U14s vs Marlow

The start of British summer time normally means all teams are a few short due to alarm clock malfunctions, but this year, not only was the sun bright and warm, the opposition came with 2 whole teams to compete against a county rugby induced, depleted 'Ensians squad. The loss of several key players to the county squad, other players unavailable or ill & "no shows" enforced the 'Ensian management to change things around, with several players playing out of position.

The game, the format of which changed 4 times before the decision to have 4, 17 minute quarters was made, kicked off, with a period of keep ball by both sets of forwards. However, following one such phase, the Marlow number 9, Costin-Pratt, picked up from the base of a ruck, chased down his own box kick and raced clear to score under the posts. A good try but created by 'Ensians allowing the ball to bounce, rather than taking it on the full and clearing. The conversion was kicked by the Marlow number 10. 0 - 7.
The rest of the period settled into a forward battle, with 'Ensians showing good technique to win the shove against the much bigger Marlow pack. With the ball being kept tight by the forwards and some untidy handling errors by both sides, the period ended 0 - 7, with the Marlow number 8 receiving a yellow card just before the break for an infringement on the floor.

Another good kick into space by Marlow saw them recycle the ball at the start of the second period, before moving the ball through the backs for the overlapping number 10 to score in the corner. Another well worked try, although the conversion was missed from out wide. 0 - 12.
Marlow clearly saw the benefit of kicking on a hard pitch with an inconsistent bounce and again forced 'Ensians back into their 22. The home crowd attempted to raise 'Ensians, who seemed to be lacking in belief, rather than being outplayed, with Sean especially passing his wisdom to the team, in a most energetic manner...
However, Sean's observations of taking the ball into contact too often, rather than unleashing the backs, proved correct, with another turnover by Marlow, which was recycled and another try scored in the corner. Conversion missed. 0 - 17 at half time.

The observations of a layman would suggest that, although the forwards were competing well, the lack of confidence to spread the ball wide, coupled with several handling errors, led to the 17 point defecit, not the actual balance of play.

The third quarter started, with Marlow rotating their first team with squad players and 'Ensians in desperate need of a boost. They received that in the form of Ross, who, having taken a quick tap penalty, sprinted through the Marlow defence, from inside his own half and wasn't caught, touching down under the posts. TG converted from in front. 7 - 17.
'Ensians seemed to then come alive and, with renewed confidence and belief, Guy kicked into space, chasing down the Marlow defenders and turning the ball over. With at least a 3 man overlap, the ball was again taken into contact, although this time the decision was justified, with Callum forcing over from 2m. Although teh conversion was missed, 'Ensians were now within a score at 12 - 17.
'Ensians were now well on top and looked a different side from the first half. TG was becoming more dominant and making more correct decisions with the ball. From another strong TG run, he and Ryan exchanged passes to make a good 30m. Well supported by the forwards, the ball was recycled quickly and following 3 phases of the forwards picking and going, Connor forced his way over from 2m. The successful conversion edged 'Ensians into the lead for the first time in the match. 19 - 17.
This lead, again spurred the home side on, now brimming with confidence and, following another quick penalty, the ball was spread wide to Ryan, who again made 20m before being brought down 10m short. The ball, however, was recycled quickly by the 'Ensians forwards and Callum burst over from 10m. The simplicity of passing the ball through teh hands!! 24 - 17 at the end of the third period.

Marlow threatened to get straight back into the game, at the commencement of the final quarter, but for a try saving tackle by Ross. The ball was then turned over by 'Ensians, on their own try line and, reminiscent of 'total rugby', the ball was passed along the line to Zac, who raced clear, well into the opposition half. Having outstripped his colleagues, Zac showed great strength to stay on his feet until support arrived. Once recycled, Guy then changed the direction of the attack, kicking into space for TG to chase down and score.
29 - 17.
The 'Ensians forwards were now dominant but, again, a 4 man overlap was ignored, with the ball being taken into contact with acres of space out wide. The wisdom of passing the ball was then demonstarted, following a line out win by 'Ensians. George made a great break, off loading to Ross on his shoulder. Ross then off loaded to Mark, who fed Zac to score in the corner - good hands and good support.
The missed conversion was the last kick of the game, with 'Ensians 34 - 17 winners.

A good game, with Marlow dominating the first half and, once 'Ensians had found their confidence, 'Ensians dominating the second, cheered on by their 'strictly at home dancing' mothers!!

Back of the day went to Guy, forward of the day to Ben House and muppet of the day to Max.
Man of the match for an all round performance, TG.