SWF RUFC U15s v Upper Clatpon RUFC U15s

SWF RUFC under 15s travelled to Upper Clapton for a bright Sunday lunch time kick off on 18th October 2015. This was a friendly fixture against a tough team who play in the division above the under 15s team.

From the moment Upper Clapton kicked off it took the under 15s nearly 20 minutes to get in to the game. Aaron Taylor, the team captain, was forced off the pitch early on during the first half with an injury making way for Josh Maxfield. Upper Clapton looked like the more hungry team and were able to score tries at 12 minutes (converted) and 17 minutes (not converted). This was a physical game and the SWF forwards were met with heavy resistance. Both Jack Boland and Angelo Kyriacou enjoyed some success making yards with direct and straight runs. In the early stages of the game the Upper Clapton forwards were successful with their counter rucking and were able to use their greater possession of the ball to score points. The SWF back row of Ryan Galvin, George Murtha and Ethan Burrell met with heavy resistance when trying to use the ball from the back of the scrum or in the break downs.

As the game progressed towards half time the SWF team stepped up a gear. Once in possession of the ball SWF the backs enjoyed a number of runs that made dangerous inroads towards the Upper Clapton try line. Lewis Anderson used his blistering speed on the wing to full effect. Some sloppy play and missed tackles allowed Upper Clapton to run in a try (converted) from the half way line just before half time.

At half time George Phelps-Knights went off and Aaron Taylor came back to the pitch after recovering from his earlier injury. SWF looked like a different team during the second half. Dan Crees and Jimmy Anderson kept making difficult tackles to stop the attacking runs from the Upper Clapton backs. The SWF forwards had begun to win balls from the rucks and were repelling the Upper Clapton forwards during the breakdowns. By securing possession of the ball SWF were able to score a try within 10 minutes of the restart with Nathan Markham, playing at outside centre, running in a try (not converted). Ben Plank at fly half led the backs during the second half to use their superior speed to great effect. Martin Bowers enjoyed his possession of the ball with aggressive running from his position of inside centre. Unfortunately Upper Clapton were quick to reply with another try (not converted) after the SWF try.

From a driving maul George Murtha was able to use his strength as open side flanker to drive through the Upper Clapton line to score a try at 51 minutes (not converted). Upper Clapton were awarded a penalty try a minute later which was not converted. Nathan Whittle at scrum half was able to recycle the ball quickly as the forwards enjoyed more and more possession of the ball. Owen Pamphilon, playing at second row, had been working hard throughout the game driving Upper Clapton off of the ball in the breakdown. He was supported by his pack and was driven over the Upper Clapton try line at 54 minutes to score. Ben Plank converted this try.

Jack Boland suffered an injury to his knee and George Phelps-Knights came back on to the pitch towards the end of the match. Upper Clapton were very fortunate to score in the dying moments of the game (not converted) to leave the final score as 34 points to Upper Clapton and 17 points to SWF RUFC Under 15s.

Despite being beaten this was a great team performance by the under 15s team who now look forward to playing their second round cup match on 25th October 2015. The 'Man of the Match' award this week goes to Owen Pamphilon for his tireless work in the rucks.