This was a tremendous performance from the U16s. They withstood immense pressure from Mens Own in a physical and bruising encounter, which lead to Sammy & George both leaving the field with injuries, coupled with some (ahem!) “questionable” decisions from the referee (including 3 yellow cards). Whilst some of the parents (mentioning no names) and coaches were getting more and more irate on the touchline, the boys just shrugged their shoulders and got on with the task in hand. This match showed not only tenacitiy and determination, but also maturity and resilience, traits not previously demonstrated by this group of players.

Thanks once again to members of the U15s squad for fitting seamlessly into the team.

Scouts were under early pressure from Mens Own, but their defence held out and they managed to clear the ball upfield. Scouts made the most of their rare excursions into opposition territory. When the chances came, they showed patience, capitalising on mistakes and forcing the opposition to concede penalties. From one these penalties Bradley scored the first try following an initial surge by the forwards. Then Ollie slipped past a couple of defenders to finish off a good move.

With Caleb converting both, this gave Scouts a 14-0 half-time lead.

The majority of the second half was spent defending their lead. Mens Own managed to score two tries, but crucially only managed to convert one with Scouts tackling to the end to hold onto a really impressive win.

Players of the match were Ollie & Luke, but everyone really showed up today and it was truly a Team Performance.

This was such a good performance that I felt inspired to put it into verse. So in the spirit of the approaching season, to the tune of We Three Kings, here goes:

Sunday morning comes round again
Thank the Lord today it won’t rain
Scouts come calling
Rucking and mauling
Looking to win the game.

Ooooh Game of wonder, game of skill
Game to entertain and thrill
Scouts improving
Keep the ball moving
Many thanks JM & Phill.*

Game begins with Mens Own on top
Momentum proving tricky to stop
Tackles flying
Attack defying
Forcing the ball to drop.