26/03/2010
AGRFU U12 League Final - ADHRC (5) V Dubai Exiles I (35)
Fri 26 March 2010 – Match Report
Six months of hard work and waiting, the day had finally arrived, the League Final, against the mortal enemy. We travelled to the Dubai 7s ground full of confidence following a very productive training session the previous evening. In the season so far, we had suffered only one defeat to league opposition, yes, you guessed it, Dubai Exiles I. Not affected by this, we resisted the temptation to be completely controversial and change the whole look of the side for the final game. We were though forced into two changes due to one injury (Jack) and one compassionate absence (Oakeley).
The game was played on the main pitch at the 7s ground, a great treat for our kids as they will have
dreamt of playing here when they were watching the 7s tournament earlier in the year. A tour of the pitch was
necessary to familiarise all with size and markings and the game K’d off shortly after 10am. Two 25 minute
halves followed; they were played in fairly warm conditions, and this would have some impact later in the
game. The early exchanges were fairly even, although we had little of the ball, our defensive shape was
good, plenty of commitment and communication ensured that the Exiles didn’t score early. This was the case
until about 15 minutes in, where the Exiles adapted their game and began to find space on the outside, and
blind from the breakdown/set piece. Three tries down at half time, but never did our young warriors give – up.
Exiles created the space through quick ball from 2nd and 3rd phase play and through good support play,
looping and switching. Getting towards the end of the first half the heat began to take its toll, a couple of
quick changes followed to allow some quick re-hydration.
The start of the second half started with a very early score for the Exiles, and it looked like the game
was slipping away, sheer determination from all resulted in a turn-over at a breakdown inside our own half,
the ball got to Molly and she was away. The look on her face was a picture of “I am going to score, if it’s the
last thing I do”, and she did to thundering applause from our travelling, and opposition supporters. This was
unfortunately, our only scoring event. Three more tries followed for the Exiles, but for some excellent
defensive work, tackling and the pressure applied by the backs (led by Molly), it could have been considerably
more. All 21 members of the squad played in the final, and all contributed to what was a creditable
performance, although the score was fairly decisive in favour of the Exiles.
For the record, observations; the forwards were well drilled in the line-out and scrums, a little less so in the loose, ½ a yard too slow to the breakdown, and you are already on the back foot, you are then fighting for the ball as opposed to gaining possession and setting the platform for attack. The backs in attack were better than I have seen all season, in addition to some very good defensive work. It is the focus of re-aligning from 2nd & 3rd phase play that we were lacking, thus creating the space for the Exiles to exploit, not only on the blind, but on a few occasions, in the open.
All the above a side, a great day was had by all, I do sincerely hope, that regardless of the loss, a great deal was learnt that can be taken forward to next season. Not once did the players give up, they worked for each other, and displayed a very good example to all spectators of fair play & team work, something that you should all be proud off.
This was our last competitive game of the season, we now have four training sessions left before we disperse for the summer, I am still trying to arrange two final games, one against the U13 French & another against our own U13s, wait out for details.
Jerry, I, and all assistant coaches, would like to congratulate all players and thank all parents, for their efforts all season, we may have lost the final, but let’s not forget, getting there was an achievement that should be recognised. Well done to all.
Steve Henderson/Jerry Mason/Lisa Henderson
U12s Coaches/Manager
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