With Ollie firmly back in the chair after his wife enforced absence, the Vets ship was once again back on an even keel, although it was noted that Jase Lowe was reluctant to hand back the reins. The compact changing rooms at Shrivenham were packed with an array of experience, all ready to pull on the recently acquired new Vets strip, sorry it wasn’t as pink as the photo portrayed!
As is the norm, there were numerous numbers of forwards and a sparse spattering of backs that made the walk up to the misty wet pitch for the warm up, first time I’ve seen the Vets actually running backs moves and forwards actually deciding on a trigger number – very organised Ollie.
Having sorted out the starting 15, the Vets prepared to receive the kick from a well fired up Shrive side, from the off the Vets looked to run at the Academy defence, not through the backs but through the most unlikely of sources, Al Tindale – running like a teenager being chased by the police, he set off on a mazy 30 m run dragging would be tacklers with him. From the ruck Geryn Jones released the rampant forwards, fired up and wanting to smash as many intellects as possible they recycled quick ball and the backs exploited the frailties of the Shrive back line with Si Townsend crashing over for an early score after only 3 minutes.
The forwards continued to dominate and close driving saw Shrive on the back foot for most of the first 20 minutes, the Vets were rampant. The bench were nagging to get on and after 20 minutes a mass change in the pack brought on fresh legs and yet more desire to attack. After 22 minutes the Vets stretched their lead to 12 -0 with a converted try from Gibbo after some strong running and quick hands from the backs.
Shrive rallied and fought back with some savage rucking, moving the ball through their backs they hoofed the ball down field, Dan Ratu was thrown to the ground and bounced back to his feet but was penalised by the excitable ‘my way’ referee. The penalty in front of the post was kicked and Shrive added to their score with a try direct from the re-start. Despite some of the starting line up trying to get back on the shore up the defence, the bench manager remained calm and the Vets turned around at half time 12-8 up.
A rousing half time talk from the skipper was totally ignored by the team and manager Ollie decided to go back to the starting 15, unfortunately he’d forgotten that Geryn had found a hamstring and decided to pull it 20 minutes earlier!!
As the mist descended the ball became wetter and several handling mistakes started to creep into the game, most notable would be the one from Col ** (name excluded, to protect the innocent), in front of his personal supporters, the last notable event of an otherwise flawless performance!!
The remainder of the 2nd half became a physical battle within the forwards, several minor dust ups added to the tension, with only one score separating the teams the pressure mounted, some superb handling between the Vets backs and forwards led to the final score of the game as Suka raced in from 22m out to score, John Armour converted to make the final score 19-8.
Another notable performance was from Wayne Morris, his control, direction and leadership was pivotal to the success in the 2 minutes that he took to the field.
Despite the absence of the legend that is the Vets have now notched up back to back wins and look forward to taking on the RE Vets in Abingdon on Dec 7th KO 1100, calling notice to follow.
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