Match Reports 13th and 14th November
Verulamians 22 - 19 Thamesians
The Vees were playing at home in Cotlandswick against Thamesians with both sides hungry for the points.
The Vees started vibrantly and were dominant in the first half, forcing Thamesians to concede penalties and dominating in the forward line with some more ‘experienced’ faces in the first XV. One of those more experienced players - Ben Moralee broke through to score the first try. This was followed up by tries by Harry Mack and Josh Lawrence.
In the second half, Thamesians were really hungry for the points, and dominated much of the second half with possession and territory scoring their 19 points, however, a second Josh Lawrence try secured the points for the Vees, with the game being tense all the way to the final whistle. The Vees demonstrated some great defensive work helping the lads to secure the points.
The #Rebuild is on!
Under 16s - Hitchin 5 - 24 Verulamians
A stern test against a committed Hitchin side saw Vees run out comfortable winners but were forced to work for everything.
First Half
From the off, the Vees managed to sustain pressure and proceed to set up camp in Hitchin’s half and 22. However, many a knock on caused us to miss opportunities to turn the pressure into points. Hitchin’s big pack were powerful and disrupted a number of our scrums.
The breakthrough came after the sustained pressure from Vees in Hitchin 10 forced Hitchin into a penalty mistake. Luka was on hand to take the quick tap and feed Will on the wing to finish in the corner. Another assist for Luka. From out wide, almost on the touch line, Jamie F unleashed a howitzer of a great kick to tack on the additional two points - 0-7.
The game ebbed and flowed in the same pattern and a great run by Olly P handing off and bouncing 4 players was one of the highlights but didn’t manage to get over for a try. The next action came from another blind side move from Luka who again fed Will to streak over and towards the centre of the in-goal area to make the kick easier, however on grounding the ball he was adjudged to have dropped the ball over line! If we’d had a TMO, I think it would have been ruled a try as grounded then bobbled.
The next try was soon to come though as great turnover was made on left as Reuben rucked over. The ball went wide right after a good run by Ayman on his match day return to Vees. The ball was spun out to Jamie S who fed Will in for another try in the corner. Another brilliant conversion from Jamie F made it 0-14 at the break.
Second half
The second half resumed with Hitchin having better territory. The notable elements early were a Jamie F penalty that was sent backwards, almost a carbon copy of one by the Hitchin fly half in the first 30 mins. Another highlight was a strong break by Will into Hitchin’s 22 but the cover defence stalled him. Despite Bruce flagging for 4 Hitchin players off-side, the penalty wasn’t given.
A few minutes later though Vees did get a penalty in the Hitchin 22 and following a quick tap, a shout by Jamie F who received the ball and fed George at pace. The dangerous strike run barrelled through 3 would be tacklers for another try. Conversion missed for 0-19.
Hitchin struck next following a suspicious call where they took two quick penalties in succession. The Hitchin move had almost been stopped following a great hit from Ayman. 5-19 as Hitchin couldn’t add the conversion.
From the kick off Vees forced a knock on by Hitchin. Will hacked the ball through and Hitchin couldn’t take the ball cleanly. Olly P was on hand to score from short range, immediately restoring Vees advantage. 5-24 as the conversion was missed.
There was still time for another crunching hit from George to stop Hitchin’s dangerous centre following an excellent move before the final whistle blew.
All in all a solid defensive display by the Vees and did just enough in attack to take our points. We weren’t quite at our sharpest but much of that might have been through the pressure Hitchin exerted.
Final Score: Hitchin 5 – 24 Vees (Tries: Will 2, George, Olly P. Conversions: Jamie F x 2).
Wally of the Week
Multiple contenders this week with Will’s dropped try, Jamie F’s backwards penalty, Coach FB’s e-mail typo and cumulative verbal frustration, caught on camera following the 573rd Vees knock on (really sorry Charlie – you can choose my fitness punishment) but the winner was Nathan for turning up to watch Reuben – he was meant to go to watch Freddie but went the wrong way round the M25!
Players of the Day
Back – Jamie S as the only back not to have ‘concrete hands’ on a day of knock ons from the unit. He was secure under the high ball, got us going forwarded and assisted Will for a try.
Forward – Luca F for his ‘straight off the training ground coach’ text book catch from a kick off and pop to Charlie.
Forward – Olly P for some rampaging runs and a great try earned with his supporting work rate.
Forward – Ayman even though it was his first game back after 4 years out, he never looked like he’d been away with strong carries, big tackles and great hands in the lineout.
Under 15s - Cheshunt 12 vs Welwyn and Verulamians 17
The under 15s demonstrated great team work with this newly formed side just getting better and better. The team played to each other’s strengths, demonstrating a never give up attitude, and everyone pitching in doing their roles to get the team over the line.
Two tries by Rhys and Aiden, and a conversion by Alfie put the Vees ahead, with a reply by Cheshunt put the Vees ahead 12 - 5 before the break.
Cheshunt pushed back after the break, scoring another try and conversion, however Alphie replied with a try, and in a tight ending to the game with great defensive work by the Vees to take the win away from home.
Under 14s - Hampstead 0 Vees 8
Vees went into their second league match of the season in confident mood, having beaten Fullerians the previous week to avenge defeat in their first league match. A dominant performance and comprehensive victory in the picturesque setting of Hampstead Heath gave Vees their first league points. With the benefit of having subs for the first time in weeks, the boys put in a relentless display, overpowering a committed Hampstead team. A special mention to Luc, who made his debut at prop and helped the Vees scrum maintain its dominance from recent matches.
After a slow start Vees settled into their stride, showing their usual strength at the breakdown whilst also starting to move the ball through the backs more than in the last few weeks. Freddie S was in the right place to take advantage of the good work of the forwards, scoring two tries in the first half. With Arthur RS also crashing over the line from short distance, the Vees took a 3-0 lead at half time.
Vees continued their dominance in the second half, running in a further five tries. Freddie S scored four of these to finish with six, including an unconventional chip-and-charge, with Arthur RS adding another.
Credit to Hampstead for fighting to the end and playing the game in a great spirit. They pushed hard to the end to score a consolation try, but the Vees were determined to keep their first clean sheet of the season and kept their defence strong till the end.
Under 9s - Vees visited Saracens Ladies
Our Under 9s went to watch Saracens Ladies play today. And met with Saracens Ladies player Sarah Bebbington who was once the Vees physio.
She was more than happy to look out for the Under 9s after the match and went and chatted to them and had a photo taken.
The Under 9s are already planning a return visit to another of the Saracens Ladies matches.
Remembrance Sunday
Our mini and youth sections observed a minutes silence at both of their sessions this Sunday and we’re very proud of how the mini and youth sections showed their respects (some photos below).
