Under 15's unlucky in Plate Final

A chilly lunchtime fixture for the team this weekend, but also the Suffolk Plate final as they attempted to defend the trophy they won last season. Southwold U15’s are by no stretch of the imagination a ‘large’ team,be it in numbers of players and size of those players in the squad. Ipswich on the other hand have the pick of many and players that would not look out of place in any senior side based on size alone. But for all those that were there to watch this fixture, they will no doubt have gone away impressed by the shear determination of the Southwold boys. Playing in an unusual strip of Southwold shirts hidden by the ironic white Southwold Summer Beach 7’s t-shirts, it wasn’t long before these were a more usual muddy colour!

They may have lost this game by 2 converted tries to nil, but with a little bit of lady luck on the day the score would have been somewhat closer. Highlight of the game must have been the tackle and drive by Wold, starting in the Ipswich 22 and finishing over the dead ball line. Credit must go to those who played, as injuries and festive holidays played their part in reducing the Wold team to just 16 players on the day. Rather than give a full report, today’s report will be player by player.

Prop Tim was again solid on the scrum, impressed at the breakdown and drove forward on many occasions. Had to depart the game during the first half due to a bloody nose, but returned to bolster the pack in the second half.

Cairns hooked well against the head, threw consistently into the line but for the smallest player on the pitch it was one impressive tackle that came to note. Covering the blindside, the 6ft 4” (if not taller) Ipswich second row picked out our ‘wee man’ only to get well and truly dumped with a fine tackle (he did not look amused).

Jens as the other prop showed his ability to strip ball from the opposition and to ruck and counter ruck time and time again. Continually on the shoulder of the back row, his movement around the field did not go unnoticed.

The second rower Michiel was solid again on the line out, adds good power to the scrum and his running with the ball improves game after game. Always willing to take the high ball and looked to set up possession whenever given the chance.

Jacob B started at second row, played as prop before back to the second row. A real team player who will play wherever and impresses each time. His strength at prop belied his size, but his running with the ball and constant tackling is what made a real impact in the game. Every team needs a utility forward and Jacob is that player.

Flanker Zak just tackles and tackles, and then he gets up and tackles again! Today he had to tackle those far larger than himself, but he also ran himself ragged to provide defensive cover in the three quarters and to support the rampaging number 8.

John came in today at the opposite flank and as an under 14 player, he did not look out of place. Drove well with the ball ,tackled hard and provided cover to the fly half. Took a knock in the second half but came back in latter minutes at full back.

Number 8 Alex played strongly with metres gained on nearly every drive, he tackled well, he stole ball, won line outs and drove his pack forward. A true leader in the pack today and some very neat off loads in the tackle to his supporting back row players.

Woody was the committed team player we all love to see. When called upon in recent weeks, he has played anywhere asked of him. Today it was flanker and he tackled well, dived like Tom Daley onto the loose ball and put all his efforts into running with the ball in hand. Shame about the ‘bib’ issue, shall we now call him Ballotelli?

Scrum half Chris is really coming into his own at number 9. He looked to provide quick ball to the backs, was quick to see openings to allow him to run and put in some fine tackles. His link up play with Callum was unblemished today.

Callum dictated the play at fly, controlling the line of attack with varied calls. As always, made some lovely darting runs with his trademark ‘dummy’ pass. Like the rest of the backs, he tackled strongly and created turnover ball for the team to use. His tandem tackles with Jacob and Alex ensured attacks were stopped at source.

Inside centre Jacob was phenomenal in his defensive duties. He tackled hard and fair, took the opposite player backwards on numerous occasions and when given the ball in hand he went forward at pace. With a tight game and little space, all of the backs had to work hard to gain ground and Jacob did this throughout the game.

Connor switched to outside centre for this game, and the link up between him and Jacob paid dividends. His powerful run late in the second half nearly rewarded with a try that Southwold deserved. Tackle after tackle he made today, never shirking at the opposite players size.

Left wing Darius had little space to work with, but there is more to being a winger. He tackled hard, chased every kick and ensured Ipswich were aware that given the chance he would be taking it. Nearly went over in the first half as he took quick ball from a penalty only to be tackled into touch.

Kieran on the right also had little space but with ball in hand he made ground at every chance. Tackled well and ensured our defence was tight on both wings. Covered the back line to tackle well as the Ipswich pack rumbled down the pitch, and used his full back knowledge to cover the kicks downfield.

Jake had a start at full back this week and this allowed him to add his pace and power to the attacking lines. Covered the kicking game well and was a threat returning the ball at pace. Tackled strongly and took the high ball well under pressure.

The coaching staff can only be proud of the way the team played not only today, but in all games this season so far. The boys proved today that they are a team that can stand toe to toe with teams like Ipswich. This is a fine squad of players and will be a challenge for any team in 2012.

Thanks again to a sporting crowd of parents/family turning up in the cold week after week. Also to their own Mr Motivator on the side lines. Get well soon to the injured Ellis, Mark, Olly.

Man of Match : the whole team for outstanding performances
Iron Man : Jacob E for tackle after tackle.
Idiot of the Match : Woody for his inability to get a bib on!!