Sat 14 Dec 2019, 14:15
Witney were looking to round of the year with their 11-consecutive win against second in the league Aylesbury. Backed by a large crowd who had just enjoyed a full Christmas dinner at the chairman’s lunch hopes were high. Aylesbury had other ideas as they started strongly with the wind behind them They quickly got on top of Witney a penalty on the 13th Minute by Aylesbury’s Gary Horne was missed but minutes later Andrew Hackett went over and Horne converted 0-7 Witney re grouped and the forwards pushed for the line and Lloyd Allen dotted down with Tom Puddle adding the extras 7-7 and so the score remained until half time despite another penalty miss by Horne.
The second half started Witney using replacements to effect Saw Rob Coe score conversion missed 12-7 . Aylesbury hit back and on the 49th Minute scored a try by Matt Hodson conversion missed. 12-12. Almost straight from the kick off Witney were awarded a penalty and Puddle added the points 15-12 Witney brought on more replacements and the change instantly let Aylesbury in to score through Peter Gorley and Horne adding the points 15-19
Aylesbury now under pressure had a resolute defence and with the clock ticking towards the full time mark Witney looked like a first defeat was almost certain especially as Lambourne was Yellow carded on the 76th Minute . Witney still pushed on and a line out half way in the Aylesbury half was the catalyst for the best bit of rugby played all afternoon. The ball won at the back of the line out was quickly work out to the left hand wing where Rhys Morgan was given a 1on 1 situation and the speed merchant showed a fine turn of speed as backed by Godfrey he ran over to score. Puddle added the extras 22-19
Witney played out the final minutes to secure another win. A good hard fought game which could have gone either way but with the 8 points missed by Aylesbury’s kicker being the difference between the teams Witney considered them selves rather forntunate.
