Clacton v SWF Under 15's

The South Woodham Ferrers Under 15 team travelled to a grey and windy Clacton on 8th November 2015 for their first league match of the 2015/2016 season. The team was in good spirits and looking forward to their first league match of the year, particularly as the team had played and beaten Clacton in a cup match in October 2015.

Clacton started the game well with some of their larger forwards making runs in to the SWF 22 area. After some crunching tackles SWF got in to the game and put in to practice their basic game plan of phases of forwards play and possession, then passing the ball out to the backs. After 10 minutes of play Angelo Kyriacou, playing at outside centre, used his speed and strength to get to the Clacton try line only to prevented from grounding the ball. This inspired the SWF team. At the 5 metre scrum Ethan Burrell, playing at number 8, picked the ball from the back of the scrum and ran for the try line. Clacton were successful in bringing Ethan Burrell to the ground. Good rucking from the SWF forwards allowed George Phelps-Knights to pick the ball up and drive for the line to secure the first try of the match. Ben Plank playing at fly half was unable to convert the first try.

The game progressed at a steady pace with SWF having more possession of the ball. Nathan Whittle, playing at scrum half, commanded the forwards from the back of the rucks and Ben Plank enjoyed space on the pitch to run at Clacton with a series of moves and mis-moves. Joe August, playing at second row, often popped up in the open play to add an overlap in the backs. Jack Boland had returned to play prop today, he added strength and power to the scrums - some of which were won against the head.

SWF were awarded a penalty due to a high Clacton tackle. Aaron Taylor, playing at prop, ran at the Clacton team from the penalty and during the breakdown the SWF forwards used their superior rucking skills to keep possession of the ball. Ethan Burrell was able to get over the game line and break through the Clacton defence after 14 minutes to score a try under the posts. Ben Plank converted this try.

Clacton began to fight back and after the kick off a series of line outs took place in the SWF 22 area. The wind made it difficult to throw the ball straight. After both teams enjoyed possession of the ball Angelo Kyriacou and Lewis Anderson made substantial ground with runs in to the Clacton half. The back row of Ryan Galvin, Ethan Burrell and George Murtha caused real problems for Clacton during the open play.

After 23 minutes of play Nathan Whittle received a bang to the head and came off the pitch. Jimmy Anderson who usually plays at full back moved to the scrum half position and Owen Pamphilon came on to the pitch at full back.

The SWF forwards began to play with style and as a group of 8 their rucking was very difficult for Clacton to disrupt. Several rolling mauls allowed the SWF forwards to drive deep in to the Clacton half. A line out at 28 minutes was won by the SWF forwards and after a number of "pick and go" moves Aaron Taylor crashed over the try line to score. Ben Plank converted this try.

At half time the score was Clacton 0 - SWF 19.

SWF started the second half well. Josh Maxfield, playing at second row, continued to make decisive tackles. The SWF backs continued to make good runs with both wingers, Lewis Anderson and Daniel Crees, being involved in the play. Ryan Galvin, as part of a well worked forwards play, was able to ground the ball over the Clacton try line after 32 minutes. This was another try that was converted by Ben Plank.

The referee ended the game after 42 minutes due to an incident and announced the score as Clacton 0 - SWF Under 15's 19.

The SWF under 15's team played as a team of 15 players - showing how a strong team performance was far better then several individuals performing well. During the match the forwards delivered possession of the ball to the backs unleashing our fast runners.

Despite the game ending on a sour note this was a win for the SWF Under 15's team in their campaign in the league.

Well done boys.