The U9’s had their first home game of the season against Basildon. Positioned on the house boat pitch, the team were able to field all six players, and with Basildon coming with a larger squad, it was agreed to level up the numbers ensuring that all the children got the maximum playing time.

The game started, and in fairness Basildon looked the stronger side in terms of their organisation and awareness. They quickly got their game going, and capitalised with some positive running, using the gaps and wide spaces to make good ground. That said, the Burnham team, along with a few Basildon players tackled and looked to disrupt their game wherever possible. Eventually though, Basildon were able to exploit the gaps in the defence and ran in a couple of good try’s. On balance, probably a fair reflection, but the question was how would the Burnham team respond?

Half-time Burnham 0, Basildon 4

After some quick refreshments and encouragement from the coaches, the second-half commenced, and Burnham were a little slow out of the blocks. Basildon again capitalised on some gaps in the defence scoring another try. The team were getting frustrated, but just needed a break and a score. And so it came, the team came together, created the opening and one of the Basildon players seconded to the team delivered the first try. Now we started to see the team come together. Max was tackling everything that was moving, Charlie H was purposeful, taking the game to Basildon with his direct running, Stefan was shadowing his opposite number, and not giving him any space, Elliott was taking the Basildon players on, holding them up, Charlie and Harrison were positive, going forward in possession and proving that their game was improving each week.

The game turned, Burnham heads were up and they were like a different team, amazing what a bit of confidence can do. They quickly ran in three try’s all scored by Max, but reflecting a team effort.

Burnham 4, Basildon 5

This game could now have gone either way, both teams traded a couple of try’s, Burnham scored through Stefan (first try of the season!)

And so we came down to the final few minutes…

Burnham 7, Basildon 7

Could the team hold out for a well-earned draw?? Alas, having been playing for well over an hour, Basildon shipped the ball to one of their fast wingers, and he managed to squeeze down the touch-line before going into the corner. Burnham were out on their feet, but what a game, and what a great performance.

Final score Burnham 7, Basildon 8.

This was a much better performance from the team from the previous week, and whilst there is still a lot of coaching to be done, the team should be rightly proud of the fact that they have made decent progress in a short space of time.

Max was awarded man of the match for some excellent tackling and a couple of try’s.

Next week, the team are at home for training. See you all there!