Sunday, 22nd January 2006

Sevenoaks 12 - Westcombe Park U15's 5

Not much of a match report this week as our roving reporter, Mavis Davis was unavailable and the rest of us were all far to busy giving the players encouragement from the sidelines to even think about taking notes.

Sevenoaks started a little brighter than us and attacked us fom the off, we had to be at our best to stop them scoring direct from the kick off/resulting line out. Sevenoaks played some good rugby, taking the ball into contact, recycling and making good use of their backs, especially their very useful outside centre.
Despite defending well, Oaks sustained pressure finally paid dividends and a try was scored after a very good move through the backs. Unconverted, 5-0

This made us wake up and we took the game back to Oaks, someone made the comment last week about our Jeckyl and Hyde performances and this was a classic example compared to last weeks offering. We hit the rucks and mauls well, were under no pressure in the scrum, positionally we were swithed on and the next 15 minutes were played in Sevenoaks half. credit where credit is due, a lesser team would have buckled under the increased pressure that was being placed on them but Sevenoaks continued to defend well and played themselves out of trouble. However, back in our own half we decided that was not going to be the end of our attacking play and a fantastic move involving the forwards giving quick ball to the backs who move the ball down the line at with pace and accuaracy saw Matt Wheatcroft run his first try in for the club. Well down Matt, the first of many I hope!!
Unconverted, Half time 5-5

The second half was played in exactly the same spirit by both sets of players with both sides having opportunitieds to score only to be thwarted by poor decisions!! or robust defending. Sevenoaks shaded the result with a try scored under the posts conceeded due to a combination of lapse of concentration, a slippery surface and sheer exhaustion. The try was subsequently converted. The try of course was deserved and I also believe it was the Oak's player's first try for his club so congratulations to him aswell.
Final Score 12-5

So, in summary we were extremely unlucky to lose this game but we can be encouraged by the performance of the team. Commitment, enthusiasm, passion and determination and skill are the qualities that were shown in parts today and going forward, if we show these attributes every week, the results will surely follow.

Thanks also to the subs that travelled to Sevenoaks to either play 10 mins or not at all. Every player is part of the team and your job on the sidelines is as important as the players on the park. With a growing squad, it is an extremely difficult job selecting squads and a starting 15 but your patience when on the "bench" does not go unnoticed.

A personal highlight of the day was when one of the county development officers singled out three Westcombe Park players, coincidentally they all belonged to the coaches!! Strange but true!!

Phillip, Robert and Ryan, you caught the eye today. Congratulations and more of the same please!!

Quaff