Old Cats U14 24-17 Rosslyn Park​

In near perfect conditions for fast running rugby Old Cats turned on the style to overturn a 12 pt half time deficit to run out comfortable winners against a very competitive Rosslyn Park side. The result sees the boys finishing joint 3rd and sets us up well for a push into the promised land of Div 1 next year.

In a game excellently managed by Martin Corbett, the boys looked a bit rusty early on. Players were being isolated and being turned over much too easily and our off loading game was not functioning. Bow threatened on the wing whilst debutant Harry was feisty in defence and tricky in attack and Nathan also carried strongly through the middle. However, Pk scored two good tries, the first working the narrow side and the second through their tricky inside centre who had already threatened on a number of occasions being thwarted on one occasion by MOM David Hocking with an excellent cover tackle. Pk were making in roads around the rucks where Cats needed to tighten up.

After a half time talk with a few clear messages the boys up the intensity massively. Will B and Max started to turn ball over, less players were committed to rucks and our defence became far more solid. Suddenly, El Capo Dobbo broke from a line out and barged over the line for our first score. The game was on! The backs started to use the wide pitch to greater effect whilst also straightening lines of running. As a consequence, Alex, Joe and Will H were able to release Bow on half way who scooted in under the posts. Bow followed up again with another score after more good work from Will H . By the this time Cats were cutting loose, Pk seemed to tire and after more good phase play Alex set up Joe who was able to dummy and side step his way over for another converted try. Pk to their credit scored another try after great footwork from their 8 but the boys saw the game out comfortably.

This was a excellent end to the season against a decent Pk outfit. It was great to see Luke marauding around, Archie up his intensity in the second half and the scrummaging and line out work of Scott coming to the fore. Lewis and Berts provided a good platform with the former carrying strongly and the latter throwing a big spin pass to show there more to a prop’s game to just scrummaging. Lastly, I would also highlight another great effort from Ollie Smith who has been a consistent carrier, tackler and general hard worker all season.

We will try and organise an end of season event to celebrate the boys efforts so watch this space but thanks to Gaynor for sorting the rotas, Nicola for the photos, Sue and Tony for first aid and general help, Roos for washing the shirts and everybody's support. The noise on Sunday was terrific

Ed