Narrow and undeserved loss

Another strong set of performances from the U13s today, on a beautiful day at probably the best pitches we’ll play on this season.

First half our Eagles team produced a strong disciplined display, Gabriel leading well, our front 3 including Eagles debutant Harry B dominant in the scrum, characteristic tough tackling from Tommy forcing their giant centre off early, Sam and Jack proving a good half back combination with great sniping and kicking - and with strong running from Lewis and Max in the centres. Joe was proving quick and elusive on the left wing but our try eventually came on the right; Max breaking the line before offloading to John who went off on one his trademark mazy runs to score. We were probably unlucky to be only 1-0 up after 25 minutes at HT.

Second half and on came the Falcons and with Blackheath only changing a couple of faces we thought a tough half would ensue. Our boys came out of the blocks terrifically. Jonathan was alive to their defence being asleep and we caught the napping to score 2 quick fire tries in the left corner. It proved to us and importantly to these lads that they can go out and match these teams, play some quick aggressive rugby. Oliver and Dylan had their best games in ages, Max S covered his wing well in defence and attack and relative new boys Josh and Jack giving us some much needed go-forward. Hopefully the confidence booster they need as it’s definitely improving.

It was time for Blackheath to resummon their big guns and through the mid part of the 2nd half they played their best rugby moving the ball into space much quicker.

They were given a massive helping hand with the ref allowing them to collect a kick off that went no more than 7 yards which a couple of phases later resulted in a try and then compounded this by awarding a penalty try after a clever kick through where he harshly adjudged Kyle to have impeded the chaser as they both tried to dive on the ball. Our guys chins dropped and fatigue was setting in as the 3-0 score line had quickly (and unjustly) become 3-5.

To shore things up we brought back on some of our starters - and sure enough the pendulum swung back in our favour, scoring another good team try, butchering a couple of good opportunities as the clock ran out.

So overall 25-20 to them but a moral victory and further morale boost for us. Well played every single player and thanks to all the coaches, and families for the support and Blackheath for the hospitality