U14s vs Newbury

Hot off a League victory against Maidenhead, the boys had a chance to go for twice-in-a-row against Newbury (thanks to Kerry or arranging this at such short notice & thanks to Newbury for taking the fixture)
True to form the boys started slowly letting Newbury in for an early score with a nice little midfield grubber kick setting up a try in the corner after 5 minutes. Shaken but not stirred they settled down well after this. A nice midfield break by Dan getting us back into the game, and the forwards competing well in midfield. Sam Holt gets caught by a hard tackle and unfortunately has to come off with an injured shoulder, turns out to be a break - get well quickly Sam. On comes Ryan Spong and immediately he makes an impact with a sweeping run across the pitch touching down in the left corner to bring the scores even. One more converted try with a break through the middle by Newbury and it’s 5-12 at half-time.

Guy, Ben, Alex, TG and Jason come on at half-time and it’s heads-down for the second half. More great play from Newbury’s backs and their impressive full-back runs the length of the pitch to extend Newbury’s lead to 5-19. But now our boys show their mettle. Proving that they really do listen to their coaches, the forwards start to muscle out Newbury and the backs get great ball from the breakdowns. Two tries in quick succession from Alex Canham and Ben House and with 2 minutes to go it’s 17-19. But Newbury are not done yet. More good back play from them and they are right on our line – 1 minute to go and looking like it’s all over. But it’s more solid forward play to secure the ball and Ryan breaks out to take us to the half-way line. Deep into injury time and it’s the last play of the game. Another great break from Ryan down the right wing and he’s in at the corner. 22-19 and it’s all over !

A thrilling game, with the forwards really stepping up, turning over ball in the breakdowns and muscling the Newbury pack with some solid rucking and mauling.

Men of the match: Ryan Spong in the backs and Max Clark with a solid performance as he transitions into his new forward role.