Fixture

Chepstow RFC | Under 14s 24 - 19 Old Luctonians RFC | Under 14s
Jayden Williams
Try 1
Reece Admans
Try 1
Owen Denley
Try 1
Nathan Williams
Try 1
Joshua Morgan
Conversion 2

Match Report
19 February 2017 / Team News

Match Report u14s vs Old Luctonians RFC

The U14 team went into this fixture with a bare 15 players. There were 10 players absent through injury, illness and half term breaks. To continue our unbeaten run would have been difficult against any opposition let alone Old Luctonians. They turned up early, brought considerable support and looked well organised and physical.

The team knew this would be a tough game and were prepared to give everything during the game. This meant that they didn't give anything during the warm up! Sign of an intelligent team, as they were clearly saving themselves for the battle ahead!  With the ineffective warm up cut short the boys prepared themselves for the game.  Matt told them that he fully believed they were good enough to win the game but would have to work flat out for the full 60 mins.

The opening exchanges meant that the game would be won at the breakdown and the quality of ball that we could provide our halfbacks. Ball was turned over frequently with both teams competing effectively for the ball on the floor and the first 10-15 mins were a real arm wrestle.  The first try was scored by the visitors from a quickly taken tap penalty that was moved wide. This is something that has happened previously and we must be more aware in future. When a penalty is conceded the team must see the whistle as an opportunity for the opposition to start their attack rather than an end to the action and an opportunity for a breather.  The try was well converted and we found ourselves 7-0 down.

To their credit the boys reorganised and worked tirelessly up the hill. Our ball carriers started receiving ball on the front foot and putting their defence under pressure. Excellent support from the back row that included Travis and Steven playing out of position meant that ruck ball was won quickly and allowed the backs to attack. They varied their game intelligently with both Will M and Josh kicking to space to turn the opposition. Sustained pressure in the opposition 22 led to an attacking scrum.  With the front and second rows working hard against heavier opposition, Nathan was able to pick up at the base and attack the blind side. With typical physicality he progressed forward and drew several defenders before offloading to the close supporting Rhys who dived over.  The conversion was missed but Chepstow were back in the game.

Score at half time was 5-7.

At half time Matt restructured the team moving Owen to his more favoured Wing position and taking off Roman who had battled through the first half feeling very much under the weather. Well done Roman, great spirit shown. With Travis taking over at scrum half the team were also introduced to Charlie, an U13 player prepared to step up and help the team. Charlie made a notable impact on the game in the 2nd  half with several carries and strong contribution at the breakdown.  James Brasher came on in the centre to provide cover against strong running opposition.  Coaches spoke about being effective at the breakdown and playing the game in the correct areas of the pitch as we were now playing down the slope.

The next score would be crucial and again the start of the 2nd half was similar to the 1st with both teams struggling to gain ascendancy.  From a defensive position ball was won by the forwards and Travis fed Josh. Clearly listening to the half time talk, Josh cleverly kicked to the narrow side to turn the wing. The kick was weighted perfectly and had enough height on it to allow Owen to challenge for the ball.  He timed this to perfection and beat his opposite number to the ball and caught it at full speed. With 70 metres to the line and several defenders closing him down, Owen showed tremendous pace to scorch away before rounding the last defender to score under the posts. Some how the conversion was missed but Chepstow were now in front for the first time.

Old Luctonians came back very strongly and only last gasp tackles and poor execution from the opposition kept Chepstow in front. The defensive effort from all was clearly beginning to take its toll.  Chepstow needed to score again. This opportunity came when strong breakdown work led to a penalty which Nathan thumped  40 or 50 metres into touch.  From the attacking line out the correct call was made. Could the team execute?

Will fed the front of the line out and ran a line that meant he received the ball back in the No 9 position. Nathan meanwhile had retreated into the 10/12 channel to receive the ball off Will. Drawing in the opposition back row Will fed Nathan at full tilt.  With 20 metres to go and several defenders to beat, Nathan stormed his way to the try line for a try that Josh converted.

Chepstow were now 17-7 in front but were clearly feeling the pace.

Old Luctonians made several changes and their fresh legs clearly made an impact.  Instead of defending on the gain line, Chepstow allowed the opposition space and time to gain momentum. Tackles that were being made in the first half were being missed and Luctonians advanced up the pitch.  From several attacking rucks they battered the Chepstow line and eventually Chepstow ran out of defenders. The try was not converted and the score was 17-12 to Chepstow.

Chepstow needed to spend time in the opposition half and defend aggressively to close the game out.

Luctonians recycled the ball and their No 8 who had been strong all game, collected from the base. With over 60 metres to the line and several defenders to beat the threat should have been contained. We started to defend the try line rather than the gain line and retreated instead of closing his space. To his credit he showed great pace, balance and strength to beat what seemed like half the team to score under the posts for a converted try which meant Luctonians took the lead 17-19.

With only minutes left of the game, were the U14's about to lose their unbeaten record?

Physically and mentally tired, the boys lifted themselves for one last effort.  Deep in our own half, Chepstow had a line out. Catch and drive, box kick for territory?

Not this team. The same call as before worked with Will feeding Nathan in the 10/12 channel.  Reacting to the threat, Luctonians immediately closed him down to deny him space.  Dragging in numerous defenders, Chepstow now had space out wide to attack. Slick handling across the back line freed Owen on the left wing and he made great yardage into the opposition half.  The forwards knew this was their final opportunity and threw themselves into the contact area. Several strong drives meant that further yards were  gained. The ball was moved to the right and the backs showing great composure and skill level maintained the attack.

Chepstow were now in the shadow of the posts. Ball retention was excellent and several strong carries took them closer to the line. The ball was recycled once again and Jayden picked up from the base of the ruck to power over for the match winning score. Wi th the last play of the game, Josh converted to make the final score Chepstow 24, Old Luctonians 19.

Phew!!!!

A great team effort showing the strength in depth of the squad. Several players out of position and others determined to play on after suffering knocks during the game.  Great commitment to defence and variety in attack. Well done all.

Things to tighten up on:

  • Kick off returns not cleanly taken and placing us under pressure:
  • Tackles too high allowing for bigger and stronger opponents to gain momentum.
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