Biggleswade RUFC

Biggleswade hosted a strong side from Ruislip on a cold Sunday morning at Langford Road in the Herts & Middlesex League.

The Biggy Under 13 boys had not faced a team who play such a fast and aggressive style of play before and struggled to match them early on. Despite a good warm up, Biggy were caught off guard when Ruislip attracted defenders towards the middle of the pitch before passing out wide to score in the corner.

The first half saw the visitors run in five more tries using a combination of their power in the forwards and pace out wide. This score line could have been worse for the home side butfor the determined tackling from the Josh and Fin in the forward pack and from wingers Donncha and Ollie in the back line. Biggy had very little clean possession to work with andeven less territory due to the constant pressure applied by the opposition. When they did have the ball, it was Man of the Match Josh who lead the way with some powerful carries.

Connor came on for the second half for his first game for Biggleswade in several years made an instant impact with three  textbook tackles on the right-hand side. A try-saving tackle on the left by debutant Ollie Gunn got deserved congrats and high fives from his team-mates. This set the tone for a much more even contest in the second half.

Biggy at last had some possession to work with and strong carries from Aaron, Jack and ‘Twinkle Toes’ Donncha took them into the opposition half. The pack were also playing with more urgency at the ruck and found that they could match their opposition for power and strength in this area. With secure ball at the ruck, Biggy scrum-half Spencer could now control the pace of play and when Ruislip infringed he released Ashton and then Logan to drive the ball towards the try-line. The defence held firm until another penalty for offside gave Spencer the opportunity to pass wider to Dylan, who wrong-footed the defensive line and powered through to reached over to score.

The try was the highlight of a much improved second-half where the Biggy boys more than matched their opponents in terms of teamwork and determination. After a tough, physical encounter it was great to see both sides show respect to each other with a hand-shake and the traditional three cheers as they passed through the tunnel.

Ruislip played very well today, however, a small change in mindset at the breakdown could see the Biggy Under 13s compete against sides like them and maybe even come out on top.

Coach Andy Burke put it simply when he said that Ruislip “wanted it more" in the first half and it is clear which areas of Biggy's game need work before the team’s next fixture against Hertford.

Try scorer: Dylan Robinson.

Player of the Match: Josh Curson, for an all-action display from the second row.

Grafter of the Match: Ollie Gunn for the massive defensive effort he put in on his first game for Biggleswade.