Sat 9 Nov 2019
Shire Hall unbeaten in four matches made the short trip down the road to face top of the table Rams IV.
Conditions ensured that this was never going to be a free flowing game of rugby, as even before kick off puddles were appearing on what was to become a quagmire of a pitch.
Both teams had territory and possession in a scoreless first half that was dominated by heavy forward carries and tactical kicking. On the occasions the ball was spread wide both sides D was able to force errors with the ball coated in a fine layer of wet mud.
Shire Hall through the smart kicking and hard running were able to make it into the Rams 22 on a number of occasions but were unable to convert into points as too often they were thwarted by both the strong Rams defence and greasy conditions. Rams were proving dangerous themselves with their threat coming out wide – on a couple of occasions long kicks were returned with interest by their nippy wingers, with the Shire scramble defence just able to snuff out Rams offloading game.
The second half commenced in a similar manner, however as the half continued it was clear the younger, fitter Shire pack was beginning to establish a dominance. What was a fairly even scrum in the first half was now beginning to go Shire’s way, a crucial weapon to have in a game full of set pieces.
It was the set piece that led to Shire Hall taking the lead on 60 minutes. A Rams scrum began going backwards at a rate of knots in their own 22, and whilst the Rams 8 was able to salvage the situation and dig the ball out, it led to panic in the ranks. Ultimately an interception pass was thrown to Shire Hall centre Steph Margot who was able to bat up and immediately dot down under the sticks for a converted try.
With 20 minutes to play Shire Hall were looking to play rugby in the right areas and look to make Rams play from deep. However, with injuries beginning to take their toll and both teams emptying their bench Rams managed to find another gear. After a series of penalties allowed them to make their way up the field, Rams executed a pick and go strategy for 10 plus phases before they eventually manged to burrow over the Shire Hall line. With the conversion good, the scores were level at 7-7 with ten minutes to play.
Both sides pushed to win but the remainder of the game was played mostly between the 22’s. With the clock in the red and Shire in their own 22, Tom Gough took the pragmatic decision to kick the ball into touch and take a well-earned two points and on the balance of play fair draw. FT 7-7
Following a quick team photo to memorialise the treacherous conditions – a hasty retreat to the changing room was made, where the team cracked open the crate of beers presented to Shire Hall for being October’s Berkshire team of the month.
Shire Hall are in action next week against Reading III where they hope to maintain their 5 game unbeaten run.
Tries: S Margot
Conversions: M Margot
