Sat 30 Nov 2024
Windsor II 71 Shire Hall 0
It had been 15 seasons since the last meeting of these two sides in a league match. Shire had the luxury of fielding a full side and 3 substitutes with Laurie Lee, Ed Gallen and Alistair McGregor making their debuts in one of Shire’s youngest sides ever. The early exchanges belonged very much to Shire and play was very much within 5 metres of the Windsor line. A whole raft of indiscipline from Windsor led the referee giving a final warning and all this in the first 5 minutes. Despite the territorial advantage, Shire could not break through Windsor’s strong defensive set up and that turned out to be the best Shire got all day. The initial set scrums immediately posed Shire problems with the heavier Windsor pack sending us backwards and putting a lot of pressure on No.8 Matt Margot and scrum half Sam Watkins. It took only 10 minutes for Windsor to open the scoring, and this was just the start of a very hard afternoon for Shire. An intercepted pass gave them their second try, quickly followed by a third when their speedy Fijian players literally outstripped the Shire defence. We were gaining good ball from excellent lineout work from Gwyn Robins and Sam Joyce, but the Windsor blitz defence was resolute and we could find no way through. Another intercepted pass gave Windsor their try bonus and effectively ended the game. A fifth try just before half time highlighted the difference in abilities of the two sides.
Half Time Score: Windsor II 31 Shire Hall 0
Luke Griffith, Jason Tunkhume and Will Wood all entered the fray at half time, but Shire’s fortunes did not change. They were faced with a stronger and faster team and despite some excellent tackling from Gwyn Robins in particular, we were outclassed in virtually every department. Finally, the referee’s patience was tested too much, and the Windsor winger was sent to the naughty step. That decision did not faze Windsor, and they scored two tries despite being a man down. The cheap shot on Matt Margot was not necessary from a side that was clearly dominant. The final score was very convincing and highlighted the gulf in abilities of the two sides.
This result was a one-off, but questions must be asked about how come these players were playing at Level 9. Their speed and quick footwork were outstanding and not something we expect to see at this level. This was the first time since 2018 that Shire had failed to score in a game but today, we had no real chance to get on the scoreboard. Today brought back memories of the game against Newbury Blues in 2005 – ask Neil for details! Shire’s effort and endeavour was apparent throughout in what was a total mismatch. Onwards and upwards though, as we look forward to a more even match against High Wycombe next week.
Final Score: Windsor II 71 Shire Hall 0
MOTM: Gwyn Robins – superb defensive tackling
DOTD: Luke Jellicoe – giving 2 passes that led to intercepted tries !
