Crosfields Cobras U9′s 12 v Halton Farnworth Hornets U9′s 16
Young Cobras bad run continued, on a cool Bank Holiday Sunday morning, against a determined Hornets side from Widnes. Withdrawals and unavailability meant that Hally and Big B were draught in to bolster the squad to 12, and captain for the day Webby won the toss and we attacked first.
We started with a perfect set, when strong drives by James, Webby and AJ took us deep into Hornets territory, and the impetus was continued on by Harry and Rocky, for a slipped pass, to Jamie, saw him step and fend his way over 1-0. Great start.
Hornets appeared tentative, and strong defence, by Jamie, Monty, Harry and AJ kept them out, and turnover ball was conceded, following a typical cruncher from Jacob on the left flank. The strong running continued, with AJ, Webby and James laying the platform, but what was becoming more and more evident, was that Hornets were hitting high, and getting away with it, as the official seemed oblivious. AJ, in particular was coming in for the majority, and you could see the boys falter slightly. In total contrast, the Hornets were gaining in confidence, and mixed with some excellent defence were knocking us out of our stride.
A couple of sets of 6 each followed, and both sides defended well, Harry, Cam and Jacob prompting for openings, which were thwarted. The next set of 6 saw Hornets draw level, when solid approach work led to the little winger skirting the defence, and despite appearing in touch, thanks to Jamie and Jacobs efforts, the try was given, by the “ 4th official”. 1-1.
Cobras were back into their game quickly, when Harry, twice, Rocky and Jamie laid the foundation for the ever improving Jacob, to take time out from tackling to glide over, untouched 2-1.(apologies Stallion, in my after match delivery I credited Jamie with all 3 tries!). Changes were made, and James and Webby, who had both been having strong games, made way for Hally, B and Zak too came on for Rocky.
All three were straight into the game, but on his first carry, Big B took another high shot, which totally knocked the stuffing out of him, a hit he never really recovered from. The ball ended up back with the Hornets and great approach work again, led to them crossing for a well worked try close in 2-2. A stalemate then followed for the next set each, and we had half time. 2-2.
I asked for us to be patient, with the ball, get it out faster, and to move up in defence, which we hadn’t done in the first half, despite the scores being level. Hornets attacked first in this half, and Hally, B and Monty were showing up well, assisted by Harry, Jamie and Jacob in particular. The set ended with a great one on one by Cam, saving a certain score.
Cobras had the ball again, but Hornets had become stronger in defence, not always legal, but the referee, finally advised the Widnes side about their high tackles, still without penalty, and the young Cobras were becoming visibly frustrated, and disillusioned. To add insult to injury, held was not being called, and we were being driven back time and time again. Zak and Monty both tried to drive the ball away from the line but were driven back, almost over the line itself, and again despite Jamie, Cam and B trying to up our game, we turned the ball over.
Hornets then had a try disallowed as the big N0.10 dropped it over the line as he looked certain to score, but they gained their reward, as following another turnover, a strong run, saw the defence stepped-excellent try. 2-3. Cobras response was also swift, as James, Webby and Rocky had returned for AJ, Harry and Monty, and again despite little ground being made, Jamie took the ball 15 metres from his own line, and stepped, and cut through, to race 50 metres to score a fantastic individual try 3-3.
We continued to probe, with Jamie, Jacob and Cam looking the most likely, but the Hornets defence was scrambling well, and kept their line in tact. A couple of blank sets followed, with Cam, making some superb copy book one on ones, which saved certain tries. They went back onto the attack, and another controversial moment followed, when a great run by the Hornets No.10, saw him stopped, and a full SEVEN seconds followed without HELD being called, again, and the lad offloaded to the supporting No.7 on the line to score the match winning try 3-4.
Yes we should play to the whistle, but the players were all totally confused by what was happening, and I could see players, who never open their mouths asking questions!! Two more blank sets followed, and the game came to an end. 3-4.
A strange game for me this one, which started off well with both teams playing good rugby, but deteriorated, with some strange calls (or lack of them) as the match progressed. Hornets to their credit played to the whistle, as you always should, and deserve credit for that and their resilience. Our boys deserved more out of the game, than they got, and must be praised for their efforts. Decision making and option taking again let us down at vital times, but keep on smiling, and playing from the heart first, and from the head second!!
HT 8 v 8
FT 12 v 16
Man of the Match – Jamie BARBER
Top Tackler – Jacob GALLOP
Players Player – Jamie BARBER
Most Improved – Louis BEAUMONT
Coach’s Award – Cameron HENDERSON
Scorers – Jamie BARBER 2 tries, Jacob GALLOP try.
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