RUGBY UNION: Witney go down to Coney defeat (From Witney Gazette)

RUGBY UNION: Witney go down to Coney defeat

6:17pm Wednesday 12th September 2012 in Rugby

Witney were outmuscled by a stronger pack in their 24-16 defeat at Coney Hill in South West 1 East on Saturday.

The visitors had the better of the first half, especially when their backs were able to use their off-loading game.

But Coney Hill turned the screw in their forwards and eventually wore Witney down.

Wing Luke Manning got Witney off to a flier with a length-of-the-field interception try in the first minute.

Five minutes later, Manning slotted a penalty for 8-0.

Witney could not add to their tally, despite being camped in the Coney half.

The hosts got off the mark with a powerful catch-and-drive try and bagged a second from a rolling maul to make it 10-8 at the break.

Coney Hill took advantage as Witney tired, adding two converted tries.

Manning kicked a second penalty and Witney ended with lock Marc Copperwheat scoring.