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Sat 14 Sep 2019
Old Elthamians 4
3rd XV - Barbarians
38
12
Youth edges experience
Nick White16 Sep 2019 - 13:03
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Never give up
The Babas took the longer than usual trip to SE London to complete their pre-season against Old Elthamians 4s. Following a good win against Old Reigatians last week, and with numbers at training continuing to increase, confidence was high that the good start to the year could continue.
The match was played at Eltham College on one of around ten near perfect pitches that could be seen dotted around the extensive grounds. The longer journey meant the time available for warm up was a little shorter than usual, but the line-out and backs run-throughs were accomplished to plan.
The team the Babas faced did not give the impression of being a Level 11 side, their warm-up being highly organised, and the team itself having few players over 25. The somewhat dismissive welcome from the opposition coach and the impression given by OEs that they were in for an easy afternoon only served to increase the desire for Horsham to show what Sussex had to offer.
From the start, OEs demonstrated what had been suspected, that they are a well drilled, technically good, young and fit side. The Babas responded in their usual fashion, with good old fashioned rugby. In defence, the tackles were hard and gave no ground in the centre. The scrum was strong as usual, and the line-out was functioning well. In attack there was strong running from all of the forwards, and when the backs got the ball there were some gaps showing in the defence, but Horsham were unable to capitalise. For the first 30 minutes, the main area of concern was the breakdown, where the Babas were allowing OEs to dominate. This sucked in the defence and left room out wide, room that youth and pace exploited to good effect.
Despite being 3 tries and a conversion down Horsham were still in the game, and opted to use what they had most of – experience. The rucks were competed with more vigour and better technique, and in attack, Horsham went for the short range game, pick & go. This momentum led to a try just before half-time when Josh Blake picked at the base of the ruck and burrowed in from short range. Josh converted to put the half-time score at 19-7.
The second half saw more of the same. The strong Horsham forward play continued to stretch OEs, who to their credit withstood the test for the most part. The speed that comes with youth was the difference for 2 more tries to OEs, but Horsham heads never went down, with the intensity causing the opposition to try and resort to getting under the skin, to no avail. The scrum increased its dominance creating good ball and forcing free-kicks and penalties to be conceded. Only one try was scored that could be blamed on poor defence.
As with the first half, the Babas had the last word after more good pressure in defence forcing a turnover and a scrum deep in the opposition 22. Several phases later George Jeremy broke through to score. Not necessarily the best score, but an excellent performance to set the Babas up for the season ahead. Final score 38-12.
A massive thank you to everyone who travelled, particularly those who stepped up at short notice. (You know who you are)
First league game is at Chichester on 28th September. Babas training 7.30pm Thursday nights followed by extensive re-hydration. Come along if you want to play, or even if you just fancy a run around. All are welcome.
Red
The match was played at Eltham College on one of around ten near perfect pitches that could be seen dotted around the extensive grounds. The longer journey meant the time available for warm up was a little shorter than usual, but the line-out and backs run-throughs were accomplished to plan.
The team the Babas faced did not give the impression of being a Level 11 side, their warm-up being highly organised, and the team itself having few players over 25. The somewhat dismissive welcome from the opposition coach and the impression given by OEs that they were in for an easy afternoon only served to increase the desire for Horsham to show what Sussex had to offer.
From the start, OEs demonstrated what had been suspected, that they are a well drilled, technically good, young and fit side. The Babas responded in their usual fashion, with good old fashioned rugby. In defence, the tackles were hard and gave no ground in the centre. The scrum was strong as usual, and the line-out was functioning well. In attack there was strong running from all of the forwards, and when the backs got the ball there were some gaps showing in the defence, but Horsham were unable to capitalise. For the first 30 minutes, the main area of concern was the breakdown, where the Babas were allowing OEs to dominate. This sucked in the defence and left room out wide, room that youth and pace exploited to good effect.
Despite being 3 tries and a conversion down Horsham were still in the game, and opted to use what they had most of – experience. The rucks were competed with more vigour and better technique, and in attack, Horsham went for the short range game, pick & go. This momentum led to a try just before half-time when Josh Blake picked at the base of the ruck and burrowed in from short range. Josh converted to put the half-time score at 19-7.
The second half saw more of the same. The strong Horsham forward play continued to stretch OEs, who to their credit withstood the test for the most part. The speed that comes with youth was the difference for 2 more tries to OEs, but Horsham heads never went down, with the intensity causing the opposition to try and resort to getting under the skin, to no avail. The scrum increased its dominance creating good ball and forcing free-kicks and penalties to be conceded. Only one try was scored that could be blamed on poor defence.
As with the first half, the Babas had the last word after more good pressure in defence forcing a turnover and a scrum deep in the opposition 22. Several phases later George Jeremy broke through to score. Not necessarily the best score, but an excellent performance to set the Babas up for the season ahead. Final score 38-12.
A massive thank you to everyone who travelled, particularly those who stepped up at short notice. (You know who you are)
First league game is at Chichester on 28th September. Babas training 7.30pm Thursday nights followed by extensive re-hydration. Come along if you want to play, or even if you just fancy a run around. All are welcome.
Red
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