Chipstead U14 v Old Cats U14 Surrey League 2

Cats voyaged to Chipstead quietly confident of gaining another away win in Div 2 and in heavy conditions they produced a gutsy and commendable performance in a compelling game. The team was without the thrust of Seb and the vision of Luke but still started well playing uphill in the first half. Indeed, Cats did not see much of the ball in the first 5 minutes but thanks to some great line speed and tenacious defence they kept Chipstead penned in their own 22. The boys then got their hands on the ball and prompted by Alex C, Joe and Will H, Bow went over for a well constructed opening score. Joe kicked an excellent conversion for the extras and we were off. More excellent handling saw the boys go close on two more occasions and it was great to see the forwards starting to get a foothold in the game. Archie charged for the line, “Bandaged” Berts went close and Alex C saw a clever grubber create a 5 metre scrum .

However, it was Chipstead who scored next as their speedy full back, Isaac, scooted down the right wing for an unconverted score. Back went Cats up the hill to exert more pressure, Scott nicking one against the head, Lewis and Dobbo rumbling forward. The try saw good work from the solid David H who recovered a fly hack to release the flying Max to go over in the corner. Minutes later, the talismanic Bow had to leave the field with a back injury, but the boys were undeterred and turned round to go down the hill 12-5 up. The second half saw Chipstead come hard at us with their back row particularly effective, however with Will B everywhere and Ollie also putting in a good shift the boys started to work their way down the field. Felix came on and made some decent forays down the right whilst defending stoutly, whilst Nathan had his best game of the season both with ball in hand and in defence. Max “cut back against the grain” to storm over for his second try quickly followed by the “Tub” storming over from a yard after more good work from his brother. Cats were now in control with Ben at 9 prompting and Alex C a constant threat on the wing. Credit to Chipstead who kept on going and their efforts were rewarded by a good try from their flanker in the last 10 minutes though it was slightly helped by us only having 14 on the pitch due to poor skills on my behalf.

So a good win which was as much down to some strong defence and grunt up front as to any cream bun rugby but all the squad should take great satisfaction from this result.

Next up a very tough assignment at home against Warlingham on 25th . Before that it is home training.

Ed Heaver

(cover photo shows Mr Heaver having a head count of players mid game)