Sat 23 Nov 2019, 14:30
Witney travelled down to Wallingford looking to continue their excellent 100% record. But the day got off to a bad start as the Physio and medical kit was left back at the club house and Witney Chairman who was on route diverted to get it down to Wallingford.
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., 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 indiscretions was punished by a well struck Charles Capmbell penalty.
Witney piled on the pressure, but that cutting instinct seemed missing. Wallingford were good on the counter attack and The first try of the game came after a well-executed catch and drive on the right, saw Pete McKinley dive over in the corner . Campbell converted well from the touchline.
Witney looking unusually disorganised pushed on but on the 25-minute lost Captain Rob Coe to a foot injury. On came the experienced Carl Campbell . Witney looked to push on but a wayward pass on the half way line allowed Charles Campbell to intercept, and score under the posts and converting his own try
There was still time for Wallingford to convert another penalty for Witney indiscipline, as they went into half-time 20-0 up. It Looked like Witney hadn’t only forgotten the Physio kit we just didn’t look likely to score let alone win.
Coach Adam Copperwheat must have played his get out of jail free card at half time as the one change of Callum Godfrey coming on was the only change.
Needing to score quickly to have any chance the large away support didn’t have to wait long as the impressive lock Scott Mortimore went over with Tom Puddle converting 20-7
Witney now gaining the upper hand should have scored on the 50th minute but a yellow card for both sides was the outcome. On the 50rd Minute Callum Godfrey Got his try of the afternoon rampaging through Wallingford tiring defence and Puddle converting. 20-14
The away crowd now believing a win possible cheered on as on the 70th minute prop Simon Morris scored and once again puddle converted 20-21
Wallingford now looking shell shocked saw some light as Centre Godfrey went off injured but at the same time suffered a yellow card on 71minutes. Witney now playing against 14 men pushed on for the elusive 4th try and bonus point win. Penalty kicks turned down in favour of line out kicks showed the intention and on the 79th minute the outstretched arm of Carl Campbell was just enough to give us the 4th Try Conversion missed 20-26 . Wallingford looking to hit back took the kick off but kicked straight out of play game over.
Wallingford were great hosts with the pre match buffet and welcome and provided Witney with one of our hardest games for a long while a losing bonus point seems scant reward for such a dominant first half performance, but credit to our boys and management who found the belief and commitment when it was required and deserved the 5 points 9 from 9 role on the BlackandBlues
