U16s Match Report vs Chess Valley

A second half comeback seals victory for WVs

With Hitchen B dropping out of the league match just days before kick -off a hastily arranged friendly was put in place against a team 4 divisions above the WVs.

First Half

While the morning mist had all but cleared by this 12:15 kick off, there was still a nip in the air. Some combination of the cold in their bones and starting uphill led to a sluggish opening from the WVs. Three minutes in and Chess broke the line to score a try in the corner. The conversion was missed.

0-5

Awoken from their slumber the lads started putting together some good passages of play. A great run from deep by Tunji took the team up half the pitch. A couple of penalty kicks to touch from Tom H gave the team two line-outs in the final third but WVs were unable to make a breakthrough.

A moment of amusement soon followed as retrieving the ball from the ruck Tom B passed straight to the ref, who in fairness was wearing blue. As Chess started to take control of the match they again drove forward. From a line out 5 metres out a driving maul resulted in another try. The conversion was missed.

0-10

As WVs looked to get a foothold in the game they drove back up field. From a penalty kick by Alfie P to the corner Freddy won the lineout but the boys just couldn’t get over the line. A couple of loose passes and an attempted kick to the corner then came to nothing.

Worse was to follow as an accidental high tackle in the middle of the pitch resulted in some treatment for a Chess player and a yellow card for Adam. The team would have to see out the end of the first half a man down.

 A big boot forward from Chess and an awkward bounce brought them just metres away from WVs try line once more as the half neared its close. A saving tackle though was made by John to keep them at bay. The last play of the half was then a comedy of errors by WVs on their own try line, nearly gifted Chess a try that may have put the game out of sight. As it was they survived a nervy few minutes to go in without further punishment.

Half time 0-10

Second Half

With the slope now in their favour WVs were attacking from the off. Despite starting a man down WVs put Chess under early pressure. From a penalty in the corner first Freddy, then Alfie P tried to break through the defence. A pod play straight from the training pitch then led to Freddy going over for WVs first score just four minutes into the half. A great kick from distance followed from Alfie P to get the extra points.

Adam now returned to even numbers up too. Game on!

7-10

Buoyed up by the quick start to the half the boys threw themselves in to the game including some strong tackling, particularly from Paul. A couple of offsides from WVs though soon handed momentum back to the opposition. This led to some desperate defence on their own try line. Despite a great push in the scrum on their own 5m line ultimately Chess wouldn’t be denied and carried the ball over for their third try. A change of kicker brought no change of luck kicking and once again the conversion was missed.

7-15

As the match headed to the final quarter WVs rallied once more. From a penalty just inside their half Chess indiscipline moved the ball 10m closer to their own posts and within striking distance for Alfie P’s boot. The kick was duly despatched.

10-15

Immediately though Chess regained their composure and had an opportunity for what seemed a routine kick right in front of the posts. Much to WVs relief the penalty was screwed wide. That miss was made all the more painful as just minutes later as Alfie P slotted home another penalty.

13-15

A great take and run by DJ straight from the kick off was an indication of the mood the boys were in now – driving the ball back over the half way line until he was tackled into touch. Chess, as they had largely done all match won their own line out but then knocked on. From the resulting scrum, WVs won another penalty. Despite the distance and angle, Alfie P was confident to go for the posts and didn’t disappoint. WVs were now leading for the first time!

16-15

Celebrations were temporarily halted as in chasing the kick DJ had gone down and twisted his knee. After some treatment he had to hobble off.

In stark contrast to the way they ended the first half the boys now showed great tactical nous, composure and time management skills as they sought to close out the game. A series of penalties were given away by a now downhearted Chess side and with the bit between their teeth WVs were edging ever closer to the line. Eventually the ball was carried over by Arthur for a debut try. A tricky conversion was then missed.

21-15

As Chess drove forward one last time WVs defence held firm and Aidan was soon able to boot the ball out it of touch to seal a great comeback win.

Final score: WVs 21-15 Chess Valley

Tries: Freddy, Arthur; Conv Alfie P; Pens Alfie P (3)

Continuing where they’d left off on the pitch Alfie and Freddie then beat their opponents in a clubhouse doughnut eating competition.

Man of the match: joint winners Alfie P & Freddy – game management, leadership & courage in the kick.

Coaches pet: Tom B – getting to the breakdown, niggle & distribution.

Captain’s award: Arthur – scrummaging, carrying & try.