U11 v The Elms Won 7-5

The conditions on the day were certainly not conducive for flowing rugby. The wet, windy conditions meant that handling the ball was very difficult. Having said this our handling was superior to the oppositions’ throughout the game and in the end this was very telling.

We started very much on the back foot and it was clear that we were very much second best in the scrums, losing many of our own put ins. The Elms quickly scored a try that to our relief was unconverted. What this team have shown an abundance of throughout the season is sheer determination, heart and will to win. Heads did not go down and we upped the effort massively. Despite being out scrummaged on most occasions we were fairly dominant in the rucking, managing to turn over the ball on a number of occasions and towards the end of the first half, consistent pressure resulted in a penalty 5m from the try line. Despite a great effort Harvey W. was just bundled into touch.

The second half started as we had finished the first half and it was clear that we seemed to want the win that much more with some huge tackles being made. We were continuing to put The Elms under much pressure and in the end Will B.B. was able to slip over for a try that was converted by Jonah G. making the score 7-5. The bruising nature of the encounter continued with both teams having opportunities to score but defences holding strong.

This was a fantastic win that was more down to the spirit of the team than a polished display. If you can come away from a very difficult game, having won and knowing there is still much more that can be improved on then that is no bad thing.

Special mentions to Tom D. (tackling) and Will B.B. (darting breaks).