With both clubs missing players to make a 15 a-side game worthwhile, we agreed to play a 10 a-side format instead this week, with 3 games of 20 minutes. With no recognisable front row for Fullerians, scrums were uncontested.

Both sides struggled to find a rhythm to their play, resulting in some scrappy early exchanges. The boys profited however by moving the ball quickly from contact and scored early in the first game. Poor tackling across the team then let Fullers back in. Confidence to tackle round the legs - from both teams - was a common theme: both sides were happy to run with the ball, less happy to put the opposition on their backsides.
During breaks in play before Game 2 and Game 3 the boys correctly identified this as a problem area. The discussions were constructive, but we were still guilty of erratic tackling throughout.
At times across the three matches our continuity with the ball was pleasing: when we choose to pop off the floor (quick) rather than compete in a ruck (slow) and when we had team mates in close support to offload to. In most cases, these passages of play resulted in good team tries. However, on too many occasions boys were isolated or had too few options (more pronounced in 10s) and that had a lot to do with player fitness. Several players spent too much time walking. We play our best rugby as an age group when we play fast: fast to recycle and fast to move the ball. This is very much more difficult if players are not contributing because they're not up with the pace of the game. This is a key development point that the players will need to take on over the summer if we are to be more competitive as U16s.
In summary, all three matches were played with a great spirit, there were moments of real quality that led to good tries and despite losing the first game with the final play, the boys pulled themselves together to beat a weaker side two games to one.

Game 1 Final score: Old Albanians 14 : Fullerians 19
Game 2 Final score: Old Albanians 14: Fullerians 12
Game 3 Final score: Old Albanians 21: Fullerians 7

Match details

Match date

Sun 24 Mar 2024

Kickoff

10:30

Meet time

09:30

Location

OA RFC, Woollams Playing Fields

Instructions

We have managed to rearrange this fixture, from earlier in the month.

Meet: Changing room 7
Pitch location: 2 (last on the right hand side, in the corner, before the first bend in the Woollams driveway)

Please make sure players arrive by the meet time.

Players should arrive in their playing kit and bring their smart change of clothes with them in a bag for after the game. School shirt and trousers, shoes and club tie please. Changing room facilities will be available after the game. All players are expected to stay for hot food with the opposition.
All players must have gum shield and warm clothes for substitutions.

Please check that your availability for this and future training/matches is correct on the Pitchero App.

Team overview