On Sunday 9th October, we had our second Pool match as Harrow U14’s hosted Old Verulanium’s and Welwyn RFC the only team to beat us in the U13 league last year.
The boys were highly motivated to turn up, play their best and start fast against a larger and physical OV’s team especially in the forward pack, we were outweighed by a massive front three from the opposition. Despite their size and some of the more experienced boys missing from our front 8, Jordan and Santos stepped up as Props and the boys held their ground as well as it could be expected and some excellent quick hooking by Ollie Kiely gave us some success even when we were going backwards on our own scrums. As a result of the quick ‘strike’ from Ollie the ball moved to the back of the scrum where Aaron was waiting and delivered some very effective pickups driving directly into the midfield and our tactical decision for a more mobile back row supported the forward momentum.

We kept to the plan and played our game and didn't get dragged into the arm wrestle/dogfight that they wanted. We moved the ball through the midfield to our wingers at every opportunity and pulled the opposition around the pitch and with a bit more fortune we would have scored another couple of tries.

Although, on occasions we struggled at the breakdown due to their physical presence, we were disruptive as a collective and managed to hold the opposition up in a couple of mauls forcing the turn over. In parts of the game, discipline and sportsmanship were not at their best with our opponents, but credit to our lads, they stood together and did not let some disruptive behaviour affect our game which is an important lesson for us all remaining calm even when provoked and not talking back to ref. The yellow card was a good reminder that the ref should sort the problems out and we shouldn't get involved, apart from captain talking to ref if needed.

Despite of the physical imbalance and injuries endured in the first 20 mins, our boys were in control of the game from the start, they kept their concentration and to a game plan that enabled them to win.

Result:
Harrow v Old Verulaniums and Welwyn RFC – 29 – 5 Try scorers: Aaron x2, Jake, Theo and Elliott with Thomas 2 successful conversions

Highlight(s) of the day:
·

• Lawrence stepped in as Full Back following injury to Ollie Stewart and then took responsibility for a high bouncing ball which exposed him in taking a steamroller tackle by a very big prop….not only did he manage to get back on his feet, he also managed to protect the ball and make it available to his team.
• · Santos making the tackle that allowed Aaron to steal the ball in our 22 in the last few minutes was superb.
• · Cieran stepped in at inside centre, following injury to Callum and his improved mobility, passing and tackling skills were on show for all to see.
• Dylan and Eddie securing the ball at the back of the scrum which was often travelling backwards – good tactical awareness to let Aaron take the ball

Some areas to work on:
Tackling – confidence in the contact area, technique – tackling low and working together to tackle the big runners - 1 low and 1 high to stop the opposition on the gain line.
Rucking was pretty good but we have to get there first, dominate the opposition and don’t stand off
Lineouts - catch and pass not tap down
Tactical kicking - when to kick (which way is the wind blowing) and what kick to use e.g grubber, chip or long into the space. (defensive or attacking)
Fitness – ongoing - big pitch, strong opposition, tackling, rucking, scrummaging needs higher levels personal fitness.
Tactical awareness – utilise the width of the pitch, run straight, don’t run back into traffic/contact, what is our role/responsibility?

Injuries:
Ollie Stewart – unfortunately sustained a broken wrist but on the mend, out till New Year which is unfortunate as his start to the season has been exceptional – we all wish him well.
Callum – Head and neck injury - Doctor’s head injury assessment – no concussion, bruising only
Leo – Neck injury bruising only