Marlborough RFC v Chippenham RFC U12 – 2 Dec 18

Dorset & Wilts U12 Cup Match Report

So the mighty U12’s at last got their D&W Cup competition account underway away at Marlborough on a grey, wet Sunday morning. Marlborough, after taking 4 points from their first 2 games, were looking to finish their pool games with another win so was always going to be a competitive game. As the game was about to begin, the heavens opened with horizontal rain driving into faces of the Chip side on the exposed Marlborough pitch, adding an extra challenge to both communications and ball handling for all players (& parents trying to stay dry!!).
Both sides began strongly with to-and-flow play around the middle of the pitch, however Chip eventually gaining the upper hand scoring the first try from a strong outside run from Olly G. Marlborough responded after a long passage of play, eventually scoring in the corner after some good lateral play. The last 5mins of the half saw Chip camped firmly in the Marlborough half of the field and, despite some resolute defence by Marlborough, eventually saw Chip pressing hard from a 5m scrum on the left-hand side then moving the ball to the right for Olly G to score a much easier try wide.
Half time, 2-1 to Chip and all still to play for.
With the rain blown over and blue sky starting to appear, Chip started the 2nd half with the same gritted determination, immediately pressing Marlborough hard. After some sustained pressure by the forwards, harrying Marlborough at every opportunity, Chip made it 3-1 with another strong, wide run by Olly G scorning in the corner. Marlborough attempted to respond, pushing Chip into their own half after an excellent kick-off and, after extra yards awarded by the referee from indiscretions following a mid-pitch infringement, found themselves right on Chip’s goal line; a well worked penalty produced the score they desperately needed to keep themselves in the game at 3-2. Heads still up, Chip again responded by keeping Marlborough well inside their own half of the pitch, with great forward power, rucking skills and overall team structure now starting to show on a tiring Marlborough side. With Chip now moving the ball well side-side, Sam made a strong run to break through a 1:1 challenge to score in the corner, 4-2. More sustained pressure kept the play firmly in Marlborough’s half and Chip finished it off with 2 great ‘power’ scores in the centre of the field, first from George and then Ethan C, with them both breaking through 3:1 tackles. Final score 6-2, with 90% of the 2nd half played in the Marlborough side of the pitch.
Overall, a tough, physical match with Chip running out deserved winners after a fantastic team effort, with even the referee commenting afterwards about the boys being a “well drilled side” – great reflection on how well the squad played but more importantly the quality of training and commitment shown by the coaches – big WELL DONE TO ALL.
Onwards & upwards, Minety next in the New Year, bring it on!!!