Old Cats U14 vs Sutton & Epsom

It was the 'day after the night before', some of the boys still on a high from a great Casino evening together the parents. (Some of the parents looked a bit green, but spirits were not dampened). Warm up was good and with the boys keen to put behind the recent performances behind them.

Old Cats started strongly controlling the play in all the right areas, some really decent tackles and aggression. It was S&E who drew the first blood with their speed merchant. Unlike previous matches though, Old Cats heads would not go down. They knew they were right in the mix and continued to play their game. After a great team move Ross dotted down a try in the corner. S&E pulled the score out a bit but Old Cats were still very much in the game.

After a great 25 minutes, Beau had to come off as a precautionary measure from a knock. Although he could not take part in the rest of the game, his presence was still felt. Rallying the Old Cats team from the side line and being right in middle in the half team talk. The subs cheering on their team mates, (even more than the parents, who ended up with squeaky voices).

Start of the second half and again Old Cats came out guns blazing, with Leo going over the try line again from a well worked try. There were so many chances for Old Cats to bring the score up with Charlie, Callum, Will, Leo, Harrison, Harry, Alex D, Ross and others all getting agonisingly close to the try line, but just could not get the score. It does say a lot about the opposition defence, but it also says a lot about Old Cats never giving up, dogged performance. The last 10 minutes was all Old Cats, but we just could not get the score back with S&E winning the match. It is agreed that there are some areas where Old Cats can improve upon in tactics and decision making, which the coaches and players can put right. However the team effort and pulling together is something that this team has in abundance and makes it such an exciting place to be!

Some individual people to pull out for exceptional performances:

Harrison making some great breaks and putting the oppo on the back foot.
Harry & Alex D making their ‘route 1’ runs and punching holes in the opposition.
Toby K – great work on the wing in defence.
Will – absolutely ‘text book’ tackles.

Special Thanks for Mike D for his great pasta bake feeding the masses and Martin for great referee - keeping the match flowing and talking to the boys on any infringements.

Lastly a special mention for ‘Dan Carter’ – minding his own business on the side lines before getting clattered into by a ‘hoofing’ teenager. Dents will be pulled out ready for next week!