Wildboys prove too strong in county cup

DRY Leas had been picked to host the Oxfordshire Cup Final this season.

Henley 2nds were back in action in this competition after not being involved for a few seasons with the hope of getting to a home final at the end of the season.

However, in the first round they crashed out to tough opponents Chinnor Wildboys last Saturday.

The home side blooded some up-and-coming youngsters and also had Guy Rawsthorn back from an injury in the first game of the season. There were also debuts for ex-colt Henry Neal and new signing Soli Whittaker. However, Henley also had a couple of injuries to deal with before the game meaning a complete reshuffle of their back line.

The Wildboys kicked off and started off strongly, not allowing Henley the chance to get the ball in hand. Morgan Poiner, who had an impressive game in both attack and defence, led the line with big offensive tackles. Henry Brothers was able to slow the ball down and also collected a couple of turnovers.

Will Cassar, playing out of position at scrum half, did his best to be able to organise the defence. The Wildboys scored three first-half tries, all in the corner to lead 15-0.

The second half was played in similar fashion, the visitors starved Henley of the ball and got their just rewards by building the phases up and taking advantage of a tiring Henley defence. They scored three unanswered and unconverted tries in the second half.