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Sun 31 Oct 2010
Thanet
U14
31
33
A Successful day at the Seaside
Andy Miller31 Oct 2010 - 17:21
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OEs show great strength of character to defeat Thanet Wanderers
With several players missing and others playing out of position for all, or part of, the game this always going to be a test.
From the outset it was apparent that Thanet’s forwards had a bit more hunger and togetherness than we did and we were under pressure at set piece and in the loose. Despite this we scored first, a try by Jacob Alexander, which went unconverted. Thanet came back strongly and scored 2 tries, 1 of them converted to take a 12-5 lead halfway through the first half.
We were living off scraps, but moving the ball reasonably well, and a good long pass put Jacob into space and in for another try, this time converted by Alex Miller.
Half time 12-12
Within 5 minutes of the second half we were staring down the barrel. Two converted tries meant we were 26-12 down and seemingly out. All of a sudden, our forwards underwent a change of character and started to dominate the opposition. Good forward pressure meant Joseph at 9 was now getting good, clean ball, and good handling resulted in Jacob scoring his Hat -Trick try which was again converted by Alex. Thanet hit back almost immediately with a breakaway try, which fortunately was scored in the corner due to some cracking cover defence. 31-19.
Back we came again, some strong forward play resulting in a converted try for George Whichello. 31-26.The boys realized that they were only 5 points adrift and looking much the stronger team. Heavy defence from Remy Rees-Goddard, Joe Nightingale, Albert Miles and Archie Balkwill was putting real pressure on Thanet and this, coupled with our now-strong scrummaging resulted in another close range try for George, albeit wide of the posts. 31-31. Despite a dodgy angle Alex converted as cool as you like to take us into a 33-31 lead.
We had 10 minutes to hold out. Some cracking defence, highlighted by a massive ‘hit’ by Joe Nightingale enabled us to close the game out and when the final whistle sounded we had run out 33-31 winners. A result borne out of magnificent team spirit and never say die attitude.
A few words of thanks – to everyone who played out of position at any stage of the game without complaining – thank you
to all the parents who took the long trek to Broadstairs – thank you.
and to Thanet for playing a tough, keenly fought game and for being such good hosts - thank you
From the outset it was apparent that Thanet’s forwards had a bit more hunger and togetherness than we did and we were under pressure at set piece and in the loose. Despite this we scored first, a try by Jacob Alexander, which went unconverted. Thanet came back strongly and scored 2 tries, 1 of them converted to take a 12-5 lead halfway through the first half.
We were living off scraps, but moving the ball reasonably well, and a good long pass put Jacob into space and in for another try, this time converted by Alex Miller.
Half time 12-12
Within 5 minutes of the second half we were staring down the barrel. Two converted tries meant we were 26-12 down and seemingly out. All of a sudden, our forwards underwent a change of character and started to dominate the opposition. Good forward pressure meant Joseph at 9 was now getting good, clean ball, and good handling resulted in Jacob scoring his Hat -Trick try which was again converted by Alex. Thanet hit back almost immediately with a breakaway try, which fortunately was scored in the corner due to some cracking cover defence. 31-19.
Back we came again, some strong forward play resulting in a converted try for George Whichello. 31-26.The boys realized that they were only 5 points adrift and looking much the stronger team. Heavy defence from Remy Rees-Goddard, Joe Nightingale, Albert Miles and Archie Balkwill was putting real pressure on Thanet and this, coupled with our now-strong scrummaging resulted in another close range try for George, albeit wide of the posts. 31-31. Despite a dodgy angle Alex converted as cool as you like to take us into a 33-31 lead.
We had 10 minutes to hold out. Some cracking defence, highlighted by a massive ‘hit’ by Joe Nightingale enabled us to close the game out and when the final whistle sounded we had run out 33-31 winners. A result borne out of magnificent team spirit and never say die attitude.
A few words of thanks – to everyone who played out of position at any stage of the game without complaining – thank you
to all the parents who took the long trek to Broadstairs – thank you.
and to Thanet for playing a tough, keenly fought game and for being such good hosts - thank you
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