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U14s fight back against Amersham Maidenhead
U14s 24 v Amersham & Chiltern U14s 12 |
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Maids staged an incredible second-half fightback to turn a 0.12 deficit into a stunning 24.12 victory. Having sleepwalked through the opening 10 minutes and found themselves 0.12 in arrears, Maids refused to give up and gradually worked their way back into an electrifying match. By the end, they were running Amersham ragged, but still needed a valiant rearguard action to hold on for a well-deserved win. To no-one's complete surprise, the team started proceedings with an impression of 15 statues as they flapped around or gazed in bemusement as a grateful Amersham ran in their first try with barely a minute on the clock. Shortly after, an impressive chip and kick saw the visitors extend their lead, with the conversion, to 0.12. The alarm clock finally woke up the hosts 10 minutes later and the team slowly clicked into action. The familiar fast-moving Backs were there, together with more determination in the Forwards. But still passes went astray and, worryingly, possession was lost in the rucks time and again. Although Maids pummelled away, Amersham were in complete control and repelled everything thrown at them. Their running Backs impressed and their kicking was long and accurate. Whatever was said at half-time worked as a reinvigorated team began to play with more aggression and purpose. The action was now all down near Amersham's 22 metre line with the boys winning possession and penalties. James Parrott and Paul Sayers linked well. Morgan Davies and Matt Morgan were lively. Oliver Evans and Michael Habgood always looked dangerous whenever they found space to accelerate. A tap penalty pushed the Forwards close to the try line and Charlie Wickham-Smith ripped the ball in the maul and smashed down to make it 5.12. James Parrott and Matt Morgan took the game to Amersham with delightful rugby. Two killer blows in quick succession really turned the tide in the home side's favour. First, George Kirk bravely finished off an exhilarating move with the Backs showing their pace and quick hands. From the re-start the ball was worked immediately to Simpson on the wing who took off like a bat out of hell to outpace Amersham with a run from the half-way line. Sure-footed James Brooks landed the conversion and at 17.12 Maids were firmly in the driving seat. Amersham maintained their composure and continued to pound at Maids but to no avail. Their first-half swagger had deserted them with Maids matching their tackling and rucking. The passing was at another level compared with the first half and hardly any possession was lost through poor decisions or holding on too long before offloading. Alex Jones showed what he is capable of with strong driving and good hands. Chris Withers and Michael James ensured Maids' pack were relentless against the visitor's tiring Forwards. Tristan Cadden, back from injury, darted through gaps in Amersham's defence. As with last week's win against Reading, the whole team was playing well as a unit with no weak links. Thomas and TJ Hudson exchanged passes with lightening speed down the wing. Minutes later Oliver Evans went over the try line but was judged to have knocked on. With 10 minutes to go, Charlie used a burst of speed to break through a shattered Amersham defence and James Brooks added the conversion. A result not even the most optimistic of home supporters might have predicted at the start was delivered to wild cheering from the touchline thanks to the boys' sheer determination and mature play. Having gifted Amersham so many points the boys responded in the best possible way. The manner of the win should give the whole squad a huge confidence boost for the next league match against Bracknell on 4 March. Tries: Cons: |
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