Old Halesonians 20 vs Whitchurch 13
Another tough away game for the Whitchurch team who seem to be getting better and better by the game. The pitch was in good condition considering the amount of rain we have had, and a nice sunny afternoon saw Whitchurch take the early lead. This came from some pressure on the Hales and a penalty was converted by James Marvell just short of 10 minutes in, following an earlier one that was missed. The Hales forwards started to show their advantage in the scrum as the half went on and scored a try under the posts which was converted to take them in front 7:3.
Just after the half hour mark, they had a lineout 15 metres out and secured the ball and drove over for their second try. Conversion missed it was then the away team to take hold of the game, and after spending 5 minutes attacking the Hales tryline Nathan Horton managed to barge through and score near the corner. James Marvell then converted to leave it 12:at the interval.
The game went from end to end, and each cancelled the other out until on the 30th. minute Whitchurch were awarded a penalty which Marvell again converted taking the Shropshire men back into the lead 12:13. A mistake from the kick off by not catching the ball and picking up in an offside position gave Hales a penalty which they kicked into the corner. From the lineout they secured clean ball and Whitchurch were again penalised and Hales scored another penalty to take them back into the lead. Then just to break Whitchurch hearts Hales scored another try with 2 minutes to go and go 7 points clear. Whitchurch battled on to the end and were unlucky not to score a try under the posts with the last play of the game, but the ball was dropped and knocked forward.
Coach Andy Powell was pleased with the lad’s individual performances and praised their efforts. He said it’s hard going to these away games without a full team but the way training is going, and the improved fitness of the lads is confident of a win next week against Cheltenham with home advantage. Anyone looking for a game of social rugby is more than welcome to come down on Tuesday or Thursday evening at 7pm. He has asked for a big crowd to cheer the team on, kick off at 3pm at Edgeley Park. Next week the 2nd. team are away at Linley.
