Fixture

Chepstow Under 8’s long awaited match up with local rivals Caldicot Under 8’s took place on Sunday morning. With local pride at stake, Chepstow turned out in numbers to finally pitch their skills against a side that will no doubt provide a good natured rivalry for many years to come!

Team - Amelie, Otis ©, Will A, Zac, Henry, Tomos, Will D, Tomas, Flynn, Kameli

Match 1

Chepstow started with the ball in hand and made some headway however Caldicot were out of the blocks quickly and some great tagging work resulted in Chepstow turning the ball over on six tags. Having given away possession Chepstow worked hard as a team to get it back, keeping the opposition pinned back in their own half before re-claiming possession with a six tag turnover of their own. Zach, back in the side for his first start of the season showing no signs of rustiness as he went hunting for opposition tags. With the ball back in hand Flynn looked for Henry at the restart and he slipped through the lines touching down in the corner to put Chepstow ahead. Caldicot had the ball at the restart but again Chepstow were sharp in defence and once again took possession. With ball in hand Chepstow looked dangerous however Caldicot were more than equal to the challenge taking the ball back once again. From here they capitalised with the evasive “AJ” slipping several attempts to tag before touching down to level the scores. From the restart Chepstow then ran the ball in to touch and with ball in hand Caldicot went in front. At the restart Chepstow went in search of an equaliser, Flynn passing to Tomos who moved the ball on to Henry who touched down for his second of the match. Caldicot lost possession at the restart and Owen went racing for the corner to put Chepstow 3-2 up at the break.

Henry quickly added his third after the restart before Caldicot hit back with speed. Will D added Chepstow’s fifth try with a driving run in to the corner but again Caldicot hit back swiftly following a strong run down the touchline. At 5-4 it was a close contest and some great tagging work by both sides saw further six tag turnovers. Eventually it was Tomas who made the decisive score to give Chepstow a sixth try and with the clock ticking down Chepstow ran out 6-4 winners.

Match 2

Chepstow’s greater numbers and the luxury of rolling substitutes gave the home side an advantage against the tiring Caldicot side who battled on gamely. Otis got the ball rolling with his first of the day before Zac went over for his first try in his first start back, well done! Kameli added another in the corner and Otis then scored the try of the day, intercepting a bouncing loose ball and driving for the line. Caldicot pulled one back before Otis grabbed another two. Henry went over again before Owen grabbed his second of the day with a strong run down the touchline. All that remained was for Otis to score the final try of the day with yet another interception capping a man of the match performance in a 9-1 win.

A great effort by Caldicot who were more than a match for Chepstow in the first game. With greater numbers they will clearly be more than a match in the future.

Tries – Otis (5), Henry (4), Owen (2), Tomas (1), Kameli (1), Will D (1), Zach (1)