U12s return to winning ways at Park House

Another beautiful sunny if chilly morning as we made the journey over to Bromley Common to face Park House, in a pre Kent’s tune up. We welcomed a handful of players for their Sidcup debuts - Kai W, Aidan, Harley and Max DL - in a team drawn from across our expanded squad and excellently captained by Tommy.

The match started in typical nip and tuck fashion, both teams forwards trying to outmuscle each other in the middle of the park and with both sets of coaches encouraging their teams to use the width of the pitch and pass the ball. Luckily Sidcup responded quickest to this and shifted the ball to the left wing where Max DL used his pace and power to score a quick fire double.

Park House were stung into action and started putting together some decent rugby - their pacy centres giving us some trouble and stretching our defence, eventually scoring two tries of their own to level things up - game on !!

After a few substitutions - part tactical and part to keep players warm - we upped our intensity and physicality. We started using the ball better and got on top at the breakdowns which is always a good recipe.

In the space of about 10 minutes, Max duly completed his hat-trick, Dan and Jack both sliced through multiple defenders and George powered down the wing twice to score in the corner, to put us 7-2 up and effectively win the match. Park house responded once more before half time, pounding away at our line before eventually exploiting some tired defence, so 7-3 at the break.

The second half saw both teams improve their defence and was a tighter affair. At times the Park House Forward’s did get on top and as I shouted to our lads began bullying us, however we always had a bit more creativity, pace and power in our back line.

Jack scooted down the wing and looked likely to score his 2nd but slipped in a dog poo; George completed his hat-trick and Max scored his 4th under the notional posts. After another Park House reply Luke got a try at the death to reward a typically committed and physical display. So final score 10-4 to Sidcup and a welcome win after a couple of recent set backs.

A bit of a cliche but a fantastic team performance, everyone contributing fully throughout the match; but a few to call out....

- Tommy - led by example and usual strong tackling

- Matt - some strong tackles and much improved ball handling and distribution

- Max - 4 tries on debut and powerful running plus a couple of big hits

- George - a hat-trick of tries after more powerful wing play

- But man of the match Dan for his usual high energy display both in defence and attack.

Thanks to Mark and his team for hosting and refereeing in exemplary fashion and we move onto Kent’s R2 in good spirits - weather permitting !

Cheers Stuart