Match Report
This was an unusual fixture, not because of the opposition, but due to the pitch. We’d never played a match on 4G before, and the ominous presence of two first aiders with stretchers on each side of the pitch made us rather wary.
The game got off to a stuttering start, as we tried to learn how to play on the new surface. Lots of penalties were given away as boys misjudged their turn and grip. But 11 minutes in Louis stormed through and Sam converted for a 7-0 lead. We then started to show our strength in the breakdown, scrum and lineout, but the unfamiliar bounce of the ball still deceived us,
After 22 minutes Duncan waded through the defence with Sam converting for a 14-0 lead. Luke Houghton followed up with our third, before Preston pulled one back right on the whistle to leave it 19-5 at half time
5 minutes after the restart Louis went over for his second taking it to 24-5. This was followed by the most contentious moment of the match, when Duncan had a try not given as the ref was too slow moving up with play to see the grounding.
Shortly after, the hard surface claimed it’s inevitable victim. Josh Higgin fell backwards in the tackle and was eventually carried off with a suspected concussion. Luckily, the CT scan showed no damage, but he will miss the next few games.
Duncan was eventually rewarded with a second try, breaking from the ruck and forcing his way past the defenders. A deserved second try which gave us a 29-5 victory at Full Time.
Match Captain: Sam
Man of the Match: Duncan – 2 ½ tries!
Highlights
11’ 0-7 TRY Louis Conv Sam
22’ 0-14 TRY Duncan Conv Sam
32’ 0-19 TRY Luke
35’ 5-19 TRY PGH
HT 5-19
40’ 5-24 TRY Louis
62’ 5-29 TRY Duncan
FT 5-29
Andy Connell - Eccles RFC U16 Manager
