Under 16 Match Report
Sunday 2nd March 2008
Mansfield 0pts v Lutterworth 24pts
Conditions: Fine with slight breeze
The long journey north up the M1 to Mansfield was made by 19 players eager for a competitive game of Rugby.
The pitch appeared to slope in all directions; and so it was Lutterworth who kicked off and chased the ball up hill. Within a minute or so efforts were rewarded with a penalty that was beautifully kicked by Elliot Bale to take the score to 3 – 0. Lutterworth continued to battle hard and press the Mansfield defence. Quick ball by Alex Dann from a ruck and Euan Grunwald was over in the left hand corner. Another brilliant kick by Elliot and the score 10 -0. At this point Mansfield appeared somewhat shell shocked, however they soon picked themselves up determined to a make a game of it. Half way through the first half and Lutterworth were showing great team spirit: the forwards all working hard with a number of excellent turn overs, the backs running some excellent lines and kicking with a degree of confidence and accuracy.
With 25 minutes on the clock, after a great breakaway by George Hargreaves, the ball was out to Luke Sandford who went over the try line to score just to the left of the posts. Elliot again kicked to convert the try, the ball hit the left hand post and rolled over the bar taking the score to 17 – 0. The first half came to an end after a period of intense pressure by Mansfield who were camped on Lutterworth’s line, however some excellent defence and kicking away to touch by Alex Dann ensured that Lutterworth still had not conceded any points.
Lutterworth continued the second half with the same degree of intensity as they had finished the first. Ten minutes on the clock and Euan Grunwald gained the ball well in his own half: he set off on a storming run avoiding six or seven tackles; a try was on the cards until he was nearly beheaded by a particularly high tackle. The ensuing penalty to Lutterworth was kicked for touch. Lutterworth took the ball at the lineout seven meters from the try line and the ball was sent spinning through the backline to Euan to score the try he had been so cruelly denied minutes earlier. Elliot yet again continued his impeccable kicking to take Lutterworth to a well earned 24 -0 lead. Towards the end of the half matters got a little feisty, however after the captain (Mikey Ingham) had a stern word with his team the game continued; this time it was Bradley Pell who made a number of excellent clearances. Mansfield never really got close to the Lutterworth line in the second half as they frequently kicked the ball away.
The game, which was generally an excellent one to watch, ended with Lutterworth comfortable winners at 24 -0. The team had played an excellent game with every player (whether mentioned or not in this report) showing great commitment and from the viewpoint of this ill-informed reporter played as an effective team despite the fact that a number of players were playing out of position. Yet again Lutterworth were not daunted by the size of the Mansfield players who were in all fairness without one or two key players and whose overall efforts were not reflected by the final score line.
Coaches Comments: "One of the best all round performances of the season against a good side. The rucking and driving was particularly good. However everyone needs to attend training and not rest on their laurels as we prepare for the county cup final"
Men of the match: Forwards: George Hargreaves
Backs: Joe Leeks