U11 v The Elms Lost 0-7

S. Anselms U11 0 v The Elms 7

On a dank, drisly and dark afternoon, S. Anselm's welcomed a very confident The Elms team with the prospect of a good muddy scrap in the offing.

The Elms kicked off and had an immediate period of pressure which S. Anselms, led by the 'dynamic duo' of props Ed H and Ben E repelled comfortably with some strong tackling and excellent scrummaging. However, another attack from The Elms, started by an excellent dummy and pass from the fly-half led to the opening score, which was converted.

This was the wake-up call that S. Anselm's needed. They hurled themselves into action, carrying the ball forward with great determination and rucking at great speed. Kevin Hynes mixed the play up well, adding some little grubber kicks to keep the opposition on the back foot and the team put together their best attacking play of the season.

After Half Time, S. Anselm's took complete control of the game, keeping The Elms pinned in their own half - surely the equalising score was just around the corner!! Once, twice, three times the forwards rumbled over the line, only to be held up each time. Fresh legs were sent on in the shape of Ollie R and Freddie H - could they make the crucial difference? One last attack from S. Anselm's and the boys strained every muscle to get the score they so richly deserved. Sadly, it was not to be and The Elms hung on for a gritty win.

This was a really fine game, played hard but fair and in a great spirit against a school with twice the numbers we have at S. Anselm's. The improvement from the start of the season has been huge and the boys should be very proud of themselves.
Keep working hard boys - our day will come soon!!