Guildford Rugby Club
U15s Waterfall Cup Report
Match report - U15
Played in glorious sunshine and in front of a wonderfully supportive crowd on the 1st XV pitch (which ranged from Vets players down to micros), Guildford's brand of expansive, high tempo rugby was too much for an Effingham team that played its own style of strong and direct rugby right until the end of the game.
Having soaked up some early Effingham pressure, Guildford found some room and moved the ball down the pitch. At an Effingham defensive scrum close to their own line, a massive effort from the Guildford scrum put too much pressure on and the ball was put into touch by Effingham ten metres out.
From the resulting lineout a strong driving maul was set up by the Guildford pack, only for scrum half Gian Smith to spy a gap, take the ball and break through for the first try of the day.
Guildford tails were up and a series of attacks straight from the kick off then occurred. This culminated in fly half and captain George Wilson taking advantage of the opposition turning away and he used his power and quick feet to get over the line.
However, Effingham are a strong team and, lead from the front by their hooker and captain, were on the score sheet soon after following a series of penalties conceded by Guildford.
However, a few minutes later, with half time approaching, Guildford fullback (and man of the match) Finn Jordan was given the ball in open play and with what has become his trademark style, caused havoc amongst the opposition. From inside his own half, Finn found the gaps and the space, created mismatches and went over for a fantastic individual try.
Coming as it did after another period of Effingham pressure, this was a clear blow to many of their players.
Half time saw Guildford lead 19 - 5.
The second half saw, once again, how dangerous a team Effingham remained and tries were continually exchanged between the teams.
Once again, the comparison in styles was stark, with Guildford scoring wide following either a number of phases involving both backs and forwards or else through the back line executing the planned moves that they have been practising all season. Two of the Guildford tries were scored again by George Wilson and Finn Jordan and they were joined on the scoresheet by Josh Clapp, who finished the move of the day.
In contrast Effingham employed their power game and, capitalising again on Guildford mistakes, ran in two more tries.
With five minutes on the clock, Guildford were 34-17 up. However, Effingham, to their credit, never gave up and despite some heroic defending by Guildford, they managed to score a final try just before the full-time whistle to close the game 34-24.
The match was played in an excellent spirit by both sides - and our thanks go out to Gus and all the coaching team at Effingham who were quick to congratulate the boys for being deserving winners.
Days like today are what rugby is all about and make all the many days in the cold and wet practicing worthwhile.
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