Half term finishes on a high

Game 7
Felsted 55 - 0 Westcliff

MOTM: Sam Seacombe

A very pleasing way to finish the half term, although this wasn't all plain sailing.  The first half was witness to some good passages of play that - rather like the RHS game - were interspersed with periods where the boys seemed to be going through the motions.  Dan Benson's opening try was one example where the team put together some exciting phases of play and was quickly followed by James Seager's 60-metre dash where he brushed past at least half-a-dozen would be tacklers.  James attempted the same thing in the second half, but managed to drop the ball as he crossed the line!  These two quick tries seemed to have an inverse reaction on both teams as Westcliff started to play some spirited rugby whilst the Felsted boys stood off tackles and allowed their opposition to control the breakdown.  However our defence held firm and with two further tries we turned round at half time 28-0 up.

The second half saw a much more focused team performance, with James Halfhide again leading the way with some hard tackling that stopped any Westcliff attack in its tracks.  With five more tries and one conversion, the boys managed to finish the half term by topping the half-century again.  However what I found most gratifying was the fact that we finished the game with all seven substitutes on the pitch with no noticeable drop off in the quality or intensity of play.  The only sour note came with James' yellow card - not for foul play but for back-chat to the referee.

It was good to see a number of the 'B' team supporting from the sideline and I have them to thank for the large number of video clips attached below.

The boys now have a two-week break where I would encourage them to get some well earned R&R.  However I do expect them to maintain their fitness levels, so regular exercise throughout the break is essential.  This has been a very rewarding half term for all of the U16 coaching staff and we would like to think we can carry on through to December.  Well done to all the boys who have represented the school so far; I hope I will see some of you out supporting the school teams tomorrow in the U15 & U18 festival where a number of boys from the 'A' team will be joining the 1st XV squad.

Dan opens the scoring
Great scrum
Sideline conversion
Big tackle from James
Miles scores (again!)
Double tackle
Max stretches for the corner
Bertie's line break
Another line break, another knock-on