Sat 20 Dec 2025
High Wycombe II 31 Shire Hall 17
Availability was always going to be difficult for the final game of 2025 as nearly all the University students had gone home for Christmas. Shire had to dig deep into their veteran reserves to put together a side to fulfil the fixture with the return of Ritchie Denver, Dave Fallon, Harry Stubbs and Jonny Morris. It didn’t help Shire’s cause as both Tom Fisher and Tom Birch both dropped out in the morning, and so Shire were forced to start the game with 14 men including a loanee from High Wycombe. Shire’s day became worse after only 30 seconds after Dave Fallon collected the kick off cleanly but also Ollie Homan-Green’s knee – what a way to celebrate his 50th 1st XV appearance! Therefore, Shire were now down to 13 men and the task was going to prove even more difficult, and it was no surprise that High Wycombe were 10-0 in the lead after 15 minutes. Despite being two men down there were good passages of play with some strong runs from Andy Ryan, Arun Luis and Laurie Moss. A well worked move by High Wycombe produced a quality try to extend their lead but on the half hour, a good run by Arun Luis provided enough space for Kris Sharma to go over. Laurie Moss added the extra points, and this provided the impetus for Shire to press strongly. Some good runs and kicks from full back by Alex Webb created favourable field position but a lapse in concentration by Kris Sharma in our try area allowed High Wycombe to capitalise and increase their lead. Shire finished the half on a very positive note when Matt Brazier was forced out of play just short of the line.
Half Time Score: High Wycombe II 24 Shire Hall 7
Half time saw Jonny ‘Have Boots Will Travel’ Morris take the field making him the second oldest player to play for Shire in a league match. The numbers were evened up early in the half when the High Wycombe full back deliberately knocked the ball on, and he deservedly was awarded a yellow card. Shire noticeably upped the tempo of the game and there were many strong runs from Matt Margot, Ritchie Denver and Ollie Homan-Green in particular. Harry Stubbs then had a chance to go over but he was held up on the line. He tried to claim later that he had got the ball over the line, but you’ve got be quicker! On the hour another break from Kris Sharma created space for Matt Brazier to canter over to reduce the deficit to just 12 points. No conversion but Shire were finding more confidence in their play. With 5 minutes remaining, Shire went over for their 3rd try when some good driving from the forwards resulted in Matt Margot getting ever closer to joining the 100 Try Club. But a misplaced pass by Arun Luis gifted Wycombe their try bonus with the last play of the game.
All things considered, this was a typical Shire gutsy performance especially when you factor in the advantage that High Wycombe had in numbers and that this was very much a scratch Shire side. Our thanks go to High Wycombe for lending us players to ensure a competitive and thoroughly entertaining game. Well, that’s it for 2025 and we look forward to the next game against Aldermaston in the New Year.
Final Score: High Wycombe II 31 Shire Hall 17
Tries: Kris Sharma, Matt Brazier, Matt Margot
Conversions: Laurie Moss
MOTM: Andy Ryan – another strong all round performance (Special mention to Matt Brazier again!)
DOTD: Ollie Homan-Green – ending Dave Fallon’s game after only 30 seconds with his knee!
