Sat 23 Mar 2024
Shire Hall 12 High Wycombe II 29
So, we reach the final league game of the season. The task was quite simple. In order to win the league, Shire had to win or score at least 2 bonus points. As this was a re-arranged match, we were forced to have an early 12.00 kick off in perfect sunny conditions. Shire fielded a strong side despite missing a couple of stalwarts, but it was Wycombe who opened the scoring on 10 minutes after a series of strong attacks. This was increased soon after when a wicked bounce of the ball fooled Alex Webb and their winger went over unopposed. Matters were further compounded when Luke Barefoot was shown a yellow card for a high tackle. Despite being down to 14 men, Shire defended very well and prevented any further score during this 10 minute period. Arun Luis narrowly missed a penalty but after 25 minutes a third try from Wycombe increased their lead to 17 points. This was a strange situation as Shire had never been this far behind in any other game during the season. The perfect playing conditions suddenly changed with a hailstorm of biblical proportions which soaked the spectators and must have been very painful for the players!
Half Time Score: Shire Hall 0 High Wycombe II 17
At half time, Luke Barefoot was replaced by Ryan Darby, son of Shire legend Greg, who was making his club debut. The second half would continue to be painful for Shire despite good runs from Max Davies, Will Jellicoe and Gwyn Robins. Wycombe’s defence was ruthless and strong and repelled all Shire’s positive moves. Two further Wycombe tries virtually ended the contest but in typical style Shire were not going to capitulate. Luke Jellicoe found space and fed Laurie Moss who had Ryan Darby in support. He decided not to pass when a simple offload would have given Ryan a score. This play seemed to spur Shire and it wasn’t long before another Luke Jellicoe break created space for Ryan Darby who with a bit of skill went over wide on the right. Sam Watkins took over the kicking duties, but his attempt went wide. Still Shire had got on the score sheet finally and this was the catalyst for some inspired play. A brilliant tackle by Gwyn Robins in the Wycombe in-goal area gave Shire a 5-metre scrum. Shire’s set piece scrum has been very strong all season and it seemed harsh that we weren’t awarded a penalty try when Wycombe collapsed the scrum as we were making progress towards the line. From the resulting penalty, another indiscretion by Wycombe saw a yellow card shown by the referee. Despite all this pressure, Shire were unable to add any score. Andy (I’m retired) Carson came on for his 15 minutes of fame and was as solid as ever. Finally Shire exploited their numerical advantage when Gwyn Robins found space to cross. Sam Watkins duly converted to score his first points of the season!
So the league season ends on a disappointing note but Shire can be proud of their 2nd place finish. It remains to be seen if their performances result in promotion. Clearly this league had 3 good sides who all deserve to play next season in the higher league Our congratulations go to Reading Abbey II for winning the league. As the saying goes, so close but no cigar!
Final Score: Shire Hall 12 High Wycombe II 29
Tries: Ryan Darby, Gwyn Robins
Conversions: Sam Watkins
MOTM: Gwyn Robins – constant attacking threat and outstanding defensive work
DOTD: Laurie Moss – butchering a try scoring opportunity
