Sidcup U15's 35 Whitstable U15's 5

Points were on the board early as Whitstable were penalised and Captain Ben Stock knocked the ball over to score the team's first ever penalty kick and create a 3-0 lead. From this position Sidcup then dominated almost the entire first half with Connor Potter appearing all over the pitch.

The first try did not take long to come as a scrum was won against the head and a good move saw Ben Stock pick up then good supporting runs from Scott Humphryes, Laurence Cooper and Kieran Moore almost resulted in a score but for some good last ditch tackling. This delayed the inevitable as Samuel Foster gathered at the breakdown to dive over in the right corner and make it 8-0.

A second try was almost scored in the next attack as Stephen Orford went on a great run down the left and found Robbie Smith in support to be once again stopped at the line. As a large ruck formed Samuel once again went over but the referee was unsighted and a try was not awarded.
From the resulting scrum Connor Potter forced over, a tough conversion was just missed and the score moved along to 13-0.

A twinge in his dodgy knee saw Jake Davis leave the field to be replaced by Oliver Mason, back for his first game this season after taking a break. A nice touch as every lad on the team stopped to applaud his return.

A rehearsed line out move almost saw another Sidcup try as a short throw saw Samuel Foster catch and go over the line, the throw was judged to have not gone 5 metres though it must have been very close.

The score did increase as good, quick ball was delivered and Sam Leek made good ground. Once again Connor Potter was on hand and outpaced the defence to score under the posts with Kieran available in support. A simple conversion for Stocky made it 20-0.

The visitors finally got out of their half and attacked well. A well judged chip forward and a strong drive from their enormous prop almost scored but strong defence held the ball up over the line.

As Sidcup attacked again the Whitstable defence kicked clear. Ryan Livermore took the kick on the run and broke through the defence, only a great tackle stopped another try and some strong defence ensured that it remained 20-0 at half time.

The second half saw quite a difference in the game as Whitstable began to spend increasing amounts of time with the ball in the Sidcup half. Their scrum was solid and their front row was impressive with the hooker winning lots of ball. Their only mistake was to keep on running straight at Robbie Smith, which every team this season has found does not allow much chance of success, such is the strength and consistency of his tackling.

It took a stroke of luck for Sidcup to score as a poor hack from a Whitstable forward saw the ball go flying towards their own 22. Kieran Moore chased the kick and using his old football skills kicked on, gathered and went over to make it 25-0.
Another try followed as Toby Amos took a loss pass and sprinted down the left wing to score in the corner, the defence had no answer to his speed as he made it into the corner and increased the lead to 30-0.

Sidcup were soon down to 14 as Ben Williams was sin binned for retaliation after taking a nasty elbow directly in the throat (picture evidence has shown the original offence!) whilst defending a penalty. The home side held firm whilst a man down and Ben provided the best response upon returning to the field by being directly involved in the build up to the next score.
Oliver Mason spotted a chance as he ran through to nick the ball, James Large and Ben Williams made ground and then the ball was whipped out quickly to Toby Amos who finished in great style in the corner despite a valiant effort from one defender. Toby had his first ever pop at kicking off a tee and whilst the line was good the distance was off and the score remained at 35-0.

Whitstable were gifted a score right on full time as an attempt at a cheeky dinked 22 drop out went wrong and was picked up well by the outside centre who ran in to make it 35-5 at full time.

Another good win from the lads but there was plenty to work on. We were beaten time and again in the scrum and could have scored a number of tries if simple run and pass rugby had been played.

Connor Potter put in a man of the match performance, run very close by Robbie Smith with good performances by Scott Humphryes, Stephen Orford, Kieran Moore and Toby Amos plus the improving James Large.

Thanks to Paul Livermore for some excellent photos too which can be seen on the website.

A rematch with Cranbrook awaits next week in what will be a real test for the lads. A strong team like them never likes to lose so they will be fired up for the match...we'll have to more than match that.
Let's keep it up lads!!!!