Great start to the season

This week saw Woodham's first match of the season, hosting Stanford on the first weekend of Autumn, although it felt more like a late spring/early summers day. We would play 2 games of 20 minutes, 10 minutes each half. The game was also the first of the new rules at U12's, with the introduction of the 5 man scrum (uncontested) and an increase to 12 players per side.

The team from Stanford consisted of 16 players (boys & girls), with Woodham fielding 14 players, including first matches for CJ, Mojo and Harrison, and the return of Toby after a year off to play football. Woodham won the toss, and Ox acting as captain selected to receive the kick from Stanford.

Both teams started well, with plenty of tackles and good passing down the line. Stanford were slightly stronger in the ruck, forcing Woodham back on several occasions, but they were not to have it all their own way. Both teams competed well in the maul and this year the hookers were allowed to contest for the ball in the scrum.

After the first 10 minutes the score was 0-0 and both teams were competing well. The second half saw more of the same with both teams contesting well and making ground, before the ball was lost to the opposition. A quick pass from the Stanford team saw them take the advantage over Woodham for what would be the only try of the game. Shortly afterwards the game was stopped due to injury but thankfully the Stanford player only suffered with bruising. Final score was 0-1 to Stanford.

After a short break both teams took to the pitch for the second game, with both sides making some changes to the original teams. There was to be more of the same with both teams continuing to play well. Moji went over the line for his first try in the team after 2 minutes and Woodham's first try of the day. But Stanford quickly levelled the score 3 minutes later. Woodham towards the end of the first half seemed to take the driving seat, with Ox driving over for his first of the season after 8 minutes. This was closely followed by Rhino going over after a charge down and taking the score at half time to 3-1 to Woodham.

The second half saw a rejuvenated Stanford put the pressure on a tiring Woodham, bring things back level after tries in the 11th and 12th minute. Woodham fought hard but succumbed to the pressure applied by Stanford with them scoring 2 more tries before the final whistle at 15 and 18 minutes.

An excellent display of Rugby by both teams, and an excellent start to the season for Woodham who played some of the best rugby we've seen from the team. Although the score didn't go their way Woodham should be proud of what they achieved today and we have a solid grounding on which to build on.

Team for today was Stig, Crackers, CJ, Harrison, H, Jacques, Rhino, Lewis, Ox, Bullet, Toby and Moji. Player of the match was Harrison as chosen by the Stanford coach.

Next week were away at Maldon and will be joined by Brentwood.