It was as if we had never been away, a short cross country drive to Whitchurch, the frost still crisp underfoot the sun high in the sky, the dulcet tones of coach Beeley echoing across the pitch, we all knew rugby was back.The fixture was a bit of an unknown facing a Whitchurch team having representatives in the Cheshire county squad it looked every possibility that it would be a tough test back for the lads after the festive break.
However Warrington’s speed and handling would show that there is no substitute for pace.
From the kick off fast hands from Ollie down the left saw him find Luke and only a forward pass prevented Roma racing away to score. From the resulting scrum a knock on by the Whitchurch centre and Benny pounces on the loose ball, stepping round his opposite number to race away 60m down the touchline to score. Conversion by JP 0-7.
The second score wasn't far away, a lineout for Whitchurch and the No.10 fails to find touch with his clearing kick, Ollie collects on half way, running cross field he finds Roma who races down the other touchline to score. Conversion by JP 0-14.From the restart the pressure was back on Whitchurch, Eddie collects and hands on to Ollie who in turn finds Luke and again on to Roma who races 50m before being tackled, Whitchurch are penalised at the breakdown, from the resulting kick to touch and lineout Matt finds Jack at the front of the lineout and with a quick tap back 2 passes later Benny scores again. JP conversion 0-21.The boys seem to be in full flow now, Kellan collects the restart, evading 2 defenders before releasing Benny down the right wing racing 85m to score. 0-26.Again from the restart a 20m break from Theo who hands on to Charlie who makes a further 20m from the resulting mellay, Kellan spots a gap at the base of the ruck to race 40m to score. Conversion by JP 0-33.From the restart Whitchurch eventually manage to create some pressure of their own,Holding onto the ball for a good 4-5 minutes, gaining 2 penalties it looked as though they would force their way over, but a ball steal by Andy K, a long pass from Luke finds Benny who races down the line looking to score again, but great credit to the Whitchurch cover tacklers who prevent a further score. From the resulting possession Whitchurch work the ball up field through the forwards, just as it seems they might break through, a one on one ball steal by Eddie who releases Roma, using his pace and strength he evades 4 would be tacklers to race in for another for score. Conversion by JP 0-40.
Good ball retention from the restart and good handling from the backs creates a gap for Charlie to race through and with the line at his mercy" the gunman from the grassy knoll" fells him just short of the line, he looks to have made it to score, but the ref decides it’s a double movement??????From the ensuing scrum a strike against the head for Matt Bullock, JP picks up from the base of the scrum goes blindside finding Eddie who in turn finds Tom Hill to ghost in at the corner.0-45.As halftime approaches a ripple of applause from the side line, it’s great to see Michael Fulwell return to the frame.
Again from the restart a score, this time Josh manages to hang on to a kick off, before inter play between Ollie and Luke, the latter drawing the fullback to release JP to sprint in from 40m.
HALFTIME 0-52
The second half began with scrappy play from both teams, until the forwards managed to maintain possession allowing space for Luke to assess to situation before a cross field kick bounced perfectly for the on rushing Roma to collect and score, however the touch judge on the far side called for offside (very dubious) and the ref pulls the play back. Both teams seemed to be feeling the cold, struggling to keep hold of the ball, and after a string of penalties for offside, and the away team receiving a warning another penalty pushes the refs patience too far and JP feels the wrath taking a 10 minute rest. Numerical advantage tells, Whitchurch force their way over for a score, thoroughly deserved for not letting their heads go down. 5-52
More scrappy play ensued from the restart with both teams unable to maintain a period of pressure, until Matt Antrobus finds some space; a short pass looks to have sent Roma in for another score, but the ref pulls play back for a forward pass. From the resulting scrum the Whitchurch No.10 fails to find touch and a run from Roma and quick recycling from the forwards sees Eddie spot a gap and snipe in for another score.
Eddie converts 5-59.
With Warrington back at full numbers the home side enjoy a continued spell with ball in hand forcing Warrington to give away further penalties this time resulting in Kellan taking the same walk as JP to enjoy a 10 minute rest, deja vu, 1 player down, and the home team take advantage their winger showing great pace and balance to sprint down the side line to score.
Successful conversion 12-59.
With the touchline toes now feeling the cold, the home team fail to find touch, once again Roma finds space for a run, the forwards are there for support and a Crossfield kick from Luke is gathered by Tom who flicks a deft little pass inside for the returningBenny to score.12-64
One final chance from the restart, some nice inter play between the forwards frees Roma again but good cover from Whitchurch forces him into touch giving the ref the opportunity to blow the whistle for full time. 12-64
The boys will face tougher opposition I’m sure but after a 3 week layoff it was good to see how eager they all were and I am sure coach Beeley was pleased to have a run out.