U8s V North Bristol and Bourneville

The Kingswood Blues (Olly, Finlay, Olivia, Ben, Jacob, Alfred and Will) turned out in the first-half of this game against North Bristol. Olivia got things going, with a terrific solid run right through the centre. When eventually held up, she offloaded to Finlay who powered to the right corner and over. Most of the rest of this first 10 minutes was hard fought, back and forth, with both sides registering near-misses. Olly in particular came very close, but no more Knights tries came before the whistle and the half ended 2-1. The Browns (Sadie-May, Jack F, James, Jack W, Zane V, Ryan C and George) came on for the second half. Good defence from the off won the ball, and the Knights moved up the field with intent. Will then burst out to the left flank to spread the North Bristol Defence, and found Ryan Cox in close support and he powered over in typical fashion. George, Jack F and Zane then combined to get the ball to the North Bristol try-line, with Ryan Cox again in support to make sure of the try. At the death, and trailing by a point, Sadie-May was quick to pounce on a loose ball. She then fed James who burst through the home defence and scored to tie the game at the whistle – 4-4.

The Blues then faced-off against the second North Bristol team. Committed to the cause as they were, only one try was registered by the Knights in the first-half. Jacob and Alfred passed and moved the ball well across the field and back again, stretching the home defence and making room for Finlay to find the line. Restarting for the second half 4-1 down, the Knights woke up and Finlay and Olly combined to set Olivia on the way for the next try. Olivia then turned provider, with a trademark direct run before who popped the ball to Finlay for the score. A super little run from Ollie drew in defenders, and he found Will in space for try four, seeing the game out at a respectable 7-4at the final whistle.

The Browns took on touring Bourneville for the final game of the morning. Good work from James forced the opposition into touch and, from the throw-in, the whole team got involved, passing and moving up the field, exposing Bourneville’s soft centre, and Jack W eventually over. Jack F then made a super run, with Ryan Cox ably supporting for the score. James was over again before half-time, and then set-up Ryan Cox for the first score of the second-half. He was involved again, moving the ball from Jack W to Jack F who was in for the next try. To round off in style, Jack W made a great run and Ryan Cox was again in support for the winning try – 5-6 to the Knights. Sweet.

Player of the match went to Finlay for great team work and supporting play.

Report by Nick Hackett.