23 September 2007
The first game of the season for both Medway and Sidcup under fourteens saw a fiercely contested match played over three stages which resulted in 29 points each and a very good performance by both the home team and the visitors leaving both sets of coaches knowing what needs to be worked on in the future and with a great deal of comfort because both sides played some sparkling rugby.
Weather conditions were perfect on a dry sunny morning at Priestfields. Sidcup attended with around 25 boys and Medway had 27 boys representing this age group. As a result three sessions were played with the first session resulting in only one try in Sidcup's favour, the second session resulting in three tries to two in Medway’s favour and the third session three tries to two in Sidcup's favour, the kicks ensured a draw that fairly reflected the levels of ability and a level of commitment for both teams.
Medway’s backs fizzed the ball around the pitch allowing a well-taken try by Haydn with some exceptional play by Lewis M who distributed the ball from centre very well. Each time the Medway back line got the ball wide they looked dangerous. Sidcup had the much larger pack of forwards and although this was to Sidcup's advantage early on, as the day wore on and the heat of the morning increased, the Sidcup forwards tired a little and Medway scored four further tries, two from their number 8 Liam, who was involved in all aspects of play.
Two further tries were scored by forwards, the first an unstoppable run by second row forward Ben L and the next by, George who uncharacteristically popped up on the wing, received a wide pass and crashed over (George denies that he was out of breath and not keeping up with play, preferring to say that he had intuitively read the game and chose to stay out wide on the wing enabling the try……… to draw Medway level…The rest of the team is yet to be convinced!)
Dan converted well and a very spirited match ended with applause from all parents both at home and from the visitors as the Medway under-fourteens ‘Cougars’ continue to develop as one of the stronger sides on the south eastern circuit.
Training commences at 6.45pm at Priestfields each and every Tuesday evening, all under 14s are welcome
