Sat 23 Nov 2019, 14:30
On a still day at the 'Croft, Wallingford welcomed unbeaten league leaders Witney, for their first encounter in 9 years. In selection, Wallingford were able to welcome back a raft of players from the previous week's defeat at Shipston, with Jack Greenway, Dave Baxter, Tom Swainston, Charles Campbell, Jackson Sayce, James Willlcox-Jones and Alex Brown all coming back in.
As expected, it was a physical start to the game, as Witney's powerful forwards went at Wallingford, but strong defence repelled them early doors. With Ian Jeffreys carrying good yards in attack, Wallingford worked their way into the Witney half, before earning several penalties for offside as the visitors fell foul of the referee. One of these indescrections was punished by a well struck Charles Capmbell penalty.
With Wallingford's tight and wide defence nullifying the Witney attack, Wallingford began to grow in confidence, especially with their set-piece working well. The first try of the game came after a well executed catch and drive on the right, before Tom Swainston sniped right to put Pete McKinley in the corner with a truly dreadful pass. Campbell converted well from the touchline.
Witney were in shock, and they weren't helped by the loss of their dangerous no.8 to injury, as the hosts continued to prosper. The hosts extended their lead further after half an hour, as Witney looked to move the ball through the backs on half way, only for Campbell to brilliantly intercept, before showing a clean set of heals to the chasing defence, to score under the posts.
There was still time for Wallingford to convert another penalty for Witney indiscipline, as they went into half-time 20-0 up.
Wallingford knew that Witney would come out all guns blazing in the second half, and unfortunately they weren't able to maintain their first half standards in defence. Too many penalties in the opening ten minutes gave Witney the platform to launch attack after attack, and in no time at all, the had scored two short range tries to take the score to 20-14.
The remainder of the half saw Wallingford struggle to get their hands on the ball, and when they did, poor execution or decision making gifted back possession to Witney.
With the visitors' inside centre proving to be an absolute wrecking ball in midfield, Wallingford were constantly on the back foot, and it didn't take long before Witney took the lead with another short-range drive.
Going into the last five minutes, and Wallingford tiring, Witney extended their lead with an unconverted try on the right, leaving Wallingford with one last play to snatch victoy. Alas it wasn't to be, as the restart drifted out of play on the full to end the game (though technically this should have resulted in a scrum or line-out to Witney, not the final whistle).
This was the definition of a game of two halves. In the first half, Wallingford were at their best, structured in attack, ferocious and well-organised in defence, as Witney looked shell-shocked.
But Witney are a class outfit, and showed why they are top of the league, as they barely put a foot wrong in the second half. They are a powerful side, and a fit, young one at that, and deserved the win for their second half showing.
There were plenty of positives for Wallingford to take from the game. The set-piece was solid, with Jack Payne very impressive in only his third game for the 1st XV, and the defensive organisation was spot on throughout.
Quick mention for the referee, who was excellent throughout - consistent with his decisions, clear with his comms, and a friendly manner.
