Gs denied in dramatic Final

The U14s were denied victory in the Kent Bowl Final by a disciplined Tunbridge Wells side.

Despite rumours to the contrary Gs U14s turned up with an almost complete squad to play in their first ever Final. Such is the progress that this group of boys has made that confidence was high as they took on a Tunbridge Wells side considerably taller in stature than the one we faced pre-Christmas.

Whether it was the occasion, playing in front of a large crowd or the blustery conditions but the U14s were uncharacteristically nervy in the opening exchanges. Hesitation was costing us dearly as Tunbridge Wells repeatedly turned over possession.

Slowly Gs started to get into the game and with the Wells back line inexplicably playing a kicking game when playing into the wind Gs started to find some good territory. While the score was level it was hard to see who was most likely to score as neither side really threatened. Gs set piece, in particular the scrum, was working very well and despite good possession any attacking moves were swallowed.

This though changed on 15mins when George Br received quick ball from the base of a scrum dummied the fly-half and centre and having made 10 metres off-loaded the ball basketball style to Harry N who outsprinted the Wells defence to score. The blustery conditions made kicking difficult and the resulting conversions inched past the upright (5-0)

Gs were clearly in the ascendency and were having no real difficulty containing the Wells forays. On several occasions Gs used the gusty wind to good effect and cleared the ball when under threat.

Just as the half was closing Gs had another glorious chance when having seen Wells spill a ball first George Br then Josh got foot to ball and just when it looked like all we needed was a pick up and sprint for the line we knocked on under pressure from the home defence. Half-Time arrived without further incident (5-0).

As with the first half Gs started the second half in poor fashion failing to take clean ball from the line out. A scrum ensured and from this Wells spun the ball out wide showing good hands and a fair turn of pace to score out wide. Despite a valiant attempt the conversion was pulled slightly and the scores remained 5-5.

Whether it was some positional changes which unsettled the side but straight from the kick off we pretty much found ourselves 12-5 down as Wells again showed good finishing and maximised the lack of disciple in the Gs back line.

Gs came back but a combination of lack of discipline and poor decision making at times meant we were making no friends with the referee who continually penalised the Gs for minor infringements. The highlight of these was the substitution that was sent on when we had a player down which saw us marched a full 40 yards back when we had just set up an excellent attacking position near the Wells line.

The boys though continued to battle manfully and finally got their reward after Harry N managed to force his way over after picking up at the back of a maul (12-10). Again the conversion narrowly missed this time to the left of the uprights.

At 12-10 Gs were still in the game and fighting to get a good position from which to repeat their dramatic drop goal win in the Semi-Final. It was, however, not to be and the final whistle blew. Wells were understandably ecstatic and the Gs thought of what might have been.

It is credit hough to this bunch of boys as to how far they have come this year. Apologies to those that did not make it on to th efield today but as we have said before you have all contributed to a very enjoyable and successful season. You really are a great 'team' and play this game in the right spirit.

Here's to next year... come on you Geeeees !!