U15 meet their match against the Oaks

"Team sports build character" is oft quoted, but what type of character are you? Our own individual efforts never reach the heights that a concerted team effort can achieve and what we achieve on our own is rarely as satisfying as achieving great things in a team.

Although this very hard game against a determined, well-drilled and hard-rucking Sevenoaks side resulted in a loss, it is clear that the character and team spirit of the U15s took a step forward. The team will benefit from the wake-up call and will be better equipped to stand together against league opposition.

An early try by Sevenoaks was followed by some very determined defence from Wasps led by Benedict, and then two fantastic breakaway tries by our wings: Archie and Omari; blistering pace, and hard running both from well within our own half. The scrums were hard work and credit goes to our front row players: Cookie, Jack, Sam T, Benedict and Ben. They kept plugging away and were rewarded with some excellent drives, particularly late on in the second half.

12-5 up at half-time flattered Wasps and the second half was a much harder affair; some injuries and niggles reduced our manpower and Sevenoaks kept the scoreboard ticking over and they ran out deserved winners.

This half, although disappointing in the scoreline actually is the half that will help to develop the boys for the rest of the season. Bojan took a great step forward as an A team player who can make very hard yards and Will is stepping up week by week in exerting control and committing his body to the cause.

This was a tough baptism of fire for George D who had an excellent first game for the As in the back row; Sam T found his tackling feet once again, and Guy plugged away in very tough conditions. Arthur made some great tackles and although the backs didn't have too much ball, David kept the team ticking over and going forward. Omari's defence was outstanding once again.

Tries: Omari, Archie
1 Conversion: David Bull

Man of the Match: Bojan Cecaric
Mentions in despatches: Ben Weaver - an excellent second half.

Thursday evening coach Nick was welcomed by the boys and he made the following comments (I think that Thursday training will be interesting!)

" What went well..?
+ Recycling... the Pick & Go worked well and yielded significant yardage gains but would have been so much more effective if a 'leach' had been employed more often,
+ Sliding D... as the game went on the 'up and out' defence improved and there was some good communication and execution of the 'push'...
+ Gas… both tries came from great pace outside and this obvious strength needs to be exploited more

"What could have gone better.."
- Ruck numbers/Skinny D... too many forwards cleaned the 1st ruck meaning that Wasps didn't compete adequately at the subsequent breakdown. With backs needed to defend the 2nd ruck the defence became extremely narrow and offered significant overlaps too easily..
- Ball into Contact... not enough use of ABC or the 'step & fend' meant that contact was often on opposition terms ..
- Ruck-D... Guards were not always in place and often 'left their post' far too early. The Guard role is to protect the ruck fringes; D wider out is the responsibility of others..."