08/01/23 HML League U15s: Fullerians v Tabard

With wet pitches from a period of prolonged rain, we were hoping for some dry weather for the match. However, it was not to be. The rain came and went throughout the day, making the conditions suited to some close, tight rugby. The question was could the team deliver after a long break? The mid-week training went well, and the boys turned up ready to play come what may.

Playing in their half was the plan, so skipper for the day, Matt opted for his team to kick to start, putting immediate pressure on Tabard. As planned, Tabard spilt the ball in the wet conditions and the first set piece was a scrum to Fullers deep in Tabard territory. The resulting scrum was dominant, and Fullers managed by Miles at the break down, used his strong runners in Isaac and Hayden to hit phase after phase, getting the ball over the gain line. The pressure after the early exchanges was too much for the defending Tabard as Timaur took the opportunity to pick from the base of the ruck and power over the line for the first score of the game. The conversion was not completed but was close given the distance. 5-0 Fullers.

From the kickoff the loose ball was slippery on the ground as now Fullers were struggling to get hold of it. A wayward pass from the scrum half over Kai’s head, needed to be dealt with. Matt, leading by example, gathered the ball and ran it back hard bouncing out of the attempted tackles and made some much-needed yards up the pitch to get his team on the front foot. The next phase was a clearing kick gathered by Tabard as they looked to take an opportunity. He was snuffed out by a great chasing tackle followed closely by a reinvigorated Ted Phillips. Ted went in for the ball and stole it brilliantly. From the turnover, the ball ended up with the backs, Kai to Matt, Matt making some good ground before setting off the flyer that is Sulli. With space in front of him and players outside, he pinned his ears back and left the defenders in his wake and went over to score. Kai completed the conversion. 12-0 Fullers.

The game was shaping up to stay tight with the forwards and they all took to the challenge. With Miles managing at the base of the ruck, we saw some big carries from Isaac who was enjoying his time back with the team putting in a big shift with direct running and discipline at the break down. James and Cameron were having great games of their own, at the break down ensuring we were winning the collisions. Unfortunately, Cameron’s game was cut short due to a blow to the head. Matt Sibley came on and made an immediate impact, despite having to play out of position at Hooker. A tough ask, but he stood up well. Before the break, another dominant passage of play resulted in a ruck close to the Tabard line. As the attacking players were lining up, this was always going to be a forward’s game. Oli Zazzi was in imposing form throughout the game, clearing out the rucks and getting around the pitch to great effect. This time it was Drew who took his opportunity to drive over with a low body position, the defence could not stop him as he went over to score. Kai who was playing a much more composed game at Fly-half, stepped up for a tricky conversion attempt which he struck sweetly to put more points on the board for his team. 19-0.

Both Sam and Seb had little time with the ball in their hands due to the conditions, but that did not stop them being effective and contributing to the all-round performance. When given the chance with the ball, they both made strong runs, beating defenders, and keeping the ball in hand to ensure we retained possession.

Half Time

In the second half after a dominant first half display, Fullers carried on where they left off. Drew, having the game of his life was causing havoc both in attack and defence, giving his team mates a great platform to work from. Louis did a great job managing the back line always communicating from the back and working with his wingers to ensure they covered him when they needed. A tough game for a full back to get in to, but nevertheless, did what was required.

It was time to bring in the changes, with Frosty and Mitch coming on for Seb and Sam, and Will on for Louis. All had an immediate impact trying to get into the game. The finishers performed brilliantly. A standout moment was Frosty’s defense, as he came on to defend his wing channel as their big number 8 and most effective player, picked up the ball from the base of the scrum trying to run over Frosty. His body position in the tackle was textbook, we as coaches discuss getting cheek to cheek, which left the No8 to literally bare the brunt of Frosty’s defensive skills. Good pressure in defence from Fullers, caused Tabard to spill the ball once again. Sulli, always hunting for the ball was on hand to pounce on the loose ball and split the defense to run half the length of the field to score. Kai kicked the conversion. 26-0.

In the closing moments of the game the Tabard onslaught, however, was too much as their No8 got his reward for his big runs all day long as he went over to score. The conversion attempt was missed. 26-5.

A great game by the boys, showing great discipline and structure to their game.

Final Score: Fullerians 26 - 5 Tabard
Tries: Taimur, Sulli (2), Drew
Cons: Kai (3)

Man of the Match:
The plaudits were shared between two this week as they both had a big game.
Drew - In attack with his big carriers and hard running, and a powerful defense display set the tone for
the game in tough conditions.
Ted Phillips - His energy around the pitch, did a lot of the hard work of disrupting a Tabard attack, he made
his tackles, was able to turn over loose ball to give his team the edge when needed.