U17s vs Vandals

Vandals had stressed in the pre match build up that they were a "B" standard squad and were desperate to avoid a complete mis-match. In the event and with our guests importing a few junior colts last minute in to their side to bolster numbers, this proved to be a very evenly matched contest. Ensians rested key players and were missing County players.

Several key positional changes were made to "test the water" notably with Schwartz leaving the grunt and grind of the "donkeys" and joining the glamour and slick hair of the "girls" as he moved to outside centre, and with Trani-boyce making is first appearance for the squad in the second row. Both acquitted themselves very well. New captain Jones also faired well, leading by example.

The opening exchanges we nip and tuck as both teams tested each other out up front. An early infringement resulted in a penalty to the home side right infront of the posts which was comfortably struck. 3 - 0.

Vandals tended to dominate territorially during the first half, although 'Ensians threatened on the counter. Lee provided quick ball for Oliver onto Baker and then Full Back Richardson hitting the line at pace. Unfortunately the final pass didn't always go to hand, frustratingly so. Winger Cronin had a cracking match making several strong runs. 'Ensians shot them selves in the foot when running the ball out of defence and a less than sympathetic pass bounced out of hand straight to the on running opposition who trotted over to score under the posts. Try converted to make it 10 - 0 at half time.

Jaffa cakes and encouraging words made a difference at the change. The backs were left as they were to see if they could pull one back before changes would be made.

A few changes were made upfront. Forrester made the hard yards and several good tackles during the first half as his fitness improves. He was rested for the second half. O'Neil had suffered another injury and had also had to retire. Paterson replaced him. New boy Edwards joined Stevens in the second row where he looked very at home.

Dolton and Holt were everywhere; both supplying clean ball from the lineout. The forwards confidence grew as the second half progressed and a tremendous rolling maul of some 25 metres was only stopped short of the line as the opposition came in from the side. Another such move a few minutes later ended over the whitewash as Dolton scored. Unconverted. 10 - 5. Leicester joined the match and subsequently Lee moved to outside centre and Richardson to scrum half.

Vandals grabbed a penalty before Holt scored the visitors second as the forwards once again trundled forward; he peeled of the side of the maul and reached out to score.With the final kick of the match Richardson landed a fine conversion from the touch line.

This had been a good close match and it is hoped that Vandals will be able to visit Reading later in the season. Very well done to man of the match Baker, who was in the thick of things defensively; not only making tackles but also turning his man at the same time.

If we still did the "numpty of the week" award it would undoubtedly have gone to Paterson for turning up with his sisters hockey boots. Doh.....