U8s Vs Old Reds away

Old Reds, 21 February

Game 1
Ben, Zane V, Jack W, Zane C, James, Jack F (subs – Cameron, Jacob); Ethan playing for Old Reds

Some good passing saw Zane C in for the first score of the morning, before Kingswood showed what was to be the hallmark of today’s performance – excellent defence. The Knights grabbed tag after tag, making Old Reds work incredibly hard for their next try. Cameron then came on as the games went to 7-a-side. Zane C and James combined to move the ball into an advanced position and set-up Ben for the next try before Ethan, sportingly playing for Reds to make up their numbers, was over for the opposition! James then worked to feed Ben for another score, with Jacob joining the action at this point (on for Jack F). Kingswood were on the offence again but some loose passing saw the ball on the floor – plaudits to James for grabbing it and getting over for a try. With half-time approaching, Knights’ hard defensive work paid off, and Reds were forced into touch – conceding possession. Good runs from Zane V and Ben moved Kingswood up the pitch, then Cam fed James for his second to make the score at the break 3-5. Unfortunately the knights were unable to take full advantage in the second half and, despite further scores from Ben, James(2), Zane V and Cameron, this game ended 10-10.

Game 2
Lily, Finlay, Alfred, Ryan C, Ryan K, George, Olly (sub – Sadie May); Olivia playing for Old Reds

The Knights trailed 5-4 at the start of the second half in this game, with both Finlay and Olly getting a brace in the first half. Kingswood started play and George, on as a half-time substitute, was straight into the action, haring out to the right and hugging the line before scoring in the corner. This Knights side was also flexing their defensive muscles and holding their line superbly to make Old Reds struggle for their tries. George clearly had plenty of running in him, this time darting down the left and over, before more excellent defence - Alfred and Ryan K in particular working to bring the line forward and pressurise the opposition. George this time turned provider and sent Finlay away down the right on a powerful run that gave the Reds no chance. Then a typical burst of pace from Olly got the Knights within striking distance, and he neatly found Finlay on his shoulder for the score. Some great work from Alfred, dodging tag attempts, drew the Reds defence to him on the left, and he cleverly switched the ball to Olly who dashed into open space on the right for the next score. Finlay then made a solid run down the right to take the game to 10-10 with seconds left. The Old Reds restarted, and Kingswood had to find a way to prevent an unjust loss – and that they did. The defensive line was strong and, again, Alfred was terrific harrying the attackers and forcing a forward pass to see the game end a tie.

Game 3
Ben, Zane V, Jack W, Zane C, James, Cameron, Jacob (subs – Jack F; Ethan) Sadie-May playing for Old Reds

James set the Knights on their way with a super run, quick bursts of pace taking him past several defenders down the right before cutting in for the score. More solid Knights defence pushed Old Reds into touch and got our hands on the ball. A lovely attempt at expansive play saw the ball moved from left to right, with every player involved, and the Knights were unlucky to go into touch themselves, but fantastic play unlike anything we’ve seen (from any team) at this age level – terrific stuff. The Knights kept up their good defensive work, this time Ben chasing Old Reds back and nabbing tag after tag. (Jack F on for Jack W). Zane V then got free down the left and over the line though, thinking he’d been tagged, passed the ball to Ben to make sure of the score – great presence of mind. Kingswood’s defence was getting better and better and would now start to pay dividends. Holding the line, Old Reds had nowhere to go except backwards and eventually out of play. (Ethan on for Jacob) From the restart James found a gap and burst through for the try. There was no let-up for the Reds. Ben, Zane C and Cameron did some super defending harrying and bringing the solid defensive line forward, and the ball was taken into touch again. This time Ben would take advantage, darting down the right, hugging the line and over for the try. Jack F then made a cracking run and found Zane C with a pass. The ball went loose briefly and Ben picked up and drove for the line, but was just in touch before getting over. 2-4 the score at half-time, and so it continued in the second half – the reds added three to their total, but the Knights added 4 through Ben, Cameron and James (2) to win 5-8.

Game 4
Finlay, Alfred, Ryan C, George, Olly, Olivia (sub Ryan K) Lily for Old Reds.

The first half had ended with the Knights in firm control at 3-6, Olivia (2) and Olly (4) sharing the scoring. Ryan C powered over in the left corner to get the second period off to a positive start, before Olly chalked up another. George and Olivia combined to set Finlay on his way and over, before a good sustained period of defensive pressure, Olivia and Olly harrying away, forced the Reds into touch. The Knights moved up the field well and Alfred grabbed the score. Finlay made a solid run and found Olivia in close support when needed, before he was replaced by Ryan K. Olivia then provided an assist, moving the ball quickly to Alfred when tagged, he expertly caught it low whilst moving onto the ball at pace, and the Reds could do nothing to stop him nabbing a try. The final try saw George set-up Ryan K, who darted out left and over to end the game at 9-13.

34-41 was the final score, a well deserved margin of victory. A first-rate team performance saw player of the day awarded to Olivia who exemplified everything that was good about the Knights – defensive discipline, keeping the line and harrying the opposition, and strong direct running with the ball in hand.

Report by Nick Hackett