U12 Bs return to winning form

After the tough run out at Farnborough, we had two games to look forward too. Both teams we have met this year. We lost to Reeds 10-0 in the Cobham festival and drew with Guildford 10 -10 at the Guildford Festival;, so we knew two tough games were coming.

Could we start fast or slow???

Reeds win toss and choose to kick off. We catch ball clean and return to half way. Maul formed, maul moves all the way up field to the 22, ball out, backs up the blind side, held up, forwards pile in and drive reeds off the ball & pick and drive for a strong try in the first minute! This set the tone, and the pack were on fire. It was as a complete first half performance as I think I have seen, with the score line 35-0 at half time, good decisions, great control and discipline, and strength by everyone. Tackles made all over the park. The forwards dominated and tore apart a Reeds pack, who reduced themselves to squabbling and finger pointing each other. As we had large numbers, we made 10 subs and half time, and initially lost a bit of shape an momentum, but came into the game again more and more and ended up thrashing Reeds 48-12.

So next Guildford, with 5 lads getting a deserved run with the A’s, we had to juggle some positions, so Jonny went with the Argentinian philosophy and loaded the scrum with 4 props.

The first half was a close tense game. Very even. Both teams committed, with Farnham edging it 7-0. Again a half time full of subs, but we saw some of the returning heroes of the Reeds game come on. But again, we lost shape and momentum and Guildford came back into the game and equalised. It took us 10 minutes to get our shape back, and the Guildford try seem to wake the lads up.

So a turnover ball on our 10m, sees one of the players of the day Finbar, steal and have a mazy run up field. He was well tackled and knocked on, but we had a scrum in their half. Massive scrum BOOM! Pushed Guildford off their own ball, backs in space down the left, great Guildford covering tackle on the try line, ruck formed, forwards, pile in and win quick ball, the backs have kept the shape, Tom Ht out the ruck to Louis, Louis to Will, and onto Hari on the outside to score a try, both Ewan and Edward were spare too!

14-7, Guildford restart and kick ball dead, scrum on the half way line, and it was De-ja vu, the identical try scored. 21-7, final score!

Two great performances, and revenge delivered on two teams we had not beaten so far this season. The whole squad is really gelling, and beginning to deliver really good rugby! I went home a very happy coach, having seen two great games.

Players of the day.

Sam had provided 4 match day programmes, and it could have gone to any of the lads, but the winners were:

Finbar – Strong and aggressive in the Maul. A really big forward perfomrnace.
Oli – Keeps delivering , and makes the left wing his own, chips away and knows his position in attack and defence, makes yards every game.
Cameron – Getting ever more consistent, gives it everything, great body positon in Mauls, and hits rucks harder than anyone.
Jake D - Fly half, with good control and organisational skills, keeping the line mustered and organised.

Well done to all involved for a great morning's rugby!