Wasps win league opener

After shaking off a few early cobwebs, it became clear that the intensity, ferocity, guile, and pace of the Wasps U16As was going to be too much for Cheshunt - a team who kept plugging away throughout, but were really outgunned by the awesome Wasps pack and the pressure and extensive skills of the Wasps backline.

Luke, Brandon, Ali, Charbel, Greg and Leo were all playing their first match for Wasps. It is a testimony to their training and to the strength and camaraderie of the squad that they were able to be incorporated so well and so quickly.

This was a game won by possession. Cheshunt rarely had the ball and Wasps were ferocious in the scrum in particular. The scrum calls had the right effect, and even if Wasps didn't win all the scrums against the head, they certainly put the opposition scrum half under pressure. The line outs were also a revelation, with at least one fantastic steal against the throw by Luke who was hoisted miles in the air by Ben and Benedict.

The backs maintained a very high line and pressured the opposition (when they, infrequently, had the ball) and then with ball in hand showed off their array of skills; mostly based on very strong direct running and good hands.

A befits a first game, there are many things that the squad will need to work on. The coaches certainly have some things in mind. However, the overriding message is that each and every single player did a lot of good in the game; there is now a fantastic foundation on which to base the remainder of the year.

Tries: Benedict, David, Hugo (2), Will, Boyan, Arthur, Matthew.
Conversion: Celton (2), Greg.

Match Report Anthony Bull