Basildon U16 v Billericay U16 - Essex Waterfall Cup Final#2 20/3/22

A superb match to end a great cup run for Billericay U16s going right to the last play of the game.
If you thought Wales v Italy the day before was exciting, this was even better!
Basildon started the stronger of the two teams, going into a 15-7 lead in the first half with a Billericay's score a great opportunistic try from James, pouncing on a defensive error. Christian slotted a difficult conversion and despite being 3-1 tries down, those extras and the confidence of the Billericay lads at half time showed that they were far from done and that feeling was taken out onto the pitch into the second half.
Billericay dominated the hosts for the majority of the second period, the offload game was working really well, the kicking was improving and Billericay looked constantly dangerous. Christian ran in a great try under the posts which he duly converted, 15-14 to Basildon and time was ticking away. A powerful break from midfield by Harry D who put his famous afterburners on to power away from the defenders, under the posts, a conversion and 15-21 to Billericay, just a few minutes to see out a famous victory.... Basildon came back hard, with nothing to lose they threw everything they had at the Bees who hung on desperately, repelling wave after wave of pressure. Basildon had one last chance from a clearing kick and ran in a last gasp try near the corner. The nails were being bitten as the Basildon kicker who had zero conversions so far bravely stood up to the task and slotted the kick of his life, going through the sticks after grazing one on the way!
Massive credit to both sets of lads who put everything into it, neither deserved to lose on the day but many congratulations to Basildon who took the win in a match none of the boys on either side will ever forget!

Well done Basildon and Billericay U16s, a real credit to yourselves and your clubs

Paul Bolton
Billericay RFC U16 Team Manager