A fantastic first half from Braintree U14s

Captain's Report

Today we had a really big start taking our opposition by surprise and with that we scored some great team tries with great support play and off loads. We had great line speed which lead to us going into halftime with a good lead and with them not scoring a point against us it was a good first half. We went out in the second half to try and improve on the score by not conceding and scoring more points than the first half, both we were unable to do. We took our foot off the gas and stepped back which meant they started playing more attacking play and managed to score a break away try. We didn't get as much ball and when we did it wasn't quick ball so we didn't create the opportunities as in the first half. Overall a really good game from this we need to work on playing with a 100% intensity throughout the whole game.
From Jack

Match Report

Despite missing 4 of our backline today the boys put on a Mother's Day performance to be proud of. Their intensions were clear from the off and line speed and intensity were high. A training park move from the line out saw Fin Gorman cross the line for the first try out wide and 5 points on the board. Spurred on by the early try the boys began to play some lovely rugby with the forwards popping the ball from the floor to generate some quick ball for the backs to run with. Billy Gibson collected a lovely offload out on the wing to run fast and strong over the line and score under the posts. With confidence high the boys were running some fantastic supporting lines and beginning to pressure Saffron Walden at the breakdown with strong counter rucking. A few handling errors and unsympathetic passes meant that we left a few tries behind but the movement and offloading was definitely along the right lines. The move that lead to James Raine's try was wonderful to watch with some strong running on and off the ball from the two half backs and a confident shout from James to take the ball in the space that this had created. Continued pressure at the breakdown and a quick defensive line forced Saffron Walden back into their 22 and put pressure on their passing and decision making. Oli Kempster capitalised on this pressure with a cheeky intercept to score close to half time. 24-0 the half time score.

The second half started strongly with Archie taking advantage of continued turn overs at the ruck and broke a couple of tackles to score close to the posts. 31 points ahead the boys took their eye off the game a little and Saffron Walden to their credit took advantage. They began to pressure the Braintree 22 and put some solid phases and play together. The forwards were not as strong at the ruck and the ball was slower, fragmenting the play. A couple of slip tackles mid way through the second half let Saffron Walden in for a consolation try and the game became a little scrappy with both teams giving away penalties at the breakdown and dropping balls.

Positives from the game - of which there were many!

1. Strong tackling from both the forwards and the backs - particularly in the first half which disrupted Saffron Walden's play and prevented them from putting any moves together.
2. Excellent line speed particularly in the centres which restricted the 10 and 12 and gave them little time on the ball.
3. Strong supporting lines and quick offloads gave the team the momentum to allow the space to be created and some lovely flowing rugby played.
4. Strong set piece - winning a number of scrums against the head and effectively worked lines outs gave a solid platform on which the boys could play.
5. Rucking and counter rucking were very effective in the first half but faded away a little in the second half allowing Saffron Walden ball and time they didn't have in the first half.

Area's to work on:

1. Intensity needs to be maintained for the full game time. Last week saw a slow start and a strong second half - this week we were a little guilty of taking our foot off the gas and giving Saffron Walden too much ball in the second half.
2. Soft hands - simple ball to hands - not every offload needs to be one handed or out the back door!
3. Square your man - hit the outside shoulder - offload - this keeps the space out wide that you have just worked very hard to create!

Overall though an excellent performance against a strong side. Great effort boys you did your Mum's proud!