Romford vs. Rochford U12s, 17th February 2013

The pitch was in good condition considering the rain which allowed for some good running rugby. It was decided that the match would be divided up into quarters to allow for a little more coaching but with only 15 players available, an hour of rugby was going to be a touch ask.

The one thing that has improved most in the last few months is the Under 12’s defence as so it was in this match. The pack began to win their fair share of rucks with Harrison McKenna and Reece Garstin particularly impressive and Thomas King at scrum half distributing the ball well to the backs. With some accurate throwing by Spencer Crowhurst at hooker, Oliver Ringshall began to dominate our lineouts and the combined efforts of Ollie, Reece, Harrison, Jack Cahill and Austin King, even began to win them against the throw. The boys were also holding their own in the scrum against a big Romford pack.

The backs were given very little time to move the ball but still made good progress especially with Corey Lazell adding some guile and steel at inside centre, Jacob Wright on the wing and Man of the Match Callum Stanley at outside centre. Fly Half Ethan Hepton put some useful kicks into the Romford half including a well taken penalty from near the Rochford line, putting the opposition back in their own half.

A shuffle round saw Christopher Martin move from full-back into the second row with James Mowle moving to hooker, Harry Knight taking over at full-back and Christopher Purnell taking his place on the wing. It was thrilling end to end stuff with Romford being made to fight for every ball.

A knee to Spencer Crowhurst’s head by a Romford boy going off his feet in the ruck and hitting him on the floor was missed by the referee much to Gareth’s dismay. Spencer is made of tough stuff but was substituted as a precaution. Christopher Martin replaced him at hooker until the break with Harry Knight slotting in on the wing.

As the game wore on, the hour of rugby began to tell and Romford’s fresher legs began to dominate. This was tough test but a massive improvement on earlier in the season and, if the team continue to progress as they are, the wins will come thick and fast.

Full time – Romford 30 Rochford 0