U15 SWF RFC v Clacton RFC
On Remembrance Sunday, SWF U15’s hosted Clacton with all showing their respect before the beginning of the game.
Having not played for four weeks since their first defeat of the season to Rochford, hopes were high that the lads would bounce back. The team could not have had a better start when from the kick off the ball was caught, passed out to Joe who ran in 50m to score. From the next restart this time it was Zach who returned the ball and within three minutes the team were 14-0 up thanks to the conversions by Will C. The next two tries were scored by Zach and Tom and with the conversions from Will C, it was now 28-0. Clacton now got into their rhythm and through good work from the forwards, they got themselves on the score board. 28-5.
Woodham struck again; Zach scored again and Will C added the extra’s. 35-5. The Clacton forwards upped their work rate again and through a series of ‘pick up and goes’ from the base of the ruck they scored again. Half time score was 35-10 to SWF.
The lad’s half time talk was to not to commit to the ruck, guard the edges and get turn overs from the next one or two phases of play, a tactic which worked well as they turned the ball over numerous times in the second half. Brad opened up the scoring for SWF making it 40-10. Clacton brought on some new forwards and through pure strength and determination, they scored the next two tries making it 40-20. Regrouping themselves after these two scores against them, SWF had a lineout 10m from Clacton’s try line and while SWF lifted a player in the air to look as if the ball was coming to him, Oli was passed the ball at the front and went steaming in to score. 45-20. Joe finished off the scoring with one of his trademark runs from far out and made the final score, 50-20 to SWF.
Through good defensive work and decision making, SWF put pressure on the Clacton team which resulted in a good number of turn overs and opportunities to go forward. This was a good all-round team performance with all of the lads putting in an enormous effort against a very physical side. Next week they have Basildon, at home, in the 2nd round of the Cup.