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Nuneaton U15's 0 - Droitwich U15's 10

Sunday, March 9, 2008

Droitwich found themselves again on the road this weekend travelling to Nuneaton RFC for a fixture played in blustery conditions which made kicking and passing the ball all the more difficult.

Droitwich entered this game determined to put behind them the disappointments of previous weeks and focus on playing good attacking rugby. Nuneaton played their part in an enthralling game which both sides were determined to attack and defend with equal amounts of determination and grit.

The match started very evenly with both teams kicking for position, with Droitwich getting the better of Nuneaton, forcing them back into defending their try line with kicks into touch. Finally, the Droitwich pressure reaped rewards when after some concerted forward pressure Alex Moore directed the ball from the back of the scrum to Oliver Swift who kicked over the posts for a Droitwich drop goal and first points of the day.

Nuneaton responded with some heavy attacking play forcing Droitwich back towards their try line, but some outstanding rear guard defending eventually frustrated Nuneaton into giving away a penalty allowing Droitwich to clear their lines and set up another of their own attacks.

Droitwich continued to press for another score and were rewarded when a well executed move, which included almost all of the Droitwich team, saw Anton Preece burst through the Nuneaton defensive line to score a try for Droitwich, which Oliver Swift converted from a very difficult position on the field considering the wind conditions.

Both teams continued to trade possession and tactical kicks but without threatening either try line, the first half finally came to an end with the score Droitwich 10 - Nuneaton 0.

The second half started much the same way as the first finished with both teams looking for the next score. Droitwich continued to move the ball around the field with some excellent distribution from both forwards and backs pressing Nuneaton into full on defending for most of the half. Nuneaton’s only opportunity to score was dramatically foiled when on a rare break into the Droitwich half, Nuneaton completed a very slick move into the corner looking likely to score, when a three pronged defensive move by Droitwich forced the Nuneaton winger out over the side line just short of scoring.

Droitwich continued to frustrate Nuneaton with some dogged defending and were nearly rewarded for their tenacity when, after Droitwich cleared their lines, Nuneaton’s high return kick was collected by Jack Knight, who raced from one side of the pitch to the opposite corner for what looked like a certain try only to be pushed out by the last ditch Nuneaton defender.

The final acts of the game were played out on the Nuneaton ten yard line, with both teams trying to find an opening without success. The final score was Droitwich 10 - Nuneaton 0.

Coach's Comments: Man of the match goes to Ashley Davies for an outstanding display of committed rugby. Special mention must go to: George Bishop for handling and distribution of the ball; to Connor O’Donnell for some excellent tackling and catches in very difficult conditions; and Vince (Crazy Horse) for some very committed tackling.

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