Fixture

With the U14s playing their cup match there was no possibility of borrowing any players, so a bare 15 made their way to Cardiff to face what was expected to be a strong home team.  After a lengthy journey down to Cardiff with the M4 closed again, we took to the field on a bright sunny morning, made for running rugby.

Chepstow started very strongly with quick line speed and hard running from Harry T, Will R and Callum.  The pressure soon told and a strong run by Harry delivered clean ball out to the backs and Rhys, playing out of position on the wing, went over to score the first try.  This was soon converted by Keegan, 7-0 in the first five minutes.  The boys did not let up the pressure on St Joseph’s and fast line speed, strong tackling from Jo, Spencer, Jake S and Tom W stopped any attack and forwards, hungry for the ball, delivered turn over ball at the breakdown.  Strong runs by Will and Harry continued to break the St Joseph’s defensive line and great support play earnt Dan W a rare off load from Harry T to score our second try.   St Joseph’s tried to respond to the early deficit, by spreading the ball, but consistent pressure from both forwards and backs resulted in turnover ball and straight running Callum, Harry T and Will R resulted in 4 quick tries and Keegan converting one try so at half time the team were 36 points ahead and our defence had yet to be penetrated.

St Joseph’s were not a team to capitulate and we knew that they would fight back in the second half and after a strong talk from team Captain Will R, the team lined up for the second half.  St Joseph’s came out strong, with quicker line speed, closing down our attack and were more competitive at the break down.  The team kept its shape with excellent cover tackles from the likes of Spencer, Angus and new boy Ryleigh, kept the opposition at bay. Further strong running by our attack, soon payed off and Will R went over for our sixth try, which Keegan converted.   

As the game wore on mistakes started to creep in and with no replacements the boys had to dig deep to maintain the defence.  Will R moved to the wing following an injury in order to stay out of trouble and Rhys moved onto the flank.  This proved to be an inspired move, with Rhys steeling all St Joseph’s lineout ball for the rest of the match This delivered a new attacking platform for the backs.  Edwin and Angus supplied clean ball from the lineout and runs from Callum, Joe, Tom and Jake A, piled pressure on St Joseph’s.  This was soon converted into points by Dan W, who showed, yet again, the value of support play receiving a pass to score unopposed.  Keegan covered the try.

St Joseph’s, to their credit, continued to attack and only strong tackling from all 15 players kept the opposition out.  Final score 50-0.

Things to be pleased about:

• Fitness – All players played 60 minutes and maintained intensity.

• Intensity – we were relentless. Very physical and direct in attack and defence, quickly getting back into position to deal with the next phase – whether we were in possession or not

• Scrum – Ryleigh has strengthened our front row and we had a tight set piece.

• Lineout – Rhys can jump light a gazelle and both Dan and Ryleigh provided excellent support.

• Support play – Dan Williams proved the value of support play with two tries.

Things to work on

• Communications – Call for the ball and let runners know where you are.

• Over laps – There is a time to cut back inside and a time to look outside and use the width of the field.We need to read the field.