Victory is sNOw problem for U15

... The league standings suggested that this should have been a win for Wasps, but no one was prepared for the massively controlled use of possession.

Approximately 70% of the possession was Wasps, and most of the game was played inside the Harpenden half. Harpenden chose a very small pitch at a local school which immediately nullified our pace and creativity out wide. Wasps had to come up with a game plan to suit the conditions and made the excellent choice to receive the kick, against the wind and the slope (it snowed all morning), and play the pick and drive pods game.

Without Wasps' two A team scrum-halves, Ben Bell was drafted in from the Bs. He had a great game and played to the plan all afternoon. The pack truly played as unit, with every player making hard yards, all making great tackles, and most importantly, everyone being quick to support the runner and having quick ruck ball. On the odd occasion when Harpenden got the ball, Wasps managed to win turnover. (Thursday evening training is really having an effect.)

The centres, Matthew, Celton and Hugo, tackled fantastically all afternoon and ensured that Wasps quickly returned with possession. Although the back three of Archie, David and Simran had little to do, they all managed to gain yards, and used the kick effectively.

The first half was totally dominated by the forwards: George D and Zico A scored tries, both converted by David B. Jack's conversion into hooker is gaining momentum; he took two hooks against the head and the scrum went forward every time. Wasps even stole some lineout ball through the excellent Benedict.

The second half should have been much easier, but the cold and fatigue started creeping in. Some decision-making was flawed and after a great decision to kick a penalty goal (Wasps were now up 17:0), Wasps started making life hard for themselves by playing in their own half and allowing the excellent Harpenden backs to run at them. Two quick Harpenden scores brought them to within five points. This was the moment that Wasps realised that they should play in the opposition half; they kicked for territory and started to squeeze the life out of the resurgence. A glorious try (was it FOUR handoffs!?) by Matthew D completed the scoring and Wasps were clear and worthy winners.

Tries: George D, Zico A, Matthew D
Conversions: David B (2)
Penalties: David B (1)

Man of the Match: Jointly held by ALL NINE forwards (Zico, Jack, Ben, Bojan, Benedict, George D, James C, Sam T, Jae K) and Will Jones who found space and made some fantastic runs - his best game for Wasps.

Report Anthony Bull