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Sun 21 Nov 2021
Under 16Kenilworth RFC
5
31
MHRUFC U15 v Kenilworth
Michael Fletcher21 Nov 2021 - 17:07
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Strong visiting side proved a tough opponent for U15s
A lovely clear, fresh day for a game of rugby as Harborough welcomed Kenilworth RFC for a friendly fixture. Harborough again had excellent numbers, despite a few injuries, with 32 players available for this fixture.
From the kick off, it was clear this would be a difficult day at the office for Harborough, with a well drilled Kenilworth side on the offensive from the kick off. Harborough defended well for large periods of the opening 10 minutes, playing in to a strong wind, and the pressure eventually told with the visitors picking up from the base of a ruck 5m out and taking advantage of an unguarded fringe. (0-5) Harborough lost possession from their own set piece on numerous occasions and weren’t able to apply pressure on their opposition. Kenilworth took advantage of the penalty count, periods of possession and poor 1:1 tackling from Harborough to eventually cross the line again to make the score 0-12.
Harborough were back in the game following a scrum in their own half. Albert A chose to run to the blind side and embarked on a fantastic solo run to make the score 5- 12.
There were mass changes to the pack at half time and several changes in the backs. Harborough went on the attack from the kick off, using their kicking game and the wind to gain territory. Harborough looked full of attacking intent, however just as they looked like they had a chance of an expansive attack in the final third of the pitch, a loose pass was picked off by the opposition centre who ran three quarters of the length of the pitch for an easy interception try against the run of play (5-19). This seemed to take the wind out of the harborough sails and despite being on the front foot for much of the next 10 minutes, the same set piece issues that blighted the team in the first half remained an issue. The penalty count continued to pile up And Kenilworth took advantage to run in under the posts (5-24). Harborough showed excellent character, continuing to run the ball and link phases together, however the opposition blitz defence and the impressive jackling at the breakdown made life very difficult for the hosts.
Another set piece mistake by Harborough towards the end led to a final Kenilworth try (5-31).
Lots of positives to take away from the game with 32 players getting on the pitch against good opposition and also plenty of self reflection and learning to take forward.
From the kick off, it was clear this would be a difficult day at the office for Harborough, with a well drilled Kenilworth side on the offensive from the kick off. Harborough defended well for large periods of the opening 10 minutes, playing in to a strong wind, and the pressure eventually told with the visitors picking up from the base of a ruck 5m out and taking advantage of an unguarded fringe. (0-5) Harborough lost possession from their own set piece on numerous occasions and weren’t able to apply pressure on their opposition. Kenilworth took advantage of the penalty count, periods of possession and poor 1:1 tackling from Harborough to eventually cross the line again to make the score 0-12.
Harborough were back in the game following a scrum in their own half. Albert A chose to run to the blind side and embarked on a fantastic solo run to make the score 5- 12.
There were mass changes to the pack at half time and several changes in the backs. Harborough went on the attack from the kick off, using their kicking game and the wind to gain territory. Harborough looked full of attacking intent, however just as they looked like they had a chance of an expansive attack in the final third of the pitch, a loose pass was picked off by the opposition centre who ran three quarters of the length of the pitch for an easy interception try against the run of play (5-19). This seemed to take the wind out of the harborough sails and despite being on the front foot for much of the next 10 minutes, the same set piece issues that blighted the team in the first half remained an issue. The penalty count continued to pile up And Kenilworth took advantage to run in under the posts (5-24). Harborough showed excellent character, continuing to run the ball and link phases together, however the opposition blitz defence and the impressive jackling at the breakdown made life very difficult for the hosts.
Another set piece mistake by Harborough towards the end led to a final Kenilworth try (5-31).
Lots of positives to take away from the game with 32 players getting on the pitch against good opposition and also plenty of self reflection and learning to take forward.
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