A game of two halves

It was a bright January morning and the U14s stepped out at Crow Lane onto a very muddy pitch. A disjointed January had brought mixed results but Romford were determined to put aside the results of the last couple of weeks. The first half started and it was clear that this game was going to be a very physical battle between two committed sides. Eton Manor scored four converted trys in this half but the scoreline didn’t tell the whole story. This half was hard fought with strong tackles and rucking. It was a half where the forwards had to work very hard to gain and keep possession. Romford often came close to Eton Manor's try line most notably where Ade Olaleye would have crossed the whitewash if not for a try saving tackle from Eton Manor.

Half time: RGP 0-28 Eton Manor

In the second half Romford did not let their heads go down. They continued to attack and keep possession and spent the majority of the second half at Eton Manors end. Romford were soon rewarded after a slick passing move enabled Michael Courtney to dance through the defence for a try. Romford kept pressing and a typically dominant scrum allowed Shaun Kerr to break the line and offload to Tom O’Meara to touch down in the corner. Although Eton Manor scored again, Romford won the second half convincingly and should take great pride in a strong performance. There are many more positive results to come from this team.

Final Score:

RGP 10
Eton Manor 33

Tries: Michael Courtney, Tom O’Meara

Squad: L. Metcalf (c), C. Hardy, A. Olaleye, H. Runham, M. Courtney, R. Pooley, S. Kerr, B. Watts, L. Palmer-Anscomb, B. Shawyer, B. Walton, J. Mimms, M. Sultana, T. O’Meara, T. Polius, L. Harris, S. Slatford, Teo

Photo credit: Jane Welly