That's 8 wins out of 8 for the terrific two's

It’s the time of year when the pitch is heavy and muddy, it’s also the time of year when old gits like me slip and tweak hamstrings whilst playing vets rugby. Therefore I was able to write this match report as a viewing spectator for once.

Manor 2nd team completed their warm up like a well drilled 1st team, no messing about and looking sharp at the team runs. In contrast Basildon 2nd team turned up in dribs and drabs 25mins before KO whilst smoking and chatting seemingly unaware that they were about to be playing the league leaders. I thought to myself a major drubbing was about to occur.

Due to the internationals and injuries Manor was sadly missing some influential players but I was confident that the youngsters brought in could handle the step up.

The school headmaster referee made himself very clear in his talk to Manor, he was in charge, absolutely not talking to him and absolutely no smiling or fun was aloud and he did not disappoint.

From the KO Manor were slow around the park and lacked any form of aggression. The line outs were poor and decision making from the backs was a disaster. Basildon on the other hand had an excellent lineout, were causing problems in the scrum and were very dominant at the break downs easily counter rucking Manor time and time again. Maybe I was wrong about the drubbing after all.

Manor was on the back foot for much of the 1st half but against the run of play we scored two breakaway tries. The first was by Captain on the day and influential No 8 Franny who burst on the ball at pace and ran about 40 meters to score. Brad got the conversion. (7 – 0)
The second try was scored by Jumbo who broke out of his own 22 and went on a mazy run beating 3 Basildon defenders to score a lovely try under the posts with 5 minutes of the first half remaining. Brad got the conversion. (14 – 0)

The halftime whistle blew and Manor were leading 14 nil. For all Basildon’s forward domination their backs were a level below Manors and rarely looked like scoring.
The team were given a bit of a rollicking at half time and a few changes were made. One being the inclusion of 1st team prop Ross Reed who badly dislocated his shoulder on the first game of the season. Even though his fitness was poor (too much beer and pies) his power in the scrums and his general influence on the youngsters was immediate.

Now Manor had the nudge in most of the scrums which gave 17 year old fly half Brad just a little more time on the ball, now the ball was being passed along the backs allowing the brilliance of youth to explode. Basildon’s backs just couldn’t handle the pace of the youngsters and even though the forwards did most of the scoring the breaks were made by the backs.
The third try was scored by No 8 Franny who after a series of pick and goes on the Basildon try line finally he popped over. Brad missed the Conversion (19 – 0)
The forth try was a nice break by the back line deep in their own half. This put Flanker Chris Vickers away to run 30 meters and bosh the last defender whilst going over. It must be said that the two man overlap was the unused better option. Brad Missed the conversion (24 – 0)
The fifth try was scored after a dodgy attempt at a chip by Basildon’s scrum half and my old mate Skoda which landed slap bang in Chris Vickers outstretched hands and he coasted over the whitewash for his second try of the evening. Brad missed the conversion (29 – 0).
Franny bagged his hatrick and Manors sixth as he pounded over Basildon’s try line like a Stampeding Rhino for a third time in a completely faultless display. Brad missed the conversion AGAIN!!!!! And was relieved from his kicking duties (34 – 0)
Manor were now in complete control of the game and looked like scoring whenever they got the ball. Another clean break deep in Manors half by the backs again put away flanker Chris Vickers who was now playing as a winger due to injuries. He motored down the field with four players outside him. As he approached the try line he bulldozed over the line taking the two defenders with him and thus bagging himself a hatrick also. I must say well done to Chris for scoring 3 tries but next time I would like to see him pass to the four man overlap. Jack White got the conversion (41 – 0)
The last try of the game was given to the upcoming talent that is Conner. At 18 years old his performances this season has been excellent and even though by his own standards this was not his greatest game his try reminded us why every team in this league should fear him. He got the ball in space, weaved between two players then put on the after burners to leave the fullback standing. Jack got the conversion (48 – 0)

Basildon must have been grateful to hear the final whistle as towards the end it was a complete rout.

The game may have ended 48 – 0 but this was definitely Manors worst performance of the season, especially the first half. Credit must be given to Basildon’s pack who put in a strong performance in the tight with a decent scrum and a faultless lineout.
This is a very young team at the best of times but it was clear that with both Cushy and Ben Ward missing that there were far too many 17 and 18 year olds in the backs so even though natural ability is apparent, actual experience that you only get by playing for many years was missing. But that experience will come in time and how hard can you be on a team that has just won 48 nil.

If you read Basildon’s match report you would think they were unlucky to lose.

That’s now 8 wins out of 8

Well done lads. Next week we are away to Harlow.