SOUTHWOLD SHARKS U14’S TRIUMPH IN SUFFOLK PLATE FINAL.

SOUTHWOLD 5 vs STOWMARKET 0

Even though only one try was scored in what was a very tight game, the watching parents/coach’s/substitutes did see probably the best U14’s match this season on Sunday at Stowmarket. This was undoubtedly a superb squad performance against an impressive, well organised and very competitive Stowmarket team. The U14 Sharks one and all put in a 100% robust performance against some very good opposition indeed.

Speaking to Seb Anthony (the club's Director of Rugby) prior to the game, he was asked if he had a motivational talk planned prior to the game. “Not needed” was his response, “these lads are up for this and will motivate themselves”. Well the words could not have been more true.

Playing on a pitch slightly sheltered from the wind, the game started with numerous stops in the play for handling errors and penalties. Callum made a half break after an exquisite dummy, followed quickly by Jake T marauding through after a quick pick up. The starting front row union of Tim, Cairns and Jens were more than equal to the task of winning ball in the scrums, and their defensive play was second to none. The first 15mins of the game saw both teams make half breaks, but both teams were also able to defend and turn over ball within these breaks. Southwold nearly capitalised after Will found Callum, who’s kick down field was chased and hacked forward by Darius. On any other day a penalty would be given for taking out the player without the ball, but not today and the attack was halted. Jacob B then had to replace the injured Zak, and it was then the turn of the other Jacob to split open the defence. He was supported well by Alex who made good ground down the blind side only to be stopped short.

In the line outs, Cairns was throwing well and Innes, Michiel and Alex were all recipients of clean ball. This allowed the forwards to maul their way forward down the pitch. Quick turnover ball ensued and the Stowmarket wing flew down the line only to be scythed down by full back Connor. Will then left the field injured and a re-organised back line of Chip at scrum half, Chris into the centres with Woody on to the wing had to settle quickly as Stowmarket upped their game with continued possession. On the unusual right wing, Darius showed that there is a great deal more to his game than attacking pace by putting in a solid defensive performance. Woody, and Chris before him, covered everything that came down the other wing.

As the half came to and end, it was again a very close game to call as both teams continued to use the possession well but also both teams defended resolutely to ensure no team held the advantage at the break. Both teams sets of coach’s gave words of encouragement to their players during the break, but surely both sets also new the second half would be a s close as the first.

Stowmarket switched their wingers at half time, but the now speedy left wing found little change from Connors covering tackles. The Sharks were keen to keep the game played at pace and Jacob E was looking for space at every opportunity, always supported by Connor joining the line and Chris on his shoulder. Stowmarket looked certain to score early on, but a forward pass called the game back. Both teams were suffering from handling errors, maybe the nerves were getting to them in a close game, but fortunately neither side took advantage either. The parents were probably getting just as nervous as both teams attacked but both teams defended just as well. It was obvious that neither squad wanted to lose this final. Southwold finally took the lead after a quick penalty was taken and Connor found Jacob E. His run at the opposition seemed halted but he managed to get the ball away to the supporting Chris, who dived over the try line. His conversion attempt unluckily went just wide of the post. 5-0 up and now a score to defend against.

Stowmarket came back at Southwold, but some excellent tackles from Sam C, Cairns, Zak and Jake gave the drifting defence time to re-organise and stem the flow. Yet another break was halted after a tap tackle was finished off by the solid Connor. Some fine quick hands in the middle of the park saw a neat chip over the top, followed up well by Wold to put more pressure on the Stowmarket try line. Following some neat interplay across the park, Woody made a galloping run down the flank only to be stopped 10m short. Excellent support play from Zak, Innes and Chip ensured Wold kept possession as Alex rumbled forward looking destined to score. The touchline and covering players came to the rescue of Stowmarket.

The last few minutes saw Stowmarket pile on the pressure, and apart from some handling errors they looked surely to score eventually. But the Sharks were determined not to lose this game and defended to a man 100%. Awarded a penalty on the opposition 22, most would have opted for the attempt at 3 points but the Sharks went for the jugular. The final play of the game saw Callum drive down the blind side where a 2 on 1 was developing but he chose to kick the ball out of play to secure the win.

After the game, Alex was presented with the Suffolk Plate from the chairman who was quick to praise both sets of players on what was a very tough, entertaining game played by 2 very good equal teams. Seb told both sets of players that this had been the best U14 match he had seen for a long while. There is no doubt the U14 Sharks have made great strides this season and will have impressed many watchers this season. Well done boys!