Sat 7 Jan 2023
Shire Hall 7 Drifters 31
Both sides had not played since November with both sides scoring over 80 points in their respective games. This was going to be a different experience in the damp Sonning conditions. Shire Hall had the luxury for the first time this season of fielding a full side and 6 substitutes or finishers as they have become to be known. The early exchanges saw Shire very much to the fore with some good runs from Luke Jellicoe and Ollie Homan-Green in particular and improved support play in evidence. However, the Drifters defence was resolute and foreboding with Shire unable to break through. Early injuries to Arun Luis and Jamie Cockerill meant Shire had to draw on their finishers sooner than expected. Gwyn Robins and Mike Smith joined the contest and Shire continued to press but Drifters did not give in. Half time came with the game scoreless and Shire obviously disappointed that they had not created enough chances to score.
Half Time Score: Shire Hall 0 Drifters 0
Will Myers came on to add extra bulk in the pack and impact in open play but Shire were dealt an early blow when Chris Wiseman was forced to leave the field with a broken nose. He was replaced by veteran Tom Birch and very soon afterwards Drifters went over from close range to open the scoring. After receiving a bloodied nose early in the first half, James Pritchard also had to be replaced after the blood refused to stop gushing. Then came a moment of magic. A quickly taken penalty by Sam Watkins found Alex Webb and the ball was quickly transferred to Jonny Parry who left defenders in his wake to cross and score under the posts – a try converted by Rhys Stewart. 7 points all and 20 minutes to play! Drifters then stepped up their game and created two good chances which resulted in two tries. Two further tries in the last minutes made the scoreline seem unfair and not reflect the real closeness of the actual game. Fair play to Drifters – their defence was awesome, vindicating work done in practice.
Final Score: Shire Hall 7 Drifters 31
Tries: Jonny Parry
Conversions: Rhys Stewart
MOTM: Gwyn Robins & Jonny Parry
DOTD: Rhys Stewart & Sam Watkins
