U14s Impressive against Tunbridge Wells

This weekend, there were welcome returns for Zac and Ned, but the losses of Ben C, Harry B, Josh S, Stan B and Shaye. Gs started the match with 17 players, facing a TWs squad of 25.

Gs started brightly, with 2 good scrum wins(one against the head) and a Zac try from the resulting possession in the 1st 2 minutes. The straightforward conversion attempt hit the bar, after being blown of the tee just as Zac was about to kick it. Gs continued to dominate possession and were rewarded with a 2nd try in the 7th minute from Ned, after a good run by Zac, offloading to Ned in support. The resulting conversion attempt was tough, given both the strong breeze and the wide angle, but nonetheless converted by Zac after some goading from Mr Mayhem, who now owes him a fiver as a result! 12-0 Gs! Straight from the restart came our 3rd try and from our 3rd try scorer of the day! TWs drop kick dropped into the safe hands of Jo B on his own 22m line. He ran the ball powerfully back through TWs forwards, then backs, making the full 80m, before placing the ball down in the left corner, leaving another tough conversion for Zac, who narrowly missed. 10 minutes into the game, Gs were leading 17-0. TWs got on the scoreboard themselves in the 13th minute, following a penalty 5m from our line. The conversion attempt was charged down by Tye, limiting the damage to 5 points.

Gs continued to pile on the pressure, parking TWs firmly in their own half. It wasn't long before Gs efforts yielded another Try, from yet another scorer. Under pressure TWs kicked clearance landed in Zac's hands, who ran it back before offloading to Tye. Tye put the ball down in the corner (knowing that he was not going to be kicking today!), leaving Zac a tough conversion attempt. Zac rose to the challenge and slotted the tricky kick. 17 minutes played, 24-5.

The 5th try came just a minute later and was scored by our 5th try scorer of the day Ben M. TWs made a rare break, getting the ball out to their winger, who lacked support. A great tackle by Ben D and quickly recycled ball to Ben M, who scored under the posts. Zac converted, taking the score to 31-5 after 19 minutes. A further 1st half try came from Tye in the 22nd minute, converted by Zac, leaving the Gs 38-5 up at half time.

Jo B showed he had fully recovered his confidence with a wonderful solo try in the 3rd minute of the second half. After catching TWs clearance kick and running it straight back and under the posts, leaving an easy conversion for Zac, who slotted it. 45-5. Nathan became the 6th Gs try scorer in the 8th minute of the second half. The ball making its way through the Gs backs before Nathan touched down in the corner. Stan attempted the tough conversion, but was unsuccessful. 50-5. Tye scored his 3rd in the 12th minute after catching another kicked clearance, running back at TWs, chipping a kick over the backs towards an isolated fullback. With Tye at full speed, the fullback fumbled, Tye capitalised and placed the ball under the posts. Oli H stepped up to convert in theatrical fashion, giving it the full "Johnny Wilkinson". He silenced a sceptical crowd by scoring and putting a finger to his lips. 57-5. Jo B added his 3rd try in the 19th minute, catching the ball 20m into his own half, returning it all the way back and scoring under the posts, gifting a now supremely confident Oli H his second conversion. 64-5. Gs final try came from the TWs restart. Zac gathering the ball, running the full distance, before offloading selflessly to Oli in close support. Oli "powered" it home from a full metre out and Zac converted. 71-5. With 8 minutes left and TWs looking thoroughly demoralised, the referee called time.

In summary, we were so much better than last week. The backs may have grabbed most of the glory, but the excellent "grunt work" of the forwards afforded us so much possession. Credit goes to all of the forwards who don't always get fully recognised for what they do. Ben D had another excellent game, as did Jo B, who is now clearly back to his best, following his return from injury. Zac also deserves much praise for another selfless performance. Finally, I feel that Harry G should be congratulated on the way he is now settling into his new role as scrum half. He had a tough baptism in the 1st few games this season, but is growing in confidence every week. We face a tougher game next week away to TJs, but should take much confidence from today, but also not forget the lessons from the week before. Well done lads......oh, and Sharon Outram came again!