Stevenage Town RFC

A glorious winters day away at Tabard rugby club saw 2 teams battling it out for a place in the county cup semi finals. 21 lads all eager to play had all worked hard to try and get a starting position, and the decision was tough. With the team selected, this was going to be a great game against an opposition that we hadn't played for numerous years. The game was under way and straight from the off the hits were big, and the runs were powerful. Tabard started strongly and forced their way deep into the Stevenage half and after a lengthy maul where we had done enough for a turn over, a strange referee decision awarded a penalty to Tabard instead of a Stevenage scrum. A quick tap and go and their quick thinking number 8 scored the try. We were all baffled by the decision, after the conversion was slotted, we found ourselves 7-0 down. The lads could see they needed to play smartly and stick to their game plan to get this game back on track. After making good ground with good ball retention, we had worked into the 22, but an intercepted pass meant the defence had to work hard to catch the speedy winger. A great covering tackle and turnover saw the boys straight back on the attack. After bulldosing runs from Frankie, Jack and Harvey we were back on the attack and looking to get a well-deserved try. This came from the ever present flanker Toby who powered his way through numerous defenders to score a great solo try. In blustery conditions the conversion was missed 7-5. After a restart that failed to go 10m we were awarded a scrum and after complete domination in this area all afternoon we were quickly back on the attack. A rampaging Ciaren from the back of the scrum set up great ball for the backs to get the ball wide. With the try line in site an atempted off load was cleaned up by the covering defender who kicked to clear but twikle toes Maxwell was on hand to drive it back into a dangerous area. Harvey then made one of many thunderous runs with defenders bouncing off in all directions he crashed over the line to give Stevenage a well deserved lead. Conversion missed. 7-10. 

Tabard then began to put pressure back on to us with their 8 again making good ground but a great chop tackle from Riley, who lead the defensive line from the front all morning allowed us to turn the ball over. We pushed up over half way and following a high tackle we pumped the ball deep into Tabards 22. A great lineout take and with the forwards on the hoof, Frankie broke free and smashed his way over for a great try in the corner. Conversion missed. 7-15 at half time.

All subs were now on the field after a few knocks, but the team were still buzzing and ready for the fight.

With the 2nd half underway, the match could still go either way. Stevenage started as they had finished the first with powerful runs from the forwards, but also the backs were now making good ground and setting up good ball. A planned move from a scrum saw Ciaran gallop through tackle after tackle to make good ground and with good support the ball was fed to Jack who also broke a tackle, but with 2 still to beat it was a great pop to the supporting runner Aaron for him to burst through under the post for a great team try. Aaron looked certain to slot this kick after his unusual bad form with his boot, but it wasn't to be, just having an off day it happens to everyone. 20-7.

With 10 mins to play, Tabard upped their game and started to apply pressure, but their discipline let them down and we were able to clear our lines. With another good lineout, the lads drove it up field and again Frankie broke free and out paced the last defender to pick up his 2nd try of the day. Aaron stepped up, composed himself and slotted his last kick of the day to give Stevenage a convincing lead with 5 mins to play. 7-27.

Tabard were to get the last try of the game with a good flowing backs move to score out wide, but it was too late to trouble an outstanding performance from a great team. Final score 12-27

We now face a tough game against a good team away at Old Verulamiums in the semi-final.

Well done lads, a great all round team performance. You should be very proud of what you achieved today. Keep training hard and the results will continue.

COME ON THE TOWN.

By Adam Amos, Coach