Westcliff U13 v Billericay U13 27/1/19

Squad : Josh A, Sam, Cam, Thomas, Harry D, Alfie F, Frye, Archie, Toby G, James, Max, Lennon, Charlie, Lucas, Louis

The Bees travelled East to Westcliff RFC for a friendly development match on a cold and breezy winter afternoon ! Fortunately the welcome from our hosts was warm and the rugby was excellent and a pleasure to watch.
The match was split into 3 x 20 minute periods to enable rolling substitutions and the chance to try different players in different positions. The strong breeze running straight down the pitch would play a big part in the proceedings giving the team with the wind at their back a definite advantage.
Westcliff started the match with the wind in their favour and put Billericay under pressure from the start. The Bees U13 have generally been slow starters in matches this season and this was no different, it took 3 Westcliff tries for Billericay to settle into their game but once they got a hold on it, they never looked back. The tackling, the rucking, the scrums and the turnovers were nearly all being won by Billericay and the Bees defence was holding firm right across the pitch. The second period was all Billericay and with the wind at their backs and confidence growing Billericay played some of their best rugby this season, the tackling was much better and the support play was sharp which enabled the forwards to get in amongst the tries which was great to watch.
For the third period, Westcliff again had the wind behind them and due to a larger squad were able to call on more replacements, the extra physical energy from Westcliff made for a really watchable third period in which the Billericay tackling was really tested. This was a really positive day for the U13s squad with visible improvements in all departments. The score didn't really matter in the end (it finished 40-30 to Westcliff) as it was an excellent development match which benefitted both squads. The Westcliff referee said it was a pleasure to officiate the Billericay team and praised their spirit. Well done boys !
Paul Bolton
U13 Team Manager