13 April 2008
A squad of 21 Cougars made the short trip to Gravesend buoyed on by their recent fine form. Following what has been a transitional period for the Gs u14s it was a pleasure to welcome them back on the ‘circuit’ and parents from both sides were looking forward to a competitive match.
In glorious sunshine the Cougars took the ball from the Gs kick off and launched their first attack, moving the ball swiftly through the hands of the backs with confidence. From outside centre, Luke made a break that gained 20 metres before some fine tackling brought him down. The Cougars recycled the ball through Ben W, Charlie and Adam before Luke, showing great drive and determination, popped up on the wing and went over for the first score of the match, which he converted.
From the re-start, debutant and veritable man-mountain, Max, ran the ball back 60 metres, brushing aside the Gs tackles before going in under the posts for his first score for the Cougars, again converted by Luke. Continuing to starve the Gs of possession, the Cougars spent much of that first half camped in the Gs ‘22’. Liam stole Gs line out ball 5 metres out before crashing over in the corner and then more fine movement from our backs put recent addition Adam over, again converted by Luke. A further line out steal brought Max his second try of the game before the Cougars finished the half with some fine rolling maul work from our forwards putting Alex W in, again converted by Luke, leading to a half-time score of 38-0.
The Gs re-grouped at half time and came out stronger in the second half, a credit to their coaches, parents and more importantly themselves. They secured better possession in a much more even second half and, but for the want of a little luck, could well have scored – unfortunately for the Gs it was not to be. Fergus, now playing at wing, danced 40 metres for his customary score before Liam crashed over again, this time from centre.
Cougars pocket dynamo George was able to provide the comedy moment of the game, receiving the ball out on the wing before a theatrical swallow dive took him over the line – unfortunately, and much to the confusion of our very own touch judge Pat, it was the 5 metre line and no try was scored. Not to be denied George, from his more customary position at Hooker, received the ball after some fine team play crashing over the try line to end the scoring at Cougars 53 Gravesend 0, just before the rains came – well done Medway.
A big thank you to our excellent hosts Gravesend and we wish them well for what remains of the season as they build towards next. For us, its training Tuesday evening as usual before a big game against Cranbrook at home next Sunday – “come on Cougars”.
