Sat 15 Feb 2025, 14:30
Shire Hall 10 Henley III 50
When these two sides met in November, Shire Hall were forced to start the match with only 10 players. Consequently, the result was a comprehensive victory for Henley. This time despite the fact that 11 ‘regular’ players were unavailable, Shire fielded a full side. Max Davies and Gwyn Robins both returned and there was a rare cameo from Arun Luis. Shire’s cause was not helped when Dan Smedley was forced to leave the field after a vicious illegal forearm smash to his face by a Henley player and Jamie Pedder replaced him. Shire started well,taking the game to Henley and gaining good territorial advantage. Good possession was gained from the lineout where Gwyn Robins not only secured our own ball but had the cheek to steal a couple of Henley’s throw ins. A good fluid move by the backs saw Tom Overend only just forced out and Henley knew that Shire would not succumb easily. After 15 minutes though, Henley finally found gaps and scored two quick tries by moving the ball well. Another blow came soon after when Lloyd Weber was forced to leave the field due to injury and this was quickly followed by Henley’s first yellow card for indiscipline. Both sides therefore had 14 men on the pitch but despite Shire’s best efforts it was Henley who finished the half stronger with two more tries including another kick pass to the winger. (Three times in three weeks – we need to work on this!)
Half Time Score: Shire Hall 0 Henley III 24
Shire were pleased with their first half performance against the league leaders. And four minutes into the second half a driving 20 metres maul from the forwards saw Neil Evans go over even though the referee missed Will Jellicoe’s double pump throwing in the ball!! Alex Webb stepped up to the kicking duties, but his attempt fell just short. Shire were now in the ascendency and it was only good defence by Henley that kept them out. Powerful runs from Max Davies, Will Jellicoe, Ollie Homan-Green and Luke Griffith put Henley on the back foot. On the hour Henley received their second yellow card for yet another high tackle. With 20 minutes left, Henley finally managed to get on the score sheet when a fumbled ball on the Henley 22 was hacked upfield and the pace of the Henley full back finished the job. Another blow came when Alex Webb’s attempted clearance kick was charged down and their scrum half pounced on the ball to add another try. Two more tries were conceded in quick succession as Shire started to tire. But in true Shire Hall style, they kept going and put pressure on the Henley try line. Their persistence was rewarded when, after good work by Ed Gallen and Neil Evans, the ball found its way to Ollie Homan-Green who is devastating from 5 metres out on the blind side. Luke Griffith could not add the conversion, but Henley did receive their third yellow card for yet another indiscretion.
The score line is somewhat flattering, but Henley were clearly the better side. There is a reason they are top of the league and undefeated. However Shire made them work for this victory and compared to the game in November, this was a truly spirited performance. All the playing squad deserve tremendous credit for their efforts throughout the team.
Final Score: Shire Hall 10 Henley III 50
Tries: Neil Evans, Ollie Homan-Green
MOTM: Gwyn Robins – a fantastic all round display both in attack and defence
DOTD: Arun Luis – decided by the captain for whatever reason!
