Sat 21 Dec 2024
Longlevens completed the double over Witney last weekend in their last game of 2024. Conditions under foot were very wet and this was made even worse by a pre kick off downpour.
Despite the conditions the Griffins put in one of the best performances of the season that saw them score five tries to claim the bonus point.
The first of these was scored by James Butler who danced through the mud to squirm under the posts, converting his own score, 7-0.
Longlevens were always in control and they were held up over the line soon after. From the drop out the ball was fielded cleanly and a ruck set up. Joe Weatherley was at first receiver and he saw the defence open up for him. He put on the gas and went in from 40 yards to make the score 14-0.
This was to be the half time score, but the Griffins were making light work of the conditions and Witney hadn’t looked like scoring.
To be fair to Witney they started the 2nd half with more impetus and pressured Longlevens into a yellow card. They made the extra man count when a grubber was put into space for the winger to dot down, 14-5.
The Griffins then reasserted control and drew penalties from Witney. A kick to the corner set up a lineout drive and Matt Fatica peeled off to power over to widen the score out to 19-5.
Fatica was on hand again soon after to use his strength to muscle over near the posts to put the game beyond any doubt at 26-5.
Hooker Dave Edwards was struggling with the cold and wet and was told he could come off if he scored a try.
This perked him up and he bounced a few weak tackles to go over and promptly leave the field, bringing the Griffins to 33 points.
There was still time for Witney to assert some pressure and they benefited from a dubious refereeing decision to award a penalty try at the death, making the final score 33-12.
In dryer conditions this could well have been a higher score considering how well Longlevens played, however 33 points isn’t to be sniffed at and it meant 2024 finished on a high.
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