U9A Rugby v Birkdale

U9A v Birkdale

This was a scintillating match, played in the scorching heat of the hottest October day on record. Despite a previous 15:15 draw with Birkdale the proceeding Wednesday, it was certainly a different opposition that arrived this weekend.

Winning the toss, Captain Toby B for Anselm’s opted to take the free pass start. The beginning was initially promising with a succession of solid drives, gaining territory. However we could not make enough ground and possession became turned over. The Birkdale team had some good strong runners and shuddering tackles were delivered whenever they lacked the ball. Despite some excellent tackling by the likes of Henry W and Toby, Birkdale were soon to score.

After conceding the first try, morale deteriorated amongst the U9’s and they looked distinctly lack-lustre getting back to the centre to re-start. Sadly this malaise seemed to last the remainder of the first half and although there were promising drives from both George and Arthur, the efforts were too isolated.

The second half began more positively, although the heat and the hard ground had definitely taken its toll on the players and seemed to be exhibited by somewhat uncreative use of possession.

Although Anselm’s were unable to score during the game, there were really promising moments. The only two properly formed rucks in the game belonged to Anselm’s and in both cases these yielded penalties in favour of Anselm’s. Well done chaps this is a really big step forward, we must try to ensure we use the possession wisely.

The tackling is improving throughout the team and James B and Jack W both made some excellent challenges on the opposition. As a team we are really getting to grips with retaining and recycling the ball at breakdowns. Our next step must be to focus on some of the structured play and to use controlled possession more inventively. There are still fairly frequent instances of running across the pitch, rather than taking the contact and we have to get to grips with this.

Well done fellas. Keep striving, it is only a matter of time until we start winning!

Result: Lost 15-0

Man of the match: Arthur L