U13's Suffolk Plate

Southwold Under 13s journeyed through the fog to Hadleigh on Sunday to face much the same team they had played the previous weekend on Southwold Common.

The Wold decided to give their opponents too much respect in the first half and payed a heavy price conceding three unanswered tries with Hadleighs large centre making the most of some indifferent tackling. Towards the end of the half Southwold started to get to grips with the Hadleigh big lad and were gaining ascendancy in the forward battle. A superb tackle from match captain Eddie on the left wing set the tone for a more resolute style to develop.

Some positional changes at half time strengthened the Southwold attack and with the forwards generating quick ruck ball spaces began to be found in the Hadleigh defence. Sam C. was the beneficiary of some nice interplay between the half backs and was able to cut through the Hadleigh line to score under the posts. Southwold quickly regained possession at the restart and Jamie C broke through the defence just inside the Hadleigh half to set off at a gallop for the line. Unfortunately Hadleighs large and quick centre was in pursuit and with a few metres to the line hauled Jamie down high and from behind. This resulted in an immediate decision to award a penalty try under the sticks and a stern talking to from the young referee. No TMO or TV replay required!

Southwold were now just one try behind Hadleigh at 21 -14 and were applying enormous pressure to level the score. Twice the boys came very close to scoring but the Hadleigh defence just held firm. With the final play of the game Hadleigh managed to gain possession on the Southwold 22 and again their large centre used his considerable strength and skill to force his way over the line. His celebration on scoring only underlined just how much pressure the Southwold team had been able to apply in the second half.

All in all a great game of rugby played in good spirits by both sides and the Wold faithful came away cheered by their teams performance. Fly Half’s Kyle and Will were awarded men of the match but all around the team players had stood up and contributed.

Black & Gold Mole.