, Shire are back on top of the league for the first time since September. Onwards and upwards !!! Not forgetting that we have been awarded Tribute’s Team of The Month for December for Berkshire!!
Final Score: Shire Hall 48 Reading Abbey II 21
Tries: Jonny Parry (2), Neil Evans, Luke Jellicoe, Rhys Stewart, Ollie Homan-Green
Conversions: Rhys Stewart (6)
Penalty Goals: Rhys Stewart (2)
MOTM: Rhys Stewart – his best game at 10, controlling play well and landing all of his kicks at goal.
DOTD: Will Jellicoe – confusing for whom he was actually playing !
