Fixture

After a late cancellation, the U16s had to travel to Kingswood making it 4 out of 5 games away from home so far this season. The welcome return of Will Ruck, the continued support of Lewis Bedford and the new addition of Jim Oliver helped to take squad numbers to a healthier 17 players.

From the kick-off the boys applied themselves with good, disciplined aggression. Several early hits from Joe Truckel, Jayden Davies and Spencer Hanlon sent a message to Kingswood that this was going to be a tough day. The defensive line, that had been a real issue the previous week, was far more organised and came up at pace. Notably Thomas Franklin and Morgan Bedford pinning their opposite numbers down. The overwhelming pressure soon brought rewards as turned over ball was swiftly used through the hands for the 1^st try by Jim Oliver, converted by Joe Truckel.

We had started well and now the boys had their tails up. Receiving the ball from the kick-off the boys weren’t going hand over the egg too easily and so attack after attack ended in our 2^nd score this time Will Ruck crossing the line after good straight running from Thomas gave him the space to touchdown. Kingswood were still up for the challenge and pressed into the Chepstow half but a really physical defence kept stopping them in their tracks with Jake Summers and Rhys Swain relentlessly hitting rucks and Dan Williams and Angus Davies-King making big hits around the fringes. On one turnover ball, Edwin sent a long kick downfield to relieve the pressure. Pleasingly the chase was excellent as Angus, Joe Beard and Callum all tore upfield with Joe Beard making the decisive tackle to pin Kingswood back in their own 22metre zone. More pressure followed and both Will and Jim scored further tries, converted by Joe to take the score to 26-0.

A backline collision brought Morgan Bedford off dazed and Will Ruck came off as part of easing him back into match fitness. However the pressure continued, the scrum went well with Lewis Bedford again doing a fantastic job at loosehead prop. Jake Allbert improved again this week. Making several important tackles and holding his position in attack to create space for those inside him. Thomas and Joe switched between outside half and inside centre and continued a partnership that is beginning to flourish with Edwin’s service being at its peak, looking particularly slick, sending both into attack on the front foot.

Angus’ hard work all over the field was duly rewarded with the next try and the reintroduced Will Ruck then scored his hat-trick. A cleaver cross field kick by Joe and good reactions by Jake saw him gather and score a well-deserved try for a good 1^st half effort. At half-time the score was 43-0, the boys were shattered but they had played total rugby with a mix of hard hitting defence, great attacking width but also some direct forward play.

At half-time we discussed trying out more backs and lineout moves to try to improve as a team, we also discussing passing before contact and letting the ball do the work. Almost inevitably their mind switched off the primary need to win the physical battle. To Kingswood’s credit they had got fired up at half-time and brought much more physicality. The result was a period where Kingswood dominated and scored two converted tries. This was a great test for the boys to see how they would react to the pressure. Bit by bit the physicality returned, as ever it was Jake Summers and Rhys Swain whose fitness and commitment in the 2^nd half, showed the way for the rest of the pack. With Spencer firing everyone up, Callum Arnott put in some great work at the breakdown along with Jayden Davies, Dan Williams and Lewis Bedford to turn the tide.

Normal service was resumed with Joe Truckel scoring two tries, converting 1. Finally, Jim Oliver crossed for his hat-trick. Final score Kingswood 14 – 62 Chepstow.

Things to be pleased about:

• Defensive organisation and aggression - setting our stall out early
• Ball handling skills – when we turned the ball over we used it really effectively
• Responding the 2^nd half to a temporary loss of composure

Things to work on

• We need another lineout option – too predictable
• Tactical awareness – we need only play rugby in the correct part of the field

On we go…………….