Sports Review – Week 10

On a week when the cold weather and snow threatened to impact sport, thankfully, we got to play our last home game of the season. We were at home against Aldwickbury and Bedford, who we had played earlier on in the season. Another triangular fixture meant we had to be ready for two short games lasting 20 minutes each.

While the snow went as quickly as it came on Tuesday morning, the cold definitely lingered and Willsfield (with its usual sub artic conditions, lived up to its billing) – it was freezing up there. Our first game was against Aldwickbury and this turned into what I can only describe as a game of ‘hot potato’ – you have it, no you have it, no – here, have it back. I guess the fingertips of the boys were a little colder than normal, but the sun was out, and it felt like a summer’s day back in Ireland.

In fairness to the boys, they put in a good defensive display after we let them score an early try and we played the remainder of the match in their half. We did manage to score two good tries through Philip A (great individual effort from some distance where his pace and power was evident) and Finlay F (who took a great little pop pass off a teammate and powered through the attempted tacklers) We won the game 2-1 but knew Bedford would put up more of a fight, if we weren’t fully on our game.

As Bedford and Aldwickbury played out their fixture, we took shelter in the pavilion and prepped in our own way. When the game started, it was clear to see that the boys meant business. The link up play from forwards and backs had more cohesion, we started putting together more phases and were patient with the ball. Most importantly, when the opportunities presented themselves, the boys were clinical. We had some strong carries up front from Elliot R, James L and Xander B and some excellent work in defence from Angus B (what a tackle against their giant!!!), Thomas R and Cameron R (who was a menace at the breakdown.

Our half backs (Tag L and Charlie C) linked up much better in this second game and got the backline moving with purpose. The speed of ball was quicker, our retention of the ball was better, and Charlie was throwing out some lovely passes to his outside backs, where the centre partnership of Finlay F and Philip A were devastating in attack. These two boys both scored two tries a piece and were a constant threat with ball in hand and seeing the timing of Charlie’s delayed pass to put Finlay in the hole for his second try was a thing of beauty.

Our outside backs, while freezing, stayed in the game and all made positive contributions in both attack and defence. Oran O’B, Louis D and Dylan J have been a hard-working combination all season and it was no different on this occasion.

And so, our final game at home is done and for all these boys – their final game of rugby at The Beacon. For those who’ve been here for years, it was a little lump in the throat moment afterwards, but the job is not done yet… With one game remaining, we head to Davenies next Wednesday and the boys are all fully aware that they need to continue pushing themselves for this last final step.

Thank you again for all the parental support. On a cold day like that on Willsfield, your support was appreciated and hopefully you can all make it again next week to cheer on your son for one final time in their Beacon rugby shirt.

Report by Mr Powell