U9B v Smallwood A

The S. Anselm’s Under 9B team played Smallwood Manor A team at home on a typical damp November day. The boys, made up predominantly of Year 3s had some very encouraging moments, there were individuals that ran well with the ball in hand and some spectacular try saving ‘tag tackles’ from Henry W. Harry T, Wilson W and James B supported the ball carrier well but the team did not support each other often enough. Too often the defensive line became a swarm, which created a lot of space down the flanks and inevitably led to a couple of easy tries by Smallwood. The boys need to learn to keep their positions in defence and guard their channels, something that is difficult to get young heads around but certainly something that would pay dividends in the future. It was pleasing to see Isaac B and Jack B step up to the big occasion and they both tried hard and did well in defence. At half time the score was 2-4 after tries from Henry W and Wilson W.

The boys continued to try hard in the second half and made some good ground, it was real end to end rugby. Max H scored a well-earned team try in the corner but it was not quite enough. In the end Smallwood had slightly better positioning and this paid off but massive credit to all of the boys in the S. Anselm’s Under 9B team, there were definitely some positives to take away, we just need to be a little more switched on in defence and have our supporting lines correct in attack but there was certainly no player shy of wanting the ball in hand which was pleasing to see. Final score 3-6, an enjoyable game of ‘tag’ rugby. Well Done.

Tackler of the match – Henry W