Sat 12 Oct 2024, 14:00
Reading Abbey II 33 Shire Hall 26
Last season both teams were in the league below and because of good performances were both promoted. The last time these two teams met, Shire came out on top in a pulsating game. Reading Abbey had reinforced their squad with the promotion of many good colts players whilst Shire were introducing a raft of young University players. It took only 5 minutes for Shire to open the scoring after a good driving maul, the ball was quickly transferred to Rhys Stewart who went through a gap to score. He also converted his try which brought up his personal tally to over 900 points for the club. 10 minutes later from another driving maul, Neil Evans crossed with his trademark 5 metre run to the line. This was his 70th try for the 1st XV although he had scored some the now defunct 2nd XV. Rhys couldn’t add the conversion, but Shire did look comfortable. Reading Abbey had other ideas and 5 minutes later added a converted try to reduce the deficit. The Abbey backs were starting to find gaps in the Shire defence. This they exploited twice before half time to take a 7 point lead into half time, including a major rampaging run from their second row from at least the halfway line which we failed to handle – if you take the player’s legs away, he can’t go anywhere! Just saying!
Half Time Score: Reading Abbey II 19 Shire Hall 12
The second half did not start well for Shire as they conceded another converted try to give Reading Abbey a seemingly comfortable 14 point lead. Will Jellicoe, Luke Barefoot and Ollie Homan-Green both started to take the game to Reading Abbey with some typical strong runs and with quick recycling from the base of rucks by new boy Woody, Shire made good yardage but were unable to break through a resolute Reading Abbey defence. However, discipline was going to cost Reading Abbey dear as the referee ran out of patience with number of penalties being conceded by them and he had no option to send their No.8 to the naughty step. Unfortunately, Shire could not make the man advantage tell and after an hour, Shire conceded another converted try to put the game to bed. But another 2 yellow cards for Reading Abbey seemed to wake Shire up. Without having crossed the line since the 20th minute of the first half, it was in the last 10 minutes that endeavour started to pay off. Firstly, after another good driving maul, young Luke went over for his debut try. With two minutes left, Matt Margot scored his 85th try for the club – both tries were converted by Rhys and so the deficit was only 7 points. Reading Abbey managed to hold out despite Shire’s best efforts.
All in all, Shire can be satisfied with the result having gained a bonus try point and a losing bonus point. We have now achieved more bonus points than any other team in the league and it will take time to incorporate the University boys into our style of play. Next up is the local derby between us and Reading II, who are one place higher than us in the league – at the moment!
Final Score: Reading Abbey II 33 Shire Hall 26
Tries: Rhys Stewart, Neil Evans, Luke, Matt Margot
Conversions: Rhys Stewart (3)
MOTM: Rhys Stewart – defensively and attackingly a good display.
DOTD: None awarded – no obvious candidate.
