Sat 26 Mar 2022, 14:00
Wallingford hosted Newbury Colts for the long-waited final of the Oxon, Berks and Berks Div 3 final in front of a bumper crowd at the Hithercroft.
In selection, Wallingford were finally nearly at full strength, with the likes of Johnson Rabuka, Tyler Harvey, Matt Jarvis and Ali Marsden returning to the squad after last week’s win at Windsor.
The game started at a frantic pace, with both sides carrying hard, as they tested eachother’s defences, with the likes of Billy McDermott and Harvey Miller carrying plenty of ball.
After an even opening 10 minutes, Wallingford patiently worked their way up to the Newbury twenty-two, before earning a penalty which Jack Earl slotted for the opening score.
Newbury, who looked dangerous with ball in hand, more often than not elected to kick which had mixed results, but they still managed to level the scores with a penalty of their own after Wallingford infringed on the floor.
As the half progressed, it was clear that the hosts had the edge in the scrum, but elsewhere the two packs were evenly matched, with both packs defending well in the tight, even after the introduction of Harvey and Rabuka.
In the backs, quick ball and good service from Earl and then Tom Perrot allowed Marsden to unleash his backline, as Matt Jarvis and JJ Brown in the centres began to probe the Newbury wide channels, and Wallingford were unlucky not to be awarded a penalty try after their fly-half slapped down a scoring pass to Will Newing on the left wing with the try line at his mercy.
With the game finely balanced, Wallingford finally crossed the whitewash. From a scrum five meters out, Oscar I’Anson picked and powered over to the left of the posts for an unconverted try.
Wallingford continued to play some excellent rugby, but every time they made a good break, excellent tackling and jackling from Newbury resulted in Wallingford being penalised for holding on.
The half ended 8-3 to Wallingford.
With several changes made at half-time, Wallingford continued to edge proceedings, and had an early spell of pressure on the Newbury line which the visitors did well to repel.
With nerves growing on the sideline, Newbury then showed a glimpse of the threat they posed in their backs, as their fly-half broke down the middle, but just as it looked like they might have created space on the left, a wild wanger flew over their wingers head and into touch.
That proved to be a key moment in the game, as momentum swung back to the hosts as the game entered the final quarter.
After running the ball out of their half and working their way into the Newbury twenty-two, Tyler Harvey showed his power and class to finish off some patient forward play. Earl converting.
Then the match defining try happened. With Wallingford on the front foot and back in the Newbury twenty-two, Jack Earl sniped around the edge of ruck to run in under the posts for a try he converted himself.
As the game neared its end, and with I’Anson in the sin-bin for a team yellow, Newbury were awarded for some late pressure with an unconverted try of their own.
Down to the last play with the restart, Wallingford continued to defend well and eventually turned the ball over to end the game.
This was another excellent advert for Colts rugby, and a fitting reward for the efforts of the Wallingford squad over the last 18 months.
Wallingford played some fine structured rugby, interspersed with some excellent handling, but it was their defence and fitness that ultimately won them the game. Newbury were a strong outfit, and caused real problems at the breakdown, but ultimately didn’t create enough chances to win the game.
Man of the match could almost have gone to anyone, but in the end Will Newing edged out JJ Brown with an excellent defensive display when the hosts needed him most.
Thanks must also go to the referee, who was excellent throughout, a sentiment echoed by several of the players after the game.
This victory was very much deserved for this group of players. Throughout the season they have been without a host of influential players due to injury and county/school/academy commitments, but their continued success has showed that, unlike at many clubs at Colts level, they weren't reliant on a few standout players - instead the unity, determination and fitness of the squad that has come from training every Tuesday and Thursday for the last 18 months, proved the difference game after game.
Special mentions and thanks must go to Buckers, Finlay Harrison and Silas Allum, for leading the squad over the season, ensuring that high levels of committment and respect were maintained on and off the pitch; to David Hall for taking on the first aider duties this season and attending all bar one game; and to the parents of the players, who have driven the lads to every training session and match throughout the last 18 months!
Congratulations lads!
Match photos : http://WallingfordRFC.rfu.club/gallery/sds-cup-final-win-against-newbury-27th-march-2022
