Sat 5 Oct 2019
Brought to you by the evergreen Tom Hill.
Wallingford 2s made it three bonus point wins from three on Saturday, after breezing past Hungerford 2s 40-19.
I say bonus points. Boner points would be more appropriate as some of the rugby on show was seriously sexy. After a late drop-out Wallingford travelled with only 15 men with a number of new combinations. McCabe made his first start of the season at fullback and, after getting seduced by a late-night Stuart Mount lap dance in the Dolphin (if I had a pound for every time I’ve said that…!), Damion Colledge made his debut at 13. Despite Ridley ‘forgetting’ his shorts, and claiming it was fine to play in y-fronts, the game kicked off promptly with all 30 plays fully clothed.
It didn’t take long for the visitors to get on the front foot and McCabe was the first to dot down. McDonald converted. It soon became apparent Wallingford had the beating of Hungerford in the backs and with the pack providing front-foot ball, the tries flowed freely. Payne was next to score, after a cheeky snipe at the base of a scrum; McDonald converted again. Wallingford were then held up three times over the line, the most frustrating being Goss’ attempt, after a great run down the wing. However Payne, who was lively all day, got his second after grubbering through from his 22 to collect and score. A drubbing looked ominous but Hungerford, playing up a steep incline, worked their way back into the game; their influential 10 sneaking over from a quick-tap penalty. Wallingford then lost captain Mark Lenane to injury and, forced with playing with 14 men, Hungerford showed true sportsmanship and leant a player.
Never judge a book by its cover comes to mind. As this particular book looked, erm…unique. However, the player, didn’t catch his name but looked like a Roger, turned out to be a great asset to the team. Expect to see Rog at training on Tuesday. Anyway, back to the game, Payne grabbed his hat trick almost immediately after kick off with a bulldozing run. The next try is hard to describe but, let’s just say, it’s probably the best try scored ever*. Starting in their own 22, the pack, led by Gillies and Timms, made inroads around the fringes before McDonald took charge. In combination with Hill and Colledge, the trio’s sleight of hand bamboozled the defence as they weaved their way up the pitch, leaving a record crowd aghast, as Hill finished under the posts.
The second half was a scrappy affair. Naturally, Wallingford started to tire against a large Hungerford squad (numbers not weight) who had the luxury of numerous interchanges. Haggard was 50% tape, 50% man at this point and Gillies was also yellowed for trying to adjust someone’s collar. That said Wallingford did get on the scoreboard, Goss finishing a swift backs move. Hungerford registered two further tries at some point in the half, both from close range. The game was cut slightly short after a Hungerford winger suffered from a fit. Huge shout out to Tracy and the Hungerford player who stepped in to support him. News has come back that he is recovering well, which is great to hear.
It was a very solid win, especially given Wallingford travelled with just 15 men. MoTM Payne was a menace throughout and McDonald continues to impress at 10, including a near-perfect place kicking display. Colledge looked very handy (unless you’re a first team coach reading this, in which case he was bang average and should totally stay with the 2s). Hill, McCabe, Goss and Carrol ran hard into spaces from the off and caused problems throughout. Up front Gillies, Timms, and Murray put pressure on the opponents all afternoon and Fixter and Ridley provided a great base. Few and Lenane were typically abrasive throughout. Haggard got through 80 mins and a bulldozing run down the flank was a particular highlight.
Roger is everyone’s new spirit animal. *by a Wallingford player against Hungerford
