U15s Wombled at Wimledon

Old Wimbledonians U15s 36pts v Maidenhead U15s 14pts
Sunday 4th December 2005
 
Maids failed to do themselves justice in wet, muddy conditions at Wimbledon and went down by 22 points and by 6 tries to 2.

Certainly, they were up against a powerful team, with several very big players and with plenty of speed in key positions, but they only appeared to be able to get their game together in fits and starts and gave too many opportunities to their opponents to run the ball at them.

With a big match against Marlow next week, Maids needed a good run out to hone the skills practised on the training ground. Instead, they reminded themselves of why it is that they need to train. Too many tackles were missed, or only half made, the defensive line hung back, allowing fast, powerful opponents to gather a "head of steam" in attack and possession was kicked away to a Wimbledon side only too happy use it to better effect.

However, it was not all bad news and three Maids players, Christophe Bart, Billy Evans and captain Richard Higgs stood out for their total commitment, staunch defence and determined runs – in short, they never gave up! The others will learn from their example and from seeing what happens when you allow good sides too much ball. They will also learn to keep their focus and not be distracted by shouts from the touchline or their personal interpretations of the referee’s decisions, right or wrong.

Every boy understands what needs to be done and is capable of delivery. They will have the chance to redeem themselves next week.

Maids started brightly, with centre Bart scoring an opportunist try, following a break by Aaron Lambert. Fly-half Evans added the conversion. There was then a big set back for Maids when second row Joe Bough was sidelined with a trampled leg. His absence unsettled the pack in the set pieces.

In a match of 3 twenty minute periods, Wimbledon used their powerful pack and speedy backs to run in 3 tries in the first period, one of which was converted. Starting the second period 7-17 down, Maids quickly let in Wimbledon’s fleet fullback in for a try, which was converted. Billy Evans, reduced the deficit to 14-24 with an excellent individual try, which he converted himself. However, any thoughts of a Maidenhead revival were extinguished, first by a simple defensive error and, secondly a misplaced kick ahead, which gifted the Wimbledonians two more tries.