1st XV v Hill House

1st XV v Hill House

Referee: Mr Paddock Oakham School

We played really well in phases during this game. The handling was crisp despite very wind conditions and the forwards rucked and moved the ball at speed. There is certainly a lot to still work on: tackling was not clinical enough, and catching from kick offs was non-existent and cost us dearly, we also went into mauls too upright and had the ball turned over too much. However we played well and it set us up nicely for our next match next week against Ranby.

The first half started well with crisp handling and a good break by Andrew C, who set up the first try for a galloping Nick P to touch down. Alex W made a lovely break only minutes later, and set up Bertie W for a slick try cutting in from a wide position. The first half (with the wind) was rounded off nicely with a great try from Matthew N who always gets 10 m further than he should – he wriggled over for a great wingers try.

Despite playing into the wind we started the second half well, Andrew C counter attacking from deep in our half and outpacing the opposition. Henry T then rounded off a great passage of forward play with a bullocking run and a great try. Finally Matthew N scored a beautiful try stepping off both feet to outstrip the defense from a long way out. We then went to sleep, and conceded a try directly from kick off, watching it bounce into our in goal area, and this was followed by another soft try, but we regained our composure, and Charlie ran over for a great finale.
Well played boys.

Result: Won 39-12

Tries: Nick P, Bertie W, Matthew N (2), Andrew C, Henry T, Charlie S.
Conversions: Alex W (2)

Man of the Match: Henry T for his work rate and quick rucking