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No early spring for U14s at Teddington Teddington U14Bs 5 v Maidenhead
U14Bs 24 |
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Rain, wind and a waterlogged pitch could easily have turned this fixture into a messy unattractive affair, but both teams showed from the start that the best way of keeping warm is to play rugby. From the whistle, the Maids' pack took the fight to Teddington with a series of powerful drives that kept the opposition on the back foot and struggling to hold their defence. Despite the conditions the half backs Steve Carn and Shiv Khindria made intelligent decisions and well-set ball was sent out to the backs wherever possible. This paid dividends and 8 minutes into the first half quick ball found Daniel Shipton deep inside his own half, but with enough space to accelerate round the defence to the wing and run in a brilliant try from more than 50 metres. Carn converted from in front of the posts to put Maids 7 – 0 up. The forwards continued to dominate for the next ten minutes of play and after a period of constant pressure James Deeley was just too powerful for the tiring defence and dragged two opponents 10 metres over the line for a great try. Slippy mud and rain made the conversion for Carn just a bit too far: 12 – 0 to Maids. A third try looked on the cards when Jamie Balmer broke blind from the back of the scrum making good ground and finding winger Dhruv Surya in space – in normal conditions Surya would have beaten his opponent, but additional defence was provided by a puddle of gravel pit dimensions slowing the normally dazzling Dhruv footwork. The last ten minutes of the half saw the hosts up their work rate and in response the Maids' team put in one of their best performances in defence so far this season, holding flat line and denying Teddington any time to make ground. The back row, halfbacks and centres made every tackle with Simon Crosbie again showing the work-rate and disruption that have made him an outstanding number 7 this season, Shiv Khindria at 10 was constantly on top of his opposite number. On the one occasion Teddington managed to work round the defence an almost certain try was cut out by Shipton showing his pace to cover from the centre to bundle the speeding winger into touch. The second half saw the Maids' pack back with renewed energy and again dominating the forward battle. Second rows James Deeley and Kaya Baxta were particularly impressive covering ground at pace and tight-head Mark Hine used his strength well to carry the ball and drive though opposition continually making ground. Hine eventually got his reward and completed a typical props try, driving over from 7 metres out, a carbon copy of his first try for Maids last week – more please! Shipton struck the ball hard and well in the conditions for the conversion. Teddington came back with their best passage of play holding possession well and finally driving over the Maids' line for a well deserved, albeit consolation try. Galvanised again, Maids went back to work and wingers Niall Collins and Gareth Orwin both received balls in space making impressive runs, but were ultimately denied. As the Teddington defence tired once more it was time again for another strong second row drive, this time Kaya Baxter using his pace and strength to run in from 15 metres for an unconverted try. Final score 24 –5 to Maidenhead in a game which showed a full range of defensive and attacking skills in very difficult conditions. At least five boys put their hands up for man of the match award including Shipton, Deeley and Crosbie and it was a tough decision with the final vote going to Kaya Baxter for all round effort on the day. Special thanks also to full back George Thomas for standing in at hooker for a 10 minute spell! Squad: Tries: Shipton,
Deeley, Baxter, Hine |