Match report: Sunday 4th October 2015 - Warlingham RFC U14B 17 v Cranfordian Stags 15

“A terrific win on Sunday with a wonderfully spirited U14 B team beating Cranfordian Stags 17 - 15. It was a fractious start as at 10:30 we were still only 14 players, but despite various injuries and absences we did start on the dot of 10.45 with a full 15 but no reserves. A fairly physical looking opposition of a squad of 24 looked quite menacing at first but we started the game with great determination and wore them down. Graham, Gary and myself witnessed some excellent examples of gritty Warly play with good handling, strong straight running and no feigning in the tackle.

David Stevenson lead the team confidently, hooked some great opposition ball against the head, and his front row were as ever rock solid in both the set piece and the loose. Both Dinil and Aadi showed super-strength in the loose; several times taking the ball from opposition with Dinil going over to score a much needed try. Charlie and Ben supported well in the second row, Ben’s confidence steadily growing with his height this season. They were backed up with a plucky trio of a back row in James Blain, Max Robertson and Matt Barnett. Sadly Bulldog Barnett, reluctantly, had to go off after 20 minutes in too much pain from the rib injury he’d sustained the day before in a school match but a valiant effort to the end as ever. James Blain had a cracking morning always being prepared to throw himself into the breach and looking very energetic. Max played exceptionally well taking as much advantage as possible even when the ref was looking!

Andrew Dearden connected well the forwards and backs and loosened off some excellent ball with good direction, going over for a superb try under the posts. Daniel Willicombe showed us again his strong running and ability to recycle the ball to the centres; Joel and Henry who looked keen to stretch their legs. Joel’s ball contact was very good this week, and his tackling is spot on. Charlie’s injury departure at minute 25 saw us now 2 men down and with some swallowed pride we agreed to the offer of 2 opposition reserves who did us proud, even though we suggested they need not actually score! Will Passman on the wing, at great pace showed us his ability in attack and defence and a rotation on the other wing with the full back position in AJ, Christian (who stood in the scrum at flanker on our put in when we were without Charlie) were revved up more than ever.

This is a team that are really developing well and improving every week. They employ tactics we’ve taught them in coaching sessions and don’t let their heads drop against the odds. All very impressive to see. Thanks boys.

It's a really difficult decision for man of the match this week, as all shone. However the 2 favourites are after some debate Max or Cristian, so this week I'm going to vote both of them. Well done!

So, a try a-piece from Dinil, Andrew and AJ; with one converted by Joel - great work"

Matt Quarendon