Ongar Rematch

This week Woodham were home, for the first time this year, against Ongar, who they had played early in the season. The last match saw Woodham pair up with some of the Ongar U12's, but the match went Ongar's way. So Woodham were hoping for the home advantage, but it would be a tough game as the pitches were not the most supportive to play.

It was agreed that we would play 12 minute halves and have 10 players aside. Both sides made a good start, running with the ball in hand and passing the ball down the line. The pitches, being heavy under foot, slowed the game somewhat and both sides got stuck in for what would be a great morning of rugby. Both teams competed well at the breakdown, with some great rucking and counter rucking from both sides. Woodham also produced several good mauls gaining ground on the Ongar defence. Score at the end of the first half was reflective of the good play from both sides, at 2 -2. Woodham tries from Keano and Ox.

The second half started just like the first with both teams giving their all. However, Ongar were becoming more dominant in the ruck and using this to their advantage. The pitches were also getting heavier under foot and the mud making the handling of the ball more difficult. Score at the end of the second half was 2 - 4 to Ongar, but the Woodham players had progressed from their last match away at Barking.

After a short break both sides took to the field for a second time. Woodham started with the kick and took more dominate control of the play. The boys were support each other well, but Ongar still had the edge at the breakdown. Woodham scored through Jinks and the score would stay the same up to the break, 1-0 to Woodham.

In the second half the both teams were struggling with the ball and the pitch was becoming very difficult to run through. Ongar used their strength and pushed the Woodham boys back inside their own half several times, but Ongar now started to dominate at every breakdown, especially the ruck. Ongar took full control of the half running in 6 tries without response from Woodham. However the boys never gave up and several times push Ongar back. Final score at the final whistle was 1-6 to Ongar.

Excellent play from both sides in difficult conditions. This week's team were U11's: Keano, Ashley, Crackers, Dan, Geroge, H, Jacques, Rhino, Joshua R, Lewis, Jinks, Ox and Bullet. The team were also support by 4 players from the U10's: George L, Max, Will and Oliver. Man of the match went to George for the effort and improvement he has made over the last few months as a new player which was shown on the pitch today. Special mention to Joshua R and Lewis who played their first match for the team today.

Next week the boys are away at Thurrock for what should be a good competitive match. If you're interested in coming down to give rugby a go were back training on the 15th March at Saltcoats from 10:00.