U13's Suffolk Plate

Southwold U13s welcomed their local rivals Woodbridge to a very windy Common on Sunday morning and both teams gave their all in a close fought derby match.

Southwold opted to face into the strong wind for the first half knowing that the westerly gale was likely to mean that they were in for a tough first 25 minutes. Southwold had to work hard to get out of their own 22 and with no kicking option available because of the wind it was going to be down to the forwards to gain the hard yards. The early exchanges were pretty even and both packs were getting plenty of scrummage practice thanks to the difficult handling conditions. Southwold were awarded a penalty on their own 22 and given the conditions opted to run the ball. A suitably storming run from Cameron made ground towards the halfway line. Unfortunately the Woodbridge forwards were quicker to the resulting breakdown turning over quick ball for their backs to capitalise on resulting in a converted try for a 0-7 lead. Woodbridge were able to score a second try from the left wing after some indifferent Southwold tackling. They now had their tails up and it was proving ever harder for Southwold to enter their half for any period of time. A break down the left gave the Woodbridge centres an overlap they were able to finish off to give them a 0-17 lead at half time.

Southwold rotated their squad at the break and knowing that the conditions were worth three tries the boys did not feel as depressed as the score line might suggest. Unfortunately the task was made more difficult with a relaxed approach after the kick off giving the Woodbridge centre a chance to show his considerable skills with a jinking run resulting in a score to give Woodbridge a 0-22 lead.

It was time for stout hearts from the Southwold boys and they drew a line under their previous defensive frailties with a ‘none shall pass’ attitude to tackling from then on. This was exemplified by a superb double tackle and drive into touch from Harry on the left wing. Gradually Southwold were able to apply pressure through their strong running forwards. There was some great defending from Woodbridge but eventually they could contain the Southwold pack no longer and Riley crossed to make it 5-22. Southwold then quickly followed this try up with one of the best team tries seen from this group for a long time. After three pounding drives from the likes of Noah, Peter and Josh the ball was moved quickly down the back line for Finn to score his first try in Southwold colours.

Southwold now had all of territory and much of the possession but the clock was continuing to tick down in favour of Woodbridge. Peter showed his running and handling class appearing three times in the same move as the ball was again driven hard down the pitch and deep into the Woodbridge 22. A scrum was awarded to Southwold by referee Mr Felton and Harvey was brought on to do what he does best. A huge drive from the Wold pack produced a rolling maul under the Woodbridge posts and Keanan was on hand to drive the ball over for his first try for Southwold much to the delight of the home crowd. Will F duly kicked the conversion only for referee Felton to shatter Southwold hearts with the blow of the final whistle. The game ended 17-22 to Woodbridge but if there had been a few more minutes left on the clock then the result may well have been different.

Woodbridge were worthy winners in the end and we wish them well. Southwold should take heart from this performance. Further work in defence and at the breakdown will see them winning more of these encounters but best not to have to do it from 22 points down each time. Riley was Back of the day whilst Peter was Forward and Man of the Match for his superb handling and strong running. Next week we are on the long road to North Norfolk to meet our good friends from Holt.

Black & Gold Mole.