U16 match report: Datchworth v WVs 20th November 2022

A closely fought contest ends with WVs being denied the win.

First Half

Conditions were perfect for today's fixture and buoyed up by their second half comeback against Chess Valley the previous week one expected the boys to be confident going into this one. However, the team has often been slow to get going from the first K O but soon showed their intent with a positive start and quick recycling at the breakdown. Paul, once again, showed how is such a fearless and effective tackler making some big hits and despite a great kick and chase from Alfie P leading to a try scoring opportunity, Datchworth duly recovered. Both teams seemed to have 'locked horns' at this point and it would have been difficult to predict who would score first. However, after 10 mins of closely-fought play and seemingly from nowhere D's No 10 made a sudden break, his pace being too much for the WVs defence, scoring and duly converting his try between the posts.

0-7

Alphie S showed some great strength after a promising driving maul and after some substitutions the WVs began to pile on the pressure on the Datchworth try line but were unrewarded as they were turned over at the ruck. Our passing down the line was too often wayward leading to a breakdown in play and a chance for the opposition to reset their defence. Yet again their No 10 looked to be on for another try but for a wonderful George tackle and a couple of big Alfie P hits soon after caused a turnover which was unfortunately squandered with D kicking into touch. There then followed a scrappy period of play when we seemed to lose our discipline and were it not for a dropped ball Datchworth would have moved further ahead and with the increased pressure from D and some misguided kicking from Vs after 30 mins they went over the line for a second try.

0-14

Some enthusiastic encouragement to the team from Paul before the restart seemed to have the desired effect as after a period of pressure from the forwards, Robbie carried over the line for a well-earned try which Alfie P converted.

Half Time 7-14

Second Half

With the slope in their favour and despite the drop in temperature, WVs began confidently and almost scored within the first few minutes of play. Tom H's kick and chase led to a scrum within the Datchworth 22'. A lovely delayed pass from Tom H to Alfie P running at speed unfortunately came to nothing and once again the D backs after regaining possession, began to show how well they could move the ball down the line and threaten to score. Our boys put in some big tackles to keep them out and after a wonderful interception by George on the half way line and a perfectly timed pass out to Dylan S the tides turned yet again and we found ourselves in a perfect try scoring opportunity. Aidan duly dispatched a perfect pass to Thomas from the ruck who went over to score in the far corner. Game on!

12-14

With only 2 points in it and about 20 mins remaining this looked a difficult one to call but within minutes and to the dismay of the away supporters, their No 10 received the ball, was allowed too much space and crossed the line for D's 3rd.

12-21

However, the WVs showed their fighting spirit yet again as Adam took a great catch which he then dispatched down field the ball taking a lucky rebound off the upright to keep it in play. Facing an onslaught of WV players bearing down on him he the D full -back had no choice but to touch the ball down behind his line awarding us a 5m scrum. We really needed a score at this point in the game and after a strong ruck Dylan S showed great vision surging over the line from behind the ruck to make it just a 2 point difference.

19-21

With the game thus poised it was no surprise to see Datchworth pile on the pressure yet again and having made some late subs one of whom seemed to be able to take four of our boys with him before finally being taken to ground. This proved to be our nemesis especially at such a late stage in the game and after a line out close to our try line they went over for their 4th putting the game out of reach once and for all despite Alfie P being given 2 penalty attempts at goal in the dying seconds of the match.

Final score 19-28

At the post match huddle, Brian told the boys that they should feel very proud of their performance. They certainly should. Yes, there are areas that can de improved ( Passing! and speed at the breakdown ) but fundamentally the team worked as a team and played the game with a great spirit.

Man of the match - Dylan D

Captain’s player - Thomas B

Coaches pet - Ben P(W)

Stinker of the week - Alphie S for losing part of a tooth