This Sunday saw the return to action for the current vandals U16’s. On a vibrant sunny morning at Brownacres we welcomed our visitors from Teddington, old friends who we had hand picked for an early season encounter to give us a thorough work out, which they certainly delivered.
We also took delivery of our new playing strip ahead of the weekend, the squad seeing it for the first time 1 hour before kick-off. This was very generously sponsored by Simon Smode of DCL Print, and our continued thanks go to him. The kit included shorts and a warm up/match squad t-shirt, ensuring that we will at least look the part before, during and after matches this campaign.
We have a strong belief in our group that if you look like a team, act like a team, then you will play like a team. This was more than evident on Sunday. Against a similar size squad in terms of numbers (c24), we seemed to lose out slightly in terms physical of size, and therefore knew immediately we would have a real test against our virgin lineout. This was also to be our first chance to attempt lifting in the lineout against opposition – and with the minimum of preparation. But with coaches fresh off a recent lineout refresher coaching course held at Vandals, confidence was high from our side, and the lads were literally bouncing with enthusiasm, and just looking forward to getting on the pitch and giving it a go. It’s been a long summer !
After the prematch excitement surrounding the new kit, and the capturing of our annual squad photo (see above/below with our Sponsor Simon sat proudly front and centre), tThe team lined up to get our season going, and put down a marker of our intent to entertain and perform at the highest level. Against a physically strong and equally buoyant Teddington side, the early exchanges were even but a little scrappy. Our visitors were a little sharper, and more aggressive at the breakdown. We were competing though, and within the first 5mins an opportunity presented itself in the midfield battleground. Our capt Callum struck out a decisive boot to play the ball forward deep into oppo 22, chasing down his own kick, aided and abetted by winger Matt, their full-back would look-up to see both Prop and Wing arriving at the same time as trying to field a horrible bouncing ball. We capitalised and Matt touched down for our first score. This was converted by fly half James, unfortunately for him, and a real downer on the day, this was his last telling contribution, and he had to leave the field soon after with a worrying injury. We all wish him a speedy recovery.
The injury though presented us with an opportunity hand the 1st of two Vandals debuts, to the 1st of two Adam’s ! Coming on at Fly half, he did so with consummate ease and immediately looked comfortable. Being an early season game, we had split the 70min match time into 4 quarters, and the first of these soon came to an end with no further score.
Both sides made use of their squads, with many personnel changes for the 2nd period, and throughout from there on in. It was this 2nd period that proved to be decisive for V’s. We seemed to settle quicker after the changes, and were applying continued forward pressure. Our next score coming early on with Scrum-half Guy sneaking one over off the back of a 5m scrum. Adam taking over the kicking duties, and duly converting. It certainly wasn’t all one way traffic, and we were being forced to battle for every yard, and be strong and aware in defence. Matt fielded a kick into our half, running back towards half way, assessed the options and put a kick into space for our 2nd debutant/Adam to kick through and chase down himself in goal for a score in his match in vandals colours. The grounding was questioned, but with no TMO, the decision was probably swayed by the “impartial” noise from the impressive touchline support ;-)
We had two further scores in the quarter, from a precision kick to touch, we managed to secure ball from a lineout – which were now beginning to resemble the real thing, despite a strong cross wind making a straight throw almost impossible – quick ball was fed from 9-10, and centre Joe running a cutting line took a pop and crashed over under the posts. Joe got his 2nd soon after, another probing kick into oppo 22 from fly half was fielded the Teddington back 3, the attempted clearing kick was charged down by Matt, the ball falling to Joe who this time only had to fall over the line to score !
The third quarter was hard fought, with Teddington showing commendable spirit and endeavour, and a determination to get on the scoresheet. We had demanded focus from our team, and that the priority for the 2nd half would be to keep our line unbroken, and the doughnut intact ! Defence was strong and organised on both sides, and the only score coming from our captain. We mounted a multi phase attack that had pulled Teddington both ways, sucking defenders in to the rucks, Callum collected the ball and put an thunderous run in from just outside the 22.
The final quarter would test our pre-season preparation, and be a good indication of where fitness levels were. The squad looked strong, and remained hungry. It was clear there were no rallying calls required from me or the coaches. Teddington still wanted something out of the game, and there was a slight edge to every contest. It was however a game played in the true spirit of rugby, and never really looked like giving the ref anything to worry about. Frazer and ROB combined to charge down another attempted clearance, the half backs were soon in place to seize the opportunity, ball was spread wide quickly and Callum was again unstoppable from 15yards. Adam again did the duties to continue the scoring. It was now me against Harvey to see who would be handing over the cash for a celebratory hat-trick jug.
The penultimate score was probably our best and most satisfying. Our pack which had worked tirelessly all game took one against the head, Guy quickly shifted the ball to Adam in the pocket (?) where I guess after 6/6 he felt anything was possible.....the resulting drop kick (attempt) did not quite find it’s intended home between the uprights ! Teddington saw this as their opportunity to get some deserved reward for their efforts, and attempted to run the ball out wide. Some superb cover tackling, and counter rucking saw us recover the ball, No.8 Ali picking and going on one of his familiar charges into the 5m channel, as he was slowed he turned and offloaded to hooker RoB in support who crashed forward deeper into the 22, again offloading as he was slowed Joe was on hand to continue the relentless forward motion, and crash over with support and tacklers alike joining him . My fiscal worries allayed, Harv was now in the chair for the Jug for the parents ! Perhaps with the recent drop goal fresh in his mind, the conversion attempt was the 1st to sail narrowly wide also.
The game was rounded off with a score for our towering 2nd row Ryan. Another charge down, this time by JamesS on the wing, ball was secured and set, then sent wide with Ryan tacking responsibility for the points. Adam then added the extra’s from out wide to cap an assured debut.
A lot of positives to take from the day, the team remained balanced and focused throughout the multiple personnel changes – with the two new faces looking very much at home. Everyone got on and did the job asked. The players responded to critique, and improved on technique as the game progressed. We saw some great rugby played, mixing it up between forward and back play, decision making was good, and defensively we were robust. James’ injury aside, it was the perfect start to the season.
Congratulations from the coaching team to the squad !
Best regards
Craig -Manager Vandals U16s
