Southwold U15's through to Plate final

SOUTHWOLD U15’s 57 vs FELIXSTOWE U15’s 5

Although the score line suggests otherwise (9 tries), this was not really a game for the purists of the sport. A sporting Felixstowe had travelled for the Cup game with only 13 players, so Wold allowed 2 players to play for them from the start and allow for a more even contest to take place. This is a good reason to have a good size squad for all fixtures, and it allowed some players a full game on the pitch. Special mention to Sam for stepping forward and playing both in the forwards and backs for for them and Alex, Ellis, Pablo and Simon who all played at least half for Stowe.

As for the game itself the starting 5 mins was dominated by Southwold possession with Woody trying his luck down the right flank on 3 occasions but covered well by the tackling defence of Felixstowe. Alex playing for the opposition was proving his worth with continued metres gained when running at Southwold, and always looking to take quick penalties. For the next 10 minutes, Southwold tried to over complicate the game rather than play simple passing rugby with speed (this is what you do best boys, use the pace of the players). It was down to Jake to score the first try as he powered through the defence, with Chris converting well. But not to be outdone, Felixstowe came back at Southwold and were finding space through the middle. Good solid tackles from Zak and Jacob B stemmed the main attacks, and Chris was keen to use the ball when stolen. As Wold worked their way down the pitch, Connor side stepped well and scored his first try in the corner.

Again it was Alex and Pablo that drove Stowe forward, and following some silly penalties they soon found themselves in the Wold 22. As they secured possession well, Alex picked up well and went forward through the tackles of Wold to score a well deserved try (for Felixstowe). Their kicker was unlucky with his conversion attempt, but their tails were now up. The game ebbed and flowed through both teams, but few chances were created as players made wrong choices at the wrong time. Then came a controversial score as Cairns touched down behind his own line, and with everyone expecting a 5 metre scrum to be awarded, no whistle was blown and Connor attacked down the right and scored a real solo effort in the corner. Chris then converted to take a lead of 19-5 at half time.

Changes saw Kieran and Mark come on, Alex and Pablo switch back to Wold colours and Ellis and Simon don the Stowe shirts to join Sam C.

There were moments of skill in the second half, some fine tackles from Zak, Connor and Jens, and some good forward play being led by Alex. Chris and Callum at half backs were doing their utmost to spark some life into the backs but it was a superb link up from an Alex off load to Zak that saw the first score of the second half. Chris again adding the conversion. The next score was saw fine hands from Callum to Zak, who then found Darius allowing him to speed over in the corner. Darius then turned provider as his spinning in the tackle allowed him to feed Jacob B and cross the line. Chris again converted well into the wind.

Felixstowe were by no means out of this game as they tried with gusto to stamp some authority on possession. Some fine attacks from their fly and centres were equally stopped with excellent tackles from Jacob E, Kieran, Pablo and Chris. More of note was the ability of players (Jens, Tim, Jacob B) to rip ball form possession, and players (Jacob E, Jake T and Alex) to steal ball in rucks. For Stowe, it was nice to see players like Sam running at his team mates, Simon using his speed to chase kicked ball and Ellis threatening in the line outs.

Poacher fly half Callum then got on the score sheet as he ducked through tackles and placed calmly over the line, with Chris converting another attempt. As Wold pushed forward they seemed to be camped on the try line, and as players lined outside of Callum it was Tim who picked up and dived over the line as he saw the gap open up before him. Again Chris converted his 6th attempt (some fine kicking Chris!). As the game entered the last few minutes it was Alex who scored a lovely back row move as players inter passed and he touched down to finish the scoring.

A comprehensive win by the score line and a game where all players got some quality game time. Maybe we need to be a bit more clinical as we know the likes of Colchester will be when we play them. Try not to over complicate the game and do what you do best. Thanks again to the players who played for Felixstowe, it was appreciated by both teams.

Man of Match : Alex
Iron Man : Zak
Idiot of Day : Cairns