U13s Match report vs Romford & Gidea Park

We arrived at Romford on a cold and very blustery day for a re-arranged fixture, due to Barking being unable to field a team, and found that we were the only game scheduled for the day.

Due to the day coinciding with the Essex trials, it was a great opportunity to give the available players some good game time against a Romford side who we knew who would provide a stern test. As it turned out the test was sterner than we thought as the Essex trials had been cancelled, and some of their nominees were in attendance.

The high winds prevented cones being used to mark the pitch, and although the plan was to use the full size try line, as the post pads hadn’t been brought out the 5 metre line was originally used.

Rochford started off playing into the wind and against the slope, which made the kick off challenging, however, Rochford pressed and probed the Romford line, courtesy of a great run from Harri but unfortunately couldn’t break through, and Romford soon took an early lead. Rochford were then forced into an early change, as Oakley was struggling with his ankle so Kyle entered the fray in the second row.

The conditions had an impact on the game, and this resulted in a stop-start first half due to frequent knock-ons and the scrum being turned.

Rochford made some good plays with Luke P making some good attacks., but the Romford defence held firm and they soon added to their lead. There was then a break in the play after a clash of heads while Ben was making a last ditch tackle. Needless to say both players were withdrawn from the pitch, with Jamie coming on as Full Back, and he made some great tackles to prevent further scores. It was good to see Luca back on the pitch after his injury sustained against Brentwood and it was if he had never been away though was rested for the second half.

Rochford contained to try different angles, with Jack, Luke P and Kieran making strong runs, the Romford line could not be breached, though we went managed to get close to the line on several occasions. With Rochford pushing up space was created behind and allowed Romford to add two further tries before half time, so they lead at the break 20-0.

The remaining subs were rolled on at half time and Rochford were hoping for an early strike, but playing with the wind provided in some ways more challenging and unfortunately as a result of a few missed tackles, Romford quickly extended their lead to 35-0. Rochford then finally managed to break through with Luke P powering through, and due to the earlier confusion with the try line touched down in the wrong place but the try was allowed.

A great move across the pitch involving Kyle and Jack almost resulted in a second try, but unfortunately Ben was unable to take the ball cleanly and the ball cannoned off his knee.

At this point the exertion of playing into the wind in the first half seemed to take its toll on Rochford, and Romford ran in 4 late tries.

Despite the disparity in the scoreline, the match was played in excellent spirit, with an immaculately observed tunnel, before the boys headed back for a welcome hot shower and hamburger!

Overall it was a good test against one of the stronger teams in the county and some points to work on before we head off on tour next weekend and take on Sudbury.

Man of the match nominated by Romford was Luke P.

Final Score Romford 55 – Rochford 5

Try Scorer Luke P