Rugby Round-Up 11-11-2017

When analysing the results of the much-anticipated Warwick fixture, it would seem that there is plenty of evidence that supports the unwritten ‘home advantage’ law.  It is true to say however, that the fixture didn’t fail to disappoint and there were many committed battles played in good spirit. 

The U16 teams led the way this weekend with all three teams producing some of the best rugby they had played this season to date. The U16A team moved the ball with some style and created plenty of opportunities, most of which were taken.  Michael Catt had an influential game at fly half, orchestrating waves of attack and exploiting any space left by the opposition.

The U14 teams had some tight fixtures but again demonstrated their force as a squad, with the C and D teams keeping a clean sheet once more.  In fact, the statistics for the U14 D team are quite astonishing, played 6, points for 258, points against 5, points difference 253.  Keep up the good work boys!

The U15 A team had a torrid time and struggled to cope with the physicality of the opposition who could boast a number of very strong runners.  But the boys showed grit and determination and fought hard to the end and did have some successful periods of attack themselves. The U15 B and C teams also lost their encounters but the games were much tighter and, with a bit of momentum or ‘home advantage’, could have easily swung the other way. The U15 D team continued their impressive run this season with another comfortable victory.

The seniors faced a tough test and it was only the 3rd XV who came out of the block with a pleasing and thoroughly deserved victory.  The 1st XV struggled to keep possession for much of the first half of the game and were stifled by a solid and well organised Warwick defence.  After some heroic Bedford defending for a good five-minute period it was ironic that a lapse in concentration defensively led to Warwick’s first try.  Bedford missed touch from a penalty and while some of the Bedford players were still planning for the line-out, Warwick countered and scored.  This was always going to be a game that could be swung by the tiniest of margins and this was definitely one in Warwick’s favour.  Eventually the XV started to move the ball and get into the game, continued pressure and a well-orchestrated line-out led to a very satisfying try.  Warwick then tightened their play for the remainder of the game opting to use their plentiful supply of physical ball carriers to break down the Bedford defence.  After Warwick scored two converted tries and two penalties in the first half, Bedford were chasing the game in the second.  Bedford had much of the play in the second half and looked more threatening with the ball in hand. They scored a try through quick ball movement and pace and spent the remainder of the game pressing for another one.  A number of attacks in good field position were unfortunately halted by small inaccuracies in skill and decision making.  In the closing stages of the game, it was Warwick who scored the final points after more direct running and efficient ball retention.  A game lost on fine margins but highlighted clear areas for Bedford to reflect and focus on moving forwards.