ERRFC U13s vs Totton (A)

Major excitement for our first match meant an inaugural session in the changing rooms for the boys which brought all the classic ingredients: kit everywhere, the whiff of deep heat, music (questionable quality, naturally) and, of course, no small amount of flatulence and banter.

The team learnt last year how important it is to start well, and Ellingham got the better of Totton in the first 5-10 minutes. We took possession and kept the ball in their half for good periods with some great ball-carrying from Jamie, Charlie Haywood, George and Harrison (aka The Beast). A couple of good kicks over their back line from Harry and we had chances to get on the scoreboard.

The referee was great, and he eased boths sides into the scrummage allowing a contest after two or three uncontested scrums at the beginning. We won some good ball from the scrum especially with the solid footwork from Josh at number 8, making the ball available for Zach and Cameron to combine at 9 & 10. It was great to see positive straight running through the centre with a couple of notable beaks from Oscar and Tommy, and good presentation of the ball after the tackle.

Not a single catch was dropped under the high ball, with terrific running from the back from Isaac and Cameron. We were a little slow to the ruck at times, and so we suffered a few turnovers which gives us something to work on in training.

In defence we saw some steel, with the two best tackles of the match going to Charlie Field (absolute cruncher on the right wing) and James with a try-saver in the second half. Jamie seemed to be everywhere in the game and showed real aggression with the ball in hand as well as in the tackle, leading to a deserved second half try.

Final Score: Totton 20 : 5 Ellingham & Ringwood
Coaches’ Player: Jamie Tunnicliff
Players’ Player: Cameron Bell