Whitchurch 25 vs Edwardians 29
Last Second Heartbreak
There was a buzz of excitement around Edgeley Park for the first game of the season under their new coach, the Welsh International and British Lion, Andy Powell. A large crowd saw some excellent rugby from both sides as the clubs competed for the first time in over thirty years. The home side were the first to record points when James Marvell kicked a penalty after just five minutes. The game proceeded end to end but, after twenty five minutes, Nathan Horton was yellow carded for a debatable high tackle and Edwardians scored a try from the ensuing penalty. The situation was reversed on the twenty fifth minute when an Edwardian player was yellow carded for a high tackle on Ben Mason. The reds returned the favour by scoring from the penalty with Luca Owen-Youngs touching down. The half time score was 15 – 5.
Barely had the second half started when Edwardians scrambled over to close the gap to five points. Whitchurch began to dominate and were awarded a penalty under the posts but the whole atmosphere of the game changed when it was realised that an Edwardian forward was still on the ground and in pain. A prolonged pause followed and it was realised that the player could not be moved without an ambulance. The match was transferred to another pitch and restarted with a successful penalty by James Marvell. A few minutes later, Marvell completed a move with a try and conversion and it looked, at 25 – 10, that the Shropshire side were in full command. However, Edwardians had not given up and pressured Whitchurch on their line, finally crashing over from a lineout. The Birmingham side were now full of energy and it was not a surprise when they scored again from a kick and chase. The conversion meant that they were now within three points and they smelled blood, putting more pressure and forcing a series of penalties. An attempted clearance kick was charged down and the visitors touched down in the corner and successfully converted. With only a few minutes left, Whitchurch now trailed by four points and needed a try to win. The red shirts piled forward and manhandled their guests backward causing them to commit penalty after penalty. With the last play Whitchurch kicked into the corner for a catch and drive attempt but the referee spotted an offence by an attacking forward and the game was over.
New coach, Andy Powell, said after, “I am sad at losing like that but I am delighted with the effort that the team showed and I am buoyed by the amount of talent and endeavour I saw. We have had only one training session together and I feel confident that we will progress rapidly and become a great side.”
