Basildon vs. Rochford U7s & U8s, 17 January 2010

Rochford immediately went one up after good inter play between Dalton and Fraser before Fraser planted the ball over the line. This was followed by excellent defensive work from Rochford including a crucial tag by Fraser but Basildon managed to keep possession. Continued pressure from a much improved Basildon side led to them levelling the score at 1-1. A now in-form Rochford were not going to let this lie. Toby slipped the ball to Henry who sidestepped the opposition
and fed Dalton who dissected the Basildon defence before setting up Haydn who powered over the line – What a response! Basildon were shook up by this and came flying out of the blocks, a strong run down the right wing caught Rochford revelling in their previous glory and the scores were level again. This was too close to call.

A battle over neutral ground in the middle of the pitch ensued, but Rochford now had a new tactic, counting down 5-4-3-2-1 to get everybody back in a defensive line after losing possession. With the help of their team mates’ supporting from the touchline and shouting out the countdown it looked like none shall pass this alert Rochford defence now. After a turnover ball Ethan started a move with a tidy pass to Milo who set up Fraser to power through the Basildon defence to make the score 3-2.

Basildon were determined to come away with something today as they battled through a strong Rochford defence and eventually came off better with another score-levelling decent try. At 3-3 it looked like it could be anyone’s game but with the ball in Rochford’s half, Matthew started a powerful run down the middle of the pitch, finishing with a neat pass back to Fraser who set up Haydn to score from another great team effort.
Nice work Rochford, a good team effort against an improved opposition. A strong, alert defence was the key to winning this one.