U15s get the jump on Grasshoppers

Maidenhead U15s 12 v Grasshoppers U15s 7
4th November 2007

The Under 15s produced an excellent display against Grasshoppers, displaying commitment, composure and teamwork to earn a narrow but well-deserved 12.7 win.

The friendly was divided into the three 20-minute periods. Maids took the game to Grasshoppers from the whistle, playing the better rugby in the first period and creating a number of scoring opportunities. The pack worked together very effectively and won turnovers throughout the game. The Backs linked well, with Thomas Simpson, Paul Sayers and Jack Bowyers forging a good early opening. Grasshoppers countered but Elliott Reid found space on the wing to impose himself and run the ball to safety out of Maids' half.

A storming run from Josh Turvey took Maids close to Grasshoppers' five metre line, where Charlie Wickham-Smith finished off a great flowing move to put the home side 5.0 ahead.

Grasshoppers came back but good counter-pressure from Maids saw the visitors make unforced errors and lose possession at the breakdown. George Martin and Ollie Evans in the Backs worked well. James Wilson, Michael James and Ben Malone in the Forwards were impressive. From a Grasshoppers' scrum Matt Bill was first to the ball to set Jack on his way. The ball was popped expertly to James Parrott to score under the posts. James Brooks made no mistake with the conversion.

The second period was more evenly matched with little quarter given by either side. Neither team could capitalise on a series of scrums and line-outs. Under pressure, Maids began to give away penalties but defended their line with great determination. David Walker was fearless in his tackling. James Brooks made several excellent kicks to gain vital territory as Maids pressed to extend their lead.

The final period was tense as Grasshoppers looked to get back into a game they hadn't thus far influenced. The same high work rate from the first period was called for with the Forwards providing quick support at the breakdown. James Parrott put in a number of crucial tackles; Ben made a strong run through several tackles. Grasshoppers finally found a gap in Maids' defence and uncharacteristic missed tackles allowed them to score a soft try and convert. This briefly rallied the visitors but they failed break Maids' resolve.

Maids absorbed the pressure in the closing minutes, tackling strongly and frequently dispossessing Grasshoppers as they attempted to bulldoze their way through. It was another thoroughly deserved win based on the foundation of a terrific team effort.

Squad:
Joshy Turvey, Thomas Simpson, Ollie Evans, Matt Bill, James Parrott, Jack Bowyer, Paul Sayers, Elliott Reid, Michael James, Charlie Wickham-Smith, Ben Malone, James Brooks, David Walker, James Wilson, George Martin.