U15's v Guildfordians U15

On a beautiful day down in Guildford conditions were almost perfect for a great game of rugby. Guildfordians battling for their lives proved strong and aggressive opponents and in the end ran out comfortable winners but if we consider that the boys were held over the line 3 or 4 times and just denied in the corner on another occasion nobody would have complained if the scoreline had been somewhat closer.

With new combinations all over the pitch the boys took time to settle and OG’s dominated possession for the first 5 minutes and it was somewhat inevitable when they crashed over in the corner for their first score. Cats now came into the game. Max made a big bust through the middle and with the forwards maintaining the pressure Lewis was held up over the line. From the resultant scrum more great work from the back row created an opportunity for the stepping Keiron who narrowly failed to dot down in the corner. By this time the dangerous Tom had to leave the field with a knock so a re-shuffle meant Harry going to ten and Joel playing at scrum half. Once again, the re-shuffle knocked us out our stride and some unforced errors allowed Guildfordians to score two more tries before the break. 15-0 at the break seemed a bit harsh. The second continued in the same pattern though Cats managed to go over after a fantastic second effort from Will B who was outstanding all game. It was never far from ferocious at close quarters and Cats were a tad unfortuneate to concede a breakaway try after good defensive work from Guildfordians. Still Cats hammered away with the rumbling Rob held up over the line and both the courageous Dobbo and Will B both going close . Unfortuneately it was G’s who scored last to put a gloss on the result.

I could not fault any of the boys effort and it was great to see Felix and James Clay to the fore in the second half exchanges, whilst Luke made some great tackles on the wing and Joel kept things ticking along at scrum half. Berts played impressively with his first start at hooker whilst Ollie R always kept the oppo interested at ruck time. As I said to the boys afterwards we learn as much about ourselves in defeat as in victory and I have no doubt all the boys will be better players for our trip to Guildford.

As it stands Chobham lost heavily to Esher so second place is ours if we can beat Effingham in our last league game of the season. Should be a cracker.

Thanks to everyone for their support, the referee who I thought was excellent and OG’s hospitality which was very much appreciated.

Regards

Ed Heaver