Thames vs. Rochford U12s, 7 February 2010

Rochford started well and, despite the continuation of these controversial handing-off decisions, were soon a try up. Indeed, this should have been increased when Big Lew barged through a Thames player to touch down – but again Rochford were penalised. Rather odd really as Lew had both hands on the ball at the time !. The frustration was felt by all and this eventually led to one of the parents calling the ref a “bottom cavity” (or words to that effect). Oh dear !.

Rochford kicked off the second half and a super run and catch by Owen saw him score his first try in what must be a record time. Pity dad wasn’t there today to join the celebrations (still smarting no doubt over a lost bet with Mr Lewsey – a lesson Match Reporter learned to his cost some months previously) - still, what a start !. Thames came back hard and used their Forwards well, managing to get their only try of the match.

This did nothing to dampen Rochford’s spirits and the boys continued to push ahead. Some rather odd tactics then started to surface with Rochford’s Backs adopting a crouch and point approach to opposition and Will D using a new S.W.A.T. technique of dive and roll with the ball to confuse the “enemy”. Still it all seemed to pay off and Owen went over for his second try and the last score of the match. The Coach summed it up after the game when he let us parents in on the fact that he had told the boys to “psych out” the opposition - but admitted that work was needed to improve on the lack of passing and on quality tackling. Not as good a show as our previous game then and some lessons to be learned, but a good result none the less and well done Rochford.