Touring Vandals put up a good fight
Trojans U16s hosted two sides from Weybridge who were touring in Southampton. The Warriors kicked off first and despite being out partying the night before and the clocks goinging forward, the Vandals were immediately on the rampage. They also started both halves against the Chiefs extremely well, but as the energy levels depleted they fought hard to stay in the game. Some players were rotated during and after the Warriors game to ensure that both their teams had sufficient players. To his great credit it was a Vandal who had already played against the Warriors who opened the scoring by outrunning the Trojans defence from his own 22.
The Chiefs were asked to get more structure back into their game and control the ball better. As a result the boys were largely in control of both ball and territory for the rest of the first half. Under pressure, the Vandals were forced into giving away a series of penalties, two of which were converted by Josh to put Trojans in front at 6-5. They had other penalty kicking opportunities from closer in, but kicked to the corner instead. Great intent, but no tries resulted. The Chiefs' defence was much improved with some great tackles coming in from the likes of Fin H. in particular, but also from Linton and Euan. Matt and Christian defended well in the backs, repelling any Weybridge attacks. Josh did brilliantly to hold up a Weybridge player over the try line and prevent a second try. The forwards were now following the game plan and running onto passes from Matt at 10. It stretched the Vandals' defence and allowed Matt to send a perfect long pass out to Oscar on the wing who accepted the invitation to fend off the last defender and score in the corner. Josh kicked well but hit the post to leave the half-time score 11-5.
The Vandals again started well but were unable to break down the Chief's defence. However Trojans lost a bit of momentum by giving away one or two penalties of their own and that clearly affected them. On the positive side, Warriors props Sam Page and Sammy N. kept the scrum together and Linton excelled in the line-outs. Josh put over a penalty from long distance to keep the score moving in Trojan's favour, but the Vandals were not finished. They had another attempted score held up before finally breaking through with a well executed try.
Man of the match was Fin H. who showed great commitment in the contact areas. The Vandals were thanked after the post match meal and were applauded for their valiant efforts. There was also a willingness from both sides to arrange a similar fixture next season.