Beaconsfield 34 - Redingensians 39

As you all know, rugby is a game of 4 quarters and possession is absolutely vital if you want to win. It was a great game to watch from the sidelines, all the parents were very proud of how the boys rose to the challenge of quality opposition.

In the first quarter Ensians owned the ball, with a speedy running game up the wing, led by our new signing, Toby Gonzales. Luke created room for Jason McG to score the first of his marvellous hatrick of tries. Lots of cheering and jumping up and down from enthusiastic supporters.

Immediately, the team charged on with Max, Ben H, Luke and Aaron putting pressure on the opposition so that Barnaby was able to score a lovely try, Ben Hammerton converted easily to put us 12-0 up. Jason put in his 2nd try and this was followed with a ‘Samuel special’, a flying try over the line with the opposition miles behind. Brilliant to watch.

At the end of the first quarter we were magnificently 24-0 up.

Seconds out, second quarter; Beaconsfield bought on their big guns, showing why they are known and feared across the league. Their hefty players were also speedy. Despite heroic efforts from Ryan, Liam and Toby, Beaconsfield managed with excellent teamwork to pick up some balls & points during the line-outs, scrums and mauls. The second quarter closed 24-15 to us. There was some nervous jiggling from tense fathers.

At the opening of the 3rd quarter, Ensians again demonstrated their superior playing skills. Angus & Zack had some fantastic runs and Jason’s 3rd try which was also converted by Max ensured his father would be educating him in the ritual of “Jugs”. Excellent scrum-binding work from Michael and Aaron and neat picking up of the ball by Charlie meant we were able to gallop down the pitch sending the opposition literally backwards. There was a particularly swift run down the line by Ross for a gorgeous try. The quarter finished 36-15 to us. Observers all breathed a little easier.

At the start of the 4th quarter Guy did some solid kicking (nice new boots) which the opposition traded for a run through us , but we had good hands down the back with Ben House and Ben Espley and maintained a strong defensive position, proving that the bigger they are, the harder they fall. However, just at this point, poor Toby was unfortunately injured. As ever, Steve did a great job looking after him, ably supported by Carol. He was carefully tended to and sent off to Reading for an x-ray. It was such a shame as it was his first game for us; everyone sends their best wishes and looks forward to his return. Luckily we’ve been advised that it’s not a break, & hope to see Toby back as soon as his ankle allows.

The final score of the game came when ‘Ensians were awarded a penalty 20 metres out in front of the posts. Despite Jason’s best attempt to persuade his team mates to take a quick tap, sense prevailed & we took the 3 points on offer.

In the post-match analysis, Coaches Andy, Richard, Giles and Owen praised the boys for utilising training practice skills and were pleased at how much they had enjoyed the game. ‘’Jason was very deservedly MOTM and would have easily won the drink off, but Beaconsfield chickened-out’’ said Paul, 48 , former U13 manager.

The boys reflected on the game, noticing that the passes and break-down had been good; defensive work definitely better; timing, scrummage, talking to each other and good scoops all much improved. All this can be worked on at training, in the meantime, well done team!!

Jane & Peter H.