Sat 13 Sep 2025
Longlevens travelled to Witney on Saturday and produced a much-improved performance to secure a comprehensive 64–12 victory, running in 10 excellent tries. After a tough opening-week win where defensive standards slipped, the Griffins tightened up across the pitch, working hard to put into practice what they’ve been drilling in training.
The scoring opened in familiar fashion when Steve Phillips powered over from a typically hard carry. Moments later, Jack Beck pounced on an interception to race clear for Longlevens’ second. Witney responded with a try of their own, but the visitors hit back in style. Young winger Alfie Turner showed his pace to scorch in, before a flowing move across the backline saw Harry Atkinson finish smartly in the corner.
Brad Wilkins then sold a great dummy close to the line to cross, before Witney struck back again to make it 26–12. Longlevens stayed composed, however, and Turner doubled his tally by gathering a clever kick through. By half-time, the Griffins were firmly in control at 38–12.
The second half saw Longlevens continue to dominate, keeping the pressure on both up front and out wide. Dave Edwards was on hand to finish a well-executed catch-and-drive, followed by a deserved score for Jed Holman-Jones. The visitors’ tempo never dropped, and Jaiden Vance, who impressed throughout, sprinted clear for another try. The final word went to the ever-dangerous Tom Barton, who capped the scoring to seal a 64–12 win.
With two away wins from two and maximum points to start the season, Longlevens head into next week’s big local derby against Cheltenham in confident mood. It will be the first time in several years the two sides have met at 1st XV level, and promises to be a cracker.
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