Whitchurch 46 pts - Veyseyans 22 pts

There was a huge amount of expectation at Whitchurch Rugby Club on this opening day of the league season and it did not disappoint. From the kick off, the power and speed of the home side was obvious and they went ahead within ten minutes through a try from the outstanding Harvey Leonard. The returning Robbie Leighton converted. The reds continued their dominance and soon Tom Smith was crossing to make it 12 to nil. Veyseyans immediately took advantage of the Shropshire men’s casualness and reminded them that they were in a game as they scored a converted try of their own to cut the score to 12 – 7. Whitchurch woke up again and powered their way forward. A long penalty by Danny Nicholas found touch ten metres out. The catch and drive saw Sean O’Donnell touch down wide out. On the stroke of half time, the visitors won a penalty close in and the resulting kick saw the halftime score 17 – 10 to Whitchurch.

It did not take long in the second half for the Edgeley Park men to start a red wave and a wonderful handling movement saw an opportunity for the imperious Nathan Horton to scorch through to score under the posts. Leighton converted comfortably. From the restart, Whitchurch went on the rampage and Robbie Leighton himself seared through a floundering defence to score. James Marvel converted. Ten minutes later, a yellow card was shown to Veyseyans for foul play. From the penalty, Leonard went over for his second try and Leighton converted. At 38 – 10 ahead, the home side became complacent and let slip another try and conversion. A period of Whitchurch dominance saw them awarded a penalty and James Marvell split the sticks. In the dying minutes, Whitchurch began to play Barbarian Rugby in a move that crossed the pitch twice before Marvell took a long pass from Nicholas and touched down unhindered in the corner. Leading 46 – 17,

With seconds to go, Whitchurch again went to sleep and the gallant visitors scored a consolation try to make the final score 46 – 22 to Whitchurch.

Director of Rugby, Danny Matthews was delighted with the overall performance and praised his coaching team as well as the new spirit within the club. His joy was enhanced when news came through that Whitchurch second fifteen had won 51 – 22 away to Essington firsts.