Colfeians 5 Gravesend 28

Another good week for the mad dogs nearly securing another clean sheet
before a lapse in concentration at the end allowed Colfeians in for a late
score. This should not however distract from what was another strong
performance from the boy's.

Good retention from the start secured more than their share of possession. A
period of good phases and strong running by backs and forwards alike led to
a strong burst from Owen Webster, which gradually forced Colfeians back
towards their own line. With Ben Cooper held up over the line the resulting
5 metre scrum led to a sharp pick up and forceful run from no 8 Owen Hinks
going over for the first try, which was well converted by Charles Martin. An
industrious Gravesend back row kept Colfes runners pegged back, with Ben
Cooper shining at the breakdown, and Freddie Barrett and Owen Hinks making
plenty of tackles, to keep the opposition on the back foot, and they whole
of the forward pack doing their job and making positive contributions.

It was great to see a step forward in interlinking backs and forwards into
open play with Charles Martin mixing up the options well, and keeping G's on
the front foot, and it was this running style of play that led to G's 2nd
try, Alfie Howden ending a good series of phases with a strong run to touch
down for the 2nd score. another good conversion this time from Ben Hope gave
G's a 14 point lead. Further tries from Owen Webster who thoroughly deserved
a try for all his efforts, and another for Alfie Howden capping a fine
performance, sealed the victory with Charles Martin and Ben Hope adding
another conversion a piece.

Two players had their first starts, Michael Nelligan at centre whose running
and ball retention improved throughout the game, and Dane Gillingham at
hooker, who stepped up to produce some strong runs and retention which
earned him the players player of the match.

It was another strong performance all round and shows that the team are
adapting well to the freedom being offered on a full size pitch, and this
bodes well for the season ahead. No doubt there are some challenging
fixtures ahead but there are some encouraging signs and scope to improve
further as we go forward throughout the year.