Billericay V Basildon and Rochford

Basildon RFC hosted Rochford and Billericay
Game 1 v Rochford –
Having just played their first game; Rochford started the brighter of the two teams and put Billericay under early pressure; conceding two penalties at the breakdown for coming in the side of the ruck. Billericay absorbed the pressure well and through aggressive defence forced a line out and managed to clear their lines through a good kick by fly half Luke Mason. Louis Travers then made a break which created space for Max Morris to make further ground which Rochford defended well; holding Max Morris and the Billericay forwards up just short of the try line. The next Billericay attack saw Joe Hudson come close to opening the scoring and a quick recycled ball saw Max Morris take the ball as first receiver and score in the corner at the stroke of half time.
After the break Billericay continued to dominate in the scrum and won good ball against the head in the Rochford half. Quick hands provided Max Forster the chance to drive over from close range and into a 2-0 lead. Rochford didn’t lie down and continued to attack; only a desperate cover tackle by Max Forster prevented Rochford scoring. Billericay then went through three good phases of passing and recycling to gain ground towards half way. A loose ball was picked up by Rochford who managed to pop the ball out for a consolation try. At full time Billericay won 2-1.
Game 2 v Basildon -
From the receiving kick off; Billericay kept the ball and started to build a platform through their forward play. Basildon through powerful and aggressive forward play was able to turn the ball over and won a penalty close to the Billericay line. Basildon’s direct approach resulted in a try and an early 1-0 lead. The game continued to be very competitive and hard fought in the tight. Joe Hudson led the defensive effort and created a turnover through a Basildon knock on. Billericay won their scrum and George Durham made almost half the length of the pitch through a mazy run before being bundled into touch. From the line out Max Morris ripped the ball from Basildon and through good hands, the Billericay backs freed George Durham to come close in the right hand corner. It remained 1-0 at half time as Billericay turned around determined to get a score on the board.
Basildon started very positively looking for a second try and all 13 Billericay players battled hard to defend their line. The Billericay team continued to try and pass the ball through the backs and were able to make good ground towards the Basildon line. Billericay received a penalty for foul play by the Basildon forwards. Billericay kept their composure and Max Morris took the crash ball to score and even the game at 1-1. Billericay resolutely defended their line and held up the Basildon attack over the line. Basildon won their ball at the scrum and released their centre to cross over and win the game with nearly the last play of the game. The Bees should be extremly proud of their performance today, Billericay U12’s displayed all the core values of Rugby , Discipline, Respect, Sportsmanship, Teamwork, Enjoyment.

At full time Basildon won 2-1

Report by Mark Harmer