Southwold get first group win in Suffolk Plate

Southwold U15’s 5 v Stowmarket U15’s 0

Southwold made the trip west to Stowmarket for their first fixture in the Suffolk Plate this season, hoping a lunchtime kick off would not affect their game. Well no doubt about, they played a game of nutrition and skill and obviously liked this later kick off time. Only a few injuries meant Southwold had nearly a full squad to pick from, and this was a squad performance even if some did not get any game time on the day.

With Innes out injured (get well soon) and Ellis missing, Jacob B stepped into the second row allowing Zak to start at flank following his own injuries. Connor reverted to full-back with Keiran starting on the wing, and Jake in to the centres. With Chris available at scrum half, Callum was back to favoured position at number 10. From the first minute it was apparent that Southwold were up for this game. Alex and Zak were soon putting tackles in to disrupt the Stowmarket ball, putting them on the back foot. Constant pressure across the 3/4s was causing loose ball, which Southwold were keen to steal. Some fine play down the left flank was ended when Stowmarket drove Darius into touch, and then on their own left flank Kerian put in 3 excellent tackles in succession to break up some fine left wing play from Stowmarket.

As the game ebbed and flowed it seemed that the percentage of play was in the Stowmarket half, with some superb retention of the ball by Wold. From a solid scrum base, Chris fed Callum who dummied well to create space. His pass went through the centre partnership, but Keiran was covered well to be driven into touch. More quick ball after Olly ripped ball from a Stowmarket player, saw the forwards rumble forward. Fine passing and support play allowed Jacob E to step inside his tackler and despite the covering full back tackle, he scored Southwold’s try. Chris was unlucky with the conversion attempt.

The forwards for Southwold were outstanding in the ruck this week: the Tuesday night training session obviously worked wonders. Time and time again they rucked and counter-rucked, leaving good clean ball for Chris. Callum was reading the game well at fly, choosing when to kick or run precisely. One fine kick found touch in the Stowmarket 22, and from the line out good ball was won by Micheil. Quick hands only let down the team when a knock on occurred with a 2 man overlap begging to score. Stowmarket then came back at Wold with their number 8 powering forward only to be met with a superb tackle from Connor.

Half time and Southwold 5-0 in front. The coaches had little to add in the break, except to keep playing the way they were. Surely the second score would come?

As the game settled into the second half Stowmarket tried to use their backs at every opportunity, but strong tackles from Zak, Jacob B and Olly ensured they couldn’t get the ball wide enough to attack the flanks. The front row of Tim, Cairns and Jens was again solid in the scrum. The forwards overall showing that larger packs can not dominate them. Alex was keen to pick up and drive when ball wasn’t clean, always supported by Olly and Zak. Again fine defensive play saw possession turned over and Southwold using their backs to attack the Stowmarket half. With yet another overlap created, a knock on stemmed the attack. Stowmarket were using their set piece at the scrum well, with their number 8 picking up and driving at every opportunity. However more often than not, the Wold drifting defensive line saw the attack drift sideward and progression halted.
From quick ball Callum continued to control the backs and their direction of attacks. Finding Jake T down the right allowed him to avoid the tackler and make good progress, his inside run was halted but good support from Zak and Michiel ensured Chris could find Callum again. Passes out wide found Connor stepping through tackles, but the covering Stowmarket players brought another good attack to an end. Moments later Callum kicked well for the chasing Darius and Jacob E, who drove the Stowmarket player into touch. Good line out ball saw Wold move forward, and Tim picking up from the base of the ruck to chance his luck at the try line. Stopped short, it was Zak who then came close but knocked on just short. A strike against the head allowed Chris to find Darius down the blind side, but he was judged off side as he received the ball. Stowmarket cleared their lines accordingly.

In what then seemed like an eternity attacking the Stowmarket try line, credit must go to Stowmarket for their defending. They were still in this game despite the territorial advantage that Wold held. Stowmarket came back into life, and from a solid scrum they kept possession and their number 8 made a rewarding run down the left. He beat tacklers well but a superb text book tackle from full back Connor brought him down. Fine team play to support at this break down ensured Wold retained possession and moved the ball wide again. On a better day, luck would have ensured that ball stayed in hands and the third overlap of the day would not have gone begging. But lady luck was not with Wold and the knock on occurred again. Blondie entered the game to replace Keiran and tackled well when Stowmarket attacked. As the game entered the last minutes, Southwold continued to attack. Alex rallied his forwards well for the final minutes and ensure a fine win for the boys against a strong Stowmarket side.

A thoroughly entertaining game between 2 strong teams intent on playing rugby. Southwold played as a squad and again played to the final whistle. Possession of the ball and territory does not always equate to the win, and no doubt on any other weekend they would have scored more points. But today Southwold were worthy winners. Special mention to the subs (Mark, Woody, Hugo and Sam), who all turned up but did not unfortunately get any game time. It is appreciated by all of the players and coaches.

Man of Match : Cairns
Iron Man : Keiran
Idiot : Jake T