OLD TIFFINIANS 7 WINCHESTER 20
The sight of a dozen Canada Geese on third-placed Old Tiffinians muddy pitch before kick-off indicated the appalling weather conditions which both sides would encounter, (writes Dai Henley). Winchester handled the conditions better than Tiffs, making fewer unforced errors with a more settled team combination – just two changes from the previous week.
Skipper and fly-half Tom Fieldsend put in a man of the match performance, with his choice of tactics from the start.After six minutes, he kicked a penalty, awarded for a desperately late tackle to open his account. Winchester’s scrum dominated the early set pieces with Josh Pallet, Jimmy Wallis and the ever-green Ben Turner making their mark. Not to be outdone, second-rowers, Harry Arkley and Josh Bradley made storming runs ensuring Winchester had the majority of possession.
With half-an-hour played, Full back Tommy Hare made his trademark break and set up a try for Centre Alex Kern, whose speed and power proved too much for Tiffs defence. Fieldsend converted, bringing the score to 0-10.
Winchester immediately went further ahead after the referee awarded a yellow card to Tiffs prop, Ross Hobbs, for another late tackle close to Tiffs tryline. Seconds later, Fieldsend’s quick thinking took full advantage, scoring close to the posts. His conversion brought the half-time score to 0 - 17.
Tiffs began the second half well, pressing Winchester’s line with 20 phases of close play. Winchester’ defended well, but couldn’t stop Tiffs prop, Hobbs, going over Winchester’s try line, making up for his yellow card. Full back Ben Sykes converted. At 7-17 Tiffs supporters began to believe they could win the match.
However, Winchester’s coaching team responded, shuffling their back line, bringing on centre Will Taylor, who’d recently returned from playing rugby in New Zealand. He made an immediate impression, putting in two bone-rattling tackles within minutes, which energised the team.
Fieldsend added further points, converting a penalty, again for a late tackle. With the score at 7 - 20, for the remaining 20 minutes, Winchester retained the ball with several phases of close play. They also snuffed out any chance of a Tiffs revival.
After the match, Head Coach Chris Searle said ‘I couldn’t be prouder of the boys. To go away from home and beat a side who are third in the league is a fantastic achievement. We showed tremendous character, discipline and, above all, togetherness. Results like these don’t happen by chance – they’re earned through hard work, belief and a willingness to fight for each other.’
The win moves Winchester up to fifth in the league, just short of the promotion playoffs.
Next week they play old foes, second-placed Tottonians, at home. Totts are unbeaten this season. Based on this performance, and building on improving teamwork from a team recovering from an unprecedented injury list, a resurgent Winchester have a realistic chance of progressing further. (Ends).
