Our U16B squad arrived at Woollams Playing Fields this morning confident of a good performance after our previous win there back in January and after a last minute change saw us taking to the 1st pitch providing our travelling spectators with a great view of the action from the clubhouse balcony they were keen to impress. However, as too often seems to be the case, our fans had to wait a while before our lads showed what they were really capable of. The first twenty minutes was a scrappy affair, we gave away far too many penalties and were lucky to only be behind by one converted try having had a player yellow carded for one high tackle too many in the eyes of the referee. But OAs were unable to take advantage of the extra player and it was Stortford who upped the their efforts and once back to full strength were able to start piling on the pressure. A number of strong and incisive runs from Murray carried us ever closer to the opposition try line and it was the no.8 who was destined to score when the referee awarded us a penalty try for repeated high tackles from the OAs lads - unfortunately this does not go down as a try for Murray, but he definitely deserved it! A few minutes later and on the brink of half time, some lovely quick hands from our centres saw the ball sent out to Odin who was able to get up some speed and score a hard earned try to give us a 7-12 lead at the break.
Half time changes saw Sam F and Padraig take to the field, Tom N and Ellis taking a short but well earned rest and from the restart Sam took control of the game and after five minutes it was his strong running and well timed pass that left Cuan a clear run over to score beneath the posts, Ben P was grateful for the easier kick and added the extra points. Three further tries, two from Will S (duly converted by himself) and one from in form no.6 Sam F saw our lead stretched to 7-38 before OAs added the final points of the match when their man of the match found a gap in our defence to power over the line for a well deserved try applauded by all spectators of both sides.
Sam F was nominated player of the match by the opposition players at the post match social - a fitting birthday gift for his mum - but players and coaches alike were full of praise for the efforts of Murray, a player who is growing in confidence (and stature) and making the No8 shirt his own for the remaining games of the season.