RUGBY UNION: It's a stalemate for Witney (From Witney Gazette)

RUGBY UNION: It's a stalemate for Witney

5:07pm Wednesday 29th February 2012 in Rugby

Witney survived a late scare to hold on to a 16-16 draw at Gloucester’s Coney Hill in South West 1 East.

Coney Hill’s kicker had already landed a long-range penalty to level the scores, but squandered an easier attempt after Witney gifted him another shot at goal.

The hosts took the lead with a try inside two minutes, but Witney woke up for fly half Henry Lamb to slot a penalty, having missed his first effort.

Coney Hill hit back with try on 17 minutes, while a Lamb drop-goal reduced the arrears again.

A great passage of Witney play ended with prop Jamie Burke appearing in the centre to finish off a try on the half hour.

The visitors pressed hard in the second half, but could not take advantage as Lamb missed a penalty on 55 minutes.

Instead Coney Hill made it 13-11 with their own three-pointer.

Wing James Monks scored arguably Witney’s try of the season on 69 minutes, but Coney Hill equalised with a penalty.

Poor decision-making saw Witney cough up a late penalty, but they escaped with the two points.

Chipping Norton lost 27-19 at home to Drifters in the Southern Counties Senior Vase final.

OTHER SCORERS Berks, Bucks & Oxon Div 1: Witney 2nd 39 (tries L Manning 2, B File 2, N Phillips, M Copperwheat, J Harris; cons Manning 2), Marlow 2nd 5.