Billericay U11 V Rochford U11

We played two games and the results were

Game 1 1:5
Game 2 0:1

Billericay actually started the first game with good technique good rucking and mauling in the first minute were impressive but tackling skills were left on the bench as cold fingers took hold and heads dipped a tad - the Bees quickly succumbed to two tries as Rochford used their fast side stepping backs to good effect. However good rucking mauling and from Jake Lewis and Ben stopped the rot but tackles were still not being made and we saw Billericay fall behind by 4. We made our subs as we wanted all players to get a game and Ben P went off Ill (hope he's better Seb) and towards the end of the second half heads were raised and a great rolling maul with Jack Leo and Lewis saw Christian end up breaking off with the ball to score. That was a team effort leading up to the try as tackles and clearing out returned. Jake made two try saving tackles and Ben A Reggie and Tom got stuck into the maul. Rochford had a lucky break to score the final try of the match

After a brief head raising chat from Matt Game 2 was a revelation compared to the first

Tackles were made; rucks were cleared; balls were passed down the line and Billericay got up a head of steam. The team spent the entire first half camped in the Rochford half and the pressure of Matthew Cameron Lewis and matthew in tackling and the fantastic rucking and mauling of Jake Jack & Lewis in the first half saw tempers and confidence fray somewhat in the opposition. We had two close near scores as Thomas powered down the wing and Cameron ran from deep twice down the line testing the flanks. What was noticeable this game was the support. When runners were tackled the support players were rapidly involved. Leo and Jamie were tenacious in tackling (Leo surprised to find himself in space having ripped the ball from his opponent !!) Williams ability to drop back and catch a clearance kick and then run the ball back into contact was reminiscent of Mike Brown for England turning the pressure back on Rochford. A lucky break saw Rochford score as we just got ourselves a little crowded around the ball and they punished the open space. Final score 0:1 to the visitors.

I have to say it is hard to pick out individual players as I think the Bees played like a real team and everyone deserves a mention as all played their socks off but Lewis must have had 4 Shredded wheat today ! Players voted him man of the match he was a gladiator -tackling, holding up the maul and ripping the ball 9/10 he got his hands on it. Well done young man inspirational today.

The boys may have lost but for those of you who watched the game you'll know how close it was given Rochford are a tough succesful team - we put them in the back foot for 95% of game 2. Well done boys excellent TEAMwork and most of all excellent discipline and sportsmanship when things were occasionally a little heated choosing to put it into tackling mauling and support rather than retaliation. Very proud of them today.

Fraser.