The game was split into quarters and although the first one was scoreless, it showed the strengths in each side. Runwell had some powerful runners but Witham were strong in defence and itching to let the speedy backs loose.
In the second quarter, Witham used the pick and drive effectively, grinding their way towards the line. With only a couple of yards to go, Jon Andrew used his knowledge to stretch the ball forward. Contact with the base of the post was correctly awarded as the opening try. Converted by John Cox, a period of further pressure followed. When John Cox went for the blind side, Rob Bennett popped the ball from the back of the scrum. A short pass saw Paul Cole fighting to ground it in the corner. The referee deemed his efforts to be a second movement, so no try. Another try was awarded and then disallowed as the touch judge had spotted a fumble over the line. The 3rd quarter saw more chances come and go. Witham spilled the ball with a comfortable overlap and also a forward pass a couple of metres out saw Yoyo's break from number 8 pass without further score. But Witham were exerting a lot of pressure and eventually the passes stuck and Luke Standbridge finished neatly, also converting to give a 14-0 lead. As the game came to a close, Runwell entered the Witham 22. Their big men were determined to get a score but big hits from Michael Harrison, Yoyo and Nathan Frost kept them out. Eventually, they did make it through and you have to commend their work rate as they earned that try. With the final play, they were again in Witham's half. This time, they sent it through the backs to score in the corner as Witham's defence did not scramble quickly enough. A good competitive game with plenty of pointers for Josh to use in training. Well done to all who played and thanks to all who supported.