Whitchurch 31 vs. Evesham 11
In the last few seasons Whitchurch have started off the season with players on holiday and players still playing cricket. This season was not going to be any different except that training had started in July. With a new Head coach, (Steven Brown) in place a different format of training is in place which firstly centres in on player’s fitness and secondly contact rugby. The first match of the season saw Whitchurch play Evesham in the Midlands 2 West League. The pitch was a little hard because of the dry weather, but the groundsmen had done a great job in preseason looking after the grass. Most teams in the Midlands were playing on pitches without grass.
The weather was fine albeit that there was a strong wind blowing. After winning the coin toss Whitchurch chose to play towards the clubhouse to take advantage of the wind. Evesham were a more experienced and heavier set of players and controlled the first 3 minutes of the game. Whitchurch settled into to their game plan of fast free flowing rugby and after 5 minutes Abe Spragg dominating the wing ran in a twenty metre try out pacing several of the Evesham players.
Although playing against a much bigger pack Whitchurch through good technique started to win all the set pieces. The next try game from a lineout which turned into a rolling maul. Steve Bloore one of the Whitchurch RFC team leaders is unstoppable from ten meters out and barrelled himself over for the second try.
As the game went on Whitchurch’s fitness proved to be the deciding factor and in the 33rd minute Jake “wedding Cake” Rees from the back of a scrum ran thirty meters through five Evesham players to score the third Whitchurch try. Danny Nicholas captain of Whitchurch converted twice.
Whitchurch gave away several penalties through frustration which gave the heads up to Evesham. Evesham converted a Penalty and just before the whistle for the first half scored a fine try.
At half time, the score was 19 – 8 to Whitchurch.
Matt Walker and Jamie Henderson-Jones made their debuts, and both showed that they had earned their place on merit.
The Second half began, and the “Brothers Grimm” Nathan and Elliot Horton rampaged around the park making holes in the Whitchurch defence. This created several opportunities and “the man mountain” Steve Bloor once again crossed the whitewash for another try.
Danny Nicholas orchestrated the backs and a move that started in Whitchurch’s 22 saw the ball quickly go up field and across the field. James Marvell whose confidence grows each week, finished off the move with a 40-metre dash to the line.
Again, through simple mistakes penalties were awarded to Evesham who converted one of them. Tom Skone who had an excellent game throughout at full back was given a rest in the last 15 minutes and was replaced with Jake Dodwell.
Jimmy Hockenhull, and Jamie Henderson-Jones came off with injuries and were replaced by two strong subs Jake Bailey and Ian Hockenhull. Whitchurch remained strong and their fitness was at another level.
A special mention must go to Isaac Wilding, Whitchurch’s, Swiss army knife. Whatever position you need him to play in the backs, he commands that position. He had an excellent game throughout and was one of the many that ensured Whitchurch’s win.
One of Whitchurch’s strongest but quietest players Henry Hockenhull always puts in a good shift. In a match he will help make several try’s but today he finished off the game by scoring a magnificent last try. In the second half Danny converted two more of the tries.
The game ended with Whitchurch beating Evesham thirty eight points to eleven. Next week sees Whitchurch take on Hereford away at Hereford. This should be an exciting game and we look forward to seeing our supporters at the match.
A big thank you goes out to the 250 plus supporters who turned up and became our 19th man! Your support really does help.
