MC Quins vs Tetbury RFC: match report
On a beautiful autumnal day, expectations were high for a good running game of U15’s rugby between the MC Quins and Tetbury. Although both sides had a few players missing through recent illness, it was obvious from the warm up that both squads were up for a good game.
With Henry Hibbard captaining the Quins they decided to take advantage of the small slope on the pitch for the first half. From the kickoff it was obvious that neither side wanted to take a backwards step with some good strong clean tackles ensuring that the majority of play was between the 22 metre lines. Some excellent barn storming runs by many of the Quins in the first half, with special mention for Dara, Doddsy, Troy, Seb and Henry for continually taking it into contact and ensuring that most of the play took place in the Tetbury half, however Tetburys defence proved resolute. In addition, the Quins tackling was as resolute, with Christian, Noah and Johnno putting in some strong offensive tackles. Regarding the set piece, the Quins were dominant in the scrums, winning all of their put ins and through some strong pushing disrupting the Tetbury scrum. Of note is now well Harry, at scrumhalf did as his opposite number consistently came off side at the scrum. With both sides still learning uncontested lifting lineouts, each side won their own throw ins and used this to good effect in trying to make ground. With every player on the pitch playing good rugby, half time came around quickly with no score.
The 2nd half was played in very much the same way. The Quins made a single change for the 2nd half with new comer Riley taking his place in the second row, allowing Noah to relieve Luke on the right wing. Although this was Riley’s first game for the Quins, he made an excellent start with some strong driving runs and tackles. With Noah playing his first game on the wing, he took every opportunity given to him to make some strong lines coming off the wing. At the end of the match he was heard to say that playing wing “was a surprise of some of the biggest highs and lows in playing rugby”. After such an eloquent response, the coaching staff may want to consider using him more on the wing…….Towards the end of a bruising encounter, Tetbury made good use of the slope and pushed Quins back into their 22. Some excellent running by some of the speedy Tetbury backs led to a good try just to the right of the posts. This allowed for a relatively easy conversion attempt which was taken well to give a 7-0 scoreline.
The Quins were annoyed having dominated the majority of the match to let in a try and although they pushed hard and were given a few more penalties for some persistent infringements they were unable to capitalize before the final whistle.
Both teams left their heart and souls on the pitch alongside their supporters voices on the touchlines! A short debrief by the Quins squad with the coaching staff highlighted that the players knew they had played well and were very unlucky not to have a different scoreline. They were all looking forward to the return home fixture, which if played in the same manner will be well worth coming along to watch!
The Quins would like to add specific thanks to the supporters whose vocal encouragement meant it seemed to be a home match.
(Match report by Doz James)
