MATCH REPORT
Berkshire U17 vs Buckinghamshire U17
PLAYED AT: Maidenhead RFC
DATE: Sun 15th April 2022
Berkshire played Buckinghamshire in an U17s match in what was a hard fought end to end battle with some great rugby played by both teams.
The game was played in 4 quarters to ensure that all the players who have been part of the development process at u17 were able to get shared gamete (as stipulated by the RFU).
QUARTER 1
The Buckinghamshire starting team came out of the blocks and were able to get a quick try after some good forward drives the ball was pushed wide a STOP/START by the Buck #14 enabled him to score out wide on the right.
After a penalty to Berkshire failed to make touch Bucks returned the ball with interest and a break through the middle was rewarded with a try under the posts to make the score 0 – 12 to Bucks.
Some further lack lustre talking almost enabled the Bucks #4 (who was a menace all afternoon)to carry through but a last ditch tackle removed the threat.
QUARTER 2
As the second quarter began Berkshire let their intent known and a kick through by Berks #19 straight from kick off after Bucks failed to collect it put pressure on their #10 to clear it. The resultant pressure gave Berkshire several penalties and the pressure turned into points when a deliberate knock and penalty drive produced a score for #4 while eyer were on the dummy run of #19. further pressure in this period created further chances with a driving maul. Following a penalty for a high tackle Berkshire #19 was realised to drive over to make the score Berkshire 14 – 12 Buckinghamshire.. Right at the end of this quarter further pressure and strong rolling maul in the Bucks 22 resulted in fast hands wide and with an overlap for the winger to score the final pass was deemed forward so the score remained the same.
QUARTER 3
Bucks and Berks made further changes and it was Bucks who again started the stronger from their first rotation and despite some pressure from Berkshire, Buckinghamshire recovered a spilled ball and drove up the field to score to the left of the posts converted to lead 14 – 19. Berkshire came back again and were held up over the line from a short penalty. Berkshire did provide the defensive energy when a scrum was passed out to the Bucks #10 who was immediately targeted and tackled by the rampaging Berks #19 and in his haste to get rid of the ball popped it up for the Berks #12 (also on the prowl) to snap the ball up from 5m to simply pop over.to score to make it 19-21-19 to Berkshire.
QUARTER 4
In the final quarter as the rain started but the continuous turning defence to attack remained the intent of both teams with kept the supporters on the edge of their seats.. This proved to be the case as both teams had chances to score. However It was not until the final play that Bucks were able to secure the win when a Berks player infringed on the floor and Bucks kicked the awarded penalty to win 21-22.
Highlights of the match
Well played to both teams who demonstrated some good stills
THANKS to Gary English Analysis for the video highlights and to Maidenhead RFC for the hospitality
CONTACT DETAILS
For more details on the fixtures and honours players that have come through the U17 programme go to the Berkshire U17/U18 County Page (link at the bottom).
Berkshire RFU would like to extend our gratitude to all the clubs, coaches, referees and supporting volunteers across the county who have developed and inspired these young players during their formative years to reach this highly respected honour in representing the county – You make a difference!
Teamwork, Respect, Enjoyment, Discipline and Sportsmanship.
SEE THE COUNTY UNDER 17 PAGE TO SEE THE FULL SEASONS FIXTURES AND HONOURS
