U14s vs Worthing

On a bright, sunny Reading morning, the 'Ensians, having dealt admirably with the change in the clocks, set off for the distance shore's of Worthing. With members of the team travelling for the best part of 3 weeks to get there, they were greeted by a damp, overcast day, literally, miles apart from the weather at home.

The boys, with squad of 23 looked bright and sharp in the warm up and even when the opposition came into view, one of whom who looked down on Steve, they did not look fazed. Playing a format of 2 x 25 minutes each way, 'Ensians won the toss and the skipper, Alex Crocker, began the game. Worthing set their stall early and fed their 8'2" tall number 1, who ran at the heart of the 'Ensians defence - 'Ensians also set their stall with a big hit by Alex Canham, putting the number 1 back on the ground. If the boys were concerned about the size of the opposition, as they have been before, they didn't show it, with numerous big hits targetting the larger Worthing players.

The first 10 minutes fell into an unfortunate pattern. Great ball retention and recycling, good hands through the backs and, with the try line beckoning, a knock on and turnover.
First a great drive by Callum, came up 10 m short, before being knocked on, then the effervescent Jason, having stolen the ball from a Worthing back, danced to within 10m, before the ball was again knocked on.
'Ensians appeared well on top and, if they could cut out the handling errors, should have been in front. Ryan then decided to take the direct route, having picked up a kick over the top by Worthing, charging a full 50m before being caught. An exchange of passes with Guy then saw Ryan to within 5m, before yet another knock on.
After about 20 minutes play, 'Ensians were awarded a penalty on half way. The ever alert Crocker took it quickly, feeding Jason who, again, set off on a mazy run, being stopped 5m short of the Worthing line. Following a knock on in the resultant ruck by 'Ensians, Worthing were awarded the scrum and a chance to clear their lines. However, impressive scrummaging by the 'Ensians pack turned the ball over, Crocker went down the blindside and Ryan dived across the line, in the corner, for the first score. 5 - 0 'Ensians.

With the conversion missed by TG, Worthing cam straight back at 'Ensians, recycling the loose ball and, following a kick through, a good score beneath the posts. 5 - 5.
The missed conversion attempt was the last play of the half and both teams sat and regrouped, no doubt being provided with words of wisdom from the coaching staff.

'Ensians came out in the second half stronger, the restart being collected by Ross, who made 20m before feeding Ryan, who made another 10. Quick ball found Aidan on the open side who, having drawn the last defender, fed Barnaby, who showed good pace to outstrip an covering defenders and place the ball down, under the posts. TG made no mistake from the conversion. 12 - 5 'Ensians.
'Ensians were now enjoying more of the ball and seemed to be winning the physical battle up front. Following a Worthin scrum on their 22, Aidan targeted the opposition scrum half (bully) and recycled to TG who showed his pace to finish in the corner with a swan dive! Richard was heard to say, "If he drops it doing that, he'll be on the first plane home...."
17 - 5 'Ensians.
TG was unable to convert his try from wide and Worthing then threatened to come back into the game. An excellent passage of play saw them recycle the ball through several phases, before going over in the far corner. A well worked and deserved try. With the tough conversion missed, the score sat at 17 - 10 'Ensians and anyone's to take.
This proved to be a wake up call for 'Ensians, who chased down their restart well, recycling the ball in the Worthing 22. A penalty to 'Ensians saw Crocker take it quickly, feeding Canham who danced to within 5m of the Worthing try line, before off loading to Ryan to score his second of the day. 22 - 10 'Ensians.
'Ensians had their tails up now and were growing in, much needed, confidence. Another series of phases, with the impressive forwards protecting and recycling the ball, led to Ben going over in the corner for his first try of the season. 27 - 10 'Ensians .
'Ensians kept banging at the Worthing door, with Max placing some astute balls over the Worthing defence. One such kick led to a 5m scrum for 'Ensians and, showing good rugby brains, Ross, having swapped with Ben from Flanker to number 8, picked up from the back of the scrum, taking the ball over from 5m. 32 - 10 'Ensians.
'Ensians kept coming and should have scored another couple of tries, but for Max, having been clean through, stopping to chat with their last defender, who wasn't in the mood to talk and Mark, having outstripped the Worthing defence, support outside and the try line looming, put in a gorgeous side step, straight into their full back....
The last play of the game mirrored that of the first half,with Worthing, following a good kick over the top, recycling quick ball and then through the hands for a score in the corner.

The final score was Worthing 15 - 'Ensians 32. A long way to go but a great team performance, resulting in a good win.

Champagne moment(s) - Discovery of a new kicker with Connor going close, twice, from the touchline.

Quote of the day - From Sean "I'm not always right, but I'm always right about rugby."

Can we play them at home next time, please????