BRACKNELL U14’S Stormers V Thatcham U14s

It was good to have a weekend when Stormers could play a game. Thatcham pitches were showing the effects of the recent storms, with some very muddy patches. The wind was strong with powerful gust directly across the pitch. The Stormers squad were looking forward to a game and in good spirits. Unfortunately, only 12 players were available to play on the day. Thatcham lent BRFC 2 players in the first half for a 14 a-side game and 3 in the second half to give the full 15 a-side. These gave everyone who turned up, from both squads, some game time.
Both squads were well matched, and the game was tight. Thatcham had a fast winger who caught Stormers flat-footed while he ran through to score, followed by a conversion. Stormers regrouped and held their own until an unforced loss of ball just inside their own half resulted in a turnover and an opportunistic try for Thatcham. The game carried on with Stormers applying lots of pressure to the Thatcham squad which resulted in a well run-in try from the fullback. By this time the wind was gusting so strongly the hooker had to hold the ball in position for the kick. A successful conversion from OF put Stormers back in the game.
Another fast winger try and simple turnover from Thatcham sealed the result. A try in the last 5 minutes from the lock, RT, was a well worked move from a ruck. A conversion would have been welcome, but the kick was carried beyond the left-hand post by a badly timed gust of wind. Again the hooker had to stabilise the ball as it blew from the tee because of the gusting wind.
The Stormers played well and demonstrated a great team attitude throughout the game with lots of positives to build on for the next game.