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South Woodham -v- Rochford Under 12's
Claire Mills6 Oct 2013 - 21:21
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Our 2nd Game our Second Win - Well Done Boys
This Sunday was the first away game of the season and saw the u11/12’s playing at a highly disciplined and confident Rochford side.
Rochford dominated the early exchanges and showed why they are considered one of the best local youth teams. Our defence was constantly on the back foot and a period of heavy pressure resulted in Rochford deservedly scoring the first try of the game.
Far from lose confidence or wilt under this prolonged assault on our defensive line the try galvanised this Woodham side. There is a belief and determination in this maturing side that began to ebb away at the Rochford side. Every yard gained by either side was a hard yard fought and scrapped for. The forward lines on both sides heaving and pushing to gain the merest of advantage over their opposite number. The back line assisting admirably with last ditch tackles and composed ball handling, always staying close to the pack so the forwards could support and push the Rochford line further towards their touch line. This tactic eventually proved dividends when Henry broke clear and made a dash for the try line. He was thwarted but managed to find Harry. The last thing any team should do is give this young man space. Once in full flow, his nimble feet allowed him to dart past his opponents to score the equalising try.
The battle ensued after the restart with both sides unwilling to yield and every yard gained was hard fought . Through some good ball work Woodham turned defence into attack culminating in Josh breaking into the Rochford half of the field. The forwards and backs where there in support and threatened the Rochford try line for a prolonged period but could not find away through some stout defensive lines. Eventually Rochford managed to clear the ball and found themselves bearing down on our touchline. Shrae slowed their momentum with some brave tackling which enabled Woodham to reform their defensive line. The ball was once again turned over and some quick passing by Lewis D once again found Harry in space. His quick feet seeing him over the try line.
Rochford came straight back at Woodham and only a ferocious tackle by Josh stopped Rochford from scoring. Unfortunately Woodham where unable to clear their lines and Rochford eventually found their way behind our defence to score the leveller bang on half time.
The second half showed no respite with no side willing to give up an inch on the field. A breakaway from Rochford saw Mat crashing into the tackle then Ryan smashing his way through the Rochford lines, Shrae darting though tiny gaps to gain some yards, Lewis J hitting his opposite hard, Rowan leading the forwards in another charge, Luke and Brad crashing through tackles, Tom spreading the play from the breakdown and smothering their scrum half, Dylan leading the line and pushing us further forward, Kyle always looking for the ball and tackling when needed. On and on it went, the pendulum swinging one way then another. The Woodham side had been running their hearts out for 30 minutes, fatigue setting in. Then a kindly word from the opposition highlighted that we had been playing 12 versus 13 for the entire match. After the disbelief had passed, especially as the effort put in by the team had not shown this disparity, the sides where levelled up. The balanced numbers enabled this fledgling side to exert some authority on the proceedings. After continued pressure a line out squirted free of the pack and ended up at Harry’s feet 5 yards from the touchline. Three desperate tackles where evaded and the try scored. 15-10 Woodham. With the sides now even Woodham pressed on and played the remainder of the match in the Rochford half. Josh was denied a fine individual try by a minor infringement. The match ended with another fine win for this enthralling young side. Well done again to all!
Rochford dominated the early exchanges and showed why they are considered one of the best local youth teams. Our defence was constantly on the back foot and a period of heavy pressure resulted in Rochford deservedly scoring the first try of the game.
Far from lose confidence or wilt under this prolonged assault on our defensive line the try galvanised this Woodham side. There is a belief and determination in this maturing side that began to ebb away at the Rochford side. Every yard gained by either side was a hard yard fought and scrapped for. The forward lines on both sides heaving and pushing to gain the merest of advantage over their opposite number. The back line assisting admirably with last ditch tackles and composed ball handling, always staying close to the pack so the forwards could support and push the Rochford line further towards their touch line. This tactic eventually proved dividends when Henry broke clear and made a dash for the try line. He was thwarted but managed to find Harry. The last thing any team should do is give this young man space. Once in full flow, his nimble feet allowed him to dart past his opponents to score the equalising try.
The battle ensued after the restart with both sides unwilling to yield and every yard gained was hard fought . Through some good ball work Woodham turned defence into attack culminating in Josh breaking into the Rochford half of the field. The forwards and backs where there in support and threatened the Rochford try line for a prolonged period but could not find away through some stout defensive lines. Eventually Rochford managed to clear the ball and found themselves bearing down on our touchline. Shrae slowed their momentum with some brave tackling which enabled Woodham to reform their defensive line. The ball was once again turned over and some quick passing by Lewis D once again found Harry in space. His quick feet seeing him over the try line.
Rochford came straight back at Woodham and only a ferocious tackle by Josh stopped Rochford from scoring. Unfortunately Woodham where unable to clear their lines and Rochford eventually found their way behind our defence to score the leveller bang on half time.
The second half showed no respite with no side willing to give up an inch on the field. A breakaway from Rochford saw Mat crashing into the tackle then Ryan smashing his way through the Rochford lines, Shrae darting though tiny gaps to gain some yards, Lewis J hitting his opposite hard, Rowan leading the forwards in another charge, Luke and Brad crashing through tackles, Tom spreading the play from the breakdown and smothering their scrum half, Dylan leading the line and pushing us further forward, Kyle always looking for the ball and tackling when needed. On and on it went, the pendulum swinging one way then another. The Woodham side had been running their hearts out for 30 minutes, fatigue setting in. Then a kindly word from the opposition highlighted that we had been playing 12 versus 13 for the entire match. After the disbelief had passed, especially as the effort put in by the team had not shown this disparity, the sides where levelled up. The balanced numbers enabled this fledgling side to exert some authority on the proceedings. After continued pressure a line out squirted free of the pack and ended up at Harry’s feet 5 yards from the touchline. Three desperate tackles where evaded and the try scored. 15-10 Woodham. With the sides now even Woodham pressed on and played the remainder of the match in the Rochford half. Josh was denied a fine individual try by a minor infringement. The match ended with another fine win for this enthralling young side. Well done again to all!
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