Waterfall Cup Round 3 - Epping Upper Clapton RFC U14 v Billericay RFC U14 12/1/2020

Squad: Taylor, Josh, Samuel, Thomas, Harry D, Alfie, Frye, Toby, James, Harry I, Joe, Rob, Lennon, Ted, Conor, Harry S, Charlie, Lucas

The Billericay U14s headed to Epping in North Essex for the 3rd round of the Waterfall Cup. Another cup match, another tough assignment against a team in a higher division, but as always, this was of no concern to the Bees as they made a great match of it and performed superbly on a bog of a pitch with a strong energy sapping wind.
The early exchanges were very even as both teams tried to find their feet in the conditions, Epping made the first break over the try line to get points on the board with an unconverted try. Billericay were straight back out of the blocks and forced Epping back into their half very quickly, there were chances for Billericay to reply with a score of their own but handling the slippery ball in the mud would have tested a seasoned pro and the chances went begging. Epping broke away a couple of times to increase the lead channelling a lot of their play through their pacy Number 13. The Billericay pack were holding their own and the scrum was working really well despite the slipping and sliding. The Bees were never dominated at all, the tackling across the whole team was excellent.
The second half saw lots of Billericay pressure and they got exactly what they deserved in a try of their own following quick thinking from Samuel who drove over powerfully after a quickly taken tap penalty.
The Bees pushed for another score but again knock ons at the crucial moment meant possession could not be converted into points.
Epping broke through the lines for a couple of late scores as the upped second half tempo from the Bees eventually started to sap energy levels.
The best performance in the cup so far this season, lots to be proud of and the big smiles on the faces at the end of the match told it's own story. Youth rugby is about so much more than the final score and the Billericay U14s embody that spirit perfectly.
Well done boys, very proud of you all

Paul Bolton
Billericay U14 Team Manager