Die hard U13 Rangers battle to the end

Maidenhead U13 Rangers 5 v Saracens U13 Bs 27

Sunday 30th October 2011

After extended training time pre-match, the U13 Rangers confronted their next match versus Saracens B team with a renewed focus on disciplined forward set plays and core back moves to concentrate on skill development, structure and support.

Early tackles were raining in well for the Rangers and good communication ensured a well positioned three-quarter line to present very impressive early defence with Elliott Burgess and Elkins setting the examples for the backs. Frustratingly the opposition surprisingly fielded a strong A team player in their pack, which when combining with some large forwards presented an ominous challenge . The Rangers began as drilled with our forwards battling with great effort, contending valiantly at the breakdown. However the weight and strength of the Saracens pack overpowered the Rangers, leading to increasing territorial advantage. Penalty infringements, stronger rucking and missed tackles allowed Saracens ran in four tries in the first half, to lead 0-22 after the first 25 minutes.

Rolling subs were used to give players a break in their first 50 minute match of the season, which proved to be a saving grace. With Hill producing sterling brick-walling to anyone in his way, coupled with Richards shining having coming off the bench, the opposition tired and Rangers gained great belief. Determination and true grit once again shone through, as seen previously this season in the second half of a match, their defining die-hard attitude came to the surface again. After conceding one try, Bedborough-Storesund and Suka produced some great support running and Edwards was as resilient as ever at full back to deny and defend any more optimistic breaks.

After a series of ball-winning scrums from our unwavering forwards , Chippington, in new position of scrum half impressively allowed four phases of plays moving the ball up the pitch. After Rangers nailed two rucks in the Saracens 22, Birch collected a loose ball and applied a telling run to score his first try of the season - and denied the Saracens a clean sheet. A much improved second half to the match which ended 5-5 in those 25 minutes, which the lads can be very proud of. Final score 5-27, and a stepped improvement from the Rangers despite the scoreline.

Team: Gregory, Birch, Berg, AF, Holden, Hemphill, Hill, Banks, Maclean, Chippington, Burgess E, Elkins, Bedborough-Storesund, Suka, Burgess M, Edwards, Richards, Hickey. (Try scorer: Birch)