Framlingham

Saturday 13th september 2014

Felsted 1st XV v Framlingham
Result:  Won 45 – 12

The first home game of the season is always a special occasion with many OF’s lining the ropes before heading off to University, or indeed a year off in the sun/sea/snow! The 1st XV didn’t need any motivational help, but it was great to see so many recent players back to support. So when Stonham finished off a move that came from a Framlingham mistake from kick off, the excitement rose around the pitch. Unfortunately, Framlingham came straight back to score from a sloppy bit of defensive play. However, that was the last slip of the half against a bigger pack and quick set of backs. The XV under the guidance of Malins, cut Framlingham open with a combination of well executed set plays and maturity from turn over ball. Brooke who had an excellent game in the loose, crossed after a dynamic break from the backs. Williams was enjoying his afternoon tackling and supporting most attacking plays and Smith carried well and made some key hits in midfield, when Framlingham did threaten.

Again, the XV have areas to work on and the season is only in its infancy, but they will be pleased with the start. Tougher battles await the XV and they will need to tighten up in several key areas in future weeks.

Man of the Match: Tom Smith




U16 A XV v Framlingham (H)
Result: Won 38-5

The boys approached their first home game of the season in high spirits following last week's win over Eltham. The confidence proved to be well placed after three quick tries from Potter, Brown & Monks took us out to a 17-0 lead within 10 minutes. It was clear from the early exchanges that our scrum was dominant, which meant that Gilham had a lot of time with the ball that he used this to good effect, keeping the pressure on with intelligent use of the blindside. Unfortunately, an injury to Lucas during one of these blindside attacks disrupted the flow of play and lead to a 10-minute period where we looked pedestrian, running sideways rather than the more direct, straight running that had worked so well. Some excellent work by Crafford and Brown in defence caused a number of turnovers, which was backed up by Lowe's exemplary support play. Consequently Gilham & Willis were able to work a couple of openings for King & Lowe to scorer. With Gilham converting the final try, we went into half time 29-0 up.

Rather than galvanise us, the half time break appeared to result in us stepping off the gas with the result that Framlingham started the second half in control, putting a lot of pressure on us inside our 22. Some resolute defending and last ditch tackling from the forwards as a whole managed to stop them from crossing the line and eventually we rediscovered our ability to hold onto the ball long enough to create chances. Lowe was constantly in support, ensuring continuity of play and with some strong running from Brown, Barton & Glydon we finished strongly with tries from Munro - finishing well from 30meters with his first touch of the game - Gilham, Barton and Potter (from the last play of the game). Gilham's conversions ensured we broke the 50 point margin, running out 53-0 winners.

The result notwithstanding, there was a lot to learn from this game, most notably that we need to learn to play with a consistent focus. Both periods of Framlingham dominance came about because we were not ready to deal with a team that changes the way it plays or increases the pace of the game; definitely a focus for training next week.

Man of the Match: Dan Lowe





Felsted U15A v Framlingham
Result: Lost 20-21

The Under 15s learnt a harsh lesson Saturday, if you do not take your chances - then even though you are the better side, you will not win the match. Framlingham had three scoring chances and took them all. In the first 15 minutes Felsted kept on taking the wrong option when a try was a begging. Their only reward was a penalty, converted by Tom Hitchcock. A turnover and then poor tackling led to Framlingham’s first try.  Just before half time, pressure told and Tom Hitchcock gave Felsted the lead.

The second half continued with Felsted on top, however, with Felsted pressing the mistakes were made again, allowing Framlingham to score once more under the posts. Felsted never gave up and an intelligent chip by Ollie Hills, allowed Patrick Irvine to score in the corner. From the kick off Framlingham pressed and having been denied a try in the corner by resolute defence, from the ensuing line-out scored under the posts. With 10 minutes to go Felsted did not give up and quick hands and dynamic speed by Tom Walker scored in the corner with Tom Hitchcock converting. 20-21 and Framlingham kicked off with the last play of the game. Felsted moved the ball well and looked like they could score but a forward pass denied them the opportunity of a winning score. The back row had an excellent match especially Cameron Cowie.

Man of the match Cameron Cowie