Chesham U17 v Beaconsfield, Home, Friendly, 27th September2009
Chesham 15 Beaconsfield 5
What a treat to be able to start with a full team of 15 on a very warm September morning!
Chesham began the match well with lots of early possession. As is often the case in such circumstances it was the opposition who scored first. With only 14 men, and some inconclusive Chesham defending, Beaconsfield forced a way through and crossed the line between the invisible posts.
The Stags pressure needed to improve, and so it did. We saw strong tackles from Arthur Edwards, Tom Cullen and new boy Jules Wallis who settled in quickly in his favoured position on the wing and it wasn’t long before the Chesham possession delivered and Alex Hanney levelled the scores with a strong run following a neat move through the backs.
The forwards were gradually improving the quality of their platform and more scores were promised. This time it was Peter Duvall, captain Ollie Cato, Jules Wallis and Alex Hanney piling forward, but Jonny Reynolds couldn’t quite squeeze the ball down over the line. With Beaconsfield successfully holding it up, Chesham prepared for the scrum on 5 metres. The option was well-worked. Arthur Edwards fed-in tidily, the pack stood solid and as the ball was moved to the back of the scrum Jack Davies at number 8 picked-up and drove over for 10-5.
Imanol Walsh followed this up with some great defending and counter-attacking from full-back, and more and more the backs looked like penetrating forward through good work by Dom Walshaw and Tom Hirst and again Jules Wallis. Line-outs were well-worked with Rich Deane being lifted strong and straight, Cameron Walsh and Nick Jones using their power to good effect. Various other moves almost came off as Chesham began to dominate in all positions. Soon into the second half it was a multi-phased forwards move that bore fruit. A pleasure to watch as it unfolded, Jonny Reynolds began the move driving forward just inside the Beaconsfield half. Peter Duval and Ollie Cato continued as each in turn recycled and drove on. A little isolated, Jonny’s possession looked at risk but once more was secured with a textbook rucking position by Alex Partington holding back 2 or 3 opponents simply by being first there and doing the job right. Jonny had twisted and turned to work the ball back safely and the move continued. Ultimately it was Jack Davies who benefited from the space created as Beaconsfield were drawn in, and Jack made sure of the result with the final try of the match.
There was more good rugby to come with Tom Cullen driving through and popping-up a beauty to Alex Hanney; some stout defence on the Chesham line with all involved keeping a perfect shape across their own line; forwards were tight and matching their opponents, each making the required tackles as Beaconsfield generated some real scoring opportunities near the end. But at the close it was the Stags collective team ethic – including the support of regular water-supplies by injured Joe Cross - that won the day, and Chesham deservedly achieved their first win of the season.
Chesham U17s: Cameron Watts, Peter Duvall, Nick Jones, Alex Partington, Jonny Reynolds, Richard Deane, Ollie Cato (Captain), Jack Davies, Arthur Edwards, Tom Cullen, Dom Walshaw, Alex Hanney, Jules Wallis, Tom Hirst, Imanol Walsh
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