Phew - what a scorcher!!

On a surprisingly warm and sunny day, Redingensians lined up against a slightly depleted Alton side for the first match of the season in a game of 3 thirds. With a number of players trying out new positions, and a lack of match practice, there was plenty of interest from coaches and parents alike.

The first third started well for Ensians, and set the tone for the whole match. Good early pressure in the rucks from the forwards with some nice straight running from Ross, George and Callum soon made some space to move the ball quickly and it wasn’t long before Callum opened the scoring with a try that wasn’t converted to make it 5-0. Ensians kept up the early pressure from the restart but Alton tackled well and forced an error. From the resulting scrum a quick kick over the top picked up by the Alton 13 and suddenly the score is 5-7 after a successful conversion.

Thankfully Ensians are not panicked by this set back and continue with the strong pressure and good movement of the ball. Alton defend well but the pressure tells and Ryan, playing at 12, takes the ball at pace and bursts through to cross the line. Conversion by Alex Canham starting strongly at fly-half to take the score 12-7. More of the same but no more points and the third ends.

The second third starts in much the same way. Ensians are playing with good tempo, strong in the break-down and straight running making the space. Alton continue to defend well and make Redingensians work for their opportunities but it isn’t long before the ball is worked wide for a first try for Philip. Not converted score 17-7. The pressure continues and the physicality of the Ensians is starting to take its toll on Alton. It isn’t long before a long run from Ross gives Ensian territory leading to another good try from Ryan, which isn’t converted and takes the score to 22-7. For the rest of the half the pressure really starts to tell and a succession of tries from Alex Canham, Ryan and Zack with a lovely step inside sees the half end at 39-7. Alton keep their heads up throughout but aren’t able to resist the combination of forward pressure and quick movement of the ball.

The final third sees 6 changes from Ensians but pleasingly no let-up in intensity or quality. In no time at all Liam has crossed the line three times, his pace being too much for Alton. The highlight was undoubtedly a lovely run up the wing from deep by Barnaby before off-loading in the tackle, sending Liam clear. After two conversions, the score is 58-7. Ensians keep up the intensity right to the end, but in the final minutes Alton get the score their resilience and attitude deserve, number 14 crossing the line to make the final score 58-12.

Overall a great performance from Redingensians all across the pitch and a great way to open the season. The tackling was good, the breakdowns were strong and organised and the ball was moved around the pitch accompanied with some nice straight running. Let’s make sure this sets the tone for the rest of the season!