Heavy defeat but spirit not broken

A year may not sound like much but in terms of development and size it's massive for these boys.

A team that is still being formed against a team that's been together for years.

Some have been with us for three years some joined last week.

These may sound like excuses but our boys are still learning.They have a spirit, enthusiasm and commitment that can not be faulted.
They understand that they are playing against bigger boys but they get stuck in no matter what.
The score line may suggest a massive gulf in class but a few tweaks in technical and tactical knowledge will see these scores come down and eventually turn.

Maldon ran in four tries in the first ten minutes for a 26-0 lead before our boys decided to play.
From then on the Bees showed courage and determination taking the play to Maldon. Half time the score was 38-0

Every penalty awarded was tapped and the likes of Evan, Alex, and Stephen took turns in crashing up.
Great rucking especially from George D and Elliot, saw the older, bigger Maldon boys go backwards.Quick picks from Joe and the boys kept the defense retreating.
We held our own in most of the scrums and No8 Evan took the ball forwards with speed, providing a target for the rest of the pack to hit.

What little ball the backs had in the very windy conditions was hard to deal with.Luke (and later Joey) and Luke at 9 & 10 had a hard day with the speed of the Maldon defence in open play.
Lessons were learnt and progress was made in defence in wide channels. Jack, Jimmy Josh and Tommy worked especially hard chasing back and drifting in defence thwarting several attacks or forcing an opponent in to a mistake.

Several times during the game the Bees had sustained periods of play in the opponents 22. On one occasion a series of pick and go's got us to within 2m of the try line. Silly off loads or knock on's saw the Bee's turning the ball over and Maldon fed the ball to their speedsters to go 80m to score.

The boys are a work in progress. Small technical pieces and more rugby experience will see these boys improve. Couple that with their spirit, determination and courage they will be a good team when the play boys their own age.

Cookie and I are proud of the progress you've all made.
KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!