Old Cats Under 13 v Reeds

The boys knew that they had to work as a real team to get a result which they rightly deserved. So with this in mind we had 19 boys going up to Reeds. Pre-match training went well with the coaches winding the boys up like elastic bands. The pre-match team huddle was more intense (or was it some voices on the verge of breaking)??

Old Cats kicked off and kept the Reeds team in their half for sustained periods. Working as a unit, forwards securing the possession, gaining the yards and then looking to play it wide to our backs. However at a pivotal point, Old Cats mistake lead to the ball going to Reeds speed merchant, who ran the ball up the field. It was well into Old cats half, before the boys could make the tackle to stop the attack, but Old Cats defence was out of position which Reeds capitalised on and scored the first try.

Old Cats response was immediate. They were not going down without a fight – not today. Reset was secured by Will. Making valuable yards with a number of off loads throughout the team to stretch the opposition and then the ball was handed to Charlie who powered across the line for a try.

This then set the tone for the rest of the game. Everyone working for each other to make sure we got the ball to the right place to capitalise. Further tires came from the team and were finished off by Will, Josh M and Callum.

Old Cats did not have it all their own way, far from it. This was a very capable team from Reeds. They continued to push Old Cats throughout the game. The last 10 minutes were spent totally in Old Cats half with Reeds continually trying to look for a way through our defence, but Old Cats held strong and would not give in, even in the last play with Reeds camped on our try line Old Cats would not give up and concede any more points.

Having said the above about a team performance, there were some moments from individuals which have to be noted:

Paddy – backing himself and making striking runs along the side lines and a great tackle against Reeds monster number 8.
Callum, coming on for the second half, again backing himself with runs along the side with lightening quick speed finishing off with a try.
James, coming on for the second half and nailing his tackles.
Josh M – A man of the match performance, continually breaking the lines in the middle of the park, making the hard yards and finishing off with a try.

Score: Reeds 7 – 24 Old Cats
Tries: Charlie, Will, Josh M, Callum. Conversions Ross x 2
Man of the match – Josh M

Keep a look out for pictures taken by Oscar on the website.