OB's vs Bancroft (Away)

Bancroft swept aside by a torrent of Tries in the Waterfall Cup

A second week playing our friends at Bancroft on this occasion with the excitement of it being an Essex waterfall cup game.

Our boys lined up and immediately started playing the same rugby they had showed last week, quick ball secured by the pack with great passing leading to free flowing running rugby. It was clear all the boys had fully engaged their rugby brains and the forwards set about the task of winning ball with Beaty supplying the backs. Mr Reid was quickly the beneficiary and went over the line after a great run and pass from Sagomba off quick ball from the pack. Minutes later Adesiyan crossed the line from the other wing following a break made by Blainey with the conversion made by Cobbe. Not to be out done the forwards showed their handling and running skills with some deft off loads to one another finishing with Scott making the final pass for Sagomba to cross the line. Two more passages of excellent play from the team as a whole lead to Griffin making his now trademark bursts through the defensive line and on both occasions Sagomba was on hand to provide the support and secure two more tries capping the second with the conversion. With half time looming Vickers who had shown great composure gathering several kick offs drew the defence and released Adesiyan who showed his raw pace to ‘dash’ through the gap and cover half the pitch for the final move and try of the half. The conversion was secured by Sagomba. A blistering first half ended 36 points in our favour. This allowed the coach to give perhaps one of the easier half time talks ie more of the same chaps.

The second half commenced exactly as the first with the pack securing quick ball Jessop now at scrum half providing quick ball and the backs running straight and passing through their hands. The result Sandle making the final pass to Adesiyan for the try and Sagomba stepped forward to convert. More excellent team play followed allowing Cobbe to slip an inside pass to release Paulin bursting through from fullback to score the second try of the half. With a conversion secured by Sagomba the points total reached the 50 mark and as per the youth rules the Cup game was concluded.
Coaches of both side agreed that the fixture should continue as friendly as both sides were eager to continue and parents of both teams were enjoying the rugby. A final period of play saw more stoic defence and tackling from Bancroft and great running rugby from both sides. OB’s defence was solid with excellent tackling from many individuals particularly in the forwards with Moss and Vickers in particular making several big hits. With the pack securing the ball and controlling the pace of play the backs were able to cut loose with the captain Paulin calling for champagne rugby. The friendly saw a flurry of tries from OB’s each one a work of the whole team playing and supporting each other:
Paulin * 3
Morley * 2
Elliott- Gratze * 1
Reid, Adesiyan, Sagomba also all added another score to their tally for the day.

Throughout Bancroft showed their courage and rugby spirit playing hard, fair rugby throughout a credit to their club and coach.

While the tries and score line were excellent what was most memorable was how the team as a whole played with every player contributing to an outstanding team performance.

Report by
Mark Elliot