The Magnificent 7 (well 8 plus 2 conversions)

Today saw the U16s take on Acklam in a game played in windy conditions with driving rain. The team started with enthusiasm scoring their first try early into the game. This was from a penalty kick by Matthew Wray which Acklam assumed was out. Quick thinking by James Probert resulted in a try when he spotted the ball had actually landed in the in goal area thanks to Mathew’s curved kick (or was it the wind?) and ran through to touch down for a try much to the surprise of Acklam (and Mowden).
Acklam retaliated and they too scored a try – the first and last that Mowden allowed them.
The ever reliable Chris Greenwell was next to cross the line after several good runs and one near try where Acklam just managed to push his foot into touch. A third try followed, by Harry Stokell who broke free on the wing and despite almost having his shirt ripped from him managed to touch the ball down.
By now, Acklam were beginning to lose their composure and Mowden showing no mercy took full advantage. Liam Dent upped the try score to 4 followed by Kamal Ameen Ali who, after spotting a gap in Acklam’s defence crashed through. Acklam bowed under the constant pressure which allowed Mowden to really open up and show some flair. Ollie Turner took the ball across the line and thanks to 2 successful conversions at the accurate boot of Thomas Brown, Mowden were leading 34 to 5.
Rowan Hall-Beasley then decided to take on all the Acklam defence himself and crashed through for Mowden’s 7th try. Following a scrum Dan Sanderson took the ball and crossed the line bringing Mowden’s total score, by my reckoning to 44 points.
Credit must go to the Acklam boys who continued to hold their heads up until the final whistle.
There were too many highlights to mention them all, suffice to say that everyone who took to the pitch contributed to the team’s win. There were blistering runs from the wingers, ferocious tackling and despite an obviously very wet ball, some good passing. Well done to all.