Old Cats Under 13 vs Old Alleynians

What a great advert for youth rugby on Sunday 6th March between Old Cats & Old Alleynians (OA) under 13 team, in a week where some people were questioning the future of rugby. The match was full of skill, action, drama, but most importantly of all, team spirit and respect.

OA’s kicked off deep into Old Cats territory, there were plenty of areas where Old Cats were winning the ball, but they could not get out of their own half, which eventually OA capitalised with a try – first blood to OA.

Old Cats got into a huddle, they knew where they were going wrong and from the restart put amends. From then it was then all Old Cats. Our scrum was absolutely solid, constantly pushing back OA and gaining the possession. Moving it to our backs, who put into action some really silky moves gaining territory all the time, passing the ball wide and then switching at key moments to keep the ball alive. The forwards moved in again, to secure the ball at the break down and again get the ball to our backs to make the quick yards, handing the ball to Lawrence who then steamed over for a try, with extras added by Ross.

Our second try went over in the same vein with backs & forwards in unison and the ball was handed to Charlie who powered over the line. Second try to Old Cats & Ross adding the extras.

Old Cats Club Chairman looked on in glee; ‘there is some great talent in this team’ he commented.

OA’s were not going down without a fight though, constantly asking questions of themselves and Old Cats. Trying to break our lines and if it was not for the great work of Leo as our full back, they could of got more tries, but in the end they only got one more glimpse at the try line.

Full time Old Cats: 14 – OA’s: 10

This was a great team performance, but some individuals need to be mentioned.

Toby – with some great work interchanging as prop & hooker.

Beau - moving to number 8 for some of the game, a new position for him but you would never have known it.

Harrison – always looking for the quick ball and the lynch pin between our forwards & backs. Playing some really intelligent rugby, mixing our play which kept the opposition guessing our moves all the time.

Chris – in his debut performance for Old Cats. He is as slippery as a fish and lightening quick. He was all on for a try in his debut match, but play was pulled up for a previous team infringement.

The man of the match performance has to go to Leo - (Old Cats Mike Brown). Without his great positioning work and two try saving tackles, the score line could have been different.

Lastly – there are so many people to thank to help make this game go ahead. Kirstie giving up her mothering Sunday to feed 35 hungry teenagers. Rocky for referee and Blandy & Ben stepping into coaching, whilst Nick was throwing himself down a mountain.

Well done boys – great entertaining rugby.