Wasps U14 triumph in the Midlands
Did you know that it takes some resolve, character, skill and application to make a team out of a scratch side? Did you know that a setback can be used to galvanise players? Well, if ever there was evidence for this, then the first tour match for the
Twenty five Casuals players warmed up from before we arrived at one of the prettiest grounds (and clubhouses) that we have seen. Our eighteen fit and ready Wasps were all prepared to play in any position that was best for the team. Joseph and Archie made up a new centre pairing, the pack looked very strong, and with hard ground we were prepared to run the ball hard. A solo try by David in the first few minutes flattered to deceive and the remainder of the half was very tough. Tackles were flying in with Jed, Lewis, and George R all making great hits. Despite our resolve we quickly let in three scores and were looking to going in to half-time with a deficit. Haydn started to lift his game with some hard rucking and tackles, Magnus and Alexander waded in and it was then that our pace started telling with Joseph making two fantastic scores (one with the longest stretch of running sideways that we've seen since U8s!). With a single conversion we went in to half time 17-15 ahead.
The second half was a much stronger affair. Zico found his feet and scored two tries early on (would you like to stop him?), and then Archie got in on the act with two more tries. Bojan started running through their pack and quick ball from the forwards, great continuity from James C and fast passes from George B and then Lewis gave our backs a lot of time on the ball. A single conversion put us 39-15 ahead. Casuals were not a rollover and certainly wanted to show the southerners what they were made of. Two scores from them put them close enough to give Wasps a little scare! One of the scores of the weekend then followed. Tristan (who has almost been knocked out early on with a great hit on hard ground) managed to get back on the pitch and show his supporting skills, good hands and pace to take our lead to 44-25. We could breathe freely again. Another Zico score and a David conversion (pressure kick to make the 50 points) put a gloss on the final scoreline.
This was a great start to the weekend. Raph ran hard on the wing, and our awesome pack led by the captain Ben and a great front row including John and Emmanuel made life very tough for the opposition. Could we replicate the performance on the Sunday?
....more to follow....
