Our U14s took to the pitch full of confidence and excitement as this marked their first game of 15-a-side rugby on a full pitch against our friends from Sutton & Epsom. In what was perfect conditions for rugby with glorious sunshine, gentle breeze and firm pitch the boys started the game with genuine excitement.
Pre-season and our new mid-week session was soon paying dividend with a quick start and a fluid move saw the ball quickly through hands to our new signing Huck who scorched through to dot down under the sticks. Playing to the space and exploiting the width became the blueprint for the game with some lovely combinations through the midfield putting strike runners in space with ease to keep making ground; with further scores throughout the game from Ed (x3 from outside centre), Cal (x1 from fly half and 7 conversions), Rudy (x1 from inside centre), Jean (x1 from scrum-half and 1 conversion)…but with Huck walking away with 5 tries in total from number 8 he was a deserved MoM.
Supported by some solid work from our pack with flankers now in play for the first time saw the boys dominate the scrum, winning all their put-ins and managing to steal one against them. We will have to wait until the next game to commentate on how they will manage line-outs as we only had one the whole game and that was for Sutton.
Enjoying a post-match lunch our co-captains mirroring the Scottish National team approach, Henry & Cal addressed Sutton & Epsom and applauded them for their effort, their grit to keep going and some thunderous tackles that began to rattle our discipline in the second half.
Despite the result the game was far from one-sided and the boys reflected they need to be stronger at the breakdown where Sutton & Epsom had the edge and ensuring first-time tackles are made, however for a first run-out of the season a promising start.
If you know of any young players in Year 7, 8 or 9 who want to join our growing Junior Section then please come down to Kings House Sports Ground, Riverside Drive, W4 2SP on a Wednesday 1830:2000 or Sunday 1130:1330 and get involved!
