Match report – Sunday 5th October Under 14s : Chobham U14s away at Old Emmanuel’s (Friendly)
A glorious start to Chob’s U14s season started with a friendly away at Old Emmanuel’s. A fixture that we won last season and todays 16 man squad was ably lead by captain for the day, Samuel Davis. Off the back of yesterday’s Quins win and him being guard of honour in celebration of his 14th Birthday, Sam rallied his troops to a record victory beating Old Emanuel’s 93-0. This was Chob’s first victory for some time and will hopefully set the standard for their league campaign.
Both the weather (a balmy October morning) and the excellent pitch conditions set the stage for what proved to be a cracking opening match. All the Tuesday night’s fitness and skills sessions were going to pay dividends today.
After returning the starting kick of the game from Emmanuel’s we had our first scrum down of the match. Good forwards body position and a good shove led to a good string of passes down the line, ending up with rucking on the oppo’s 10m line, Es cleared their lines with a good defensive kick. The following line out led to a deserved try by Tom Blenkinsop under to posts (ably helped by his go faster haircut). Tom’s try converted by Alfie Johnson. (5 Mins 7-0).
From the restart Chobs made two passes to George Sutherland who picked up the pace and backed himself to a score in the corner. His try converted by Alfie (7 Mins 14-0)
The restart went straight to Sam Riley who ran down the line with an off load to Tom for a try under the posts. Unfortunately the easy conversion was missed just to the right of the posts. (9 Mins 19-0)
The restart from Es proved an easy catch and break through try from the tight head prop (Sam Riley) who broke a number of tackles with a powerful yet deceptive turn of pace that caught the opposition questioning their defensive lines. Alfie converted the try (10mins – 26-0)
Tom took the restart ball straight back into the scoring zone with good support play from his forwards. The Es spirit was no match for Tom’s power and with excellent support saw Sam Mitchell cross the line for a well worked try. Alfie converted. (13mins 33-0)
At the 15 minute mark the referee called a well deserved 2 minute water break. The sun providing a glorious backdrop to some exciting rugby.
After the restart there was some strong rucking with the ball going through two phases of forward play before being spun out down the line to for Ryan Lees to switch his after burners on scoring a real flyers try. Alfie’s conversion unfortunately just hitting the post. (19mins 38-0)
After a little pep talk from Es coach the opposition came back at their restart with increased aggression and looked sure to try at one stage. They first foray into Chob’s territory was unfruitful as Chob’s strong defence held the home team at bay. A 5m scrum went against the head with Chobs clearing their lines. A high tackle led from Es led to a clearance kick from Chobs.
The last scrum of the half was in Es half with their put in. The forwards bullied Es pack into relinquishing the ball and Chobs won the ball against the head. The ball was moved quickly down the line freeing Alfie Johnson to stretch his legs and show some of his pace to out run two of the defending line. Good support from Ryan Lees wasn’t needed with Alfie scoring in the corner. Alfie converted his own try. (26Min 45-0).
A late unexpected try was scored by George Sutherland was unconverted by Alfie to end the first half by 50 points to nil. The very first line out of the match happened 3 minutes after the start of the second half. Chobs won their own ball on a short 4 man line out. The ball was passed well through the backs with a second phase forming on the Es 22. The ball was popped to Sam Riley who broke through 3 tacklers to score in the corner. The ball position proved too challenging for Alfie with the try remaining unconverted. (3 mins 55-0)
The restart fell to the forwards to work through a couple of phases with some good interplay between forwards and backs, the ball ending up with Sam Riley to force his way through for the try. The try was unconverted by Sam Davies. (4mins – 60-0).
The restart led to a 3 man line out on E’s 10m line. The ensuring ruck led to a “pick and go” by Joe Gannon which was unfortunately held back by E’s defence leading to a stolen ball and a clearance kick by E’s fly-half. The ensuring lie out was stolen by Chobs but was won back briefly in the ruck before Chobs tackled hard with the ball popping out to Chob’s fly half, who scored down the middle of the park. Alfie’s try was converted by Jack Mather. (10mins 67-0)
The restart ended up in the hand of the birthday boy (Sam Davies) who made a searing run down the wing with his chip and chase being denied by some good cover play by E’s full back.
A penalty infringement lead to a try by Jack whom converted his own try. (13min 74-0)
Another strong run with an overlap was pinged by the ref for a forward pass against Chobs that led to a scrum against the head by Chobs. The ball was spun down the line to Jack Mather who scored an individual try. The conversion was narrowly missed by Sam Riley. (16mins 79-0)
20 minutes into the second half Head Coach (James Davies) decided to challenge Chobs by removing three players and bring the team down to 12 and to use the last 5minutes as a training exercise.
A well earned scrum by Es in Chobs 22 was lost against the head leading to a well worked try scored by the captain, Sam Davies. Sam converting his own try. (24mins 86-0)
The restart lead to a string of passes finding Georg Sutherland in fine form to score again. Jack Mather converting this time. (25 mins 93-0). Final score 93-0
Try Scorers:- Tom Blenkinsop, George Sutherland 3, Sam Riley 3, Sam Mitchell, Ryan Lees, Alfie Johnson 2, Jack Mather 3, Sam Davies.
Conversions:- Alfie Johnson 5, Jack Mather 3, Sam Davies.
The match was played in good spirits from both sides and the Es were gracious in defeat offering a post match tea. The referee allowed a free flowing game.
All in all a very good start to the season and with continued efforts on Tuesday and Sunday training the side has an opportunity to make a real impact at league level. The mighty mighty U14s have started well! All in all an excellent mornings spectating in the sun.
Match report & photograph: Teresa Riley