The u12’s were drawn at home with Chester for a tough opening round draw.
Chester always provides a physical challenge and it’s one the boys usually enjoy. The pitch was in perfect condition and we had a very impressive crowd in attendance to cheer the team on.
The warm up and drills all went well; we talked the boys through the team selection and got ready for kick off. Simmo was captain and dually won the Toss, a great start! Now for the Rugby.
We had explained to the boys the need to start strongly. Meet the opposition head on and then start to play the way we know they can. The tone was set after 30 seconds when Mitch brought the Chester’s winger’s run to an abrupt stop with a crunching tackle. No inch given today then.
The first few minutes were quite tight, both teams tackling hard and very few opportunities. Chester were getting the better of the breakdown but not threatening the Wirral line. Then in the 10th minute the game exploded into life, great work by the forwards allowed George to fire a pass to Ben who in turn played it wide to Mitch. Mitch took it at pace then chipped the ball over the Chester backs, then won the race to the line. 1-0. Wirral now increased the pressure and a good passing move gave Simmo the opportunity to beat his man and go in at the corner. 2-0! With halftime looming Wirral won a penalty, quick thinking by Simmo caught Chester out and with only the fullback to beat he smashed his way over the line, a great try. Half time 3-0
It had been a good first half; as soon as Wirral had opened the scoring the boys had settled and started to play some great rugby. The forwards had started to dominate their opposite numbers and George and Ben were pulling the strings for some great plays by the backs.
The boys took in a drink (no snacks today) and went back out. Jake came on for Teo who had worked his socks off. Once again it was a very physical affair, but now it was Wirral winning the breakdown and turning the ball over. The next try was crucial, Chester get it and its game on, Wirral get it and they are almost home and dry. Halfway through the half Jimbo received the ball around the halfway line, and he set off, almost immediately he had two Chester players on him but he kept going. His teammates then joined in the charge for the line, Chester couldn’t stop it, 5 yards out there were 5 Wirral players pushing their teammate towards the line, with this momentum Jimbo scored, a great team effort. 4-0!
At this point Wirral made another change with Oz coming on for Robbo, once again Robbo had put a great shift in and had earned a rest.
Chester never gave in, they kept up the pressure on Wirral but the defence had been good all day and it was Wirral again who scored next. Harry along with Abe had worked tirelessly in the engine room, so it was no surprise that a great tackle from Abe set Harry up on a charge. Those of you who have seen Harry in full flow will understand he takes some stopping. Harry carried the ball from 20 yards out and although he had 3 Chester players hanging off him he still made it over the line. Another super try to make it 5-0. Credit to Chester who kept going till the end, and with the last play of the game pulled one back.
Final Score 5-1.
It was a well-deserved victory for Wirral, each of the players played an important part in a very good team performance. The coaches were delighted with both the determination and attitude of the whole squad in a very keenly contested game. Many thanks also for the support, I know all the boys both appreciated and enjoyed it.
Wirral Squad
Joe, Isaac, Jay, Robbo, Jack,Teo, Oz, Abe, Simmo, George, Jimbo, Sam, Mitch ,Ben,J ake, Harry