Sunday 18th December at Blackheath by Dean Barham

The Sidcup U13s started very slowly against an attacking Blackheath side, who charged onto the offensive.

Opening strong drives by Will and Om, followed by runs by both Matthew and Teddy were cut short by Blackheath counter attacks. Jack put in the first of many try saving tackles as did Will but they were overwhelmed and Blackheath quickly opened the scoring with a try on the wing.

Ruck, run.....ruck, run.....scrum, scrum.....the pace was relentless, scrum again, Jamie puts in a big tackle but it isn't enough to stop Blackheath scoring again.The lads start to make more tackles than they miss....big tackle by Ollie, Jack, George P, Mat, Jack, Will but they can't stop the Blackheath machine who make two tries in quick succession. Play restarts, tackles are missed and Blackheath quickly puts two more tries on the scoreboard.

The Sidcup coaching team desperately try to encourage their lads with shouts of encouragement, the parents join in. U13 lift their heads. They know that they are a better team than this. They can do it. Charge ! The Sidcup U13s at last go on the offensive, shouting encouragement at their team mates all the time. This is more like it! Will runs, offload to Teddy, Teddy runs, Om runs and Jamie thunders over the line. HURRAY, Sidcup opens their scoring ! The crowd goes wild - this is the team they want to see playing.

Play resumes. The team tackles again and again but Blackheath are relentless. Aaron brings down a large opponent. Blackheath charge again, a crucial tackle is missed by the forwards and Blackheath score their seventh try.

Surely it is all over? But "No"! The Sidcup lads rally again and counter attack. Aaron tackles twice in quick succession. Om runs, Jack runs, Jamie runs and is tackled. Quick-hands-Jake gets the ball out of the ruck at pace and Jamie thunders home for the second try to the visitors.

Parp.....the end of the first half and the chance to re-hydrate after a bruising first half.

The last 10 minutes of the first half were great to watch and the team showed what they can do when they put their minds to it......what would the scoreboard have read if the Sidcup lads had opened the game playing like this - probably Five-All ! Instead the First Half ends Blackheath 7 - Sidcup 2.

The game restarts after lots of substitutions and fresh pairs of legs for the tough half ahead of the boys. Sam W jogs on as a Sub with some fire in his eyes - he is up for this match as a forward!

Sam W did not disappoint, putting in several tackles in quick succession, standing in as the scrum half after Aiden was tackled by a large opponent and Sam W made a great run into Blackheath's half.

Will drives forward repeatedly, at one point taking on 5 of his opponents but is eventually overwhelmed by numbers.The lads in the scrum form up repeatedly and stand their ground against strong opponents.Charlie gets stuck in too, making several tackles but suffers an injury and is helped off the field. Ollie charges on and quickly tackles the home side.

U13s are soon on the defensive again and cannot hold back their opponents for long. Sadly, Blackheath were just too strong, quickly opened their scoring and followed up with three more tries.

Parp.....the final whistle sounded and the team gathered for a team talk.

Second half ends Blackheath 4 - Sidcup 0

The team showed their respect for their opponents, forming a tunnel and giving a cheer to the winners, then everyone adjourned to the bar for a hot dog in their Christmas jumpers before heading back to their Club Christmas meal back at Sidcup RFC for KFC !

Let's hope this team of young men reflect on what they can achieve when the play to win, make their tackles, communicate effectively and put pressure on their opponents in the next match. The sky is the limit !