1st XV v Westbourne Won 35-0

1st XV v Westbourne
From the first whistle the boys were on the offensive.  The first half saw Will A ensure the ‘plus one’ game plan was used to good effect in the rain, with Ben E and Ed H offering themselves up for the charge on numerous occasions.  It was also particularly pleasing to see Alex V, the pack leader, seizing every opportunity to gain hard yards up the middle; I have not seen him so hungry for the ball.  The forwards battled hard to make those difficult extra yards before being tackled to the ground and this, combined with some offensive rucking, put the Westbourne defence on the back foot.
It was just a matter of time before the S. Anselm’s team crossed the line and unsurprisingly it came from the forwards.  Ben E cruised over the line first but was joined shortly after by Freddie H (impressive swan dive) and a couple from Alex V.  The forwards domination was matched in the first half, however, by some slick movement of the ball by Ed S, Jack H and Elliott W to see Will H scamper over in the corner.
Although the boys were not really tested defensively, it was pleasing to see a marked improvement on first time tackles and line speed.  Our scrum was very good and Cameron D had a wonderful first half with a number of strikes ‘against the head’; he also turned over ball in the ruck, which resulted in quality possession for the backs.
The second half prompted some changes.  Cameron D (prop), Will W (hooker), Henry T (prop), Charlie S (second row), Alex V (No 8), Elliott W (flanker), Ed S (scrum Half), Isaac S (Stand-off), Theo H (wing), Matthew N (centre) and Bertie W (centre).  It was great to see so many year 7 boys ‘step-up’ and show their potential for the game.
Usually, with so many changes, the game plan would flop and it would become a free for all.  However, it was a testimony to the boys’ organisation and leadership, that they maintained an excellent structure throughout the second half and gave the coaching staff a reassuring vision of the future.  The boys were creative in attack, solid in defence and it was just reward in the second half when Isaac S, surprising himself, crossed the line; his effort at goal afterwards was also impressive (just missed).  The final word came from Will H, who showed his pace and power with an excellent try in the corner.  A very pleasing squad performance.
The boys will need to work on their line-out and practice working the runners off the fly-half before Saturday’s fixture.
Final result:  Won 35 – 0.
RRGS