Bancroft RFC U14 v Billericay RFC U14

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

A squad of 15 boys headed over to Bancroft looking forward to building on the excellent performance at Colchester the week before. The last time the Bees faced Bancroft was at Willowbrook on 1st December which was a tough 45-7 defeat so they were eager to show how much they have improved since then.
The travelling supporters were not disappointed - the final score was still in favour of the hosts but the performance by Billericay, particularly in the second half was arguably the best of the season.
Bancroft had two very quick and agile players in their backs who caused Billericay the most problems and one of them was quick to run in a score fairly soon after kick off - the Billericay slow start was still an area of improvement for the boys. However Harry D showed a very clean pair of heels to wind his way through the Bancroft defence, slipping through the tackles to score an excellent solo try soon after, the conversion by Chase and Billericay were in front. The aforementioned Bancroft backs again did more damage slipping through some loose Billericay tackling down the left wing to register two more scores. The game was very even with Billericay having plenty of time in the Bancroft half and growing in confidence so when Bancroft scored a fourth try just before half time, the teamtalk at the break was all about how the score did not reflect the game and the opportunities for the Bees to take the game to Bancroft more.
The black and gold did just that in the second half, wave after wave of Billericay pressure, dominating scrums, turning the ball over time and again and a well worked try for Alfie coming from a monstrous carry from flanker Robert from half way to 22 was just reward. Chase converted again and it was game on.
Billericay continued in the same vein, despite playing into a strong wind, the boys found energy from somewhere and scored a beauty of a try, probably the try of the season. The Billericay scrum kept the ball, scrum half Harry S fed fly half Harry D who ran from the Billericay half to the edge of the Bancroft 22, superb hands from James and Lennon working the ball along the line at speed and into the arms of full back Taylor who went over for a try to remember! Chase added the extras for 100% success from the tee !
A late score from Bancroft didn't take the gloss off a fantastic recovery from the Bees who won the second half of the match.
An excellent match played in a great spirit by the boys! Well done !

Paul
Team Manager