Gs U14s beaten by better Beccehamians

We knew today was going to be a tough test. Although we had the pleasure of Jo B's return from a dislocated finger, we lost both Zac (swollen knee) and Ned(shiner of a black and closed eye) following a feisty GGS match the day before. These injuries led to a change of position for a few boys and the need to step into unfamiliar roles against stiff opposition. In all honesty, we all fell a long way short of the mark. Such days are a great opportunity for learning rather than being downhearted. With learning comes improvement and with improvement comes success.

Beccehamians passing through their backs and in particular, their speed(or our lack of it) to the breakdown left us with little quality possession and much defending to do. The few Gs breaks, when they came, left runners largely isolated and gave Bs further opportunities to run back at us. Bs 1st try came from a penalty(high/swing tackle) in the 3rd minute. Quick tap and ball across their backs, making 50m and a well taken conversion from the left side 7-0. They could have been a further 5 points up 2 minutes later, but for a good covering tackle from Tye 5 meters out. Their second try came in the 11th minute from a Gs break, where we had left Josh S isolated, allowing the ball to be ripped and returned from their 22m to ours. Quicker once again to the breakdown, the recycled ball found an overlap on the left flank and both the time and the space to put the ball under the posts, leaving an easier conversion 14-0. We went 19-0 down in the 15th minute, following another unsupported runner, quickly capitalised upon by the Bs forwards and transferred through the backs with more quick hands.

To our credit, we "stopped the rot" to an extent from then on. A good break from Nathan in the 18th minute came very close to securing a Gs try, but for a knock on from the breakdown 2m out from the Bs line. Half-time came a little early, but was none-the-less welcome and gave an opportunity to catch a breath and reflect upon the errors of the 1st half.

3 minutes into the 2nd half, came Bs 4th try, back in our own 10m, an attempted kick clearence went straight into the arms of their fullback, who made a strong return and slipped through a flat-footed Gs defence. A missed conversion left the score at 24-0. The only Gs try of the game, came in the 7th minute from a Gs scrum, just inside the Bs half. Strong scrum and a quick pass out to Ben C, who powered it over the line just wide of the Bs posts. The conversion was missed uncharacteristically by Tye, pulled just wide, but at least we were on the scoreboard! 25-5. However, 2 minutes later and Bs scored again, with a mirror of their 4th try. A kicked clearance down the throat of the Bs fullback, strong run, a few missed tackles, quick ruck and ball recycled through willing and supporting backs from 10m out. The conversion again missed, 29-5. Gs then soaked up the Bs pressure for the next 8 minutes in their own half, before a quick Gs tap penalty by Tye, saw a rare, but welcome, incursion into the Bs half. Alas, tackled and falling awkwardly, Tye sustained an injury, which ultimately led to the referee calling time on the game with about 13 minutes to go. Final score 29-5.

I am pleased to report that Tye has no sustained no break, but some damaged knee ligaments that should heal relatively quickly. Thanks to all who stayed to offer him some comfort/humour/mothering, lifts, offers of lifts and well-wishing.

Principally, Bs did the simple stuff better. Their decision making was better, their passing was quicker, their kicking better placed and they were quicker and more eager to the breakdown. This is all stuff that we are capable of, but failed to demonstrate today. If there is a positive from today(and I have had to look pretty hard to find one), it is that being 19-0 down after 15 minutes, we only lost the last 30 or so minutes 10-5, so we were beaten, but not broken!