Another good win for the U14 squad

We continued with the plan to play mixed sides in the run up to next weekends Super 10 fixture at Amersham and played two equally matched OE's side in this fixture which was played over three 20 min thirds.

Match Report courtesy of Jamie R:

Overall Score TJ 21 - OE 76

First 20mins: TJ 14 - OE 12
Very fast start from TJ, aggressive at the breakdown, good movement through hands and decisive running (total lack of OE tackling until we were two tries down!). Caught OE cold at start and took OE some time to get into the game. TJ were very deserving of their lead and were the "hungrier" team, who were vocal and seemed more up for the game at this stage.

OE scorers: Beau (excellent support play to run in from tackled player close to line), Louis (who was superb all day with his running). Joe x 1 conversion

Second 20: TJ 7 - OE 33
Very powerful running from all try scorers. TJ would be disappointed to let a couple of tries in when Henry/James ran from own half, and tackles were missed by the home side. OE's attitude and commitment was much better when ball in hand and backs our dominated. Forwards still got out rucked at the breakdown and TJs were constantly more aggressive and communicated very well as a team. We need to learn from this. Our backs still looked too flat at times when running forward which compromises the advantage we have in our pace and on a couple of occasions the wingers were ahead of the ball carrier negating our advantage - something we've worked on a talking about during EVERY handling drill.

OE scorers: Henry, James (2), George (2). Ben x 4 conversions

Third 20: TJ 0 - OE 31
The best "third" for OE, where a lot of excellent play came together. Forwards won more ball and quick ball from SH's gave the backs good opportunities to run at TJ's. OE scored an excellent try when Josh was tackled 5yds out and offloaded quickly to Joe to run in. Mackenzie then scored a brilliant team try when he showed determination and effort to support Henry who was tackled by the excellent TJ fullback and popped a pass to Mackenzie to run in under the posts. The final try was the try of the day. Good support, handling and powerful running allowed OE to put together 20+ passes to spread TJ left and right and then pass quickly to the other wing and run in for a super try.

OE scorers: James, Joe, Mackenzie, George (2). Joe x 2 & Ben x 1 conversions

Overall a very satisfactory performance. In terms of lessons we need to focus on starting faster and being more aggressive at the breakdown. The back and support play was excellent and when we put this all together both teams produced some excellent rugby and fine tries.