Published: Wednesday, 19th November, 2008 11:00
Abbey record first win
By Nigel Sutcliffe
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Henley Wanderers 3, Reading Abbey 14
Skipper Fungai Mutepfa
ABBEY have something to celebrate at last after their first South West 2 East success of the season.
It was a deserved victory based on a gritty display by the forwards, although the whole side played their part.
Skipper Fungai Mutepfa said: “I knew it was going to happen soon. We have shown passion and commitment all along.
“I never thought we were a bad side, but we have been unlucky with injuries. The young players, although not the finished product, are growing in confidence.”
Abbey’s scrum was superior throughout, Tom Bryson put in an impressive display at the lineout, while half backs Steve Drake and Adam Hurst operated well together.
There was smart handling and tackling in the backs, with Reza Weller impressive at full-back – the only disappointment being the win was not bigger.
The victory must have been acted as a tonic for absent player-coach Glenn Hunt, suffering from septicaemia. Alan Kilford and Phil Hall took charge of the team. On the plus side, second row forward Sam Hallett returned to the squad after a lengthy lay-off, while veteran Steve Willis resumed.
Henley took an early lead when full back Robin Coackley kicked a simple penalty after six minutes, but within a minute Hurst had equalised from easy range.
At the end of the first quarter Abbey were encamped in the Henley twenty-two and Hurst converted another simple kick for a high tackle to make it 6-3.
Abbey maintained their territorial advantage and were rewarded with a fine try after 33 minutes following good build up work.
Hurst kicked ahead and Weller, following up smartly, won the race to the ball but Hurst’s conversion attempt was wide.
Henley suffered a blow just before the break when No 8 Mark Venner left the field with an injury to be replaced by Matthew Chapman.
The only points of the second half came after 10 minutes from a Hurst drop goal from the 22 following good work by Steve Drake and the forwards.
Abbey had a scare when Henley flanker Will Woodward intercepted a pass on his own twenty-two metre line, but he was caught by Christoff Bart then penalised for holding on to the ball.
The latter stages of the match were dominated by Abbey’s pack, with Willis putting in some typical big hits as the visitors spent the final minutes in the Henley 22.
If the players can build on this showing, boosted by skipper Fungai Mutepfa’s passionate leadership, they should climb the table. The Rosehill men have a fortnight’s break before visiting High Wycombe in the league on November 29.
Abbey: R Weller, O Gaspa-Rebul, A Ross, C Burch, C Bart, A Hurst, S Drake, G Southwood, H Williams, F Mutepfa (Captain), J Hallett, T Bryson, S Willis, C Emmett, E Robinson (rep S Hallett). Replacements not used: O Charlton, N Tovey
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