|
A Squad v Herts.
In their first match at representative rugby the boys showed a few signs of nerves in the opening exchanges but proved they were equal to the task. The early pressure was in the Herts half and the team were rewarded for their efforts after about 10 minuets when Grant Scott slotted the ball between the posts when Herts were caught offside in the ruck. However, the points against them appeared to brighten up the Hert side and they then kept play in the Essex half. Stern defensive work kept Herts at bay but eventually Herts exploited a gap on the left side of the ptich to let their centre in to score to give Herts a 5-3 lead. The conversion was missed and from the restart Essex once again went into the Herts half. There followed a period of paly during which neither side made much gound adn neither could get inside the others 22. Just before half time though, Herts once again made the most of a maul and ruck to go over the line for their second try which also went unconverted. At half time the socre was 10 - 3 to Herts.
Herts started the second half with a kick deep inside the Essex half. Both teams were evenly matched during the next phase of play adn it took 15 monutes of the match for the next score which was to Herts who scored their third try of the match under the posts. With the score at 17 - 3 Essex showed strngth in character to try and make a comeback. On several occassions Essex were brouight up short of the line by a determined Herts defence. At the final whistle Herts ended the match 17 -3.
This was the first match as a County represenative side these boys had played in and there were more positives than negatives to be taken away and worked on with this squad of players.
B Squad Lost 10 - 7
As with the A squad this team put on all the early pressure and looked as though they were going to walk away with this match. Excellent handling skills were shown by the backs who ran well with the ball in hand. Herts were only able to stop Essex form scoring by some very determined tackling in defence. Eventually though Sevvie Hurrell broke the deadlock hertling over for his first try for the COunty about 15 minutes into the game. Herts responded well and just beofre half time managed to score a try of their own which went unconverted. At half time the score was 5-7 to Essex. The second half was also evenly matched with both teams attacking and defending well. Herts though made one of their attacks count by scoing the only other try of the second half. Despite a determined effort from Essex, Herts managed to keep the lead with the final score 10 - 7 to Herts.
Essex can now regroup over th esummer months and the begining of next season when many of these players will be in contention for A team places.
The County would like to thank the players, parents coaching staff and manager Steve Johnson for all their hard work and support which was excellent.
|
