28^th September 2008

Under 13’s

Berkswell & Balsall 0         

RSA 53

The first game of the season saw RSA propose their threat for the coming season by winning very convincingly in all aspects of the game against Berkswell and Balsall.

Playing up the slope in the first half, No.8 Sam picked the ball up from the base of the scrum to power over and score past the already confused defence. A sequence of rucks and off-loads to the forwards led to Dharam scoring his first club try of the season. The ever vigilant Kieran started where he left off last season by scoring a wonderful opportunist try with a darting run on the blind side from 20 metres out, with Conner, on his debut, kicking the conversion for his first points for the club. Some excellent forward play led to Sam scoring his second try by bursting through the defence from 5 metres out.

RSA found it hard work at the beginning of the second half as the B&B forwards surged towards the try line only to make mistakes. It was one such mistake that led to Louis picking up the loose ball and scoring his first try for the Andrews. A fantastic weaving run from winger Sam resulted in a try under the posts which was duly converted by Joe. A back row move with quick change of hands and direction landed Dharam his second of the day, with once again Joe converting for the extra points. An electrifying run from the half way mark led to debutant centre Scott scoring his first points for the Andrews. Sam capped off a fantastic start to the season by scoring his third after out running the B&B defence and Joe converted it.

Man of the Match for the forwards went to Lewis, who worked hard throughout the match by executing everything that was expected of him.  Man of the Match for the backs went to Kieran who played a superb match in linking the forwards and backs whilst keeping an eye for that opportunist try.

5^th October 2008

Under 13’s

Broadstreet 5      

RSA 27

On a very wet and windy day at Broadstreet RFC, Saints started the game very poorly. A clash of heads between two Saints players from the kick off resulted in some early changes. Good pressure from the Saints led to an up and under ball from fly half Joe, and with winger Kyle following up to force the ball down as the ball bounced away from the defender. The try was converted by Joe. A solid scrum led to No.8 Sam picking the ball up from the base of the scrum before off loading to scrum half Kieran who in turn linked up with 2nd Row Jack, to drive over to score his first try of the season. The game nearing half time, Saints won a scrum against the head, No.8 Sam picked up and powered over for the try.

The second half started a lot more even. Saints won a scrum against the head on their own 22 metre mark, only to be dispossessed and the Broadstreet forwards powered over to score the try. From another solid scrum No.8 Sam picked up the ball and linked well with centre Jack in making their way towards the Broadstreet line before handing the ball to 2nd row Louis to thunder past the defence to score. The final try for Saints was scored by winger Kyle after some brilliant play in the backs.

Man of the Match for the forwards went to Louis for his outstanding line-out play and the Man of the Match for the backs went to winger Kyle for running in two excellent tries.

Under 15’s

Broadstreet 50    

RSA 7

Broadstreet dominated in the back line from the off, proving to be very strong, fast runners, and scoring in quick succession. In the forwards, St. Andrews held their own and in the middle third of the game were able to make inroads into the opposition half, managing to break through the defence for a diving try early in the second half.

Injuries in the back line to Michael and Tom, with “fly-half-a-lung” Ben still not back to full strength, further weakened the St Andrews defence allowing Broadstreet to increase their lead.

Credit to Scott, Birthday Boy Dan and Bradley (Man of the Match) for their persistent efforts, and to the whole squad for maintaining the effort until the final whistle.

The squad took away a number of lessons from the match, predominantly maintaining position on the field, an area that will be worked on in forthcoming training sessions.