Match analysis vs Christ College

Christ College were the visitors for the opening game of the U14 2023/24 season. The boys in blue and gold started brightly, displaying superb organisation in defence and creativity in attack.

The forwards were in control upfront, carrying powerfully and rucking with precision. This gave the back, clean front foot ball and enabled Fly Half Fenton to thrive. Running onto the ball and drifting into space, the Tommies 10 was creating opportunities for his outside backs. Centres Miller and Andrews were destructive with ball in hand, whilst wingers Ferchow and Griffin looked particularly dangerous on the outside. Full back O’Neill was calm under the high ball and linked up fast attacks in the wide channels.

Tommies were playing an expansive style of rugby but earnt the right to play upfront. Carvajal and Haq carried explosively off nine whilst Harper was a huge threat in open space. The Tommies number 8 put in an early contender for bump of the season with a monstrous collision from kick off! Tight Head Staite demonstrated some excellent close quarter contact skills, including a fine assist in the second half, whilst flankers Yemm and Leney were everywhere, tackling constantly in defence and putting in the hard yards in attack. Captain Byron and fellow lock forward Cockbill put in a huge shift in the engine room, whilst Satheeswaran made an impact off the bench, smashing strong ball carriers in a couple of huge tackles.

The blue army ran out 54-14 winners with tries for Carvajal, Yemm, Bryron, Ferchow, Harper (2) and Andrews (2). Fenton added 7 conversions with a tidy kicking performance.

Man of the match was an extremely difficult call after a fine team performance, so I have decided to mention two players. Fenton was electric at 10 and was often the catalyst in what proved a deadly Tommies attack. Miller played beautifully alongside Fenton and supplied both a hard-hitting edge in defence matched with some silky footwork and handling skills in attack.

Areas to Improve

Tackle technique – Our technique in the tackle is important for a number of different reasons but tackling with the correct technique will enable us to make bigger, more dominant hits. Watch the below clip and look for the similarities in each tackle. We will have a chat about this at training!

The BEST Rugby Tackles! | 2022/23 Season - YouTube

Skills/Inspiration

The video below highlights the importance of playing what you see in front of you. This requires late decision making and a high level of confidence. No fear boys!

The Art of Passing in Rugby - YouTube