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Heley leads U15s fightback against Esher Maidenhead U15s 21 v Esher
U15s 28 |
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Hot on the heels of last week’s epic 15 all draw in our friendly with arch-rivals Redingensians, the U15s entertained Esher at Braywick. Both sides were depleted due to injuries, but put together a most entertaining display of rugby despite strong wind and squally showers. Three twenty minute periods were played with the final score running out 21-28 in Esher’s favour. Maids contrived to fluff the kick off, immediately putting themselves under pressure allowing the bulky Esher forwards to control the ball. However from this wobbly start Maids started to build some momentum putting together some good attacking phases, but unfortunately most of these were from our own half. But Esher had their game plan and a blind side move got the ball to their pacey winger who rounded the Maids defence for the game’s opening try. The conversion was good, 0-7 to Esher. Maids again made a stirring series of raids towards the Esher line but couldn’t get across to convert their pressure into points – some more direct running may have made a difference as too often the attackers drifted across the pitch to run out of space. In fairness the backs tried some moves to straighten the running lines, but lack of team practice showed as the ball spilled. A turnover allowed Esher to launch an attack form their own 22 through their powerful forwards, and resulting in a penalty 5m from the Maids line. A quick tap and some slow defending allowed the impressive Esher No.5 over the line. Again the kick was good 0-14 to Esher, and the end of the first period of play. Playing with the wind, the kick off went out on the full, resulting in a scrum at halfway to Esher, and from there they mounted attacks to wards the Maids line. Controlling the ball well, Esher eventually committed the Maids defenders and scored in the corner, and excellent conversion brought the game to 0-21 and things were looking bleak for Maids. However the boys knew they were playing well and but for a few unforced errors the score could have looked quite different. Instead of their heads going down they came back firing.. The turning point for Maids was a delightful chip from Heley, chased by Cadden and O’Byrne. The Esher full back gathered the ball but was knocked back by the onrushing midfield, losing the ball. Kelman, showing his new found pace, was on hand to dive on the lose ball and score Maids first points. Heley’s conversion was good: 7-21 and end of the second period. Maids’ best period was the last, but again it started with a wobble. Tiredness was showing and the initial period of play was very scrappy. Maids’ tackling was somewhat lacklustre allowing the Esher 5 to barge through again. But Maids response was immediate. This time the kick off was well chased, giving Maids good field position. A grubber from Heley allowed Cadden and McLean to pressure the Esher defenders and Congdon battered his way through from the ensuing ruck. Again Heley’s kick was good. The final try came from a very similar passage of play – Heley using the wind cleverly and determined chasing from the midfield. The forwards fought strongly to regain possession and again Congdon fought his way over from short range. Heley kept his 100% kicking record leaving the final score 21-28. |