Fixture

On one of our farther away jaunts the boys’ spirits were high as they got on the Chepstow community minibus. The journey seemed to take something out of the team as they started the game on the backfoot. The work rate was low and many were reticent to take responsibility for creating a much needed spark. Only the half backs, Edwin & Joe Truckel, as well as inside centre Thomas seemed switched on in both defence and attack. Their work rate was high and was helping to keep the score at nil-nil for some time.

Bit by bit some of the forwards got into the game, notably Rhys Swain with numerous tackles but also Spencer and Jake Summers. Somehow, after 30 minutes, the deadlock was broken with Thomas making another excellent break by straightening his line. He won the footrace to touchdown from 40 metres after being hauled down just short from a similar run a few minutes earlier. Joe converted.

A fracas then ensued with both sides losing discipline, this proved to be the wake-up call a lot of the boys needed. We found our shape with Callum, Dan, Lewis, Jayden Davies and Joe Beard all starting to work hard in defence against a forward dominated opposition. Wave after wave of heavy runners started to batter the Chepstow defence, the boys ensured that they had to fight for every yard.

A few minutes after half-time, the very physical Will Ruck scored and then Morgan, who had grown in influence throughout the game, also touched down to provide some comfort. Evesham were a decent team and used their forward power to get back into the game. Two tries were scored, making it far more interesting and put Chepstow back under pressure. Fortunately the boys were more than up to it, Jake Allbert found himself in good positions to make yards, Tom Wacey handled their kicking game well and Jayden Davies was his usual abrasive self. Keegan finished a flowing move to score and important try followed by a rapid kick return from Jim Oliver to seal the win, 33-14 final score.

The scoreboard indicated a comfortable win but the forwards will know they had had a tough day. Things to be pleased about:

• We took our chances, execution was good
• We showed self-belief and confidence to win

Things to work on

• Work rate wasn’t good enough, too many resting
• Commitment to the breakdown was poor, need to be much more physical

On we go…..