Under 14s
Matches
Sun 20 Oct 2013
Bolton R.U.F.C.
Under 14s
Tries: S Dawson, J Grundy, M Skeels-CaldwellConversions: Z Grundy
17
17
Waterloo
Under 14's BATTLE V WATERLOO

Under 14's BATTLE V WATERLOO

Mark Turner23 Oct 2013 - 19:30
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BOLTON FIGHT BACK IN THE SECOND HALF TO DRAW THE GAME

Waterloo was a historic battle and Bolton’s U14’s fight back in second half was equal to it.
Bolton hosted the strong Waterloo side for match 2 of the Blacksticks Blue junior challenge.
Poor tackling and support
From the off Waterloo were the stronger side, their number 10 immediately making himself a nuisance due to weak tackling by the Bolton side. Waterloo were able to produce players outside as their strong runners plugged holes in the Bolton back line. This and sloppy play at the rucks meant Waterloo had more possession which they soon turned into points on 8 minutes scoring their first try. A strong run down the wing and numerous attempts to tackle the Waterloo player failed and he scored just inside the corner flag. Cries that the player had been out as he was tackled on scoring by the Bolton team fell on the referees deaf ears as he awarded the try but to be truthful without the benefit of a fourth official and Video referee it couldn’t be awarded any other way.
The try was unconverted however and the score remained at 0 v 5.
Josh Grundy playing at outside centre for Bolton managed a couple of forays up the Waterloo wing but to no avail. Both sides were scrummaging well under the new laws both sides winning their own ball. 10 minutes later Waterloo scored their second try which was converted to make the score 0 v 12. Bolton heads dropped visibly and there was a worry that they would allow the flood gates to open. However they held out for the next 7 minutes until half time with the score at 0 v 12.
At half time the coaches didn’t need to tell the team where they were going wrong they knew it for themselves and now was the time to rectify it.
Try every three minutes
Bolton turned around and what a different team, Ben Turner at stand off started to tactically kick making the strong Waterloo back line retreat and with Sam Dawson, Kier Kernick and Josh and Zak Grundy chasing at pace the tactic seemed to be working. The Bolton forwards started to believe in themselves led by Captain Morgan Skeels-Caldwell with Matty Moore, Owen Patel, Alex Ramwell and all featuring up front. Bolton started to get back into the game and a deft kick over the top with Sam Dawson chasing it and collecting it to go over the whitewash marked the start of the Bolton come back. Zak Grundy was unable to convert the try due to the distance but it wasn’t that far off.
Three minutes into the second half and the score 5 v 12.
Bolton continued and smart kicking and running by Ben Turner started to rattle the Waterloo side.
Bolton’s tackling had improved so much that Waterloo were making unusual errors, dropping the ball and knocking it on. Added pressure from the Bolton back row of Alex Ramwell, Morgan and Matty all helped. Three minutes later a darting run by Ben Turner drew two of the Waterloo backs and he managed to get the ball out to Zak who linked well with his twin brother Josh who outsprinted the Waterloo defence to score. The score now 10 v 12.
Could Bolton sustain this pressure or were Waterloo fighting back into the game?
3 minutes later Waterloo scored a well worked try up the left wing the ball going through numerous pairs of hands for the try of the game. Fortunately they weren’t able to convert it 10 v 17.
Again Bolton claimed that the player had been tackled into touch on scoring but again the referee had no other option but to award it. Bolton should never of allowed the Waterloo team to get so near the try line in the first place.
Bolton’s heads didn’t drop however which is testament to the team.
From the restart Bolton put pressure on Waterloo, believing the game was not over yet.
Cheered on by family, friends, injured players and substitutes the Bolton forwards began to dominate the rucks and mauls which led to Captain Morgan Skeels-Caldwell playing at flanker diving over to score after great work recycling by the forwards. Zak Grundy converted the kick score 17 v 17.
Both teams battled for supremacy and to score the winner. Waterloo winger broke away up the right wing showing great footballing skills but fantastic covering by full back James Evans managed to avert a try and the resulting pass from a following up Waterloo player was deemed forward.
A let off for Bolton. This wasn’t to be the only let off after Ben Turner’s kick was charged down and it was a race to the ball between Waterloo and again James Evans saved the day as last line of defence. Both Bolton and Waterloo held out until the final whistle which was a fair result. Waterloo took the first half and Bolton the second. A superb spectacle to watch, end to end stuff played by two skilful sides. Final score 17 v 17.
Two matches played in the Junior challenge and Bolton haven’t won or lost a game.
Player of the match: Josh Grundy
Most Contribution: James Evans
Best Tackler: Sam Dawson

Match details

Match date

Sun 20 Oct 2013

Kickoff

11:00

Meet time

09:45

Location

Instructions

Early meet for team/squad photograph and individual player photographs.
Please be there for 0945am on Sunday
Team overview
Further reading

Team Sponsors

Premier Sponsor - Clearview Corporate Advisory Ltd
Gold Sponsor - IDNS
Club Sponsor - VINCI Construction UK
Club Sponsor - William Hare