A bright but chilly morning saw the U12s make the journey round the south circular to face Old Alleynian Lions in their third match of the Waterfall Tournament.
With both teams unbeaten thus far in round 2, it was sure to be an interesting match. With kick off pushed back more than once, the ref blew to signify the start of the match at 12:50.
It was Dexter Bloomer that opened the try account for the Club on 6 minutes, following a big kick that he caught and ran almost the full length of the pitch, dodging tackles and handing off lions. 0-5.
It didn’t take long for the OA Lions to respond with their first try 2 minutes later. 5-5.
The rest of the first half saw neither team gain much ground with good defensive work from both sides.
Club got their chance as we reached half time. After a solid push forwards by Marijonas Kaminskas wrapped up a number of the opposition, a cheeky pass from Oliver Gowing to Jameson Morrison allowed Morrison to use his legs to power through and over the line on the 20 minute mark, leaving the half time score 5-10.
Play was in OA Lions favour after the restart with the Lions popping over for their second try at 21 minutes. 10-10.
Two minutes later saw the Club trundling forwards again. After strong run by Oliver Marnham, the ball popped to Rafe Heath then Morrison who took it into contact. Excellent club rucking against a strong OA Lions side ensured we kept the ball and got it out to Kaminskas who powered through the opposition and over for Clubs third try. 10-15.
Clubs final try of the game saw the boys going end to end. Super team work from our boys saw the ball carried forwards over a number of phases through the hands of James De Villiers, Johnny Ravenscroft, Max Odin-Peftibray, Isaac Fitzsimmons and Morrison, amongst others, before finding Gregor O’Sullivan who pushed through the defence to bring the score to 10-20 at 33 minutes.
And that’s how it’s stayed, following some excellent defence work from the Club preventing the Lions from crossing our line again.
Final score Old Alleynian Lions 10 – 20 Club.
Excellent teamwork and sportsmanship showed by club, in often difficult situations, just highlights what a fantastic group of players they are.
The U12s next match is a friendly v Sevenoaks, away, on Sunday 10th March.