21

Tries 3
Conversions 2

41

Tries 7
Conversions 3

Having put ourselves in contention last week by beating an artificially enhanced Cirencester side, we needed to be on the offensive again to secure maximum points in the final league match of the season.

And that is just what we did. From the kick off we looked to move the ball and utilise the pace and skill in our back line. Following a couple of forward phases we moved the ball wide with fullback Ben linking outside the centres to dance over the line. The conversion hit the post to set a pattern for a mixed day off the tee for Sam but we were ahead early and looking sharp.

Mere minutes later we were granted an attacking scrum on the far right side. Perfect for a back row move you’d think. Nope, the backs wanted it.

What followed was almost our trademark this season with a dazzling array of miss passes, loops, pull backs, deft handling and, almost inevitably, someone moving through a gap in the bewildered defence. This time it was Ben S again for his second try of the afternoon. Two tries down, two to go……

Getting in on the Shaw show, this time Tom S (no apparent relation to Ben) was the last man in possession after some neat offloading amongst the forwards and he forced over, close enough to the posts to ensure a successful conversion.

Stroud rallied, having exchanged some strong words behind the posts and, after we made a mess of the kick off, moved through several phases with their big pack carrying strongly. We couldn’t hold them out with our defence being noticeably less intense than normal. 17-7 but now the opposition were sensing vulnerability.

As he has numerous times this year, Freddy had an intervention to make and, despite being somewhat battered from his Saturday efforts for the men’s team, he raced through a gap close to a ruck and held off the scrambling defence to score under the posts for the bonus point try.

All we needed now was to win the game but, as captain Cam pointed out at half time, that wasn’t a certainty unless we upped our physicality in defence and started dominating the collisions. We knew we could score if we got hold of some ball but we needed to front up.

The competition is titled as the Under 18 development league to encourage as many players as possible to participate and allows rolling substitutions throughout the game. We brought 23 lads and used all of them throughout the game. Without exception they showed bravery and skill in the cause of their teams. We, the coaching group, are particularly proud that, without picking an A team, but rather using our full squad through the season, we have, nevertheless, topped the league.

Newly bolstered by fresh legs at half time and with the captain’s strenuous exhortations ringing in their ears, the Pats tore into the second half with the vigour that had been slightly lacking earlier. Let’s get this game settled once and for all.

Leading the charge, as he often does, Conor thundered into contact with a mighty carry. The resounding thud as he met the defence was tremendous and it’s a credit to the durability of the brave young Stroudian that he got up and carried on.

Others too girded themselves with Lewis, characteristically nimble, and Ollie and Benji more direct, all making good ground.

Now that we were on the front foot again, the backs had time and space to do their thing. Wyatt too had played on Saturday but turned out again to grace the midfield that was a little depleted in personnel this week following a few knocks. And how did he grace it? Gliding onto Sam’s pass, he faded to the outside interesting both defenders opposite and, at the last, perfect moment gave the ball to Ollie D racing into the space he’d just created. Still with work to do, Ollie stepped the first man, bumped the second and had the tenacity to reach the line despite some heavy pressure. He’s gritty, that lad, in attack and defence.

Stroud still had enough fight in them to come back at us again and forced over after some nice work amongst their pack. However, we were in no mood to capitulate ourselves with sustained pressure forcing a couple of penalties allowing Sam to kick us deep into Stroud territory. Barney, replacing the powerful Aiden at hooker for the second half picked out his man in the lineout accurately and a driving maul created mayhem. Ollie A forced over through the scattered defence converted by Freddy.

Leon, on in the back row at half time had plainly listened to the call for more energy defensively. He was a wrecking ball of havoc since his introduction making hits and turnovers to the obvious frustration of Stroud. Now he appeared at close quarters to his skipper for an offload sending him across the line for our sixth try. Surely it was enough now? Stroud had something to say about that, scoring another try of their own but, again, we raised the level and once more. Glorious passing in, mostly, the three quarters but also Benji appearing in superb support, released Ollie D for his second and our last. The “outstanding ginger in our back line” earned himself the man of the match award but, in truth, it could have gone to any number of boys who all played with great skill and tenacity.

That we have used so many players in this league season and, without exception, they have given their maximum for their mates is great credit to this squad. The older boys have shown both leadership, and the skill -level possible for the younger year who, have responded hugely to improve themselves and their game.

We finish the season after a brilliant cup run reaching deep into the rounds at national level, beaten only by an outstanding Olney side who appear poised to win the final next week, and equal top of the league having used the whole squad whenever we could.

STOP PRESS

As I finish writing this we have just heard that we have won the GRFU Development League – Northern Division without bringing in ringers, but using our own, home-grown Pats players and playing with skill and sportsmanship we have proved ourselves worthy of the title.

An outstanding year for an outstanding squad. Those boys should be very proud.

Tom Perris

PS There will now be a playoff between us and the winners of the GRFU Southern Division – North Bristol at North Bristol’s ground Sunday April 30 – KO 2PM