A hearty start

The boys arrived ready to take on Maldon and to put into practice the tackle we have been practising over the last few weeks. The weather was dry but breezy and the nerves were there from the coaches and some of the players alike.

The format was to be 2 games of 30 minutes, with the first game being played in quarters to get all the boys used to the tackle. The second game was two halves of 15 minutes each. Paul set each player a specific task for the game, such as a good tackle, concentration or commanding an area of play.

The first game saw a hesitant start for both sides, neither looking to taking on the tackle to start. This soon disappeared as the match progressed and there was some excellent tackles, and presentation from both teams.

Maldon started the stronger team and dominated the first two quarters, taking the lead 8 - 0. Woodham lost out several times by running out at the sides or giving the ball away too easily. Harvey missing out on a great Try after running ¾ of the length of the field after losing control of the ball at the try line.

For the second two quarters Woodham dug deep and, driving through the tackles, managed to pull back the Maldon attack. A couple of quick runs by Morgan and Samuel, with good supported efforts from Josh N and Toby, giving Maldon a slight edge taking the second half 6 -5, with result at the end of 30 minutes 14 – 5 to Maldon.

The second game both sides started to tire. The step up from last year’s 7 minutes a side to 15 minutes, really taking the toll on both teams. The game saw some excellent runs from both teams, but Maldon still dominated the first half with the score 7 – 2 at half time. Archie dominated the centre of the field with excellent tackles time after time, with some good long runs from Ross.

The second half Woodham again dug deep, with Toby taking dominance over the centre field, with tackle after tackle and not giving up. Jacques had a couple of good runs, and Oliver’s hope of being able to run down the opposition not working out as he hoped. The half saw a hat trick from Samuel and one from Morgan, but Maldon were just too strong. Score for the half was 6 – 4 to Maldon with the final score 11 – 8.

An excellent start to contact by the team with no one giving up. We have some things to work on but have an excellent base on which to build. Man of the match, chosen by the Maldon Coach, was Toby for not giving up and keeping going on every attack. Team for today was Aaron, Archie, Ashley, Ben, Harvey, Ioan, Jacques, Jake, Josh R, Joshua N, Morgan, Oliver, Ross, Samuel and Toby.

Interested in joining the team? The check out the team page of the club website at http://www.pitchero.com/clubs/southwoodhamferrers/m/team-info-53869.html