Kings U21's win Shield Final

BIG thanks to the boys who played on Thursday! Well done.

U21 SHIELD FINAL - MATCH REPORT
Kings U21’s 36 v 10 Old Cats U21’s
Tries – Alfie Dudman-Jones (4), Harry O’Hara, Toni Darling
Kicks – Aidan O’Donnell
Best Back – Alfie Dudman-Jones
Best Forward – Harry Wakefield

Kings U21’s returned closer to their rampant best in this enjoyable but sometimes frenetic final. The pack fronted up to provide an excellent platform for the backs to play off, taking several scrums against the head thanks to Tom Nicol, Will Kinsella, Jordan Harris & Ben Welham who all played a huge part in the front row. Jack Griffin, Victor Shiundo & Ed Tyler provided power in the 2nd row and controlled the lineouts very well. Tom Middlehurst, Harry Wakefield (#8)(Captain & Best Forward)) & Ed O-Callaghan in the back-row were all a “nuisance” at the break-down & Harry had several of his typical line-breaking runs. It took 15 minutes of fast flowing rugby with a few dropped balls before Kings won an attacking lineout, moved the ball swiftly through the hands so Harry O’Hara could touch down in the far corner. More attacking rugby followed, but too many penalties & dropped balls prevented Kings scoring until Alfie Dudman-Jones (#12) (Best Back) burst through the OC defence after 35 minutes and then did it again 5 minutes later, despite Kings only having 14 players due to a yellow-card! OC kept competing and were first to score in the 2nd half after 25 frustrating minutes during which Kings played over complex rugby, more as individuals & less as a team. After 30 frustrating minutes, finally the boys clicked together again with Alfie scoring two more and Toni Darling getting his reward for many surging runs by scoring at the end. George Jones (#9) & Aidan O’Donnell (#10) controlled the line really well and Alfie, Will Kibblewhite & Ben Woolhams in the centres made breaks & released the wingers well. Charlie Williams, Francis Dwan, Toni, Ben Redmonde-Roche, Sam Yip & Harry O’Hara all had plenty of ball to attack with and all used it really well to keep the crowd entertained! OC had the last word, as Toni ambled after a cross-field kick into the in-goal area only to be taken by surprise by the OC winger who dashed past him to touch down for a consolation try! Many thanks to the many supporters, Richard Ramsey & Nick Kibblewhite for help on the touch-line and to Paddy for the super food afterwards! Good luck to the older boys who cannot play next season & I look forward to seeing all the younger boys for U21’s touch & pre-season training in July!!!

Cheers

Nigel