Abingdon Station vs Witney 2nds

Abingdon Station travelled the short distance to Hailey Road to take on Witney 2nds in the first floodlight game of the season.

Having invited Witney to the Station Open Day 7’s tournament, this fixture was Witney’s way of saying thanks. It was scheduled to be a 4 x 20 minute practice game, thus allowing both sides to run out as many players as possible. Abingdon took along 27 players for the game and it was a strong 1st XV that took the field in the new red Abingdon Station strip.

With a squad of 27 players and very few training sessions,it was likely to be a disjointed affair and from the start the well drilled Witney side attacked the Abingdon try line. The Station stood firm and rebuffed wave after wave of Witney attacks, eventually forcing the error and clearing the Abingdon line.

LCpl Humphreys attempting to break out from defence

The cavalry arrives - Maj Andy Geary, Pte Thorley and bringing up the rear Capt Jase Lowe

Abingdon’s lineout worked well and good clean ball allowed the backs to move the ball. Solid tackling from Witney prevented a score and after 10 minutes it was Witney who took the lead with a well worked backs move. 5-0.

This score acted as a catalyst and the forwards mounted surge after surge driving at the heart of the Witney defence. Eventually the pressure paid off and having won good line out ball, the pack drove over to score 5-5. Abingdon continued to press and with seconds to go before the end of the first quarter Abingdon were awarded a penalty in front of the sticks. Instead of taking the 3 points or scrumming down, Abingdon chose to kick to touch, unfortunately they missed the kick and Witney cleared their lines. First quarter 5 all.

Abingdon made 8 changes for the second quarter, it gave an opportunity for new players to show what they’re had. Once again it took time for the team to gel and it was good to see some of the more experienced players taking the mantle and raising performances across the park. Witney’s organisation showed and holes appeared in the Abingdon defence and 2 quick tries saw Witney move to a 12-0 lead. Abingdon did fight back and finished the second quarter deep in the Witney 22 but were unable to cross the try line. Second quarter 12-0.

The 3rd quarter saw yet more changes in the Abingdon line up, new players introduced and others were asked to play out of position, again it was a sluggish start from Abingdon, the naivety of some of the junior players was exploited by the experience and flair in the Witney back line. Witney again scored 2 quick tries to move to a 12-0 lead, these tries again sparked the Abingdon team and for the final 5 minutes of the 3rd quarter the team pressed hard. Good straight running and close support saw Abingdon get in behind the Witney defence, it was only the final pass that went astray preventing a well deserved Abingdon score just before the whistle to end the quarter.

Sgt Goodchild taking the ball forward

Abingdon Station & Witney supporting the 10 for 10 Charity

The final quarter saw what the coach deemed as the best XV take the park. Abingdon were fired up and keen to give a good last 20 minutes, it was an excellent display of hard rugby. Witney tackling was tested to the full as Abingdon pressed hard for a score. Once again it was the final ball that went awry and allowed Witney to clear their lines. From the clearance it was now Abingdon under pressure and with the role reversed Abingdon tackled well and prevented a score. With minutes to go Abingdon pushed hard, the forwards mounted attack after attack and as the whistle blew for the end of the game it was Witney that heaved a sigh of relief. 4th quarter 0-0.

Abingdon had been well tested against a very well drilled Witney side, plans are already in place for a full game at the end of the season. This practice game was an excellent sounding board for coaches and players to see exactly where rugby in Abingdon is at – and the future looks good, with a full season of fixtures ahead Abingdon Station is definately the place to be if you want to play RLC rugby this season.