O.Y.R.F.C 12 Kings Norton R.F.C. 31
The pre-match shout of "OYRFC" was augmented this week with a blast of "uggy uggy uggy - oi oi oi" for good measure as the boys took the field against some rather large fellows from Kings Norton. The first points opportunity fell to Old Yardleians but a penalty kick from Steff drifted just wide. The line outs were to prove interesting in this game as both teams were employing newly learnt lifting skills. It became apparent that Kings Norton had had rather more practice, as their lineout was more effective throughout.The Old Yardleians scrum seemed the stronger though and as usual the forwards won more than their share of the rucks.
The first try went to Kings Norton after the ball was moved at speed along the back line. Further pressure from Kings Norton would surely have led to a second try if not for Joe's excellent covering tackle. Old Yardleians began to wake up now and a good run by Chris was followed by a determined drive which nearly saw Tom J over for a try. Old Yardleians were awarded a short penalty. The ball was slipped to Will who made good ground and tied in a number of defenders. This gave Dan the space to go over in a good second phase move. Steff kicked the conversion and Old Yardleians were in the lead.
Kings Norton came back strongly and a clever cross kick from the fly half almost got the winger in in the corner. With half time approaching the try did come for Kings Norton after another good running and passing move from a very speedy set of backs. The conversion attempt from the right hand touchline hit the post but just failed to go over.
Half time O.Y.R.F.C. 7 Kings Norton 10
The Old Yardleians backs were shuffled at half time with Chris moving into the centre to replace Jamie and Danny coming on to play on the wing. After a long period when neither side could really assert themselves, Kings Norton scored their third try after man and ball arrived simultaneosly at Steff's feet! The conversion gave Kings Norton a ten point lead. The danger now was that the match was going to slip away from Old Yardleians , especially after an injury to Andy W. caused a further reshuffle with Steff moving to fly half and Andrew coming on at full back. But this was the start of a period of good attacking play by Old Yardleians. The pressure led to a five metre scrum and Dan burst through to score his second try of the game. With time running out the next score was going to be crucial. Andrew - seemingly enjoying his role at fullback - tried an audacious counter attack from behind his own line! Another injury, this time to Chris brought Jamie back on in the centre. Amongst the forwards, Will was carrying an injury and Dan was running on empty after spending most of the previous week off school and in bed with a virus. James had overheated and so his game had gone off the boil too. With no replacement forwards available though, they had to battle on.
Another clever cross kick from the Kings Norton fly half was caught by the right winger who dived over for the try. The winger appeared to be in front of the kicker and hence offside but it was a terrific move. The try was converted from the touchline by the flyhalf (who seemed to have Steff's kicking boots on today!). A final break away try - under the posts and converted again - made the score look a somewhat unfair reflection on what had been a close match.
Perhaps the referee thought this too as he awarded Old Yardleians a string of five penalties just short of the Kings Norton line in the last few minutes. Dan, Rob and Nick all tried to crash through but the defence held firm and finally the referee blew for full time.
The overall impression was that Old Yardleians were a bit slow today against an admittedly very quick set of opponents - but nothing that a bit of mid-week training won't put to rights!
Full-time O.Y.R.F.C. 12 Kings Norton 31
Team: Steff, Tom H, Darren, Jamie, Chris, Andy W, Joe, Will, James, Adam, Tom J, George, Dan, Rob, Nick. Replacements: Danny (for Jamie), Andrew (for Andy W), Jamie (for Chris)
Scorers: Tries - Dan (2) Conversion - Steff
Have you seen Julie's match day photos? Just click on the gallery option and look for "U16 match day photos"