MATCH REPORT

MONMOUTH YOUNG RUGBY U12’s –v- HUCCLECOTE U12’s

SUNDAY 18 TH NOVEMBER 2007

Following a poor performance against Hereford the previous week, Monmouth U12’s entertained the U12’s from Hucclecote, Gloucester on Sunday. In the most horrendous conditions of freezing, driving rain and mud, the prospect for open running rugby was unlikely. However, the Monmouth boys set out to prove anything was possible!

The early exchanges between the forwards were fierce and with cold hands everywhere it seemed a good place to keep the ball. The Monmouth forwards, ably led by Sean McMahon, Daniel Edwards, Jonathan Clewes, Nico McCord and Daniel Musselbrook all fought for the ball and after a sustained period of pressure the ball was released to the backs through the quick hands of Max Senior and Max Davies, sending Jacob Webley over for a well deserved try. The conditions were very poor for kicking and the conversion was missed.

Monmouth forced Hucclecote straight back from the kick off and the forwards once again secured good ball through Joe Bezani and Harry Miles, releasing Max Senior to go on one of his typically mazey runs to score in the corner, unfortunately getting injured in the process. No conversion again. This score spurred the Hucclecote side on and they struck back immediately when the ball was released from a scrum to their full back who ran in from 30 metres, again not converted.

Hucclecote’s recovery was short lived however and huge pressure from the Monmouth forwards allowed Morgan Paley to break through for the first of his two tries. Not content with this, Monmouth came straight back again and after further prolonged pressure Jack Donovan jinked his way through the defence to make the score 20 – 5 to Monmouth at half time with William Fraser also getting involved in the unfamiliar position of Wing.

With several changes at half time necessary due to the extreme cold, the Monmouth pressure continued into the second half with the backs making great runs and tackles through Dan Dunmore, Hamish Lindsay, Ben Zorab, Henry Orchart and debutant forward James. It wasn’t long before more pressure from the Monmouth forwards resulted in Jack Donovan forcing his way through the defence for his second try of the day which he promptly converted. The Monmouth side were now rampant and after several flowing moves through what seemed every players hands, they sent Morgan Paley over for his second try of the match which was then converted by Max Davies. The game was concluded with another try from captain and Man of the Match Jack Donovan completing his hat trick, the conversion by Morgan Paley bringing the final score to 41-5. A day of great rugby by both sides played in appalling conditions.

Next week sees Monmouth away at Gwernyfedd – let’s hope for a similar performance.