Under 17s
Matches
Sun 15 Dec 2013
Eton Manor RFC
Under 17s
Tries: A Mountford, D Reid, e Satinskis, H WagstaffConversions: J Keeling (2)
24
5
Chelmsford
A display of true grit, determination and team spirit wins for Manor

A display of true grit, determination and team spirit wins for Manor

Gary Mountford17 Dec 2013 - 23:26
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A must win match for both Manor and Chelmsford

The last match of 2013 saw Manor pitted against Chelmsford with both teams playing to end the year on a high and for critical league points.

Sunday morning started well but as it got closer to the 12:30pm kick off it got colder and wetter. In fact the only thing that was dry at Manor was the crispy, and I mean crispy, bacon roll and the only thing that was warm was the coffee.

First Half.
Thankfully the rain eased just as the match kicked off. Manor showed their determination straight from the Chelmsford start when the forwards won a ball from some strong counter rucking. They then worked the ball up the field till it was knocked forwards in the wet conditions. Chelmsford attempted to clear their line by kicking it long. Unfortunately for Chelmsford they didn’t reckon on Adam catching the ball at full pace, looping round the left wing and straight over for Manor’s first try. Manor 5 – 0 Chelmsford.

Numerous handling errors from both sides slowed the match down, but Manor’s forwards were winning more of the ball from the scrums and lineouts. The press manor were displaying was rewarded with Jake crossing the line, but unfortunately held up and no try.

The forwards were putting some bruising tackles in, Ant was causing his usual havoc through the centre of the field and Ed was gaining some much ball for Manor all resulting in Manor being awarded a penalty 5m off Chelmsford’s try line. No surprise when the intended recipient lined up to take the ball. After a small pop pace and with three or four Chelmsford players trying to bring him down Daniel crossed the line and grounded the ball. From a difficult angle Jack added the extra two points. Manor 12 – 0 Chelmsford.

Ed caught the ball cleanly from the re-start and ran it straight back at Chelmsford. With the forwards and centres dominating the centre of the field Chelmsford were pinned back in their own half apart from one break away run that was thwarted by a superb tackle from Manor.

Second Half.
All of Eddies hard work was rewarded as he scored a try within a few minutes of the re-start. Jack once again added the extra conversion points. Manor 19 – 0 Chelmsford.

With a couple of substitutions, and a couple of players moved around, Chelmsford changed their game plan and decided route one straight through the centre with big crash ball centres was the way to get back into the game. Manor’s attitude was only matched by their tackling. The wet weather and penalty count evened the match out until Chelmsford finally scored with only five minutes of the match remaining. Manor 19 – 5 Chelmsford.

Last say in the match went to Manor. From the re-start Manor were awarded a penalty for not releasing in the tackle, then another for a dump tackle. Manor were now within Chelmsford’s 22m line. Even a scrum awarded to Chelmsford was won by Manor’s pack, then quick ball out through the backs and finally to Waggers for the final try of the day. Final score Manor 24 – 5 Chelmsford.

It is fitting that the four Manor tries were equally scored by two backs and two forwards as the boys played as a single united team. The coaches awarded man of the Match to Will. Will was constantly on the front foot, tackling, putting pressure on Chelmsford and stopping their backs get any clean ball.

A good end to 2013 where the boys are still second in the league and are through to the semi final of the Essex Cup. 2014 will have an some tough challenges for them but if the boys keep the same team spirit they have shown I’m sure they will take these challenges on and give 100%.

Now enjoy your brief rest from rugby, put the muddy boots away and put your feet up for Xmas.

Match details

Match date

Sun 15 Dec 2013

Kickoff

11:00
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

First XV Sponsor - White Skips Hire Ltd
1st Team Sponsor - Essex Security
Club Sponsor - Edwards Duthie Solcitors
1st Team Sponsor - Petty Son & Prestwich
Youth Sponsor - Ellicott Construction
RFU Member Club - Accredited RFU Club