Fixture

Everyone was there bright and early (well apart from Paul who got lost and Josh and Owen!)

The coaches warmed up the team and worked on some key aspects particularly the lineout, scrum and backs moves. The forwards were instructed to hit every ruck in the first 15 minutes with sheer aggression and commitment and the backs were told to concentrate on keeping their shape and anticipating their team mates breaks, whilst working very hard on defensive line speed.

The boys were lined up ready to go and from the off we went through the phases but were up against a very stubborn defence with the opposition turning defence into attack and threatening time and time again. Their cause was helped by us being on the wrong side of the penalty count. The opposition came within touching distance of the line and looked destined to score, however some excellent reading of the attack by Steven meant he intercepted what was likely to be a try scoring pass to run the length of the field and score under the posts, Wammo converted.

The forwards took the kick off well and started to apply the rhino around the fringes which resulted in some excellent hard yards, with Travis feeding the backline we made our way up into the oppositions 22.. Through phase after phase of powerful running up front, Lloyd cut an excellent angle to score under the posts, Wammo converted, 14 – 0.

Chepstow were not having it all their own way though and came under significant pressure with only some last gasp defending holding the opposition out and ensuring the scoreboard remained at 14 – 0 at half time.

Some changes were made at half time, and the coaches instructed more game management in particular kicking for territory and utilising the wind and slope.

The team took this on board and started very well, the kick chase was very effective and gave us possession deep in the oppositions half, we did however blow a few chances through lateral running angles and not drawing the man. However some excellent attacking playing and quick hands putting people into space allowed Taylor to go over for the games 3^rd try with Josh missing the conversion.

Hucclecote were in no mood to give up and some very powerful running allowed them crash over from short range with Chepstow’s forwards unable to stop the attack due to incorrect body angles, the conversion was missed (19-5).

Chepstow slotted straight back into their game plan though, kicking to the corners and using their defensive structures to turn over ball in attacking positions. Although the defence was very stubborn, some quick thinking from Travis allowed him to snipe over for a well-deserved try, with the conversion missed to make it 24-5.

From the resulting kick off, Hucclecote scored an excellent individual try through their full back who had been a constant threat throughout with his nimble footwork and incredible pace. His cause however was helped from the back defending too narrow again and falling off tackles. (24-10)

Chepstow though did get the final say with Ben, who had an excellent game in particular his game management, scoring the final try of the match, conversion missed (29-10)

Things to be pleased about:

·         Defence was excellent particularly up front

·         Set piece

·         Strength in depth

Things to work on:

·        Running the inside shoulder

·        Composure under pressure