Tadley saw the return of Duncan Harris and Rob Morrison to the starting line up following illness and injury respectively. Paul Collins came in for the tight head Rob Lowe.
The back line had been some what re shuffled seeing Chris Dennison return and start at fly half and Charlie Cox moved onto the wing.
Tadley had a lot to prove to themselves following a disappointing performance last week against North Dorset. Corsham had comfortably won this fixture when playing at home before Christmas and their current league position still had them in contention with the leaders. The whole Tadley team knew this would be a challenging fixture.
Corsham kicked off and it was clear from a very early stage that the two teams were very evenly matched with the two sides exchanging tries in the first 20 minutes number 8 Mike Keeley showing that gaining weight isn't always a bad thing crashing over the Corsham Line. Corsham were then able to secure enough possession and territory to allow their kicker an attempt at a drop goal taking the score to 5-8.
Rob Morrison again showed his silky running skills to finish off what proved to be some excellent support play allowing Tadley to go onto half time with their noses just ahead at 10-8.
Corsham must have received a rousing talk from their coach during the break as they came back into this game with renewed vigour scoring shortly after the break to regain the lead. Tadley then allowed a further try through some quite sloppy defending and now had left themselves a mountain to climb in the time left with the score now at 22-10 in favour of the the away side. As is the case when need, Gavin Dampies came up with the goods with a long range effort that saw him score under the Corsham posts. This was duly converted by Chris Dennison bringing Tadley back to within striking distance . Corsham Slotted a further penalty taking them frustratingly further away. It was clear that the Tadley side were not prepared to settle for second best on this occasion, bolstered by replacements simon wightwick and Andy williams, Tadley upped the pace and attacked again, Rob Morrison claimed his second try of the game. The score line was now 25-25.
The Tadley pack worked the ball into striking range for Chris Dennsion who duly added the killer blow when the home team were awarded a penalty for infringement at the ruck. taking the score to 28-25.
This was how the scores remained and a performance that Tadley could be proud of, if a little rough around the edges in places but they showed the grit and determination that made up for the lack of precision.
Saturday 7th March Tadley welcome Sherbourne to Red Lane all support would be very welcome. 2.30KO
Tadley - G Dampies, C. Cox, R Morrison, A Pike, T Smith(A Williams 60), C Dennison, T Bailey, G Grierson, C Summers, P Collins, Boats, D Harris(Wightwick 60), R Murray(c), D Staley, M Keeley
Man of the Match- Alex Pike
|
