Haileybury

 U16 A XV v Haileybury (A)
Result:  Lost 7-64
After the previous two matches, this was a disappointing performance that brought the boys back to earth with a bang. We can point to injuries taking 4 players out of the starting XV as a reason for some disjointed play, but not for the lack of focus and defensive frailties exhibited in the first 15 minutes. Haileybury used the opening exchanges to set their stall out emphatically. Strong carrying off the back of scrums and rucks complemented by an intelligent display from their fly-half led to three early scores. There was a resurgence of sorts led by Potter - playing outstandingly at blindside flanker - and Gilham which resulted in Gilham scoring a try and offering a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, this was quickly extinguished with two length-of-field tries from Haileybury during the run-in to half time. The second half saw a marked improvement in the defensive performance, with fewer tackles missed and more turnovers created. Brown & Potter were outstanding in the forwards, while Glydon, Holland and Gilham did their best to stem the tide in the backs.

A final score of 64-7 to Haileybury is a fair reflection of the difference between the teams on the day, but the boys are honest enough to admit that they had not performed well. It is difficult to maintain motivation and effort when you are on the wrong end of this type of score-line but it will tell me a lot about the boys' aptitude for the game and strength of character when I see how they train this week and then approach the next match v Bishop' Stortford High School after the Exeat.

Man of the Match: Ned Potter




Felsted U15A v Haileybury (A)
Result: Won 24-12

The U15s learnt from their defeat to Framlingham and produced a sterling performance to turn around last year’s defeat to Haileybury. For 15 minutes, a strong organised defence denied a well organised Haileybury attack scoring opportunities, maintaining good defensive pressure and ensuring their attack little time. Once Felsted got a grip on the game they went through the phases, resulting in a penalty award, which Tom Hitchcock converted. Felsted were now gaining the ascendency and Hitchcock dummied in the centre and ran three quarters the length of the field to score Felsted’s first try. Felsted scored further tries through Will Barker and Tom Hitchcock again, with the latter converting from the touch line. The exertions of the first half now took its toll and Felsted had to roll on replacements. A tiring Felsted side conceded 2 tries in the last five minutes. The team should take much credit for, resolute dynamic defence and patience in attack.

Man of the Match: Tom Hitchcock



Felsted U15B v Haileybury
Result: Won 59-0

The team were strengthened by established players returning from injury and this added options to the squad, which had opened the season with two victories.

The team made a strong statement with their rugby in the opening five minutes. The tackling was more effective than in previous games and the support play was improved. The early Felsted pressure yielded tries for Judd Rabey and William Soper–Esmeraldo, both exhibiting strong, direct running and the ability to break tackles. Felsted built on this early lead with a deserved try for flanker Billy Franklin and second tries for Rabey and Soper-Esmeraldo.

Work on the training ground seemed to pay off as Felsted contested the rucks in greater numbers and recycled the ball more effectively. Despite repeated attempts, Haileybury could not quite generate the final pass to breach the Felsted defence.  Tries in the second half by Noah Misell, James Stewart and Christian Lewis sealed the victory for Felsted, despite the often dogged Haileybury defence.'