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Under 13 Match Report

SUNDAY 13th January 2008

County Cup - Quarter Final

Lutterworth  13pts  v  Loughborough 0pts

Lutterworth entertained Loughborough at Ashby Road in the quarter final of the County Cup in what had been an eagerly anticipated encounter between two of the strongest sides in Leicestershire at this age group, although unfortunately neither team was able  to produce its usual brand of flowing rugby through the backs as a result of a very blustery wind.

Lutterworth began kicking with the wind knowing that a substantial first half advantage may well be required in view of the conditions and the quality of the opposition. Predictably Lutterworth were camped in the Loughborough half for the majority of the first period and despite extremely tenacious tackling from the Loughborough boys Lutterworth exerted unyielding pressure and took the lead when a clever kick over the full back by James Gamble left George Ball in a one on one race to collect the ball.  As we all know George is no slouch and he out-sprinted the full back to collect the ball and score in the corner.  Despite a great effort from Tom Bingley kicking with the wind the conversion attempt was unsuccessful.

Lutterworth continued to pin Loughborough back in their own 22 with a great tactical kicking display from James Gamble. The constant Lutterworth pressure brought two further tries both from George Ball, the first following what appeared to be a knock on by Lutterworth but not penalised by the referee and the second following great handling across the back line to open up the Loughborough defence.  Both tries were converted by Tom Bingley to give a half time score of Lutterworth 19 Loughborough 0.

Predictably the second half began with Loughborough in the ascendancy kicking well for possession with the wind at their backs. Despite what seemed like incessant Loughborough pressure throughout the whole of the second half they were unable to breach the Lutterworth defensive line and Lutterworth broke away from the Loughborough stranglehold on a couple of occasions with both George Ball and Theo Spafford threatening to add to the first half lead.

As it was neither side managed to score a point in the worsening conditions of the second half to give a final score of Lutterworth 19 Loughborough 0.

Both sets of players should be commended upon providing an extremely competitive game of rugby in what were awful conditions and the Lutterworth boys in particular must be commended for their decision making in the way in which they adapted to playing two totally different halves of rugby in view of the conditions.

Well done boys!