Longlevens were left to reflect on a frustrating afternoon after letting a commanding first half lead slip. Selection was stretched to its limits this week and those who stepped up did themselves proud, though at key moments a lack of belief crept in when the game was there to be won.
Despite conceding first, the Griffins settled quickly and responded through Piers Fortey, who powered over from close range to level the scores at 7–7. Witney edged back ahead with a penalty, but Longlevens were beginning to impose themselves. James Butler burst cleanly through the middle for a well-taken try to make it 14–10, only for Witney to reply almost immediately to edge back in front at 14–15.
The remainder of the half belonged firmly to Longlevens. Alfie Turner finished off a flowing move following good work from Isaac Meredith, before Dave Edwards drove over from a well-executed catch-and-drive. At half-time, Longlevens held a deserved 24–15 lead and appeared firmly in control.
The second half, however, swung on a pivotal moment. Had the Griffins scored first after the restart, the game may well have been beyond Witney. Instead, a failure to gather the kick-off handed the visitors an immediate opportunity, which they ruthlessly converted. That score shifted momentum, and Witney began to dominate through their powerful ball carriers, running in three further tries to put the result beyond reach.
Longlevens continued to show spirit and were rewarded late on when Fortey crossed for his second try of the afternoon, but it proved only a consolation as Witney closed out a 43–31 victory.
Disappointing given the first-half dominance, but there were plenty of positives to take. With players expected back next week, the Griffins will look to bounce back away at basement side Cheltenham. Credit must go to all 36 players who turned out across both sides this weekend and did the club proud.
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