Redingensians vs Abbey / Reading

On a perfect morning for rugby Ensians U17s assembled at the club and prepared to host a combined Abbey / Reading side that had made the short trip to face their local rivals. Having walked half way back to Reading the teams warmed up and prepared to kick off on the Shire Ensians pitch spurred on by a much improved England performance earlier in the morning. The virgin ref got the game under way and early exchanges were fairly even as the Abbey / Reading players tried to get acquainted with each other and the Ensians back line with several new players endeavoured to make sense of their repertoire of moves from coach Jones resplendent in Georgia garb.

Ensians settled the better of the sides and broke the deadlock on 6 minutes after a long miss pass from Kieran was collected by Jack on the wing and he scampered over to score in the corner. Conversion missed, 5 – 0. Stung by the early score the visitors fought back hard and threatened to breach the Ensians defences but were thwarted by excellent defence from Jamar who kept his cool under pressure to dig his team out of the mire - right Alan 

The second score came on 15 minutes when after several phases of play mid field the ball broke to Jake H just outside the opposition 22 who set off and coolly side stepped 2 opposition defenders to score under the posts. The conversion was knocked over by Sam O and Ensians went into the first break 15 – 0 ahead.

Ensians started the second period strongly and after searching runs from Jamar and Kieran the forwards took control and after several phases of powerful scoops the ball was moved quickly wide for Aran to score in the corner. Slick flowing rugby with forwards and backs both executing their moves well ... happy coaches looking on 17 – 0. The Abbey / Reading Barbarians were far from done, however, and getting to know each other evened the game up with a score on 8 minutes. Ensians struck back almost immediately with a try from Tom Dolton converted by Sam followed shortly by a trademark bombing raid by Jake W who from a penalty 8 meters out took the ball and 2 defenders over to score. The visitors grabbed a late try and the teams went into the second break Ensians ahead 29 – 10.

The third period was a lot more even with both teams playing spirited rugby. The deadlock was broken after 15 minutes when Kieran touched down in the corner and the try was excellently converted by Liam from the touchline. Abbey / Reading grabbed a try back but shortly before the whistle Jamar picked up after a spot of football down the right and darted over to complete the scoring.

Final score 41 – 17 Ensians, although the game was a lot tougher than the score suggests.

Good to see Ensians new look back line starting to fire on all cylinders and the forwards as committed and aggressive as ever.

As Big Pete said in his wrap up a day where rugby was the winner with the makeshift Abbey / Reading side acquitting themselves really well.

Man of the match deservedly Jamar.

Congratulations to the virgin ref who did a great job.