Aces vs Leicester Forest East - 09.12.2018 Match Report

Leicester Forest brought a diverse squad to their fixture against the Aces at Market Harborough RUFC this Sunday. The recent rain made for a very benign pitch but on the day a low winter sun presided over still but bitter conditions.

The first match saw Aces pick up from where they left off last week at Oundle: good shape and swift pressure pegged LFE back in their own 22 for a sustained period. George Williams made a welcome return trundling over 2 tries in succession. The first half finished 2-0 and the Aces were well pleased with their initial work, however things were about to improve further. Joab Tiney opened the scoring in the second half collecting an excellently executed kick from Dan Weston. JB was in combative mood pushing defence off the ball and pouncing on the spilled ball. Arthur Adams was unlucky to score due to imperfect grounding but was later able to collect an unselfish pass from Daniel Weston and get over the whitewash himself. The match finished 5-0 and there were many positives to discuss.

The second match built on the good work from the first. Leicester Forest picked-up their energy levels and provided a good contest but the Aces’ tries soon began to rain down. Dan, George twice, and Jonny Sobek proved the Aces were too strong for LFE, not simply with speed or power but in intelligent thinking, positional play, rucking and presenting - technique proved a significant advantage. The first half ended 4-0. George and Jonny again scored in the second half before LFE grabbed their only try of the morning, deservedly reaping reward for a period of sustained pressure. Jonny made sure Aces had the final say with a touchline-caressing streak down the pitch to get his hat trick and ensure Aces ended 7-1 winners.

The Aces are beginning to incorporate a maturity into their play and this can hopefully be sustained into 2019.

Andy