Chess Valley Under 13s reach the county final

The second match in the series of five in March would be a very interesting benchmark for the u13s team at Chess Valley. A good series of results in the league and steadily improving performances have given the boys confidence in their abilities and they were eager to measure themselves against Old Albanians Bs from the league above.

Both teams fielded strong squads who were keen to play. By 10am all the players were ready and warming up, with kick off at 11am.

11am - pitch ready, linesman ready, players ready, parents ready, referee – no whistle. Whistle found, match starts and from the kick off OAs are running hard at Chess Valley’s defence. Strong tackling from the centres and then a knock on, with a Chess Valley put in at the scrum. Geordie’s shouting already from the far touchline – “numbers!”. Oooops, 16 OA players on the pitch including three locks formed up in the scrum which was unusual.

The match restarts and Chess Valley are on the attack, pushing deep into OAs territory. Penalty awarded against OAs in the ruck and 3 points taken. Following the restart, OAs push forward strongly, but Chess Valley’s defence is equal to the task – strong tackling, holding the man off the ground and ripping the ball. After winning the ball, Chess counter attack with strong running from the forwards and centres and good support work leading to a try.

OAs restarted and almost immediately Chess Valley ran the ball back hard and were through the defensive line - try scored.

OAs re-gathered themselves and pushed forward searching for points. Again, the tackling from Chess was strong, but OAs pushed on determinedly driving up the blind side time and again, eventually scoring in the far corner.

Chess Valley, without their captain who had to leave the pitch earlier with an injury, took a deep breath and then stepped forward. Two more tries were scored through good teamwork and strong running taking the game away from OAs.

The Valley’s defence remained strong until the end and the work ethic throughout the team that was great. OAs scored another try towards the end of the game, never stopping and very committed.

A wonderful game of rugby to watch, played in excellent fashion by both teams who were clapped off the pitch by both sets of parents and coaches. A well deserved lunch in the clubhouse for both teams was taken with plenty of good-natured banter, followed by the “man of the match” awards.

The Plate Final is at Hertford RFC on 19th April, all are welcome to come and cheer the u13s on.

Now, back to the league with Enfield away on Sunday 15th March. Please also see the OAs report on their website