Westcliff Tigers U14 v Billericay U14 15/12/19

Squad : Taylor, Samuel, Thomas, Harry D, Alfie, Archie, Toby, James, Robert, Lennon, Ted, Conor, Harry S, Charlie, Lucas, Chase

16 Bees travelled to the new home of Westcliff on a sunny December day for the final match of 2019. It's been a tough first half of the season for the U14 Bees, losing 5 experienced players after U13 age grade and getting new boys up to speed, some of whom have never played rugby before whilst playing some of the biggest clubs in Essex during a phase when boys are all growing and developing at different speeds has been a lot for the lads to cope with but todays match summed up the excellent attitude and determined spirit which we have seen lots over the past few months perfectly.

The match started with Westcliff having a strong breeze at their backs which really helped them keep the Billericay boys pushed back in their own half. Guest coach Ian Hollingworth had given the Billericay boys a task to get to as many breakdowns within 2 seconds and our lads took this challenge on really well, the improvement vs the last game was noticeable. Westcliff ran in 4 tries in the first half mainly using an effective 'crash ball' play feeding to two very big, strong boys who were able to shake off tackles.
The half time team talk and some Haribos gave Billericay a real boost and they came out a different team in the second half. Westcliff couldn't get out of their own half for the majority of the second period, Billericay kept them penned in. The second half tackling from Billericay was some of the best we have seen from the boys with Robert, Thomas and James putting in some huge hits. Billericay finally worked themselves an excellent try from a tap and go penalty which speedster Harry D on the wing dotted down under the posts. Ted converted and Billericay were back in the game! A second period of Billericay dominance was rewarded with another try, the forwards this time pushing themselves closer and closer to the line until inside centre Ted saw the opportunity to dive over.
With 10 minutes to go Westcliff found a resurgence and crashed in a couple of scores late on but the Billericay lads came off with their heads held high having shown exactly how good they have been at times this season.
Well done boys on a really good first half of the season, lots to be proud of and lots of positives to take into the new year.
Enjoy christmas and see you at training on 5th January

Paul
Team Manager