On a wet, windy and cold morning the U15’s entertained New Milton.

New Milton came flying out the blocks and only strong defending on our five metre line stopped them opening the scoring. After this initial scare the boys started to play rugby and maintained a strong presence in New Milton’s half.
Unfortunately this pressure was not turned into points and half time came with the score 0 – 0.

After losing Tommy due to him being frozen, we turned round and started as we had finished the first half. However a couple of bad decisions on our own try line gifted them the first try that went unconverted. Back the boys went again and as the play progressed towards New Milton’s try line the ball was fly hacked by Jack Hart and with Alex Shearsmith following up hard he dived on the ball to make the game 5 – 5 each, Joe Bradford missing the conversion from on the right hand touchline. New Milton came back and with once again the boys putting themselves under pressure with bad decision making New Milton crashed over to score again.

At last the final whistle went and players, referee and spectators made a rapid retreat into the warmth of the showers and Clubhouse.

A hard game was played between the two teams in atrocious conditions and although the boys lost 5 – 10 their intensity and concentration was second to none. We need to maintain this level for the rest of the season starting with Wimborne at home next Sunday.

The players of the match as chosen by New Milton’s coaches was Tommy Keir in the backs and Joe “Hovis” Garrett in the forwards.

However if the choice was up to the coaches and parents the whole squad would have won it for their grit, determination and persistence in appalling conditions.