MC Quins Vs West Wiltshire Warriors: match report
The new season started with an away friendly fixture to the West Wiltshire Warriors at Melksham RFC. Having played one another last season this was always going to be a tight and well fought game. With a few players missing due to school games and some minor injuries, the squad was only finalized on the morning of the match with a few players playing out of position.
Playing in their new kit on a perfect autumnal day the Quins started at a frantic pace. Playing against a strong breeze the team spent the first 10 minutes parked in the Warriors 22. However some stiff defensive meant although the try line was crossed twice, the ball was not grounded. A breakout by the Warriors led to them running from well within their half to score their first try. Some excellent forward work led to the Quins getting the better in set piece play. A strike against the head by Sam W. was only one of many strong points in a dominating scrum. The Quins were asked on many occasions to stop pushing (U15 rules only allow a 1.5 metre push for safety reasons). This is also the first year for lifting in the line outs. Henry Hibbard threw some excellent line outs which led to both Adam and Sam W. achieving a 100% success on the day.
Following the break away try, the Warriors fought their way back into the game and made some strong runs both down the middle of the pitch as well as showing some excellent rugby skills by passing the ball wide to some speedy wingers. One of these moves led to another try by the Warriors which was duly converted, making it 12-0. The Quins didn’t let their heads down and through some good interplay between the forwards and backs, the ball entered the Warriors 22. A quick change of direction, excellent acceleration and show of strength led to Sam C. playing at inside centre to score close to the posts. Will, playing his first game as captain successfully converted it to make the half time score 12-7.
Starting the second half with the wind at their backs, the Quins were confident of taking the game to the Warriors. Will at 10, wisely used his excellent kicking out of hand to keep the Quins in the Warriors 22. However the Warriors were tackling well and showed some strong tenacity to keep the Quins from getting close to their try line. Although the Warriors set piece was not as strong as the Quins, they were excellent in the loose and were winning the rucks and managed to hold some of the Quins players up in the mauls. This provided them with enough possession in the loose to spread the ball wide, often giving them overlaps on the outside which they used to great effect, scoring a few more tries. With the score at 22-7 the Quins started to dig in deep and with some more excellent kicking by Will, they had a line out in the Warriors half. Another lineout win and excellent drive by the forwards led to them quickly getting into the Warriors 22. Following some strong rucking by both sides, the ball came loose and Johnno took the opportunity of scooping up the ball on the Warriors 22m line, pinning his ears back and sprinting to the corner ‘like a galloping giraffe’ to score a well deserved first try for the team. With the try remaining unconverted the score was 22-12. The Quins had the bit between their teeth and were working hard to get up the field, however another spreading of the ball wide, led to a breakaway try which was duly converted to make the final score 29-12.
Whilst disappointed, the Quins players knew where they needed to improve and with a few more training sessions, they have shown that they have the skills, determination and ability to make the improvements for a good and enjoyable rest of the season.
