Sat 7 Mar 2020
Wallingford welcomed Shipston-on-Stour to the Hithercroft on a rare storm-free day, as they looked the end the losing streak in 2020
In selection, Wallingford were beset with absences similar to the reverse fixture before Christmas, with premier players in Sam Botting, Pete McKinley, Jackson Sayce, Graham Sage, Dan Sadler, Max Suttner and Nathan Chapman all missing. As a result, Adam Spears moved to 10 for his first start at fly-half, Charles Campbell moved to centre to form the ninth different centre partnership this season with Ralph Smith. And there was a new back three trio as Ed Poulding stepped up from the 2s to accompany the youthful James Royle and Alex Brown.
Wallingford started the game brightly, and went into an early lead through a well struck Campbell penalty, as the hosts had the better of the opening quarter. But they paid the price for not taking their chances, as Shipston, whose backs caused problems earlier in the year, had a 15 minute purple patch that Wallingford were unable to recover from.
Pretty much all three converted tries came from scrums, where the 8,9 and 10 combined well to create space for their pacey backs who made the most of some poor Wallingford tackling to dot down. Their fly-half in particular posed a threat all day, and picked up the third try with a sprint in from half way.
The second half saw Wallingford tighten up their game plan, as the forwards bullied their counterparts in the tight. With the likes of Nelly Kinniburgh and Craig Irwin carrying good yards, Wallingford worked their way up the pitch, before Tom Swainston dummied his way over the line from short range. Conversion missed.
Despite dominating play, their defensive game was still struggling, and after a turnover, the visitors spun the ball left for an unconverted score in the corner.
As Shipston, who were illegally causing havoc in the breakdown all game, began to lose players to the bin, Wallingford scored again through Ed Searle, burrowing over from short range. Conversion missed.
But that was as good as it got for Wallingford, as the they fell short, with the game ending 26-13 to Shipston.
Wallingford will be frustrated that they didn't play a tight game from the start, as their pack clearly had a size and weight advantage over Shipston. Instead, they kicked away posession too often, playing to Shipton's strength in their pacey backs, in particular their fly-half, who was fundamentally the difference between the two sides on the day, with his running, distribution and kicking from hand all right on point.
There were some positives for Wallingford, as the forwards proved how dominant they can be when they switch on, with set-piece solid, whilst in the backs, Adam Spears looked comfortable at 10, even with a makeshift backline around him.
Wallingford 13 - 26 Shipton
T: Swainston, Searle
P: Campbell
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