Sat 20 Apr 2024, 15:00
Shire Hall 25 Staines 20
Preparations for this cup match were far from ideal as there had been only one game played since the middle of February. Shire fielded a fairly strong team despite missing both the Jellicoe brothers and Max Davies. Rhys Stewart stepped up to take on the hooker role and we welcomed back Steph Margot back for a brief cameo. From the kick off, Shire pressed hard but were met with resolute defence from Staines. After 7 minutes, the breakthrough came when Jonny Parry found space wide on the left and he turned on the afterburners to leave the Staines defence in his wake. Rhys Stewart was unable to add the extra points which was to become the story of his afternoon! Basically, rugby is a simple game when you just run and pass to supporting players and this was highlighted by Shire’s second try after 20 minutes when Arun Luis crossed in the corner after a good example of the ball doing the work. Staines certainly weren’t going to cave in, and their No.8 caused many problems with his strong running and our lack lustre tackling. Still Shire continued to press and were rewarded when a Rhys Stewart penalty from hand failed to make touch but bounced invitingly into the chasing Jonny Parry’s hands and he duly recorded his 12th try of the season. Conversion from Rhys – no ! A series of catch and drives from lineouts failed to produce any score but Arun Luis recorded his second try of the game when the ball again went through many hands.
Half Time Score: Shire Hall 20 Staines 0
So, 20-0 up at half time and Shire in total command. Staines, however, had other ideas as they sensed weaknesses that they could exploit. 5 minutes into the half and Staines opened their scoring with a well worked try. Much of the play was in the Shire half and many attacks were ended by resolute defence. It was Shire who added the next score when again the ball going through the hands proved effective and Rhys Stewart went over for a try. 5 minutes later and it was Staines who added a converted try to reduce the deficit to just 13 points. The referee’s patience was being severely tested and finally he showed the yellow card to the Staines prop which was quickly followed by one shown to Ryan Darby. With 15 minutes left, Staines scored their 3rd try to put serious doubts on the result of the match. Another yellow card shown to a Staines player should have meant that Shire could put the game to bed with another score, but Rhys Stewart’s painful day continued when he missed a relatively straightforward penalty. The blame was put on the fact that his usual kicking tee had gone missing and so was forced to use a replacement! As the club’s previous kicker back in the day, your reporter can sympathise! A blistering run by Matt Margot was ended with a bone crunching tackle and another good run by Laurie Moss was foiled when he was just forced into touch. With the clock ticking down, Staines added a penalty of their own to bring the match to a one score game. It was definitely squeaky bum time but Shire’s defence held firm to record the win.
This was always going to be a difficult match against unknown opposition and lack of match practice. Staines were good opposition and much better than their league position suggested. Special mention must be made of Rhys Stewart – yes, he missed all of his kicks but did us proud by playing at hooker, full back, centre and fly half throughout the game. Our quarter final opponents are Harlequin Amateurs and we have been given the opportunity to play the match at The Stoop, home of Harlequins!! Thankfully we won’t be facing Marcus Smith, Danny Care and company as they are playing at Twickenham!
Final Score: Shire Hall 25 Staines 20
Tries: Jonny Parry (2), Arun Luis (2), Rhys Stewart
MOTM: Sam Watkins – a near flawless display, ensuring good distribution throughout.
DOTD: Rhys Stewart – missing all his 6 kicks at goal!
