Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Ashford RFC Under 12s Match Report 20th March 2005
Albrow leads depleted squad to power packed performance
Woodham Ferrers 14 – Ashford 7
Ashford 21 – Chelmsford 21
As part of their build-up for next month’s Kent Festival, the Ashford Under 12s travelled to Essex on Sunday in search of some stiffer competition. From experience, Essex sides have a more physical approach to the game – particularly in the forwards. Unfortunately, the extended travelling distance meant that the team travelled with a depleted squad of just 15 fit players.
The team’s difficulties were compounded within minutes of kicking off in the first match when the team sustained injuries to players in three key positions. This reduced the squad to just 12 effective players. With the first choice fly half, scrum half, inside centre and winger out of action the team were forced into playing inexperienced forwards out of position in a reshuffled three-quarter line. It wasn’t a pretty sight but it was good character building stuff as the boys narrowly lost their first match against their beefy hosts from Woodham Ferrers by 14 points to 7.
In their second match, against Chelmsford, Ashford fell behind to two early tries as the forwards in the three-quarter line struggled to come to terms with their unfamiliar responsibilities. The boys recovered slightly to snatch one try back before half time. However, matters deteriorated further early in the second half when they conceded a third soft try - leaving the team with a two try deficit. At this point, with another rare defeat staring them in the face, the Ashford forward pack took matters into their own hands. Realising the paucity of talent in their backs the Ashford forwards, led by Captain Chris Albrow, changed tactics and repeatedly drove and battered their way into Chelmsford’s territory. The match became a close quarters battle as the Ashford were forwards were desperate to avoid exposing their vulnerable backline to further attack. From 21 points to 7 down, first Albrow and then prop Billy Stevens powered their way over the secure vital scores and draw 21 points all. Despite this being just a draw it was probably the performance of the season.
Try scorers over the two matches were Christopher Albrow with three and Billy Stevens with one. Full back Daniel Head managed a 100% record, kicking all four conversions.
Player of the week was Christopher Albrow.
Woodham Ferrers 14 – Ashford 7
Ashford 21 – Chelmsford 21
As part of their build-up for next month’s Kent Festival, the Ashford Under 12s travelled to Essex on Sunday in search of some stiffer competition. From experience, Essex sides have a more physical approach to the game – particularly in the forwards. Unfortunately, the extended travelling distance meant that the team travelled with a depleted squad of just 15 fit players.
The team’s difficulties were compounded within minutes of kicking off in the first match when the team sustained injuries to players in three key positions. This reduced the squad to just 12 effective players. With the first choice fly half, scrum half, inside centre and winger out of action the team were forced into playing inexperienced forwards out of position in a reshuffled three-quarter line. It wasn’t a pretty sight but it was good character building stuff as the boys narrowly lost their first match against their beefy hosts from Woodham Ferrers by 14 points to 7.
In their second match, against Chelmsford, Ashford fell behind to two early tries as the forwards in the three-quarter line struggled to come to terms with their unfamiliar responsibilities. The boys recovered slightly to snatch one try back before half time. However, matters deteriorated further early in the second half when they conceded a third soft try - leaving the team with a two try deficit. At this point, with another rare defeat staring them in the face, the Ashford forward pack took matters into their own hands. Realising the paucity of talent in their backs the Ashford forwards, led by Captain Chris Albrow, changed tactics and repeatedly drove and battered their way into Chelmsford’s territory. The match became a close quarters battle as the Ashford were forwards were desperate to avoid exposing their vulnerable backline to further attack. From 21 points to 7 down, first Albrow and then prop Billy Stevens powered their way over the secure vital scores and draw 21 points all. Despite this being just a draw it was probably the performance of the season.
Try scorers over the two matches were Christopher Albrow with three and Billy Stevens with one. Full back Daniel Head managed a 100% record, kicking all four conversions.
Player of the week was Christopher Albrow.
