Trojans U16's Chiefs v Havant 8th April 2018

Havant 21 Trojans Chiefs 10

Due to constant rain, conditions at Havant were extremely difficult and that was reflected in the early stages of the game which was littered with handling errors from both teams. The first half was evenly balanced. Matt scored with a penalty to cancel out one from Havant, but couldn't convert in response to Havant's second penalty. The score remained at 3-6 until just before half-time when the Havant forwards forced themselves over the line. They converted to make the score 3-13. Unfortunate timing but the boys were told that it remained a close game and it was within them to win the match.

The Chiefs made a great start to the second half. They immediately got into their structure and attacked with purpose through the forwards. Then Matt executed a perfect cross-field kick into the path of Waldo on the wing who took advantage of a favourable bounce and finished well. Josh converted from out wide and the boys were once again only 3 points behind at 10-13. Havant scored another penalty to edge further ahead at 10-16. The back three were asked to put in a good defensive performance and they delivered with Man of the Match Ben P. to the fore. The Havant backs were nullified but unfortunately their forwards had the upper hand, particularly in the scrums. They also threatened the Chiefs' line a couple more times and, despite a spirited Trojans defence, eventually scored the winning try.

Trojans had lost by 11 points but the real margin of victory was smaller than that. The game could easily have gone the other way. The boys will have the opportunity to recover some pride by winning the 3rd place play-off at home against Farnborough next Sunday.