Sat 9 Nov 2019, 14:30
Witney 1st Xv travelled to Reading Abbey wondering if the game would be on by the time they got there. Heavy continual rain, closed roads and a postcode that send you into the middle of nowhere wasn’t the best preparations for the game.
However, the game was on and Witney started up hill with the wind and rain in their faces. The pack was starting to dominate, but handling wasn’t quite on and a penalty to Abbey followed. 3-0
This looked like it could be one of those days where the conditions wouldn’t allow Witney to play, but with the coaches issuing instructions from the side lines and cheered on by a tiny handful of away supporters Witney got into shape. Inform Callum Godfrey bursting through for 2 tries before half time both converted by Tom Puddle meant Witney went in at Half time 3-14 up.
Losing Alex Foggett to a suspected fractured leg before half time and with Scott Mortimer and Lloyd Allen both carrying knocks Thoughts of holding on to the lead were uppermost.
However, that thought didn’t last long as Rhys Morgan sped away down the wing to score under the post another converted try by Puddle saw the score board tick over to 3-21.
Abbey now without replacements due to injuries held on but Alistair Anderson ran through the middle to score 3-28 .
Callum Godfrey now freely rampaging in the centres scored out wide for his hattrick of tries but the angle and conditions made the kick difficult as we watched the ball hit the upright 3-33
With Time running out and the result not in question everyone was hoping the referee would blow up however he played the injury time which Jake Thomas saw as his chance to score and Puddle added the extras 3-40.
All in all a very satisfactory performance in awful conditions, where neither side gave up.
With news filtering through that the Second team and third team both had bonus points wins the celebrations were well under way and a Steak night at the Fox Leafield was well received.
