The Esher team looked big and tough and the pitch looked like it could be a game strangler but from the start with a great catch and clearance kick and chase down from Liam Sullivan we showed good intent with ball in hand and indeed should have scored with our first bit of possession when after several phases we had overlaps on both sides of the pitch which were ignored. After the first of several scrums won against the head we got it right on the third attempt with the ball getting out wide to Harry Fisher to score. We continued to press and cut down the space but lost possession by arriving too slowly in support and not rucking effectively. We then had a poor period missing tackles and two penalties in quick succession awarded against us for going off feet and hands in the ruck gave them territory in our 22 and after a tap penalty was re-awarded for a high tackle they were in under our posts to score.

A stern word from skipper Harvey Cutmore about the need for low tackles and from the re-start we applied pressure and after another scrum won against the head Harvey chased down his own well-judged grubber to score to take us back into the lead. We then went further ahead with excellent back play and support running involving Chris Lipczynski and Liam allowing Chris to score. Another period of possession had Tom Sullivan in at the corner but harshly adjudged to have knocked on and this allowed Esher to clear their lines. We should have ended the half two scores ahead but contrived to allow their mobile pack to steamroller through us and the score line at half time of 15-12 flattered the visitors.

Into the second half and after a period of 12 minutes without a score and with both teams failing to make headway and a rising penalty count against us we needed our scrum to provide a good platform which it did and Harvey executed a wonderful dummy scissors with Liam running the option line and drawing the defence which Harvey penetrated to score. Tactical kicking featured heavily in the second half where we were going downhill with a kick ahead chased by Glenmore Haydon and supported by Chris Lip led to our fifth try. Now we were three scores ahead and with only 10 minutes to play.

What followed was absorbing rugby with no quarter given by either team in open play with our boys absorbing everything Esher could throw at them. Defence was stern and some great phases of play followed. The match ended a bit bizarrely with a penalty awarded against us following foul play on one of our boys being missed by the referee. From the ensuing penalty five metres out Esher went over to score what was only a consolation try.

I am immensely proud of the 20 boys who all played their part in a great team performance and a deserved victory. The coaches felt that in the forwards Paddy Mallows, Aadi Samarasekara and Christian Wright deserved special mention as should Liam, Harvey and Glenmore in the backs who, on another day, could have had two tries against his name.

MEN OF THE MATCH: WARLINGHAM RFC U14s

http://surreyrugby.co.uk/u14-league-2-2015-2016/table/19-U14+league+2+2015+-+2016

Gary Carter
Coach
WRFC U14