RUGBY UNION: Witney fall apart (From Bicester Advertiser)

RUGBY UNION: Witney fall apart

10:30am Tuesday 25th September 2012 in Rugby

South West 1 East

WITNEY surrendered a 12-0 lead to capitulate 25-12 at Marlow.

The visitors produced a strong first half and still led 12-3 at the break, but fell apart dramatically in the second period.

Witney started well and their pressure finally paid off on 18 minutes.

Scrum half Gareth Campbell’s great tackle set up the opportunity, with locks Marc Copperwheat and Charlie Bennett playing in flanker Carl Campbell to finish off the try.

Wing Luke Manning converted and it was 12-0 four minutes later.

No 8 Jez Hicks picked up from the base of a scrum and released Gareth Campbell, who sidestepped through for the try.

Marlow full back Nick Carvey replied with a penalty, but things still looked pretty good for the visitors at this stage.

Hicks went off with a neck injury and Witney lacked his leadership in a nightmare second half.

The worst of this saw Marlow score three tries in eight minutes.

Chris Ellis, Matt Saunders and Miles Noble all touched down, with Carvey converting the latter.

Ted Hewett’s try gave Marlow a bonus point as the hosts took control.