Southwold battle hard against Bury

SOUTHWOLD U15’s 12 vs Bury U15’s 31

This was Southwold’s second cup fixture this season, and the weather greeting the players, opposition and spectators was in anyone’s words …miserable. With injuries to the squad even in the warm up, Southwold had one fit sub and one sick sub to supplement the team of 15 out on the pitch.

Bury started strongly and used their pace in the backs to create space and attack Southwold’s 22. Wold defended well but with quick phases of possession, it wasn’t long before their left wing sped through and touched down whilst being tackled to take a 0-5 lead. The boys picked themselves up from this set back and started to play rugby with some solid running from Pablo and Innes. Chris was quick to get ball out of the ruck and Callum was solid in his defensive kicks. Bury were soon given a penalty and quick ball gave them a 4 man overlap on the right, allowing a fine team score duly converted. From the kick off, Bury used their pace to gain field position. With advantage being played, a neat dummy allowed another try to be scored and with the conversion they were soon 0-19 up.

Credit to the lads though. They decided to play their rugby and to be quicker in their defence, and at the breakdowns. A fine box kick from Chris allowed Darius to collar his opposite wing, and with Alex, Zak and Ollie supporting it was Southwold who had the momentum. Jens drove the next phase on and then Ollie rumbled forward, and when Callum was tackled offside, it was Zak who took the opportunity for the quick tap penalty. His aggressive run and dive forward was rewarded with a fine try and some much needed confidence in the Southwold team. From the kick off it was again Southwold who were now controlling the ball. Some quick hands allowing Jacob E and Conner to break the tackle line in the backs, and with Jacob B always on the shoulder the moves had continuity. Just as Wold were looking to dominate, it was the half time whistle that came.

Wold knew they had to start the second half as they finished the first, and Callum used the wind to full advantage as he looked to play the game in the Bury 22 with a fine kick. Darius chased well and soon the forwards were at the breakdown creating turn over ball. Jens, Jacob B, Cairns, Alex all tried their luck from 5 metres out, but resolute defence kept them at bay. However it as Ollie that picked up the ball and managed to squirm his way over the try line to score, which Chris converted well to take the score to 12-19. The Sharks now really had the bit between their teeth and were tackling well. Bury came at them with their backs, but fine tackles from Jake T, Zak and Conner ensured their line was not broken. Some fine kicks from Chris and Callum gave Keiran and Darius something to chase, but Bury were resolute in not conceding. Bury knew they were in a game and the coaching staff sensed there could be an upset. They soon brought on their numerous subs, the fresh legs made a difference and they soon scored a close range try to increase their lead.

But still Southwold played their game. Ollie and Cairns both stole ball at will, and Cairns again won ball against the head in the scrum. A lovely short lineout looked to set Ollie away, but the ref called it back and soon Bury were deep in the Wold half. A lovely line of running form their player saw him break the first tackle and with pace he went under the posts for a converted try. Southwold still were not out of this game and credit to Keiran who stayed in the full game when carrying injuries. Even with a sore shoulder he gamely tackled to ensure Bury didn’t score again. Bury reverted to a kicking game in the last 10 minutes, but Wolds backs of Darius, Conner and Jake T were solid under the high ball and all gained good ground in their counter attacks. The game soon became scrappy as the wet ball was being knocked on, and the ref soon blew for the full time.

An entertaining game to watch for all. Some lovely back play from Bury, some fine back row play from Southwold and a contest that was fairly even, but the better team did win on the day.

Man of Match: Pablo
Iron Man: Keiran