Old Cats U15 battle for league win against Esher U15

In some pretty challenging conditions Old Cats played out what turned out to be a titanic battle against an Esher side who defended magnificently and who came on strongly at the end.

Old Cats made the worst possible start when from the start Joe’s attempted clearance was charged down allowing Esher’s centre the simple task of touching down for a converted score. The rest of the half saw Cats, playing up hill, camped in the Esher half as the forwards began to take control. Man of the match and debutante Owen Hulme lead by example as we pounded the Esher line. Alex went close followed by Lewis and Will B who also competed strongly in the back row the whole game. Will H was then held up over the line after a quick tap whilst a couple breaks from Joe R and Nathan came to nothing. Our composure was being tested.

The second half continued in the same vein as now playing down the hill the boys continued in the same vein though with composure regained. The boys played far tighter with Joe James and Max M particularly to the fore, whilst the previously subdued Dobbo and Ollie R suddenly came alive. Eventually the pressure told, the ball was worked right through the hands with Max setting it up allowing Owen to come on an unstoppable line to barge over for a converted score by Joe. More pressure lead to a penalty to put us 10-7 but with Scott finding his range in the lineout and the front row in the ascendancy it seemed Cats were in control. However, back came Esher and with their first foray into the Cats half converted a penalty to even up the scores with 10 minutes to go. Back went the boys and after more surges by Will H, Berts and Joe J another penalty was earned which, under big pressure, Joe slotted calmly to give Cats a 3 point lead. Esher to their immense credit came firing back and spent the last minutes camped on Cats’ line. Cats’ defence was outstanding with Bow and Max M to the fore and the game ended with the latter forcing a turnover right on our own line.

It was brilliant to see the boys celebrating at the end and this was truly a game when all 18 boys had to dig in to get the result. Thanks to Danny Watt for the excellent food after and Howard for washing the shirts!

Next stop a very tough looking encounter at Rosslyn Pk next week

Ed Heaver