The results do not show the determination

The results do not show the determination and spirit that the Seconds showed on the pitch today. Once we found the kit, Rupert led the team with gusto and was supported during the match with Eric as the pack leader. The forwards dominated the ruck from the start and overpowered the opposition in the scrum. Unfortunately Fordingbridge turned up with 2 players who could have been Owen Jnr’s long lost elder brothers!

The match was played in four 12 minute quarters refereed by Al M as Al S ran touch and tried to keep the team’s moral upbeat. The front row started with Callum (1), Nathan (2), Scotty (3) all held up by Eric (Pack lead/4) & Theo (5). Rupert (Capt/9) led the team working well with Rhys (10). The backs were made up of Kayne (12), Toby S (13), James (11), Charlie E (14) all backed up by Harry (15) at the rear. Archie helped run touch and watched with bated breath ready to do battle.

Unfortunately the opposition scored within the first 45 seconds as their giant at No.2 ran over the line from half way down the pitch. The team looked shocked at the thought of an upcoming pasting but pulled together and fought back. After a couple more quick tries from the opposition’s ‘U16 cast-offs’ the team came back fighting. The dominance in the rucks was outstanding as the forwards fought for the ball time after time. The drills practiced during training were put into practice and the team moved forwards time and again as the players picked the ball and ran gaining each yard. Some notable charges came from Theo and Nathan who found gaps and drove holes through the opposition. Support was close and this allowed further rucks to form and us to dominate. The ground was very muddy which forced a few handling errors thus we lost possession and the opposition found their ‘Owen’ Clones each time!

After the 1st quarter Scotty came off with suspected injury that could potentially affect his chances of fatherhood & Toby S with bashed knee, so, on marched Archie having had a breakfast full of ‘Brave’ pills! Still playing down the hill on a very wide (for 11-a-side) pitch the team fought hard whilst the opposition kept feeding their ‘Goliath’ twins. There were some epic try saving tackles made by Rupert, Eric, Kayne as Rhys moved to cover for Scotty in the front row. Callum kept driving forwards holding on to the ball setting up countless rucks supported by the rest of the team.

During the 3rd quarter the team were camped on the oppositions try line having fought up the hill with a man down until Fordingbridge found one of their ‘Owen’ Twins again and he ran the length of the pitch just ahead of Rupert hot on his heels but just out of reach. With the reappearance of Toby S the team stalled the Fordingbridge attack as they were back up to 12 men. The sheer aggression and dominance in the forwards almost rewarded the boys with 2 trys only to be denied having lost the ball to one of the ‘Gigantor’ brothers!

The final quarter was played in freezing temperatures with harsh winds and at times driving rain. Charlie E had left the pitch leaving the team with a man down again but eyes set on the try line at the top of the hill. Harry kicked the ball several times clearing our line and relieving the pressure. The whole team were alive with a hunger for the ball and a determination to drive forwards. Rhys was constantly picking the ball and driving forwards with Eric, Nathan and Theo holding on to his coat tails ready to support. Toby S and Kayne consistently made tackle after tackle to stop the Fordingbridge attack. Rupert was poised ready to get the ball to the backs determined to go out in a blaze of glory. Archie (& his brave pills) ran straight and was found gaps in the opposition’s defence only to be halted a few paces later but still able to present the ball to his marauding forwards. He was even seen hanging off one of the ‘Human Gorillas’ as he doubled up on the tackle to help bring him to a halt. Jamie recovered from a bash earlier in the 3rd quarter to slow the opposition’s onslaught with several strong tackles. But the best came right at the end. With heads constantly held high the dominance of the pack paid off. With the final play of the game the ‘Ball winners’ drove up the pitch winning ruck after ruck. Player after player picked the ball up and ran setting up the ball as if it were a Tuesday night training session presenting the ball to the oncoming hordes. After what was by far best phase of play for the entire game Callum dove over the line to score! This score was the crowning moment of the game and richly deserved as the culmination of strong rugby played by the team.

As I have said at the start the score doesn’t do the team any favours but their aggression, team work and determination was outstanding. They played the best rugby seen for a long time and most importantly worked as a team. Not once did they let the score stop them from attacking and winning almost every ruck and scrum. The team should be rightly proud of their performance both as individuals but more importantly as a team.