Burnham U12's on a roll

2nd December and 15 degrees centigrade and the sun shining!! Well the weather may be a bit all over the place, but not the U12's! The team knew this was a big game against local rivals South Woodham Ferrers, and with "bragging" rights at school to deal with, the team knew they had to perform.

The team had 15 available players, with another 3-4 unavailable, so with rules of 12 a-side, Burnham had players available to rotate. The boys all seemed fired-up, and after last week's resounding triangle win over Barking and Hackney, they were certainly ready for anything.

Buoyed on by parents, Burnham opted to receive from the kick-off, and under instructions to play a "controlled" game based on their t4raining they dutifully went through some lovely phases of play. The forwards bashing it up the park, setting up the ruck, and there was Burnham's own Faf De Klerk, Henry marshalling at scrum-half. It wasn't long before Burnham were rewarded for their endeavours, continuous rucking phases, scrum half brings in the backs, and eventually they create the space and overlap to go over.

First 10 minutes done, Burnham 4 tries to the good.

The game then followed a similar pattern, and SWF certainly looked to play their part. They tackled and disrupted play, and their counter-rucking was starting to prove very effective. Had they been more controlled with the ball in-hand this could have been a different encounter. As it was Burnham were more controlled with the ball, and made effective use of the scraps. SWF didn't have the aggression and desire in the same way, and the backs were just enjoying their day out, scoring tries.

Second 10 minutes done Burnham 6, SWF 0

There is something special watching a team develop, and the maturity that they all show is outstanding at this age. Grouping in the huddle, they discussed what needed to improve, decided on the player rotation and came out for the third half. At this rate they won't need coaches!
Some of the tries that were scored were just incredible to watch, and to see this level of play, commitment and desire bodes very well for the future.
It was now becoming increasingly difficult to rotate players as no-one wanted to come off. This is the competitive spirit in the side, and regardless of whether they're on the field, or not, they play as a team.

Third period finishes Burnham 12, SWF 0

The team knew they had won, but such is the competitive spirit, they wanted to ensure they kept a clean sheet. Burnham even restricted their own version of Courtney Lawes and Bryan Habana to no further tries after they had plundered a hatrick each. Each time SWF came with the ball, the team hunted them down like a pack of wolves. There was no respite! Even kicking the ball downfield just meant it was caught and delivered back by Burnham.

Final score Burnham 16, SWF 0

A resounding win, a super team performance, and a team going from strength to strength. Congratulations to the entire team.

Try Scorers
Harry C - 3
OG - 3
Harry P - 2
Chase - 2
Harvey - 1
Ru - 1
Aidan - 1
Evan - 1
Callum - 1
Ruadhri - 1

Forward Man of the Match - Ru
Backs Man of the Match - Henry

Special mention to Harry P and Evan, their first outing for the team, and proved they are going to fit in really well. Well done Lads!

Next week we are back at training...

See you all there!