The OBs U12s welcomed Thurrock’s U12s to Ashwells on a cold Sunday morning. Unlike the weather, the OBs boys were red hot. The U12s were close to a full strength squad with only a couple of players missing, and the return of our recently bedridden coach, Jason, completed the line up. Relentless in attack and defence, the final tally saw OBs score 11 tries without conceding any scores to the opposition. The last time these teams met, the result was somewhat different, and one of Thurrock’s coaches was minded to congratulate Jason on the development of his team.

Although the result was emphatic in the end, the OBs boys did not have it all their own way, and The Thurrock boys played a lot better than the scoreline suggests. It would be fair to say that nobody has outperformed the U12s at the breakdown this season, yet Thurrock managed to match the OBs in this area, arguably, getting the better of the OBs in some of the rucks and mauls. There is no reason for the OBs boys to worry though, they were still magnificent at the breakdown, and Thurrock were a big and physical side.

The usual suspects were outstanding, however, one of the most pleasing aspects of this game was the contribution made by players such as Frazer and Josh who don’t always get the recognition they deserve, given the effort they put in. Josh’s superbly taken try, together with some strong running, even prompted Jason to consider temporarily reviving the man of the match award, with Josh being the worthy recipient.
All of the boys always contribute in full to the team’s performance, that is a given, but this was truly a complete performance from all, the best performance this season, and a clear indication of the team’s ability to get the best out of all of its players.

It seems unfair to pick out any individual for special mention, but Frankie’s try creating offload, was a champagne rugby moment, a sublime piece of skill that was reminiscent of Sonny Bill Williams, at his best.

Thurrock are a very good side, but This OBs side is truly multidimensional. Physically strong, great tacklers and some serious pace, makes this a fine team. No defeats so far this season, keep going boys.

Try scorers; Freddie 1, Frankie 1, James Mac 3, Josh 1, Nathan 2, William 2, James F 1.

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