Guildford U15's 15 - Old Mids U15's 17

Old Mids started in the knowledge that we were fielding the strongest team of the season. the only concern was whether that would turn into overconfidence and a failure to start with the right mindset.

Any doubts were soon dispelled as Old Mids received from the kickoff and started the attack from deep in their half. On this occasion, the excitement came not from easy tries and quick points, but from the fact that the teams were well matched and both clearly wanted to win. At times, one team or the other took their foot of the accelerator and on those occasions they lost ground. At other times, each team showed just how well they can play when on top of their game.

Repeated attacks by Guildford, some of them lasting what seemed like a lifetime, should have resulted in more tries for Guildford.

On those occasions where play was in the Old Mid's half defense was stupendous. Well guarded rucks and a solid back defense prevented Guildford from crossing the line several times. Old Mids repeatedly returned the attack and whilst scrums were equally balanced, Old Mids showed their superiority in the line-outs. In the end, that advantage told with flanker Matt Glenin bursting through to take the ball over the line after 10 minutes and a cheeky little try after 20 minutes by hooker Dan Caplin working in support of ball carrier Alessio Turkay who was brought down just before the line.

The first half ended two tries all with no conversions. 10-10.

The second half was more of the same. Old Mids went ahead after 20 minutes with a try down the wing by Dan McCormack, converted with an excellent kick by Dan Wilkinson. Old Mids knew that a win was within their sights and the pressure was on not to concede any more points.

Guildford were in no mood to concede the match and redoubled their efforts, spending some time camped in the Old Mids 22. However, Old Mid's defense remained solid and despite not being able to gain ground, the Old Mids managed to prevent several serious attacks becoming tries. In the end, Guildford's pressure told and they managed to sneak over the line with 9 minutes to go. Guilford's failure to convert meant that Old Mids now had a 2 point lead.

A nail-biting finale began with Guildford determined to gain those extra points and Old Mids determined not to give them away, still trying hard to add points to their tally. It seemed like the pressure was almost too much and the fatalists on the touchline were dreading giving away a penalty.

At last, the referee blew full time and Old Mids won the day, 17 - 15.

Congratulations to the try scorers and to the whole team for a brilliant display of rugby. This bodes well for the rest of the season.