1st XV Won 47 - 0
For the first fixture of the season a comfortable victory over the Perse was a good way to start and 9 tries scored was certainly pleasing. The pack in particular looked very strong, the backs showed potential and there are signs that they are beginning to read each others' game. We did make mistakes, which was not surprising but the boys showed plenty of heart and a desire to ‘earn the shirt’. Ollie Stonham was outstanding and rightly named man of the match but others also contributed massively. The debutants all had good games whilst the senior players from last year showed their experience. Among the try scorers were Harry Sturge, Gregoire Imber, Ollie Stonham, Ross Ingram and David Townsend with Toby King adding a conversion. With tougher games to come we will need to sharpen up in all areas but a good start to the season.
2nd XV Draw 7 - 7
Felsted scored in the first minute with a try from Max McIlvenna which was converted by George McKelvey. The game was a very close contest with lots of unforced errors. The Perse scored a try in the last minute and converted to draw the game. In the end there were plenty of lessons to be learnt and positives to take forward.
3rd XV Lost 10 - 36
We knew that the Perse would be a much tougher opponent than Holmwood and so it proved. Despite Mr Manson's warnings the players started very lethargically and lacked the physicality required at this level. Tackles missed and an unwillingness to really take the game to our opponents led to a succession of fairly easy tries in the first half. Felsted 0-31 down! Half time allowed us to re-group and the target of winning the second half was set, alongside the obvious need to become more committed in the contact areas. What a difference! Silas Turner-Jones set the tone with a full speed tackle on their talented winger. Others followed along with two tries by Duce and Smart respectively. Unfortunately our comeback was halted due to an injury, so it was agreed to finish the match six minutes early with the score at 10-36. No doubt that The Perse were going to win outright but frustrating in that it halted a promising recovery. Lessons must be learnt about being ready to play from the first whistle.
4th XV Lost 7 - 48
The boys started very positively in the first 5 minutes of the game with some lovely offloads and support play that pushed Perse back into their own half. However a quick turnover and a fast break meant that they opened the scoring. Perse did have a size advantage over the team and that, coupled with some poor tackling by Felsted, helped them over the line again. A bit more resurgence by the boys and some lovely runs by Harvey Sullivan pushed Felsted over for their first try of the game. With only 3 points in it it was still anybody's game,but the Perse did manage to push on and another two tries helped them finish the half on top 7 - 24. Yet again, Felsted started the 2nd half positively with lots of go forward ball and good rucking but again, turnover ball and sharp hands meant the Perse were able to break out and score. The team did show flashes of great play by often setting up good positions but our execution and tackling was lacking and it meant that the Perse were able to score off loose play a few times. In the end, the score was 7 - 48 but it was good match experience for the Year 7s and new rugby players. The team will have to work on their tackling and offensive set up in order to improve for the next game.
5th XV Lost 0 - 71
The first match of the season for the 5th team saw them come up against a well organised Perse side. The Perse were a much stronger side, and our boys discovered what it is like to be in a real game. Our tackling was poor and we lacked commitment and clear decision making. Plenty for the team to think about and we have plenty to work on in training.
Samuel Hart and Alexey Kuznetsov showed that it is possible to tackle hard. The rest of the team need to step up in time for the next challenge.
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