| This score doesn’t look too impressive but don’t be deceived, this wasn’t a thumping just a defeat
by a side with only a passing link to Henley and as much passion as a piece of cucumber that has flopped out of
a luke warm glass of Pimms. Reading on the other hand played with a heart and passion that can put the hairs on
the back of your neck on end. To say I was proud of the lads today is an understatement, there was enough grit
out there to keep ice off the Llanberis Pass and Rooster Coburn happy! |
| Where did it go wrong? Well to begin with a few lucky breaks, persistent and unpunished offside
assisted Henley but their biggest advantage was their size and weight. Reading’s pack is small and mobile but
ultimately doesn’t have the grunt to see off a pack like this. This is not to say that Henley didn’t play well
at times but for me Reading had the edge in poise and style. |
| There are a few notable passages of play which lead to the tries scored by Dougie Brickendon (wing)
and Peter C2Z (Centre), both of which involved much of the team. Besides these moments a number of players
stood out for me, (not all of which travelled in my car!), albeit Callum Healey’s (No 8) take down of the big
Henley lock was awesome, although never to be condoned!!!!! In truth this was a flash of the old Reading side as
those trusty warriors Liam Fairhurst (Flanker) and Lee Hempton (Fly-Half ) were ‘first on scene’ to lend a hand. |
| Newcomers Will Parkes (Centre) and Keiron Oliver ( Scrum Half) had great debuts and Peter C2Z was
outstanding, whilst French Ben (wing) had a good start. I was particularly pleased to see Will Cocks
(Full Back) and Ben Mitchell (Flanker) play with such maturity and determination. Rob Cunningham (Lock) was
awesome and Tim Hannah (Prop) superb. As I write this I am pondering the relative of the match and as ever
it is arbitrary and in my gift, and, despite all these fine performances, I have chosen to award it to two
people: – Heather Allan for her son David Watson’s (Lock) outstanding effort and to Trevor Prince for his son
Richard Prince’s (Prop) graft. |
| Indeed it wasn’t David’s broken nose that caused him to leave the field just cramp!
Well done Heather and Trevor! |
| Matt Healey |