Sat 27 Sep 2025, 15:00
Shire Hall 14 Reading University III 53
Only two players, Luke Barefoot and Matt Margot, remained from Shire’s last friendly against Crowthorne but there was a return to action for a further 9, including Jonny Parry, Alex Webb and Gwyn Robins. There was also a debut for Jamie Perry and as befits a friendly against the University, Shire borrowed players to make the game worthwhile. From the outset, Shire started strongly gaining good ground with some strong running from Gwyn Robins and Jamie Perry. It was clear that Shire had the upper hand in the set pieces with some excellent lineout ball from Sam Joyce and Gwyn Robins. For 25 minutes, neither side was successful in scoring until the Uni found space out wide to take the lead. A further try from the Uni a few minutes later extended their lead to 10 points. The turning point of the game came on the half hour when the Uni prop was injured and, with no replacement available, scums were now uncontested. This was a blow for Shire as the set scrums were now basically free ball for the Uni to set their speedy backs on their way. A good set up at a lineout, however, resulted in Ed Gallen breaking free and going over. With the conversion added, Shire were now just 3 points behind. Excited by his very good clearance kick earlier in the half, Luke Barefoot tried the same tactic, but this time only found a speedy Uni player who crossed virtually untouched. A fourth Uni try just before half time gave them a commanding lead.
Half Time Score: Shire Hall 7 Reading University III 20
The opening 10 minutes of the second half were a disaster for Shire as the Uni ran in a further 2 tries. There was some good tackling from Jonny Parry, Dan Smedley and Ed Gallen in particular but their efforts did not produce anything. The game had now reached the last 10 minutes, and Shire’s team were very disjointed culminating in 3 further tries for the Uni. But Shire ended the game on a high with a converted try in the last play.
The scoreline does not look good but positives can be taken. This wasn’t our full-strength team, and things will be different next week for our first League game against Farnham Royal. The game against the Uni has become an important recruitment exercise and it is pleasing to note that 12 Uni players have signed up for us. Today the speed of the youngsters was the decisive factor even though there was no one over 40 in Shire’s team!!
Final Score: Shire Hall 14 Reading University III 53
Tries: Ed Gallen, Guest
Conversions: George Alderson (2)
MOTM: Jamie Perry – a strong all-round performance making good yardage
DOTD: Luke Barefoot – leave the kicking to specialists!!
