Game Report: Aug, 2009

Aurora Barbarians – Under 14 Boys
Aurora Barbarians RFC (ABRFC) 19 - Markham RFC 19

Last Saturday we faced a determined Markham team. We started well and with determined loose forward play, converted that pressure to points early with a try from Conor F. The conversion was good by Liam K. and it wasn’t until the end of the game we really see how important the conversion points are. Markham were never out of the game, again capitalising on our errors and applying pressure. We were under enormous sustained pressure in our end but prevailed with great defensive play from Mike D. who filled his role as Pack Leader, leading by example. We took that determined defensive play and marched up the field and scored in the corner but were denied by a penalty.

We started well in the 2nd half and were focused on scoring first which we did with a good loose play opportunity that sent Jason M. on a long determined run with a score under the posts converted by Liam K. Both Koos and I saw positive play with the backs, sending the ball out wide. Markham were up for the task marking our back line with success. We sent Ben H. wide on a few occasions but unfortunately we were unable to support and we lost the ball in the turnover. This has no reflection on a very determined and hard running Ben H. who played a solid game and stayed strong on his feet and tackled well, but underlines the fact that you have to follow your pass - till the try-line.

As the game progressed and we again had our opportunities to control the game, our unsupported breakdown play and missed tackles allowed that determined Markham team to score in the corner with an unconverted try. The game momentum shifting to Markham and with Aurora tiring, Markham took the opportunity with another try this time they converted.

With the score now Aurora 14 and Markham 12, we realised we were in a game. We applied pressure and were in striking distance but could not run the ball wide when we had the chances. Sometimes desperate play will cause players to over use the ball instead of passing. The sight of the line is tempting but we must remember that we are in a team game and could have scored moving the ball shifting momentum back to us. Fractured play again allowed Markham back and they scored under the post with a converted try.

With a couple of minutes left and down by 5 points, the lads had no intention of losing this game. Marnus C. echoing Markham's comment that they had won the game and with new found determination, he said "that wasn't going to happen". The boys charged up the field, Markham now in desperate defence, were not able to stop the charge and when the smoke cleared and the pile of bodies moved, the Try was awarded to Aurora's Mike D.

The conversion kick was taken from close to the sideline and unfortunately it fell short, a little out of Liam K's range.

Fortunately for Markham the final whistle was blown and the game ended. Final score 19 to 19. We as coaches felt that with our team finally firing on all cylinders we could have won this game with a few more minutes of play.

The lesson learned Saturday as we progress forward to Championship play, is no team is going to give it to us or give up. If we are determined to move forward in the playoffs, we must play our game for the whole game.

This weekend will see us play back to back games against Saracens. We must consider these games as the start of the playoffs, building on our game plan and gelling as a TEAM.