Woodburns v Chingford: Cup Game16th January 2022

The Spirit of Rugby

First cup game of 2022 saw Chingford travel to South Woodham missing a few players but still wanting to play rugby. With a few adjustments to make things even, play was soon under way. Two minutes later, Josh ran in the first try and Joe successfully converted it. Chingford’s scrum was strong, but Dan was hot on the first tackle out of it every time. Aidan made some crunching tackles and with much improved rucking from everyone, Woodburns kept good possession. Lessons learned from last week and mid-week training meant that the ball was kept alive much more rather than being taken to the ground. Joe Banks scored and converted the next try making the score 14-0. This was followed swiftly by a try in the corner from Kai and the conversion was narrowly missed. Everyone was working together: passes being made out to the wing; some successful pop passes and tackling was on point. Josh ran in another try under the posts, making it easy for Joe to convert. Chingford didn’t give up and kept trying to push forward, making headway with some breakthrough runs. With Josh at fullback, he was able to make a try-saving tackle….. inches from the line. Just before half time, TT made it through to score and Joe made the conversion. Half time score: 33-0.

After some adjustments to the teams, play resumed. Chingford made a good series of passes and Cameron carried the ball over the line for their first try. Woodburns hit back quickly, with another try under the posts from Josh which was converted by Joe. Chingford came close to making another score but just couldn’t get the ball over the line. In this half, Chingford pushed Woodburns back considerably making them work hard. Final score 40-5.

This game could easily have been cancelled due to lack of players, but these boys want to play rugby matches. The Woodburns boys who played on the Chingford side did so without quibbling and played as if they were playing for their own team, really pushing their teammates to their limits. A really good game to watch and to see that youth rugby is alive and kicking after so many months of laying dormant.

Player of the week: Kenny for his strength in the scrums (on both sides!) and his tackling. Great to have him back.