Under 8s V Broad Plain away

Game 1 (Will, Olivia, Lily, Alfred, Finlay, Olly). Alfred got the Knights on the front foot with a strong run, feeding Finlay for the day’s first try. Olivia then made a great offload when tagged, straight to an onrushing Will. A lovely passing move for the next score , with Alfred, Olivia and Ollie involved, Finlay finally getting the ball down. Olly was over next, following good work from Olivia and Finlay. The final try of the half was an excellent team effort. After a Knight’s attack almost broke down, Will did great work mopping up a loose ball and keeping it despite being isolated. The knights rallied, and Alfred made a great pass, catching the Broadplain defence off guard and giving Olly the space for the try. 6-5 at half-time.

(On for the second half - Jack, Jacob, Zain V, James, Zain C, Ben) Both Zains combined early on, with Ben, Jacob and Jack also involved in a passing move, Ben eventually making the score. Jacob then started a move, that he would then finish following a strong run from Ben. James made a storming run through the Broadplain defence. When held-up just short, Ben was on hand to get that ball over the line. Ben was than Johnny on the spot again, this time providing close support to Jacob. James and Ben then moved the ball up the field, setting up Zain C to get over. Jack then fed Ben, who burst through the defensive line and set up James. Finally, after a breakdown of play, both Zains combined again to ensure a draw, Zain V getting the ball down before the whistle to make it 12-12.

Game 2 (Cameron, Sadie May, George, Jack F, Ryan K, Louis (Ethan sub)) Jack and Sadie-May combined to set-up Ryan K for try one, and were immediately involved in try two, Sadie May finding Jack in close support and he was over. Cameron then fed Ryan K, who made a lovely run for the next score. Sadie May then showed great confidence, organising the line, and Ryan K was over again. George showed good discipline in defence, pushing Broadplain wide around him and off the field, before Ethan, making a cameo off the subs bench, showed great hands to take a tricky catch and was over in the corner. 6-5 at half-time.

(On for the second half - Will, Olivia, Lily, Alfred, Finlay, Olly) Some excellent play for the Knights to start, everyone involved in a passing move that saw Finlay over. Alfred then made a super solo run for the next try. Olivia and Finlay combined, working the ball Olly, who found himself in acres of space for try 8. Good Kingswood defence won control of the ball, and Lily was very unfortunate, having made a great supporting run, to knock on a stray pass. Olly was in again for the last try, before some solid Knights’ defence prevented the home team from scoring again and secured the draw, 9-9 at the whistle.

Game 3 (Jack W, Jacob, Zain V, James, Zain C, Ben) James got the Knights moving, and set-up Ben for try one. Jacob picked out a lovely pass to Jack to see him over, and then James and Zain C found Ben moving forward, and shaking it like a Polaroid picture to avoid Broadplain defenders, to level the scores for this half, 3-3.

(On for the second half - Cameron, George, Jack F, Ryan K, Louis, Ethan) Cameron made a solid run to start the half, the ball moving through Ethan to Ryan K, who found the line for the try. Some strong Broadplain pressure saw them chalk up three scores in a row. Ethan would utilise his twinkle toes to good effect and was over twice before full time, but this one ended 9-6 to the home side.

So 29-27 overall, and a first loss for the Knights in a long time. But, a small margin, away to a good side, and lots to take heart from. Player of the day today was Ben, who made good runs with the ball in hand, but also was highly effective in support, running onto passes to keep moving forward.

Thanks to Nick for another great report. Not an easy task this week.