South Woodham Ferrers Under-14s were edged out 15-12 at home to Upminster on Sunday November 6.

A great first quarter from South Woodham showed a very promising game to follow; Rucking and passing throughout the team was looking good and Upminster looked to be taken aback by our standard.

Upminster, though, showed why they are regarded as the leading team in our division, sticking to a game plan which involved tackling, rucking & re-setting themselves again at a pretty good standard.

South Woodham's efforts were rewarded when Upminster were taken back to their tryline, and the ball was ripped to allow Chaz to fall over for a try - the shortest ball carry he's ever had!

Charlie Robinson had a great break in the second half to dot down in the corner, while Harvey Cleland went close after hacking through but was unable to gather the ball.

The game was in the balance until the final minute, with the hosts having a lineout five yards from the Upminster line, but they were unable to make that pay.

Coach's Message
Although defeated, we didn't roll over and played some nice phases of play, but we were inconsistent at times and found it hard to involve other players until already tackled, meaning the team had to ruck over and this didn't always go in our favour.

Playing is very different from standing on the sideline looking on when the opposition are bearing down on you, but training should kick in and things should go into a motion that has predetermined actions.

Players know what to do next and what each other are going to do because that's what happens at training. Keeping the team playing to complete a phase is all that can be asked for.

The second phase must then be undertaken and new space on the pitch must be found. This new space is often on the opposite side of the pitch and that is where teamwork comes into effect.

Personal playing confidences will come with time and with that team confidence; the U14s played with great character and have little to feel down about.

SWF RFC U14s v Upminster
Michael Demartino, Harry Ryan, Charlie Sambell, Charlie Robinson, Robert Hennessey, Alex Drane, Reuben Holliday, Mike Stentiford, Harvey Cleland, Jude Wilkes, Charlie Russell, Ben Shuttle, Josh Berg, Sonnie Cheyne, Freddie Mead, George Williams, Harrison Amos, Liam Stokes

By Karl Allen