Visitors’ numerical advantage takes its toll

HENLEY 3rds’ difficulties with a shortage of players and injuries have made it a disappointing start to this first quarter of the season.

Newly promoted after the success of last season, by winning every single game, and with only one loss in the previous season, this campaign has seen a stark contrast.

The same challenges were faced again in their latest match against Amersham and Chiltern 2nds, with only
12 players available, including being one short in the front row.

This required Henley to offer to play it competitively within certain RFU rules known as “game on” or play it as a friendly by conceding the game and, therefore, the points. Amersham chose to opt for the friendly which at least saved Henley from being deducted points but denied them the opportunity to gain points had they won.

Amersham took to the field with 15 players against Henley’s 12. This player advantage gave Amersham a converted try within only minutes from Henley’s kick-off. However, despite Henley’s player disadvantage their 12 men showed determination and talent from the off and responded immediately with an unconverted try from Ollie Heard on the wing.

Amersham were able to notch up two more converted tries before Aaron Bello simply outsprinted all of the Amersham backs to take another unconverted try. At 21-10 in Amersham’s favour within 20 minutes, it was looking to be a difficult afternoon for Henley.

Despite repeated incursions into Amersham’s half, it was simply too difficult for Henley to defend against such numerical advantage and by half-time they trailed 40-10.

The referee suggested calling the game at that point but Henley were still keen to continue. The referee agreed, albeit reserving the right to end this game at his discretion, as it was a friendly and not obliged to meet the
60 minutes minimum playing rule.

Due to injuries on both sides, Henley were only able to start the second half with 10 players, to Amersham’s 14. Amersham went on to score two more tries but after Louis Heard notched up Henley’s third try, converted by scrum half Tom Longley, the referee stopped the game, with Amersham winning 52-17.