Ashford RFC Under 13s Match Report 26th February 2006
Déjà vu strikes as Ashford boys falter in county decider.
Ashford U13s 7 – Blackheath U13s 10
Unbeaten until this encounter, Ashford’s boys had a distinct feeling of déjà vu when running out to face current Kent champions, Blackheath. Having recently won encounters over Medway and Cranbrook, it was quite a shock for the Ashford boys to see several of the star players from those previous opponents turning out for Blackheath. According to the management of one of their former clubs, the boys concerned believe joining Blackheath youth’s section is a passport to Kent selection and greater things beyond.
Ignoring the illustrious provenance of their opponents, Ashford immediately went on the attack. When Blackheath knocked–on, Ashford No. 8 Christopher Albrow picked up from the resulting scrum and galloped 50 metres upfield and was hauled down just 5 metres short of the Blackheath try line. What followed was 10 minutes of sustained Ashford pressure. Blackheath were penalised at a lineout and Ashford tapped and ran. With the ball held-up on the try line, Blackheath again offended. Ashford tapped again and again the ball was held-up. Eventually, Blackheath broke out from defence. Wing forward Glenn Caton and scrum half Luke Ransley both left the field due to injury. Eventually the reorganised defence missed a crucial tackle and the Blackheath No.8 broke through to score a try on 22 minutes.
Despite being the dominant side for most of the first half, Ashford found themselves down 5 points to nil at half time.
The second half was as tense as the first and Ashford’s forwards again led the offensive. Several times Ashford went close to scoring, only for the ball to be turned over to the Blackheath backs who would break out of defence.
On 32 minutes Ashford’s pressure finally paid off. Blackheath called a 3 man line out on the half way line. The ball bobbled loose and tighthead prop Billy Stevens powered through the Blackheath defence from 50 metres out to touch down under the posts. The try was duly converted by winger Luke Chinnery, giving Ashford a 7 points to 5 lead.
Having taken the lead, a loss of concentration forced Ashford back on the defensive. The defence initially held out. But on 13 minutes two missed tackles saw the Blackheath outside centre score out wide. The conversion was missed and Ashford had 12 minutes to close the 3 point gap. Ashford continued to pressure the Blackheath line with wing forward Rory Beech and No.8 Albrow both going close to scoring. With the clock running down, Ashford drove to within 2 metres of the Blackheath try line before time expired.
In summary, this was a tremendous all round team performance. With players from the starting line-up and replacements all putting in a fantastic effort. Blackheath justified their narrow win. But the Ashford boys are ready for the rematch.
Player of the week was prop forward Billy Stevens.
Ashford U13s 7 – Blackheath U13s 10
Unbeaten until this encounter, Ashford’s boys had a distinct feeling of déjà vu when running out to face current Kent champions, Blackheath. Having recently won encounters over Medway and Cranbrook, it was quite a shock for the Ashford boys to see several of the star players from those previous opponents turning out for Blackheath. According to the management of one of their former clubs, the boys concerned believe joining Blackheath youth’s section is a passport to Kent selection and greater things beyond.
Ignoring the illustrious provenance of their opponents, Ashford immediately went on the attack. When Blackheath knocked–on, Ashford No. 8 Christopher Albrow picked up from the resulting scrum and galloped 50 metres upfield and was hauled down just 5 metres short of the Blackheath try line. What followed was 10 minutes of sustained Ashford pressure. Blackheath were penalised at a lineout and Ashford tapped and ran. With the ball held-up on the try line, Blackheath again offended. Ashford tapped again and again the ball was held-up. Eventually, Blackheath broke out from defence. Wing forward Glenn Caton and scrum half Luke Ransley both left the field due to injury. Eventually the reorganised defence missed a crucial tackle and the Blackheath No.8 broke through to score a try on 22 minutes.
Despite being the dominant side for most of the first half, Ashford found themselves down 5 points to nil at half time.
The second half was as tense as the first and Ashford’s forwards again led the offensive. Several times Ashford went close to scoring, only for the ball to be turned over to the Blackheath backs who would break out of defence.
On 32 minutes Ashford’s pressure finally paid off. Blackheath called a 3 man line out on the half way line. The ball bobbled loose and tighthead prop Billy Stevens powered through the Blackheath defence from 50 metres out to touch down under the posts. The try was duly converted by winger Luke Chinnery, giving Ashford a 7 points to 5 lead.
Having taken the lead, a loss of concentration forced Ashford back on the defensive. The defence initially held out. But on 13 minutes two missed tackles saw the Blackheath outside centre score out wide. The conversion was missed and Ashford had 12 minutes to close the 3 point gap. Ashford continued to pressure the Blackheath line with wing forward Rory Beech and No.8 Albrow both going close to scoring. With the clock running down, Ashford drove to within 2 metres of the Blackheath try line before time expired.
In summary, this was a tremendous all round team performance. With players from the starting line-up and replacements all putting in a fantastic effort. Blackheath justified their narrow win. But the Ashford boys are ready for the rematch.
Player of the week was prop forward Billy Stevens.
posted by Ashford RFC Under 14s @ 1:41 pm
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