Southwold win tough encounter with Woodbridge

Southwold U15’s 19 vs Woodbridge U15’s 7

Players were treated to a downpour to remember in the warm up, but by the time kick off was upon them the weather had eased and a somewhat breezy day had dried the surface. This second fixture in the Suffolk Plate group saw Southwold take on the other group topping contenders Woodbridge. From the kick off Alex took the ball and drove forward down the left flank, supported by Zak and Ellis. Quick ball allowed Olly to take the ball on and into the opposition half. Woodbridge defended well and the attack was stopped, and with good turnover ball they mounted their own attack. Some fine speedy running from their backs looked to pay dividends, but Southwold tackled well from Jacob and Cairns.

As both sides vied for control over the game, Connor made good ground with a side stepping run and then as the ball flowed from flank to flank, Darius then attacked well. However on 12 minutes Woodbridge were awarded a penalty, and they were quick minded to take the tap penalty. With Southwold retreating the Woodbridge centre powered through the tackles to score a well deserved try, duly converted to take a 7-0 lead.

Callum and Alex rallied their players behind the posts and started to play with more control. The front row were ensuring good ball in the scrums, with Chris spinning quick ball to Callum. His ability to choose the right pass or run would then allow the centres of Jake and Jacob to drive the backs forward. The line outs were at times a lottery for Cairns as the wind would pick up and take the ball away from the line out, but he persisted to ensure possession was maintained with good catching from Michiel and Ellis. Callums kicks down field were eagerly chased by Kieran and the back row. As Southwold worked their plays towards the Woodbridge try line, Woodbridge infringed and from the resultant penalty Olly broke through the tackles to dive over the line to score. Chris then converted extremely well from out wide to level the scores.

Both teams then attacked with some fine skills. A good run from Keiran down the right saw support from Connor. As he was about to be driven into touch, some sublime offloading kept the ball in play allowing for the next phase to continue. Solid defending from Woodbridge saw out the last few minutes before the half time whistle was blown.

Substitutions at the interval saw Jacob B into the second row and Blondie onto the right wing for the injured Kieran. As the game restarted both teams were as evenly matched as the scoreline suggested. Attacking play from both teams was equally foiled by impressive defending. The wind was aiding the kicks of both teams as it continued to change direction, but Southwold seemed keener to run the ball back. The 2 props of Tim and Jens defied the stereotyping of props not being able to cover ground by continually turning up in support of others and to make critical tackles at telling times. Some excellent defending on the Southwold try line typified by Jacob B’s power in the ruck and Olly’s ability to steal the ball.

Southwold then progressed down the paddock and as they attacked both left and right wing, it was some fine passing that led to the next score. Chris was quick to feed Callum who in turn passed to Jacob. His step inside his opposite number created space for Jake to receive the ball, who dummied his pass before finding Darius. Darius then broke his tackle and scored a fine team try. Chris was unlucky with the conversion attempt. Woodbridge were still in this game and they attacked with pace at every opportunity, but Southwold were resolute in their defending. Zak, Tim, Alex and Jake all putting in telling tackles. Blondie then put in a fine cover tackle against the Woodbridge left wing, soon followed by a typical Connor tackle against the marauding Woodbridge forward.

The game entered a stalemate period as neither team giving any ground, but both teams showed some fine kicking skills in awkward conditions. Southwold were then unlucky not to score in the corner with Olly, as he was adjudged in touch when touching down. But not to be outdone, his steal of the ball following good work from Jacob and Cairns was rewarded as the Sharks made good metres down field. As Olly went in to contact in the Woodbridge 22, Cairns passed to Darius who’s line of attack allowed him to speed through the covering players and score under the posts for his second try. Chris again converted and the breathing space that Southwold needed was now in place as the final whistle was blown to claim a fine win.

Both teams created a thoroughly enjoyable game to watch by all on the touch line. Special mention must go to all the players who did not get in the pitch in this tough encounter, and to the vocal parents on the side line encouraging their sons throughout the game (the boys do hear this and it does raise their game). Hard to choose awards as everyone played their part.

Man of Match : Olly Carlstroem
Iron Men : Jens and Tim