Tabard U15 (19) v Datchworth U15 (20)

Match report by Icarus Bryant-Fowler

Tabard U-15 (5) 19 v. 20 (10) Datchworth U-15

A fantastic, hard fought win for the Green Army in the QF of the County Plate, against a team 2 divisions above us in the league. The players showed their best efforts in adversity, as we played a large part of the game without 4 normally key players.

The boys got off to a slow start, letting Tabard run in the first try almost straight from the kick-off. They then woke up and began to drive their way up the pitch and exert a degree of control over the rest of the half. Eventually, Datchworth managed to cross for two tries, turning around 10-5 to the good.

Injuries began to take their toll, as Datchworth lost 5 key players to knocks and the back line had to be re-arranged several times.

Tabard fought back at the start of the second half, and managed to score under the posts, leaving Datchworth behind. The boys then fought their way back into the game, and managed to score two tries, sadly unconverted to give us a 10-12 lead.

Tabard then rallied for a final effort and managed to break through and score a converted try to leave the score close at 19-20, but the boys held out, and were pushing for a winning score when the full time whistle went.

A great effort, especially as Datchworth ended up with several players playing out of position for large parts of the match. I know I do not normally name any individual players when writing a match report, but today a would like to call out the following:

Adam, who was playing his first game in 3 years, and filled in at Centre, Wing and Full-Back,

Lewis, who was suddenly asked to fill in at Fly-Half, and did an excellent job.

Matthew, moving to No. 9 and playing out of his skin.

William, who must have made a 100yds with the ball in hand today, constantly breaking the gain line.

Jack B and Bartoz who, along with Will, put a sterling effort in on the Front Row, and held out despite hugh pressure from the Tabard pack.

Both Harry's, who put in some great tackles, and really put their bodies on the line, literally.

Well done to all the boys, a superb team effort today. Let us keep this spirit going forward to next weeks league game.

MoM: Luca for overall effort, and several turnovers

DoD: Jovan for a penalty touch finder that sailed way over the Tabard dead ball line.