Colts Match Report vs Chess Valley

Vees Colts maintain unbeaten start to the season as they win their fifth game in a row

After a period of no games around half term when Vees are typically lower on numbers, the Colts got back to match action against Chess Valley, hailing from two leagues above, on a damp day which was sure to test the handling.   Missing a plethora of wingers on the day, Vees had resorted to a half each for back row players Rhydian (who’d only just escaped from the wing to his natural home in the back row) and George in less familiar territory.

First Half

The first significant actions saw a perfect lineout from Reuben to Reuben setting up a break by Sam FB on a pre-planned ‘barrel’ backs move.  The line break was clean and with one player to beat the ball was popped out to George but he couldn’t hold on to greasy ball.  Vees dominant set piece was highlighted early on as a solid scrum won ball against the head but this time Matthew couldn’t hang on to the Reuben M pop.  The conditions were hampering Vees from getting points on the board.

Despite the early intent from Vees, Chess Valley struck first as Vees made a mistake in our 22 trying to offload in contact rather than going to ground and recycling.  Chess Valley picked up the loose ball and after a couple of phases gave it to one of their big forwards who powered over.

7-0

From the ensuing kick off, Chess Valley knocked on and the Vees applied pressure from 5m out.  Chess Valley eventually turned the ball over but Reuben S quickly won a turnover as he jackalled the ball following a tackle.  A quick tap by Austin saw him pass the ball out to Sam FB who fed emergency winger for the half, Rhydian, for the try.  All that time at wing honed that finishing!

7-5

From the kick off Vees secured the ball but then decided to play it out from our 22 rather than clear it.  A penalty was awarded to Chess Valley for Vees holding on and they shortly turned it into another try from a millimetre out.

12-5

With points seemingly following on closely from each kick off, Vees quickly earned a Penalty from the restart.  Good hit ups by Sam W and Austin followed before the ball was moved on the blindside from Luka to George who exploded over, via a brief interlude of crashing into the nearest Chess Valley player like a Tasmanian Devil.

12-10

Vees had the bit between their teeth now and following a scrum to Chess Valley in their 22, their 10 fumbled allowing Luka to charge down his clearing kick. Vees were first on to the loose ball and from the ruck, the ball was quickly passed out to Jamie F who fed Reuben M, lurking with intent, to speed over.

12-15

Second Half

The second half was a bit of a war of attrition with a number of stoppages.  The first excitement came from the usual ‘shot’ from Sam FB as he lit up a Chess Valley player as he received the ball.  The mistake forced Chess Valley on to the back foot.  Vees won a scrum and despite it not being the cleanest of set pieces, Reuben M tidied up and fed Will to go over in the corner.  A great kick from Jamie F added two points from the side line.  He’d been £20 to the good if his Dad had been watching!

12-22

Vees were dominating in all phases now but an iffy offside call as Vees sped through chasing a clearing kick resulted in a lineout for Chess Valley 5m out.  Reuben M was on hand to disrupt and repel the attack.  Vees then exited from a scrum deep in their 22 with great break with feint by Jamie F.  George who had seemingly attached Velcro to the ball and his hands at half time, when instructed to move to the wing, caught everything that came his way in the unfamiliar position.  Low passes, high passes, 3ft above his head passes, he took them all cleanly and at pace making solid yards each time.

The final points of the afternoon came when Will then went for grubber which fell straight to their 12 who recovered and sprinted over in corner as Will couldn’t quite get back in time to make the tackle.

17-22

A good win against higher league opposition who’d not been beaten by the U17s for several seasons now.  Even then the score was deceiving as a few final ball knock-ons saw Vees leave points on the pitch and each of Chess Valley’s tries were from significant help from Vees mistakes.

Final score: Chess Valley 17 - 22 Vees (Tries: George, Reuben M, Rhydian, Will. Conversion: Jamie F)

Dick of the Day:  Reuben M for spurning a dominant lineout and scrum set piece and instead taking a quick tap from a penalty 5m out and getting turned over.  This despite strong competition from George for playing better on the wing than his normal position of flanker and Will for his try giving grubber.

Player of the Day: Aaron for a fantastic all around display from inside centre. Excellent tackling, strong running and great distribution.