Old Brentwoods U12s v SWF/Burnham U12s

The first fixture in February brought a combined team from South Woodham Ferrers, and Burnham

Old Brentwoods U12s v SWF/Burnham U12s

The first fixture in February brought a combined team from South Woodham Ferrers, and Burnham. In an interesting move to combat loss of players at U12 level, it appears that the amalgamation of players from those two clubs, at this age group is set to be a permanent feature

The game was at times, somewhat feisty, notwithstanding the fact that the Acorns provided four players to the opposition. In the event, all’s well that ends well, with the OBs running in 7 tries to the oppositions 2. If nothing else, the fractious nature of the game earned James Fergus the moniker “Pit Bull” from Jason, for his response to players who he seemed to take exception to. He’s well named. There is definitely a bit of the Brian Moore about him this season.

As for the rugby, it was cold but not too cold. The ground was heavy, but still playable. OBs had 15 players, the opposition had 7. After some persuasion, the boys agreed to provide 4 players to the other side on a rota basis, with different OBs players replacing their loaned team mates, every quarter.

Nathan got the OBs on the scoreboard fairly early in the first quarter with a typical sniping run to the line. James Fergus followed up, collecting a clearing kick on about half way, running round the defence to score in the corner. James Mac added another one using his pace, before Ross added a fourth try, using his strength and power.

The 3rd quarter began, and the rota system ensured different OBs players were seconded into the yellow of SWF/Burnham. We know that none of the U12s takes a backward step in terms of effort, no matter what colour the shirt is. James Mac, wearing yellow, picked up a loose ball in his half, side stepped, 3 OBs, and shot down the wing, with James F frantically trying his best to keep up. The opposition parents were ecstatic to get a score, while the OBs parents had rather more mixed feelings as he jogged back to his half, head down, looking a bit sheepish. It seemed to lift the opposition as they played with more intensity, which was quickly converted into another try.

At 4-2 it was game on. It definitely got more physical, but fortunately, it didn’t get out of hand. Sensing a change in tempo, the OBs upped their game, with James F and Monty scoring before Frank put in a monster kick enabling a chasing James Mac to score. In reality, it was Frank’s kick that sealed the final score, with James merely completing the coup de grace.

The Acorns played well, but it is hard to dissect a performance where they are playing against 4 of their own players. It certainly made for interesting team talks each quarter, with 4 of the Acorns having just played for the opposition, and 4 more just about to play for them. They rucked well and tackled hard. But then, save for an off colour performance at Bancrofts, induced by the freezing weather, they always do.

It looks as if there were no injuries, although James F is apparently sporting some new marks that he earned in some of his encounters. It was a good game, and for the most part, played in good spirit by both teams.

As ever, the boys are grateful to James Savage for refereeing the game, providing clear and concise instructions which allowed play to proceed as smoothly as it did.

We have a game against Romford which the fixture list suggests is a home game. Jason seems to be under the impression it is away, so, no doubt, we will get clarity on the venue shortly. The OBs are going to have to play really well to maintain their unbeaten record as Romford will have a very strong side. We know they have big players and fast backs. Currently, the omens are not good. We are already missing Sam, which is a big blow for this team. We wish him a speedy recovery, and can only hope that the prognosis of a 4-6 week recovery, is closer to 4 weeks rather than 6.