Westcliff vs. Rochford U11s, 4th March 2012

As usual the Under 11s started the fixture with three players unavailable but, unlike earlier matches we still had a squad of 14. Westcliff, like Rochford have had an influx of new players and the fixture game both sides some vital game time in the run up to the end of season festivals.

For the first match, debutants Tom Palles-Clark started at left wing, Harry Knight at centre and Harry O'Malley took the daunting task of filling the full back role. It was an evenly matched first half with the play moving well from end to end. Rochford have clearly decided that the only way to shut their coaches up is to start passing the ball, rucking and tackling round the legs, and the result was an expansive game that was a joy to watch.

Eventually a push up field by Westcliff saw them touch down for the opening try which could have knocked the confidence of the Rochford boys but they were not to be denied. A great run by Rochford with several phases of play saw Jacob Lipscombe break several tackles and force his way over the line to equalise.

Half time - Westcliff 5, Rochford 5

After some quick coaching at half time the scrum began to dominate with Spencer Crowhurst at hooker, James Mowle and Christopher Martin at prop and Corey Lazell and Tyler Scott at second row. They really worked well as a unit and out pushed the bigger Westcliff forwards. In the backs, Joe Mitchell came on to make his debut at centre partnering Jack Chandler and Reece Garstin similarly at left wing.

The team began to click and as well as the scrum dominating the boys began to ruck effectively and move the ball down the line. They also started to turn in the tackle and use their superior strength to make the most of their mauls. However, it was Westcliff who scored first but Rochford replied immediately with another impressive break that was finished off by Jacob Lipscombe getting his second try of the match.

What followed was almost all in the Westcliff half. Brandon Smith was on the end of another sweeping move which ended with him touching down in the corner only for the referee to correctly award a line out five metres out for a foot out of play. Then Christopher Martin appeared to touch down only for the referee to award a scrum as when he finally got a view there was a Westcliff hand holding up the ball. James Berry made another break but there were four hands on the ball when it was touched down and the referee had no choice to award another five metre scrum.

It looked like it would end all square but a late break by Westcliff saw them score a third and win the match.

Full time – Westcliff 15, Rochford 10

This was a really impressive performance by the lads and I don’t believe anyone watching would have guessed that five of them were making their debuts. Credit must go equally to the new boys Joe, Harry, Harry, Tom and Reece and to the rest of the squad for helping them adjust to competitive rugby,