Fixture

Abergavenny RFC | Under 14s 15 - 29 Chepstow RFC | Under 14s

Match Report
29 January 2017 / Team News

Match Report u14s vs Abergavenny RFC

The U14's travelled to Abergavenny knowing that they would be in for a tough encounter. 
The weather was poor and the pitch had been played on earlier in the day so under foot conditions were difficult.
Injury, illness and U15 call ups had also depleted the match day squad. The players were reminded of their responsibilities now that certain key players were missing but also reminded that this was an ideal opportunity for other players to step up.
 
The warm up was short and sharp in poor conditions but the attitude shown was exceptional and set the team up to start the game in the correct frame of mind.
Handling conditions were not good but every player was willing to move the ball wide. The first meaningful attack of the game came when the forwards secured ball and the backs moved the ball at pace to the left hand side of the pitch. The ball reached Owen who showed pace and balance to outstrip the defence. Only a desperate tackle stopped us from opening the scoring. From the resulting home line out, Chepstow pressured the Abergavenny ball and won a scrum. From a solid platform the backs moved the ball with accuracy to release Josh who cut inside to open the scoring.
 
Chepstow dominated possession and territory for the remainder of the half but a lack of support for the ball carrier meant that we kept turning over possession in attacking positions. Conditions underfoot were getting worse and the ball very slippery but credit to both teams as they maintained an attacking attitude and a desire to move the ball wide. For the majority of the first half the defensive three of Ben, Will and Kieran pressed well and defended the inside switch effectively when Abergavenny tried to use their centre down the middle of the pitch. Kieran and Will also pressured the opposite centre partnership into losing the ball and and one occasion Kieran picked the ball up to run 50m deep into the opposition territory. Only a great cover tackle from Abergavenny's pacy winger bringing Kieran down close to the line. 
 
Chepstow deserved to go into half time with a greater lead than 5-0 because of their dominance in the game. Instead they went into the break level on points. A lapse in concentration in both defensive alignment and line speed allowed Abergavenny to move the ball wide from a scrum in their own half. Their winger received the ball in space and built up a head of steam. Several players slipped off tackles by going too high and the wing showed excellent pace to round the cover defence to score from our point of view, a disappointing try. 5-5.
 
At half time, Matt talked about supporting the ball carrier, making better decisions in contact and having better body positions when clearing out rucks. Abergavenny were very good at slowing down and turning over our ball and our forwards were asked to make sure this was corrected in the second half to enable us move the ball away at breakdown.
 
As soon as the half kicked off we were unable to secure possession and execute our exit strategy. The ball was turned over and Abergavenny moved the ball quickly to the left. The ball reached the wing and he again showed great pace to score in the corner allowing the opposition to take the lead, 10-5. Once again we had put ourselves under pressure and needed to respond immediately.
 
To their credit that is exactly what the players did. Scrum and lineout ball were being secured as they were in the first half but Chepstow now understood the need to play the game in the right areas of the field. Playing down the slope, excellent pressure in defence meant that the opposition were making more frequent mistakes and allowing us an attacking platform deep into opposition territory.
Attitude and skill level were excellent meaning mistakes were kept to a minimum and the ball being transferred quickly along the back line. The ball reached Reece on the wing and he intelligently cut back inside towards his support. Good footwork allowed him to make great progress and when finally tackled he presented the ball allowing the forwards to create quick ball. Instead of his usual position of centre, Kieran found himself at halfback and showing real intelligence and vision picked up and attacked around the fringe of the ruck. Great acceleration and strength meant he broke several tackles to to cross the try line and make his way behind the posts. Josh added the two points and Chepstow had hit back immediately and found themselves in front.
 
Confidence and belief was up and ball retention was improved. Our major ball carriers started making inroads into the opposition and service at half back sharp and accurate. Ben varied his game with good effect, going wide when space allowed and kicking in behind to turn and tire out the opposition. Another excellent attack from the forwards allowed the ball to be moved to the left. Josh received the ball in space with support runners left and right. Carrying the ball in two hands Josh offered the ball on several occasions and the opposition were drawn to our support runners. Throwing a couple of great dummies, Josh beat several defenders and a turn of pace to outstrip the cover defence to score under the posts. He then added two points to this excellent try. At 19-10 we were in a more comfortable position but needed to score again.
 
This opportunity came when Chepstow were awarded a scrum on the opposition 10m line. The scrum was again a result of outstanding pressure from the team. Morgan, Luke and Joe were becoming prominent in the loose with their forceful play. Will picked up from the base and ran left down the blindside. He beat a couple of defenders and ran around the last defender to cross the try line near the corner. He then straightened his run and made his way towards the posts. In the process of putting the ball down and not under any pressure, Will managed to drop the ball. (I haven't mentioned it since, but please feel free to bring it up in training!)
 
Chepstow were not to be denied and more pressure allowed the forwards to create an opportunity for Jayden to dive across the line for an excellent score. The conversion was missed but Chepstow now had real confidence and attacked straight from the kick off. Morgan collected a difficult ball off the floor and instead of charging into contact, distributed to the ever supporting Briden on the left and in space. Briden continued the attack. Making ground down the left and throwing some lovely dummies in the process, he timed his pass to Will Morgan to perfection. Will showed great pace to run almost 40m to the corner and put the game out of sight. Ben's attempted conversion highlighted how difficult the conditions had become, with the ball refusing to leave the mud in which it had been placed!
 
Abergavenny were not to be denied and scored a deserved try at the end of the game, proving what a good team they were. The final score was 29-15 to Chepstow and was the result of an excellent squad performance from all involved. 
 
Things to be pleased about.
Desire to play wide and the accuracy shown in very difficult conditions.
Scrum and Line out ball contested on opposition ball and secured on our ball. Confidence to change line out calls following the set up of opposition. Well down Taylor.
Service of halfbacks again excellent in easily the worst conditions of the year.
The teams ability to step up when threatened by a dangerous team. The attitude and response to going 10-5 behind was excellent.
 
Things to work on.
Accuracy, support and aggression in contact and the breakdown area. Too much ball was lost or slowed down by the opposition.
Too many missed tackles, mainly by going too high.
Perhaps this is not a surprise due to the fact that we have been unable to train on the pitch recently. These areas can be worked on at the next opportunity.
 
Well done everyone. On we go.
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