Woodbridge U15’s – 7 v. Bury St Edmunds U15’s – 5

Still at the friendly stage of the season, saw 3 x 20 minute sessions at Culford School against a very spirited Bury St Edmunds side. From the get go BSE were at the ground at least half an hour before us and their warming up and training was focused and well directed by their coaches. Their squad attitude was very positive with very vocal encouragement.

When we eventually all arrived and started to warm up, my concern was as to how many of the boys were actually awake, mentally out of their nice warm cosy beds. And even with quite an intensive warm up and stretching, we probably started the game at 85%.

From the kick off we looked stunned as BSE put us under increasing pressure and only some very brave and technically brilliant tackling from our new wingers – Tom A, Riley and Sam stopped a cricket score happening in the first 20 minutes.

In the 2^nd session we played downhill and started to ramp up to our aggression with our forwards taking control of the loose play (still lots to do in the tight and set pieces), but from untidy play and against the run of the game BSE scored the first try in the far corner, not converted.

However, after some awesome inter-passing, BSE were left with no clue as to where the ball was, leaving huge gaps in the defence through which Guy ran in a try under the posts, converted by Travis.

The 3^rd session  saw 2 halves of 10 mins, where Woodbridge showed some great ball skills, which opened the defence wide, but we failed to capitalise on.

Ending without anymore scores. Probably in balance a fair score line – but I know we as a team can improve by a further 10-20%, BSE seemed to be playing at their maximum.

Men of the Match this week – Harry Hobday for his rucking and tackling,  and Jake Hateley for a much improved performance at full back – saving several try scoring runs and returning the ball into play through his kicking, passing and running play.

Well done you two.