Under 12’s delight Crescent Farm faithful.

Sunday saw perfect conditions to welcome our old friends Beccahamians to Crescent Farm, who always provide a big physical challenge. 

Sidcup welcomed four players for their home debut Harry, Joe, Kyle and Mason, all of whom did themselves and the club proud. 

Beccahamians opened with a typically direct try, running straight and hard to score after a few minutes. Sidcup, lead by captain “Frank-tastic”, soon realised that the challenge was to stop their big runners, which we soon did. Our tackling through the games was excellent, Jonathan putting in some great hits with excellent tackling technique, Joe snuffing out any chance out wide, Zeka sometimes using his face to stop the big runners, and Dom punching way above his weight (metaphorically speaking). 

Sidcup then played the game with a determination and shape which the coaches have been asking for, the benefits came quickly, four tries in the first half from Jack, Harry, Jonathan and Luke. 
Jack twisting and darting to the line, a debut try for Harry, who showed good vision on several occasions with his passing, strong running from Jonathan and a cheeky dart through a gap close to the ruck saw Luke touch down, much to the delight of his little sister!

Sidcup showed much improved line speed in defense lead by Tom from the base of the scrum and equally improved rucking with a master class in body position from Dom, and Mason proving to be a handful for the Beccs defense, creating space for others.

A half time score if 4-1 in the past would have meant an outbreak of white line fever and a switch to one-out rugby, but Sunday saw a commitment to twelve-man rugby, which was great to see.

Beccs started the half with a period of pressure but could not penetrate the white wall. Sidcup then managed to put together some strong phases of play allowing the ball to get wide and for Alex, Joe and Zeka to have a chance to attack. Trys came as the result of self-less work by the whole team allowing Frank, Oscar and Jonathan to cross the line.

Beccs held on to the last, playing with commitment and strength, and kept the pressure on Sidcup, but the strength across the team held out, Kyle making some valuable contributions in defense along with neat passing in attack, and John shepherding the play forward for fullback.

A very strong and improving performance is a good indicator going forward to the first round of the Kent completion in two weeks’ time. Still plenty to work on as oppositions will get stronger.

A big thank you to Beccs for proving a great game played in the right spirit and nominating Jack for the man of the match award. Thanks to Stu for reffing in the usual excellent style and a big thank you to the Mums who volunteered to serve the food.