Sat 22 Mar 2025
High Wycombe II 14 Shire Hall 48
The last time the two sides met in December it was a close encounter with High Wycombe recording a narrow victory. For Shire’s last game of the season, Shire fielded a full fifteen with the absolute luxury of eight players on the bench. The early exchanges were very much in Shire’s favour and after only 4 minutes, an indiscretion by Wycombe led to Ali McGregor landing a 30 metre penalty. Wycombe’s response was immediate and 2 minutes later went over for their first try although the ball was clearly knocked forward in the tackle but missed by the referee. After 10 minutes, Shire were forced to make a change due to injury to Kris Sharma who was replaced by Rhys Stewart. Shire were not able to find any room through a resolute Wycombe defence and on the half hour some weak tackling let their fly half stroll over under the posts. With the conversion good, Shire were 14 points to 3 down and it did not look from the sidelines that they could find a way back. Sometimes you need a bit of luck, and this came Shire’s way when, after a bit of kick tennis, the ball was touched in flight by Wycombe. This action meant all Shire players in front of the ball were put onside and it was Ollie Homan-Green who was the most alert as he accepted this gift and sprinted his way to the line to record his 8th try of the season. Rhys Stewart added the extra points and Shire were now back in the game. Despite total domination of the set scrum with the Wycombe pack going backwards at a rate of knots, Shire ditched the tactic of going through the forwards and the ball was spread wide where Jonny Parry accelerated through a gap and left the Wycombe defence in his wake to record his 6th try of the season. Rhys added the extra points to give Shire the lead. Matt Margot then picked up the ball from the chaos of a set scrum and sprinted towards the line but was unable to transfer ball to the supporting Ali McGregor. Matt claimed later that he didn’t know he had support! On the stroke of half time, it was Rhys Stewart who found space to go over. Ali McGregor added the conversion, and Shire went into the break with a 10 point lead. Quite remarkable really considering that Shire did not really start playing until 30 minutes had passed!
Half Time Score: High Wycombe II 14 Shire Hall 24
With the Bomb Squad itching to get into the action, Neil Evans, Tom Overend and Dan Smedley were replaced by Laurie Lee, Ashton Field and Ed Gallen. Sam Watkins and Sam Joyce were also replaced 5 minutes later by Jason Tunkhume and Luke Griffith. 10 minutes into the half and Shire thought they had extended their lead when Rhys Stewart chipped over the advancing defence, and it looked like he had touched down, but the referee disagreed. Another wasted chance went begging when Luke Jellicoe butchered a 2 on 1 scenario with Gwyn Robins in attendance. Jamie Pedder, who had come on for an injured Rhys Stewart, then ‘scored’ but decided to pass the ball to Jonny Parry who was bundled into touch. This was minor blip as Jamie then touched down 5 minutes later to which Ali McGregor added the extras. Shire were now 17 points ahead and very much in the ascendency as Luke Jellicoe was now finding huge gaps. Billy Whizz aka Ashton Field now got into the action with his first try after another Luke Jellicoe break. Another conversion from Ali McGregor and the lead had increased to 24 points. High Wycombe had no response to Shire’s fast attacking options and 3 minutes after his first try, Ashton Field added his second with his pace and strength. No conversion but this was fast becoming one of Shire’s best performances of the season. With just 3 minutes left of the game, Ashton Field added his third try although he was under severe pressure from Wycombe’s defence. Three tries for Ashton in roughly 15 minutes could possibly be one of the fastest hat tricks in Shire’s history.
This was a very pleasing and satisfying end to Shire’s season. Final position will be decided in the next couple of weeks after all the other matches have been played. Having achieved promotion last season, it is always going to be harder in a higher league, but we have done better than the other two promoted sides, Reading Abbey II and High Wycombe II. The new 3G pitch for training has attracted superb numbers which clearly has paid benefits. Out thanks to Shire Hall VPs for funding this and our thanks to all the Reading University lads who have helped to make this season so enjoyable.
Final Score: High Wycombe II 14 Shire Hall 48
Tries: Rhys Stewart, Ollie Homan-Green Ashton Field (3), Jonny Parry, Jamie Pedder
Conversions: Rhys Stewart (2), Alistair McGregor (3)
Penalty Goal: Alistair McGregor
MOTM: Gwyn Robins – a fantastic all-round game, the catalyst for many good plays.
DOTD: Luke Jellicoe – butchering a 2 on 1 scenario.
