Westcliff Tigers U14 v Billericay RFC U14 19/1/2020

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

The Billericay U14s travelled to Westcliff RFC for yet another contest against their Tigers squad. This was the fourth time the Bees and the Tigers had met this season, all have been really good matches with Westcliff coming out on top in the first three - this match, however, was a real classic as the lead changed hands three times before Billericay had the final say with a last gasp score as the clock went into the red!
Billericay started slowly, conceding two early tries to Westcliff as they struggled to find their feet and get themselves organised. Once they settled, the Billericay boys started to exert some pressure and push Westcliff back and play the ball out to the wings where we are always dangerous. Ted collected a pass running a good line from full back and couldn't be caught by the chasing defenders. Getting back on the scoreboard inspired the Bees and the rest of the half was all Billericay. The defensive line was like a yellow and black wall repelling all attempts by Westcliff to get over the gainline. The Billericay scrum was working supremely well, functioning as a real unit and driving Westcliff backwards at either put in. The Bees found themselves in the Westcliff 22 and Thomas took a quick tap penalty, drove up to the line, took the contact and delivered the ball to Alfie who finished things off on the try line, a great team score. Another Billericay try soon followed when Charlie intercepted a loose pass just inside the Westcliff half and ran hard and strong to touch town for the Bees third score, 10-19 to Billericay at half time.
The second was just as exciting as the first, the Billericay boys took on refreshment (Haribos !) and the sugar rush seemed to get straight to work, the difference in this match versus some recent displays was the effort, the energy and the intensity which the boys found, they went to another level and it paid dividends. Westcliff took themselves up another gear as well and started to fight back and got themselves a third try to take them to within 4 points at 15-19. The lead then started to look very slim as Billericay started to suffer some injuries, Sam turned an ankle and hobbled off, then scrum half Conor took an accidental boot in the face whilst bravely defending and had to be replaced. No more substitutes left and Westcliff bearing down on the try line. The pressure told and the hosts registered their fourth try to get in front again at 20-19. Billericay hit back quickly though and Ted raced over for his second of the match which he converted himself : 20-26.
Could Billericay hold out and record a well deserved and much overdue win or would Westcliff steal it at the end?
The break was on, the Billericay line finally gave way and Westcliff burst through to dot down between the posts. Huge drama as Westcliffs kicker who had bravely taken and missed all their kicks in the match lined up to convert and take the match to 27-26..... He succeeded and slotted it home, fair play to the brave lad but so gutting for the Bees.
But the script was torn up yet again, Billericay mounted a series of late attacks, won themselves a scrum just on the 22, Harry S had moved from fly half to scrum half and took us forward, the ball came to Harry D on the wing who fought off the attentions of three Westcliff defenders and crashed over for the winning score! The conversion was missed but the whistle went at 27-31 to Billericay!
An amazing performance from the boys and a fantastic match to watch, both sides gave everything and neither deserved to lose.
Cue rapturous applause from the proud parents and family in attendance - what a match !
Really proud of the U14s, it's been a tough season and wins have been hard to find, but this one was special and will live long in the memory.
Well done boys, remember this and take it forward to the next one.
Proud of you

Paul
U14 Team Manager