RUGBY UNION: Monks' try double sees Witney home (From Witney Gazette)

RUGBY UNION: Monks' try double sees Witney home

6:01pm Wednesday 19th September 2012 in Sport

James Monks scored two tries to help Witney battle to an 18-12 victory over High Wycombe in South West 1 East at Hailey Road on Saturday.

Playing in the unaccustomed position of full back, Monks showed his finishing prowess as Witney did just enough.

Their unfamiliar line-up also saw Tim Muller move from flanker to centre and James Lamb filling in at fly half.

Victory was founded on some strong scrummaging, but poor discipline almost cost Witney dear.

The hosts went ahead on eight minutes when Monks received an inside pass and crashed over.

Wycombe’s Matt Wardle replied with a penalty as Witney were stupidly caught off-side.

Three more sloppy infringments were all punished by Wardle to put the visitors 12-5 up at half-time.

Witney were not clicking, but Monks was in the mood nevertheless and on 45 minutes, he went over for his second after some good work among backs and forwards, wing Luke Manning converting.

He slotted a penalty to put Witney ahead five minutes later.

Manning struck again on 68 minutes to secure a just about deserved victory.

Witney will need to raise their game and improve their discipline when they visit Marlow, who are coached by ex-Oxford Harlequins chief John Brodley, this Saturday.