Blackheath U12s vs. Beckenham Wolf Cubs
(Kent Cup / Waterfall – Round 2), Beckenham RFC
Sunday 15 October – KO 11:00
In a weekend of immense international rugby across the channel, a bright but chilly SE London morning saw our own Blackheath U12s travel to Beckenham for Round 2 of the Kent Waterfall Tournament. Following an excellent first-round performance at home vs Sidcup on October 1st, Club U12s were fired up , ready to go and, following some excellent pre-game chat, the boys couldn’t wait for the 11am kick-off.
First Half
A brilliant opening few minutes saw an early try from Gregor O’Sullivan to open Club’s account for the day. A clean take from Dexter Bloomer off a Beckenham restart gave Club an excellent platform to build on with Jameson Morrison making some characteristic darting runs through the midfield. Beckenham had some good defensive play, rip-balls and some effective counter rucking to keep Club on their toes. A thumping tackle by Jonnie Ravenscroft near the 6 minute mark allowed a Club counter attack that culminated with a powerful run from Oliver Marnham. Marnham was unlucky not to be awarded for his efforts, with several Beckenham players on him, his dive over the far touch line saw the ball fumble and an unfortunate knock on. Not to be dissuaded, Club were finding their rhythm. A jinking run and deft offload from Oscar Benns saw Oliver Simpson go over the line around the 11 minute mark. 0-2 to Club, with the lads looking to maintain control of the game.
Our rucking was immense, and we were able to secure a significant amount of turnover balls. Club maintained the pressure, and despite a few knock-ons, a heads-down charge from Marijona Kaminskas led to a second try from Gregor O’Sullivan (0-3) and seemingly unable to be taken down by Becks, a speedy dash to the try line for Jameson Morrison to score his first (0-4).
Beckenham’s head didn’t drop and capitalising on some untidy ball from the ruck, Beckenham managed to go wide and fast for their first try of the game (1-4). Club didn’t panic, a fantastic solo effort from AJ Warman from the kick off and his selfless offload, saw George Woodside run in a try. Last play of the half and at the referees whistle – Club end the first 20 minutes 1-5.
Second Half
The U12 half time team talks never fails; with some well observed and insightful motivation from both Captain and Vice-Captain saw Club ready to go at the opening kick-off. Some crisp forwards rucking, with Rafe Langman-Heath holding solid, decisive quick ball from Herbie Murray Jones allowed a powerful run by Jonnie Ravenscroft who flew over the try line (1-6)
Some uncharacteristically sloppy defending allowed Beckenham to find their form, putting two tries over in quick succession (3-6). As is the hallmark of this U12 side, all held their heads high, regrouped from the set back and continued to play like machines. This approach saw Gregor O’Sullivan pop over for his third and then fourth try (3-8), with excellent support from the whole team.
Neither team let up, but Club’s business-like approach to the day was best illustrated by a fantastic cover tackle by Jameson Morrison on the 10th minute. A solid scrum, provided the platform for Clubs ninth try of the game – a brilliantly powerful straight run by Dexter Bloomer, demonstrating how difficult he can be for any defence (3-9).
Beckenham managed to slip in another try around the 16 minute mark (4-9) but, despite this, some solid forwards play and a brilliantly executed switch ball move in our backs saw Dexter Bloomer go over the try line again with George Woodside rapidly securing the final try of the match. In dying minutes of the game Oscar Benns was unlucky to not touch down in the corner being knocked into touch a mere whisper away from the try line. Full time whistle brought an end to yet another memorable Club performance and a closing score: Beckenham 4 (20) – 11 (55) Blackheath.
Both sides played with tremendous spirit and sportsmanship, demonstrating rugby values. For Club, this was another massive team effort and whilst we have mentioned a few players in this report it was only through the whole squad contribution that the result was possible.
Everyone should be very proud of what they did today, this is a very special group of players.
Thanks again to all parents, grandparents and guardians who came along to support today. Your support helps everyone making an impact on the pitch.
Our next match is at The Utilita @ Well Hall v Richmond, KO @ 13:30, a curtain raiser to our 1st XV league game vs. Richmond – the oldest fixture in the world! Please come along and support if you can.
C’mon Club!
Blackheath: Oliver S, Gregor, Oliver M, George, Oscar, Rafe, Ted, AJ, Austin, Marionjas, Johnny, Jameson, Max, Dexter, Herbie
Player of Match Blackheath: Oliver S
Player of the Match Beckenham: Howie