U17s NMPF

 

A final and a local derby rolled into one, this was never going to be less than a titanic struggle! The Sills lads put in a performance they should be proud of, physically it was a torrid battle with neither side giving or asking for quarter. You know I never comment on referees, and I am not to break the habit of a lifetime for the gentleman who turned up today............. as Harry Carpenter said at the 1977 boat race "Ah isn't it nice to see the wife of the Cambridge president kissing the cox of the Oxford crew".

 

An early penalty well struck by Cappers put Bees into an early 3 point lead, this was quickly cancelled out by Sills penalty. The move of the game followed shortly, great quality ball of the top of the lineout from Mike Hall was whisked flat by Tommy the Tour Barber to a flat Sam, a fine yet again flat ball (call DSP with Cappers pinning Sills backs with dummy scissors run) flew into Luke hands cutting the best line he has cut all season............. the fullback never even laid a finger on him as he finished in fine style. The conversion was missed but Bees went into 1/2 time 8-3 up.

 

Bees with replacements Fireman Sam and Steve (where are my boots) Leach started the second half with another fine try, a busting charge by the Rhino straight through the centre of a splintered Sills pack put them on the back foot, some fine pick and drive gave scrum-half Tom to opportunity to score with  a fine dummy and scoot over under the posts. Cappers converted to extend the lead to 15-3.

 

Bees while always looking in control did allow Sills to score to close the gap to 15-8 and this remained the final score. A couple of special mentions:

 

lineout functioned extremely well, credit to the hookers, props and jumpers (mainly Mike) excellent job!

Berty physical presence and effort today was inspiring, he made several very damaging tackles along with crucial turnovers at crucial times, he was breathing hard at the end of the game!

Skids (along with inside backs) were awesome in defence, we tend to take Skids quality for granted, the way he cut a line along with the rounding the fullback along with the try saving tackle on the Sills centre were pure class

Rhino banner and fan club, hopefully all coming on tour!

 

Has to be first try, a thing of beauty straight off the training pitch!!

 

Well done lads...............here to Tour!!!!!!