The day started in a positive way, with parents and visiting onlookers from the lower age groups, looking on in awe at our boys warming up and stretching, that looked and sounded impressive, and they turned heads for all the right reasons.
The focus and attention given by the boys was superb, with Fin leading the line and getting all involved and stretched nicely. The whole unit was giving it 100% and showed desire to get going.
The league game began with the boys motivated to get a quick start. But fair play to the opposition, as they too came out strong and were a far different outfight form our last meeting, as they had evolved into a strong, dynamic, and direct team, and came at us fast and hard.
Early on, we were not at our best, with many small mistakes and element of panic about our game as we settled, but despite this our boys got the first try.
This was just reward for some direct running by our players and some smart link up play that allowed Laurie to get us over the line, the Conversion was missed but we went again.
The next try was scored by Verulanium after a line break that was swift and impressive and got through our defence and was placed between the posts and converted well.
There after our boys composed and kept pushing and driving forward. The resilience shone through once more as through some lovely connecting play and fast hands, Max broke round and took the ball down the channel and planted the ball in the corner nicely. A superb team try but great strength and speed shown by Max to punch through. The conversion was kicked through the posts by Fin from far out wide, and we were up and running.
It was in most parts end to end stuff with both teams battling hard, but our boys unified repeatedly, with some excellent defensive work.
Now, I (Coach Neil) will take all the credit for this, because at half time I Quoted Optimus Prime from transformers “United we stand, divided we fall” and in the second half, we were outstanding and kept them at bay and pushed forward at every opportunity.
The game was wrapped up with another try by Laurie and pure adrenalin that got him forward to place down. Conversion was missed from out far, but did not deter as we searched for yet more points.
Final score:
Biggleswade (H) 17 – 7 (A) Verulanium
(3 tries, 1 Conversion)
Man of the Match:
MOTM (Forward) – Lukas
Lukas – A big powerful performance by Lukas today, who at multiple times through the match had several opposition players hanging off him, as he charged through towards their try line. A substantial improvement from last week, as he controlled this well and protected the ball when going into contact. Allowing time for support players to get in place. A vast number of yards gained with his direct running.
MOTM (Back) – Max
Max – A word to describe Max would simply be Dynamo, as he just keeps going and builds up energy as he moves, strong in the tackle today across the pitch, scored an outstanding try by powering through and showed massive improvement in controlling his fiery temperament that is fuelled by raw passion. His determination to get the ball and go were superb, and he wanted to stop anyone from the other team who had the ball, and he connected with most.
Additional Mentions
Assiah - Movement throughout the entire game was excellent and played in several positions and excelled in all. Was close to getting a try on two occasions and would have been well deserved.
Reece – An outstanding performance today, following his MOTM award last week. Played for longer than I would have liked today but kept going for the benefit of the team and was Jackling the ball continuously.
Laurie – A huge thankyou from me, as was asked to play Fly half today when he is an out and out scrum half, but the maturity he showed pregame and commitment to the team cause was incredible. He moved back into SH for the second half but flourished in both roles. Well done.
Leaving in Headcase awareness details below, for all that have not seen or been online to view, it is well worth a refresher
Headcase:
https://cardiffmet.eu.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_bCW97z8eCyn0dz8
