NHSOB u13s v Caldicot RFC 8/11/09

Final score:  12 - 12

Scorers:

NHSOB: Tries: Rhys Hunt (2) Conversion: Jack Thomas

Caldicot: Tries: James Hussey (2) Conversion: James Hussey

After an immaculately kept minute of silence to mark Remembrance Sunday battle commenced at Yew Tree Lane. The opening quarter of the game was dominated by Caldicot's pack as they took advantage of a slow start from NHSOB. NHSOB stood resolute and weathered the initial battering with some excellent last ditch defending. Caldicot were unlucky not to convert their pressure on a couple of occasions due to small handling errors.

NHSOB: Tries: Rhys Hunt (2) Conversion: Jack Thomas

Caldicot: Tries: James Hussey (2) Conversion: James Hussey

Match Comments:

After an immaculately kept minute of silence to mark Remembrance Sunday battle commenced at Yew Tree Lane. The opening quarter of the game was dominated by Caldicot’s pack as they took advantage of a slow start from NHSOB. NHSOB stood resolute and weathered the initial battering with some excellent last ditch defending. Caldicot were unlucky not to convert their pressure on a couple of occasions due to small handling errors.

It was NHSOB who took first blood though as against the run of play and helped by a series of infringements at the breakdown found themselves 5 metres from Caldicot’s line. Rhys Hunt eventually found a gap in Caldicot’s line to bag the first of a brace of tries.

The contest resumed as both teams strove for superiority through the forwards, for most of the second quarter the ball remained in the midfield with neither team gaining the upper hand. As half time approached NHSOB gifted a chance for Caldicot through two successive penalties, Caldicot’s James Hussey blasting through a couple of limp challenges after a quick tap, then blazed his conversion wide to leave the scores even at 5 each at the interval.

In a mirror to the first half it was NHSOB that took the game to Caldicot but failed to find the final ball to take the advantage. It was Caldicot however that did take the advantage with ten minutes to go, as impressive No. 8 James Hussey speared through NHSOB’s line on half way and cantered in before converting his own try. NHSOB continued as they had started the second half and made inroads into Caldicot’s territory and after many phases of play mauled their way over the line, Rhys Hunt emerging from the pile with ball in hand. Jack Thomas banged the ball between the posts to tie the scores and set up a grand stand finish.

With little time remaining NHSOB continued to apply pressure and gained territory quickly, but the clock ran down and the game finished with honours even, justice was served as neither side deserved to lose a fair and hard fought match that was played in the true spirit of the game.

A real team performance from NHSOB who through real hard graft are gaining confidence.