Whitchurch 74 vs Newcastle (Staffs) 10
Whitchurch were looking to keep their 8 match unbeaten run going against a Newcastle side that where half way looking to avenge the big win in the home tie. Whitchurch against the wind in the first half were the first on the scoreboard following a turnover from Liam Udy who passed out for Harry Jackson to make a strong run before being tackled just short of the line and Liam then managed to score near the posts for James Marvell to convert. The home side were then penned in their own half and had to do some good defensive tackles but managed to keep the Staffordshire side out until the 20th minute when Liam Udy sold a brilliant dummy to score by the posts again to put the home side 14 points up. Newcastle never gave up and were next on the scoresheet scoring a try by their winger in the corner but the conversion for the extras was missed. Veteran Jake Rees then drove over to give the Reds a cushion which was then extended on the stroke of half time with captain Ian Gillespie driving over for another try under the posts for Marvell to convert before the half time whistle blew to give Whitchurch a 26:5 lead at the break.
The home side scored the next try following a Tom Smith charge down when Newcastle trying to clear their lines and as the ball bounced into the try scoring area their defenders clashed allowing Tom Tilley to get on the scoresheet. Whitchurch’s superior fitness was now starting to show as Liam Udy picked up the ball and passed to Harry Jackson who made ground all afternoon passed to fellow last years colt Henry Appleby to score under the posts which was converted again. Domination continues as a good inside pass from Udy to Max Clarke who sidestepped the defender to go over the try line again for the home side. More good passing from Whitchurch saw man of the match Tom Smith run a perfect line to break through and score again. Max Clarke then got a yellow card for and Newcastle scored from the penalty given but then an excellent cross kick from second row Jake Rees found Liam Udy running down the line and scored in the corner. Tom Tilley went to cover Max at scrum half and made a good break before passing to Henry Hockenhull to score in the corner. The Newcastle team were now well beaten and in the last 2 minutes 2 more tries were scored both by Ben Mason the second one just showed his strength and power as he crossed the line withy 3 defenders trying to pull him down. The last one was converted by Danny Nicholas to leave the final score 74 : 10
The was a big win scoring 12 tries with contributions coming from all over the pitch. Where as Whitchurch used to rely heavily on the forwards to win games we now have some exciting backs who are prepared to run with the ball and pass out wide for wingers to score. The strength in depth in the squad is showing now as we get to the final half of the season will be tested as there are 4 players who are going travelling or back to university and next week will be a particular hard game again Burntwood, the only team to have beaten Whitchurch so far this season and they managed a win at 2nd. placed Crewe and Nantwich last week. Next week kick of time is 2:15 at Burntwood.
