U15 SWF RFC v Billericay RFC

After a four-week gap since their last competitive match, SWF’s U15 team made the short journey to Billericay RFC for the next round of the Cup. Having won the previous two rounds of the competition and having previously beaten the hosts earlier in the season in the league, expectations were high as the team entered 2020.

Playing in a strong wind and on a very muddy sloping pitch, the hope was that the conditions wouldn’t play a big factor in what promised to be another great game of rugby between these two sides. The opening five minutes saw both teams getting used to the sticky conditions. SWF then had a scrum on the right-hand side of their 22 line, which they won. Two passes left saw the ball in Zach’s hands who made 40m before off loading to Joe who ran in to dot down under the posts and with Will C converting, it was 7-0 to the visitors. The next period saw a lot of attacking opportunities made by both sides with good defence by both teams holding out the opposition. A break by Billericay, down the middle, was held back four metres out from the line; two phases later and going right, saw the home team cross the line to score in the corner. No conversion, 7-5.

From the restart, SWF were awarded a penalty for Billericay not rolling away from a tackle and the kick was put 30m down the pitch to the 5m line. The ball was put into the lineout with Bradley going down in the corner with two defenders trying to stop him. No conversion. 12-5 was how the first half ended. The 2nd half saw SWF going up the slope of the pitch. For a penalty awarded from a high tackle near the Billericay 22 line, SWF put the ball out, won the lineout and got the ball moving into the mid way area before the SWF player was tackled. Another penalty awarded for not rolling away; Will C tapping and going to dive over under the post with two defenders hanging onto him. Will added the conversion making it 19-5. The restart resulted in the ball going over the dead ball line so SWF opted for the scrum and won the ball. Another penalty awarded to SWF for Billericay being offside, 15m out and almost in front of the posts and the decision was made to kick for the posts.

Will C slotted the ball home. 22-5. From the restart Brad got the ball and evaded numerous players on a 40m run before being tackled. Ryan was following up and took the ball forward again before being stopped and offloading to Brad who had got up and was there to take the ball and score in the corner. No conversion. 27-5. In spite of the score line, Billericay never gave up and were awarded a penalty and kicked for a lineout 7m out from the SWF line. Two passes out from the lineout and Billericay crossed the line to score and with the conversion it was now 27-12. Billericay kept pressing and were awarded a scrum 7m out from the SWF try line. The number 8 picked up from the base and went down the blind side to make the final score 27-17.

Good attacking opportunities from both sides, a lot of good defensive work and effort from both sides ensured they fully played their part in another cracking game between these sides. Next round of the Cup will see the lads at home to Clacton.