U14S V Stratford - 15 Nov 09

Written by Chris Hain

Wednesday, 18 November 2009

Match Result:   OL's U14  41 V 10  Stratford U14 On a bright sunny morning at the Crofts with a fresh SW breeze at start of warm up training Ols had a squad of 17 with several key players missing and Stratford looked like a team that could give our lads a tough game! Stratford kick off went deep aided by the wind, OLs seemed to want to avoid the ball but eventually it was gathered up and Aled took on the first contact.  Text book stuff the ball emerged and went down the back line then back to the forwards, Max was nearly over, the ball off loaded reached Rhys, who hardly bothered by the Stratford defence, took the first try, no conversion.   Stratford determined to get back into the game, aided by a penalty, began to exert a little pressure but OLs defence was strong and it was not long before OLs were back at the Stratford 22 with possession.  Good mauling and rucking and quick ball from Jamie gave the backs the opportunity to try out their practised moves.  Keiran sliced through the middle by actually running straight to score a great try.  Dan slotted over the conversion. Similar good work by the forwards in the breakdown gave the possession advantage to OLs and a good platform for the backs to do their stuff.  Stratford's repeated ‘in at the side’ infringements led to a penalty, the set piece move had Keiran make good ground and an off load to Ed Andrews saw Ed drive across the try line with Stratford defender like an unwanted limpet.  Dan’s conversion was a beauty.  Further OLs pressure allowed James W, who was having an awesome game, to have another long deep run into the Stratford 22.  The ball was recycled and came out as far as stand-off Sam who fancied the cross kick move out to the right wing, Jack gathered it up and scored in the corner.  Jamie B seeing stars after a knock to the head was rested for the rest of the match, half time score 24-0. OLs started the second half in a similar manner, although a slight easing off the gas was noticeable and the restarts always seemed unpopular, was this highlighted by the absence of Joel?  Big James had a tremendous run of about 40m at incredible speed down the left wing, no Stratford defence could or would want to catch him, try.  Dan from the ‘Jonny Wilkinson school of kicking’ converted another beauty from way out.  Stratford had not given up and took advantage of a slack moment when a 3 man overlap was created and they scored the try, no conversion.  James injured with a nasty knee to the back was taken off by St John’s Ambulance, we hope he is ok now.  A poor pass was intercepted by Stratford and a try was on the cards but was fortunately stopped last moment.  Ols did show some really good defence by dropping on and gathering up the ball when the increasing number of fly kicks were hacked through into the OLs 22. Tom as usual was ferocious in his tackles. Back on the Stratford 22 a lineout was lost but the ball was badly passed back and Rhys, who showing superb fitness and determination throughout the game, was able to get to it first and collect it up and go over to score his second.  Also of note was some great supporting play when Dan started a run up the left wing, Rhys was there and Tom and the third offload allowed Fast Eddie M to score, lovely handling and determination.  Stratford tried an up and under, it was poorly defended and Stratford scored virtually under the posts but the pressure was too much for the kicker.  Just before the final whistle OLs looked like another score was on the cards, Sam confident after his cross field kick fancied the ‘Jonny W’ drop goal….. a little bit more practice needed.   Win 41-10 OLs Tries (7):   Jack Jobling, Rhys Cory (2), Eddie Morgan, James Witham, Ed Andrews, Keiran.    Conversions:  Dan Mills (3). Man of the Match:  James Witham.  Team: James Whitham, Max Hain, Ed Andrews, Aled Murrell, George Vetch, Rhys Cory, Amandeep Gill, Jamie Breakwell, Sam Hain, Dan Mills, Eddie Morgan, Keiran Evans, Jack Jobling, Joe Evans, Joe Davidson, Wilf Dove, Tom Richards

 

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