Wallingford vs Grove RFC

Wallingford 1st XV Vs Grove 1st XV - Match Day Report

Counties 1 Tribute Southern North League Match
Date: 14th October 2023
Kick Off: 14:00
Venue: Wallingford RFC, Hithercroft Sports Park, Hithercroft Road, Wallingford, OX10 9RB

*Starting Squad*
1. Joe Cooper
2. Steven Dixey
3. George Hook
4. Elliot Martin
5. Sam Cooper
6. Tom Wilson
7. Alex Harris
8. Rob Tyreman
9. Ollie Nicholl (C)
10. Charlie Roberts
11. Billy Haist
12. Louis Richards
13. Seb Titcombe
14. Dylan Reeves
15. Luke Mathews

*Replacements*
16. Tom McCarthy
17. Lawrence Birkhead
18. Jack Burton

First Half Overview

From kick off Grove chase well to pin Wallingford into there 22, however a series of high tackle penalties against Grove allow Wallingford to get up the pitch quickly and put the pressure on Grove. From the resulting lineout Wallingford construct the maul that drives forward. George Hook penalised for being offside and sent to the bin. Wallingford continue to put the pressure, this bring another yellow for Luke Matthews. Grove down to 13. Eventually Wallingford take advantage of the number’s advantage to score in the score. Conversion missed. Wallingford are penalised for a high tackle and with the resulting pen Grove opts for a kick at the post, Louis Richard puts it narrowly wide. Wallingford are again penalised for another high tackle and with the resulting pen Grove again opts for a kick at the post, which Louis Richards takes advantage of and slots it to put 3 points on the board.

Grove lose the ball forward in contact to give Wallingford a scrum. From the resulting phases they break through Grove’s defensive line and score to the right of the posts, Wallingford get the conversion. From a Grove scrum we push through the phases, Rob Tyreman and Ollie Nicholl break the Wallingford defensive line. Under the pressure Wallingford give away another penalty, which Grove again opt for a kick at the posts. Louis Richards again keeps Grove’s score ticking over and adds another 3. Shortly after the half was brought to an end.

Not the best half of rugby but against the odds and down on numbers Grove stood strong to keep themselves in the game going into the 2nd half.

HT Score: Wallingford 1st XV 12-6 Grove 1st XV

Second Half Overview

Wallingford get the match underway, with good carries from Alex Harris and Lawrence Birkhead get Grove up towards the halfway but knocked on in a later contact. From a good forward run by Billy Haist up the wing put Grove onto the front foot, from a Grove penalty Charlie Roberts doesn’t quite get it into touch but with a good chase Billy Haist forcing Wallingford to put it into touch just outside there 22. A kick through from Louis Richards puts Wallingford under pressure and Grove are able to win the penalty 5 yards out. As the players begin to get up, a physical altercation breaks out resulting in a Wallingford player being sent off for a punch. Grove opt for the scrum. Off the base Rob Tyreman picks and go’s through the Wallingford defensive line to score. Louis Richards slots the conversion to add the 2 extras.

Grove penalised for a high tackle just inside their own half, Wallingford opts for a kick at the posts and their kicker takes the opportunity to add the 3. Again Grove penalised for another high tackle and Wallingford again opt for the kick at the post leading to the same result pushing the score out to 18-13. Wallingford penalised for hands on the floor at the ruck, Charlie Roberts kicks Grove up into Wallingfords 22. Grove construct the Maul from the lineout, Wallingford penalised for pulling it down. Grove opt for the Scrum. Grove them push through the phases to try and break through the Wallingford defensive line. With Grove not getting through Louis Richards opts to kick for the corner and with a favourable bounce, Dylan Reeves collects to score in the corner. Louis Richards then has the opportunity to win the game with a difficult conversion attempt out wide but unfortunately doesn’t get it. The match then brought to a close ending in a draw.

FT Score: Wallingford 1st XV 18-18 Grove 1st XV

Tries: Rob Tyreman, Dylan Reeves
Conv: Louis Richards
Pens: Louis Richards x2

Quarters
20: 5-0
HT: 12-6
60: 15-13
FT: 18-18

Opponents:
Tries: 2
Conv: 1
Pens: 2

MOM: Louis Richards - 12