Droitwich Under 16’s versus Yardley District

Sunday 14th September 2008

Droitwich’s first game of the season sees them tested, against a Yardley team with enough strength and depth to be a strong test of the Droitwich pre-season training program.

The game started with evenly matched sides feeling their way through the new rule changes ably guided by a well informed referee. Droitwich scored first after some consistent pressure from the forward line resulting in a line out, which was quickly recycled in to the backs, who executed some flowing play resulting in Jack Knight diving over for Droitwich’s first try of the new season, the conversion was duly kicked by Sam Cave.

From the restart Yardley pushed to level the score and only some outstanding tackling from all of the Droitwich team held them at bay. Eventually pressure was rewarded when Yardley took a quick penalty tap and dived over on the blind side of the Droitwich defensive line.

Not to be out done Droitwich pressed from the restart pushing Yardley back to their 22 yard line where Adam Sutterby broke through to score Droitwich’s second try of the game, the first half ended Droitwich 12 - Yardley 5.

The second half started much like the first with both teams pressing for an early advantage, again with evenly matched forwards it was down to the backs to break the deadlock, with both teams looking to run the ball and maintain a high tempo to the play. Droitwich were rewarded when Anton Preece charged through to finish off a well rehearsed flowing move to score Droitwich’s third try, which was converted by George Bishop.

From the restart Yardley pressed to close the gap on Droitwich with both teams kicking for position and moving the ball whenever possible. Droitwich put up a dogged defence but finally succumbed to a quick Yardley attack from which they scored in the corner, closing the score to Droitwich 19 - Yardley 10.

As the match entered its closing stages with both teams looking to either close out the game or bring it to a tense final few seconds, Droitwich pressed the Yardley goal line where a quick reaction to an opportunity allowed James Leatherland (Crazy) to dive over and score the decisive try of the match, giving a final score of Droitwich 24 - Yardley 10.

Coaches’ special mentions must go to Sam Adamson—first time in the team and a good all round display; to Andy Geoghegan and Alex Knudson for some excellent handling skills; to Josh Sutterby for his leading from the front captaincy and commitment to the tackle.

Man of the Match goes to James Leatherland (Crazy)

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