Having beaten Windsor last weekend, all knew their work was only half done and for the previous game to be success a victory would need to follow, as well as the 2 points that was crucial to South West 2 survival this season. The home side made two changes to the winning team of last week, ex Chippenham Centre Ed Smith came in for this full debut, with 2nd Team skipper Lee Meagor coming in at number 8 as well as Tadley welcoming back Paul Collins and Duncan Harris to the bench.
With the game ebb and flowing for the first 15 minutes it was to be the visiting side that eventually took the upper hand. Tadley had seemed half asleep during times in the first half and after numerous missed and poor tackles Henley deservedly scored the opening try. The home side could count themselves lucky to only be the 5 points down, which was largely due to the excellent defence of Alex Pike.
Against the run of play the home side closed the gap as Raymond slotted over a Penalty to close the score to 3-5, but Henley soon replied with a 3 pointer of their own to reopen the 5-point gap, after yet another powerful run by their massive winger. This however was the least of the Red Lane outfit’s problems as their Buckinghamshire Rivals drove over form the 22 to open up a 3-13 deficit with only a few minutes of the first half to play.
This though turned out to be the wakeup and turning point for Tadley as they replied through a well-worked team try which was ultimately finished after quick hands from Bailey and Seal who fed converted Centre Andy Craig to crash over to reduce the arrears to 8-13 at the half way stage.
A want for victory was largely emphasised at the half time team talk as well as collectively upping the defence come the second half and although Henley opened the scoring through another penalty this was to prove their only points of the second half as contrary to recent weeks Tadley were to close the oppositions attacking force out.
With Tadley and their front row of Lowe, Choules and Grierson yet again dominating the scrums and with the rest of their pack producing clean ball on many a breakdown this was allowing quick ball for Bailey and Raymond to slowly take control and gain the upper hand of this must win game.
The home side responded to their forwards fine play by coming straight back with a Raymond penalty and narrowing the score to 11-16 with all to play for with 20 minutes to go.
With the game wide open fast ball was secured on the Henley 22 and with the ball fed to the backs it was left to Man of the Match Alex Pike to power his way over in the corner to tie the score at 16-16, but not before the heavens opened and the rain poured onto the pitch leaving Raymond with a near on impossible conversation. However true to form of recent fixtures the veteran fly half slotted the extra points over from far out wide and took his team into a 2-point lead.
With the weather worsening, the cloud thickening and the clock ticking Tadley just needed to close out the game to gain the victory and this was helped when a penalty was converted by Raymond to take the lead to 5 points. With Henley throwing everything at Tadley, the home sides defence stood firm as numbers 1-15 gave all they had to hang on to victory and this was duly rewarded when the referee blew for full time.
With Tadley’s second win in as many games they have now opened up a 4-point gap between themselves and the team below and not only that but there is now a true sense of belief back in the club and the 1st fifteen.
Pump Technology Man of the Match-Alex Pike
Tadley - Grierson (Collins 65mins), Choules, Lowe, Tucker, Campbell (Harris 50mins), Nicholson, Seal, Meagor, Bailey(C) Raymond, Pike, Smith, Dennison, Dampies.
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