U17s vs Esher

Once again rugby was the winner in another spirited away performance by the squad.

Sadly late withdrawals and a no show (where we you T O?) meant that we arrived at Esher with 14 players. In damp conditions and after a short warm up Esher, in true rugby spirit, lent us a winger to even things up for the kick off. Once the ref finally appeared the match kicked off 40 minutes late.

Coaches Bloomfield and Jones duly shuffled players around to fill the gaps; two props in the second row, outside centre at full back, full back at 10...... that'll do nicely.

In the event it was a very even match, although the cold and wind did nothing to help the handling.Both sides put in spirited performances. After the early jostling it was 'Ensians that drew first blood when Cronin burst through from full back, making headway before being stopped short of the line. The ever industrious Holt was on hand to finish the move off and score out wide. Unconverted.

With a quarter of the match gone Leicester was forced to leave the match with a dead leg. Baker shuffled along to Fly half. Lu hopped between forwards and backs as necessary, putting in another very solid display. Ensians dug deep and played the remainder of the match with 14.

Esher scored shortly before half time; just reward for their endeavours, stroking the extras to make it 7 - 5 at half time.

With the wind behind 'Ensians had the bulk of the territory in the second half. Oliver had a solid game in an unaccustomed scrum half role. Captain Wareham lead by example, favouring "route one" wherever possible. Forrester is growing in confidence by the week and on numerous occasions today made the hard yards with ball in hand. The new second row partnership of "super utility" player Paterson and Cushine Palmer helped provide a very solid platform within the scrum providing Oliver with clean ball. Jones nicked a couple against the head; great to see.

Wafty tackling ensured that 'Ensians kept Esher in the match and when Somers went off with a damaged thumb with 12 minutes to go things looked tough for the visitors. The home side were quick to offer us another player and so the match returned to a 15 v 14 contest for the remainder. To be fair to Esher, the deciding try was set up by the winger they lent us when he burst down the right flank, got stopped a few metres out by his team mates but was able to off load to Cushine Palmer who scored.

A thoroughly enjoyable contest by two well matched sides. Great to see the large travelling support.

Very well done to Forrester for comfortably taking the drink off as man of the match.