July 9th TSRFC U-18’s v Saracens U-18’s
Coming into today’s game after 2 heavy defeats the Scottish saw this game against an equally raw Saracens side as the perfect way to get back on track for a play-off spot. With a full complement of 24 players and the support of a couple of their U-21’s the Scottish started the game on the front foot, dominating the Saracens all over park with some wide running rugby reminiscent of the senior men’s side this season. Although the Scottish had both field and possession advantages in the first 15 minutes they were unable to crack the Green and Whites defense until Tyler Fischer took a nice short ball off the base of a ruck and from 5 meters out, strolled over the line untouched. Converted by Cheng. Scottish 7 Saracens 0
The Next period of play again saw the Scottish dominate but with a lack of focus and aggression at the breakdown and the uncharacteristic failings of the lineout saw the Saracens stay in touch with some nice one off running of their own, particularly from their hard running number 8 and big front row forwards. Second try of the half came on the back of some great lead up work by Captain and no.8 Matt Barnes with a stellar defensive effort throughout the game and accompanied well by good individual performances by wing Ben Walmsley, outside Centre Rajeevan and full back (playing into a stiff breeze) Tyler Fischer. The try was however scored from a lazy Saracens pass that found non other than hard working lock, David Leforest who waltzed over the line from about 22 meters out. Scottish 12 Saracens 0
The Scottish turned at half time with the support of a strong wind at their backs and praise must go out to Cheng for using it accordingly which ensured the Scottish were able to play at the right end of the field throughout the second half. After missing out on a couple of great try scoring opportunities after creating a number of overlaps, the crowd would again be entertained by the dancing feet of cheng, who skiped his way past a number of would be tacklers to score the 3rd Scottish try of the evening. Great lead up work by some tight running from a maturing Scottish forward pack enabled Cheng to exploit the gaps that had be created in the backs. Scottish 17 Saracens 0
With a number of substitutes being made from both sides and the game losing shape some what the Scottish were determined to finish on a high. Once again the hard running from the likes of Noah Harrison, David Merrithew, Mike Adair and Captain Matt to name a few the Scottish were able to get their prize with a forth and final try, converted by Cheng. Final Score: Scottish 24 Saracens 0
A quick mention should go out to the Saracens who, with a number of younger U-18’s on their side never game up trying and had it not been for some handling errors could well of ended up with a couple of tries. Also praise should be given to Stephen Daniels (who the men’s first team could learn a few defensive skills from), Nigel Reid and James Donnelley for playing well in their first games for the Scottish but finally to Captain Matt Barnes, who showed a willingness to get up and put pressure on the Saracen’s runners and backed this up with a massive defensive effort, Matt is today’s Man of the Match.
Final Score: Scottish 24 Saracens 0