BSRFC U15B 26 vs 19 DATCHWORTH B

Stortford managed to edge a win in a close and physical match against Datchworth B today, but an uncharacteristic lack of discipline made it harder than it could have been. Stortford opened the scoring after four minutes, Luca able to pick up the ball after Zico was held up on the try line to dive over and allow Luke F an easy kick to add the extra two points from his reliable left foot. Datchworth responded well and after a number of penalties, mostly the result of careless high tackles from Stortford's defence, they were able to level things up with a try and conversion of their own. The visitors then took the lead a few minutes later scoring in the corner.

Two tries from Zico, both coming from strong runs having picked up the ball from our scrums, gave Stortford the lead as the end of the first half approached. However, after many warnings from the referee with regard to tackle discipline he was left with no option but to show a yellow card to Zico for a 'no arm' tackle as he came through the ruck.

The second half started very evenly, but Stortford were still giving away too many penalties and they were only up to the full compliment of fifteen players for a few minutes before Jacob was shown yellow for another high tackle. As the game continued Tom N and Jacob demonstrated that they could tackle properly, Jacob making a fantastic (and more importantly LOW) tackle to stop a Datchworth break down the wing. Unfortunately, the general pattern of discipline in defensive situations saw a penalty try being awarded to the visitors to bring the scores all square at 19-19.

Finally realising that if they were in possession of the ball they could not be penalised for high tackles, a series of strong runs from Murray, Ayo, Tom, Alec and Sonny were rewarded by a last minute try from George K which was duly converted by Luke.

Congratulations to Luke, nominated as star-player by the Datchworth lads at the post-match social.

Lots of training points to take from today's game, the tackle bags are going to take a beating this week!

Richard