Date: Sun 16th Sep 2018
Time: 11:30am
Match Report
Sunday 16th September – Harlow u13s v Westcliff u13s
Today we hosted Westcliff in our first league game at Latton Park. Westcliff are a team we remember having great close games with in tournaments at the end of last season so the boys were looking forward to a great game.
We got off to a flying start, phase after phase of play meant we were pushing Westcliff back to their try line and looking after the ball extremely well.
This would lead to our first try we worked on our moves from a penalty with the Ed Lea carrying well and taking us to within touching distance of the try line and then a pop to a crashing Danny Billington taking a direct route over the line.
At this point the team is playing well and confidence is growing. There were opportunities for us to score a few more tries, but it didn’t quite come off.
Half time: 5-0 (1 try to 0)
For the second half some team changes came in to play. Those fresh from the bench were keen to stamp their authority on the games as well.
Westcliff had made a number of changes as well and increased their competition at the break down. We conceded a try but fought back with Tobie Westbrook spotting some space in behind and he kicked ahead, chased popped the ball to Henry to go over the line.
From the kick off we conceded straight away having kicked the ball to their fast winger who opened up and out paced us to the line. Westcliff had found a chink in our defensive armour and they quickly took advantage of it again and ran it wide to take the lead in the game.
This is where we started to see the character of the Harlow boys, they were determined to get back level and worked hard to gain ground working up the pitch, it was getting close to the end of the game and last play was called, this continued for a number of phases as Westcliff continually gave away penalties in desperation. As Harlow edged towards the line, Owen Eynon spotted a half gap and sneaked over to draw the game, with a great cheer of delight from the players and crowd.
Second half: 10-15 (2 try to 3)
Final score: 15-15 (3 tries to 3)
Special mentions:
Ed Lea – Commanding front row performance and growing into an excellent pack leader
Henry Stovell – Pushed us hard and ran forward at every opportunity
Joe Court – A good first half, bit of a wobble at half time then came back on to continue to play really well
Tobie Westbrook – Great inspiration with the kick and chase for Henry’s try
Danny Billington – Bouldering Billington kicked off the scoring finishing a great team try
Owen Eynon – Making sure we get the ball back and keep playing
Will Pite – strong runs and scaring the opposition
A big thank you to all the parents who helped put out and take down ropes, bring in the bins, flag poles post protectors etc. It really helps make a difference.
Tries: Danny Billington, Henry Stovell, Owen Eynon
Referee: Geoff Hargreaves
Forward of the Match: Ed Lea
Back of the Match: Henry Stovell
Donkey of the Match: Charlie Jacques, playing like a back when he was in the forwards
1st Half team
1. Jacob Morgan, 2. Archie Goodger, 3. Ed Lea, 4. George Snowdon, 5. Charlie Jacques, 8. Corey Kelman, 9. Owen Eynon. 10. Tobie Westbrook, 11. Joe Court, 12. Danny Billington, 13. Henry Stovell (Captain), 14. Noah Reynolds, 15. Montelle Levy
2nd Half team
1. Teddy Keys-Kidd, 2. Jamie Oliver, 3. Ed Lea (sub Jacob Morgan, 4. Brandon Fletcher, 5. Will Pite, 8. Archie Goodger, 9. Owen Eynon, 10.Tobie Westbrook, 11. George Snowdon (Sub Noah Reynolds), 12. Danny Billington, 13. Henry Stovell (Captain), 14. Noah Reynolds (Sub Joe Court), 15. Montelle Levy (Sub Corey Kelman)