Basildon vs Rochford U11s, 23rd October 2011

Christopher Martin, with his knee taped up returned to the action at centre, Corey Lazell continued to impress at fly-half, a superbly disciplined Christopher Hastings taking over from the unwell Nicholas Campen at full back. James Berry took his usual position at scrum half.

Despite the lack of size compared to Basildon, Ben Cannon, Tyler Scott, Spencer Crowhurst, James Mowle and a loanee held their own in the scrum. Jack Chandler and Callum Hishon were always in the right position on the wings. Again Basildon opened the scoring and this time were more successful with the conversions. Rochford equalised through another barnstorming run from Christopher Hastings and yet another successful conversion from Ben Cannon.

The scores were again level at half time and as the second half began
Basildon began to press forward and eventually took the lead again and converted to go 14-7 ahead. Curtis, one of our Basildon loanees and clearly one of their best players began to give his temporary opponents some serious trouble ably supported by Rochford.

Eventually Curtis found a gap in the Basildon line and with Ben Cannon converting again Rochford were level. Clearly now a win was there for the taking and another barnstorming run by Curtis saw him tackled a yard from the try line and as he fell forward he reached out with one hand to put the ball down behind the line to put Rochford ahead. Unfortunately the ball slipped from his grasp inches from the ground and the knock–on gave Basildon the scrum and the initiative. He deserved far more for his efforts.

Note to team: That’s why we don’t let you copy Chris Ashton.

Basildon scored to go ahead yet again but the missed conversion gave Rochford some hope of snatching a win. A final push was bought to an end when the ball went dead and Basildon had won again.

Final score. Basildon 19 – 14 Rochford

This was a massive improvement from all the boys from last season. They are beginning to play like a team, rucking, intelligent use of kicking, passing out to players in space and ensuring that there is always support. Well Done.