Egham Knights RFC - Englefield Green, Surrey

2nd November 2008
U13 Match report - Bracknell 43:31 Egham Knights

The U13’s were kindly invited by Bracknell RFC to contest a friendly against their U13’s “B” squad. Due to the school half term, it was decided to take down EK’s U11’s & U12’s to bolster the squad.

It was a damp and cold November morning; however we were warmly welcomed and introduced to their coaching staff. Kick off was scheduled for 11:00, and we decided to split the match into 4 quarter 15 minute sessions. As we were playing at U13 level, U13 rules would apply, full pitch, 15 players per side, 8 man scrum (we reduced this to 6 for safety), all positions would need to be covered, the full monty.

This seemed a little daunting for most of our players, as the majority of the team were U11’s/U12’s and all of the above, apart from the 6 man scrum was all new to them. As we were low on numbers, Bracknell decided to loan us 2-3 players per quarter to strengthen our side.

1st Quarter. Bracknell took the kick off and quickly got into their stride. After only a few minutes, they managed to penetrate our defence and score a try. This was shortly followed by another after they won their line out and sneaked through a gap in our defence. Our heads stayed firmly up, and we started to put a few passes together, we also started to dominate the scrum and keep them contained in their half. Just before the whistle to end the first quarter, they managed to score again. Three tries + two conversions to nil (19-0)

2nd Quarter. After a pep talk from the coaches and a few directives, EK kicked off the second quarter. It was clear we needed to move the ball more fluently to the wings, which is exactly what we did to score our first try. EK’s put in at the scrum, we dominate, Stuart moves the ball wide which is collected by Max who runs ½ the length of the pitch to score. Our heads are up, we are taking the game to BRFC. We suffer a set back to our squad, Josh puts his body on the line, however his already broken nose comes off second best. He has to retire from the game, however not all bad, his hair remained firmly in place. We continue to play well in the closing part of the second quarter, however a lapse in concentration and we allow BRFC to score. The whistle blows to end the second quarter, score one try + one conversion each (26-7).

3rd Quarter. With more belief that we can do well after the second quarter, EK come out of the blocks with all guns blazing. With Josh out of the game, Shelby is called into action. Week after week she starts the session a little gingerly, however finishes one of the best players. Once again we apply all of the elements of the game and string passes together, we ruck, we maul, we tackle and yes we score. Once again the big man is there, Max to open the scoring in the third quarter. We continue to dominate, the ball moves wide to our full back Shelby, who is closely followed by Max, a little too close as the two clash on the touch line. Once again Teresa is on with her little bag of red tricks to give out first aid. Max is ok to continue, however Shelby is dazed and as a precaution comes off to recuperate, well most of us would after having Max aka The Terminator running at you ! The knock to Max’s head must of helped as once again the whole team put in another outstanding display for Max to score his hat-trick of tries. All the hard effort and running from Max caught up with him. He has to leave the pitch after leaving BRFC a small token of his thanks on the pitch, his breakfast. Once again Teresa is on hand to assist (she has covered as much of the pitch as the players). EK have an air of belief, David is taking on Goliath and giving him a real run for his money. Despite leaking a try to BRFC, we finish the third quarter, two tries to one + conversions, score (33-21).

4th Quarter. For the final quarter, we were given three of BRFC players, one of which was a strapping 6ft prop. Shelby also wanted to continue, and after seeking advice, it was decided she was well enough to play a further part. The whistle blew for the final quarter. EK continued to punch massively over their weight and with the help of the loaned players, were first to score. EK managed to turn over the ball close to the half way line, the ball filtered it’s way to our loaned prop, who barraged his way through several defenders to score under the post’s. We managed to keep our composure and shape, however BRFC came back to equalise. Not too down beat, we continued to press and dominate the quarter and through hard work and determination, our running maul crossed the try line however the ref disallowed the try, claiming the ball was held up. The play moved back to the 5 metre line with a BRFC put in at the scrum. Play moved back a little as BRFC cleared their lines, however during a ruck just outside BRFC 5 metre, they were penalised for having their hands in. EK were awarded a penalty, and through Cameron’s quick thinking, and while the opposition were sleeping, he took the tap and go and stampeded his way over their try line to score. The play was mostly contained in the oppositions half, however with the minutes counting down and against the run of play, they managed to score, quarter score two tries each + conversions......Final score 43-31.

Well done to all of the EK squad, you all have done yourselves proud playing against a true team of U13’s who were mostly bigger than you in stature but certainly not in heart.There are two ways of looking at the final score, one is the overall result of 43-31 (although they claim it was 42-22 ???) or as I look at it, a match of four quarters, lost one, won one and drew two. We certainly stood up to the opposition and for large sections of the match took the game to them.
Well Done All Of You.
Regards Colin Penton (Coach U11’s / U12’s

Training is Sunday mornings
10-12

All welcome

Photos from minis tournament via Phoenix 11/10/09