40

Tries 6
Conversions 5

0

Tries 0
Conversions 0

However, the newly combined U17/18 colts could field multiple replacements as so many were keen to play. So many that we had to select a squad but still could include over 30 lads on the team sheet- an advantage that would prove important later the game.

We’ve not played Bradford before but we knew them to be a useful outfit having won their own league in Dorset/Wilts last year. We also weren’t quite sure how our first run-out of the season combining the two age groups would go. They’ve trained well together but a match situation is different.

New skipper Ollie A chose to play downhill first half in a break from convention. His reasoning being that the starting team looked strong and he fancied getting the scoreboard rolling.

And we did.

Leading from the front, Ollie took a short ball from the ruck after only four minutes and crashed through the cover to score near the posts. Sam P slotted a simple conversion and we were off and running.

It appeared that Bradford were a bit surprised at the physicality of colts rugby, at least our brand of it and it wasn’t long till our “one out, give it the big bloke” tactic worked again. This time Tom Caine – a powerful unit himself- crashed over. Words were exchanged behind the posts about the required defensive effort but we have more than one trick up our sleeves.

A couple of forward drives pulled in defenders and Sam P called for ball in space. A simple pull back to Ollie D moving at speed and over he went. Two for the pack, one for the backs.

Despite his boots being patched up with duck tape, Sam was accurate off the tee and we were 21-0 up after 18 minutes.

Unfortunately, Bradford lost their skipper to a dislocated shoulder and their scant resources were stretched even thinner. To avoid a serious mis-match we shuffled our own players, introducing several of the new U17s also giving a rest to some boys who’d had a bruising day out for school yesterday.

No matter, all the lads had integrated the strategy and the flow was not interrupted with another score coming from our dominance of possession.

This one was probably the most aesthetically pleasing as a nice, quick ball from the ruck came to Sam with time to look up.

A perfectly weighted diagonal kick saw Paddy racing towards the ball as cover came across. The most favourable bounce landed the ball in his hands and without having to break stride, he outpaced the desperate tackle and glided into the corner. Bradford cursed their luck- justifiably as that ball could have gone anywhere but credit the chaser- he was in exactly the right spot to collect the bounce and had the pace and courage to win the race. Sadly, Paddy’s afternoon was curtailed by an accidental head knock shortly after but he can reflect on thirty minutes of intense, skilful play.

There was still time before the half for a deft 50/22 to give us another attacking platform and we were able to put Charlie into the corner. This time it was so tight to the touch that Sam missed it but 33-0 was a good lead.

Just to add to fun, the sun came out making it even hotter and stickier and we were playing uphill now.

Good job we were able to rotate our side giving lots of players their colts debut. It was pleasing to see that, despite many new faces, the preseason learning had plainly been absorbed. Johnny H took over at fly half and was commendably in command of his troops using the ball well. All the lads, keen to show their talents were committed and physical and as the temperature soared, Bradford’s discipline became a little ragged to the displeasure of the referee who was a bit hot and bothered himself.

Bradford, now playing down the hill and with some extra physicality discovered in adversity, put us under pressure with their large forwards who drove for the line repeatedly Strong tackling held them out until a double movement in desperation gave us the relieving penalty.

Not until the last two minutes of the half were either team able to move to scoreboard when Callum was able to make one of his characteristically powerful bursts and cross near the posts, converted by Johnny. 40-0 at the close.

What did we learn? Well, the two age groups are finding out about each other and it looks promising. We have strength in depth and some power and skill. Early days but I’m already enjoying the season. As long as it cools down a bit!

Tom Perris