Fawley U15s hosted local rivals Tottonians at home at Newlands Park today. In the sunshine both teams were keen to get going after their previous match ended in a Totts win. This time Fawley had the benefit of a bigger team and were keen to put into practice the hard work they’d been putting in at training sessions.
Fawley didn’t have to wait long for their first points as Ollie Greenwood made an early breakaway giving the home side a try not 3 minutes after kick off. The wind was against the kicker who missed the conversion and the game continued, 5-0 Fawley. Some excellent determined attacking kept the ball firmly in Fawley’s grasp and 6 minutes later Aidan Cross side-stepped his way through the Tott’s defence for his first try of the game. Max Belson converted the try and the crowd cheered as the score went up to 12-0 in only 10 minutes of play.
As Totts were wondering what had happened some incredible teamwork engineered the ball Aidan’s way who once again left the opposition standing to secure another try right under the posts. This was again converted by Max and the boys were now 19-0 up.
Fawley really showed dominance of the forwards today which paid off with a scrum called near the try line where Captain Joe Buckmaster held firm and made his mark on the score line … a missed conversion now saw Fawley 24-0 up.
Totts kept their heads up and fought back with an admirable run at the line and a try scored but not converted… 24-5. Fawley were not keen on this course of events and some determined teamwork and accurate passing meant the ball found its way to its happy place… in the hands of Aidan Cross who scored his hattrick and was converted comfortably by Ollie Greenwood. Fawley supporters were suitably impressed as the score line now stood 31-5 with 10 minutes of the first half left to play.
Just to make sure the home side were making their presence felt in the first half another blinding run by Aidan pushed the score up again 36-5 just before half time.
The second half started full of anticipation at how far Fawley could go, however after a few minutes of play the game was stopped. After a brief discussion with the referee regarding some specific in-game decisions the visitors were unhappy with, it was decided to stop the game and call time early.
A disappointing end to a riveting game but a resounding win nonetheless for a terrific home side who have gone from strength to strength this season.
We can but only look forward to an exciting 2022/23 season with this group of talented and determined young men, each of whom contribute to make this team what it is…. friends and formidable opponents.