Stockton RFC U16's V DMPRFC U16's

This fixture started with coaches and parents doing a body count in the car park. Despite some worrying miscounts thankfully most of us were old enough to remember an old baker’s dozen and count 13 players (soon to become 14 as we warmed up)! This was a bit worrying as I couldn’t remember us ever turning up without enough to play.

However we needn’t have worried as despite the score I actually thought this was one of my most enjoyable fixtures to watch. I thought that the lads put together some of the best phases of play that I have seen them do this season. We were in the opposition 22 for long periods of time and we were only really let down by losing a ball in contact, forcing a pass that shouldn’t have been or being counter rucked. A number of times we were encroaching on their line when they would then capitalise on an unforced error.

I thought that our defense was very sound and the Stockton match report was very complementary about how stiff an opposition we were and how good we were defensively. The fact that all bar one of their tries came from pace on the wings reinforces our commitment to the tackle.

We deserved to score (George) and I did not think that it was a 29 point game but more like 15. As I was only asked to write the report after the game and so mentioning names and individual performances is difficult but I do feel that both Wills need a commendation as they both set the tone when it came to our defense.
It is also worth mentioning Peter (Stockton) who played the whole game for us with 100% commitment.

A very enjoyable morning’s sport played in the right spirit, with a good referee and two sets of respectful parents watching.