Thames vs. Rochford U11s, 7 February 2010

As Thames only had 11 players available, they were keen to borrow one of our players. Of course our lads were equally keen to go and play on the opposing side. After much debate Stefan King agreed to make the change, with rather to much vigour for my liking. He seemed to take over the captaincy organising the Thames team into position.

They came at us, right from the start. Ewan Hardie had to put in a crunching tackle stopping an organised attack after Thames got the ball out to the wing.

Jake Spivey scored the first try from a quick tap and go penalty 5 metres from the Thames try line. Tom Child converted and we were on the board. Michael Shields got the second try after good organised play from fly half Tom Child. Tom Child then converted putting us 14 points ahead. However, it is fair to say that the play wasn’t all Rochford. Stefan was doing his upmost to score a try and almost broke away on a couple of occasions. Robust defence meant our lads survived the attacks.

In to the second half and right from the off, a rather useful kick and chase from Thames created a lovely try to allow them back in to the game.
The remaining play became rather scrappy, by both teams. Rochford had a couple of close opportunities from Tom Child, who was just bundled
into touch and Tom Finch who just couldn’t ground the ball after a strong challenge for the line. Matt Fitz-Patrick had gone over to play for Thames and like Stefan King he also went all out to score.

On the full time whistle Rochford had the win, which on balance, was probably just about deserved.