Twenty-one out of twenty-two available to play – what fantastic numbers! All ready and raring to go to capitalise on last week’s win. Or were they?

In pre-match training, the lads seemed a bit sleepy and unresponsive. This was not a time to be complacent. Although Acorns U14s were lacking in numbers, they were not lacking in spirit and strength. Again, like last week, the emphasis was on these boys who want to play rugby and getting them game time. We decided on playing four quarters and lent 5 of our players on rotation. This enabled them to play 15 a-side and U14s’ rules.

Jayden was the first to breakthrough and score five minutes after kick-off which was neatly converted by Joe. The scrums were nicely balanced and tested both sides well. Jack B battled through to score a fantastic try a minute later. Kai and Aidan again put in crunching tackles putting the other team on the back foot. Another try was run in by Joe which he then converted. The Woodburns players tried hard to implement the set plays they had been practising at training. Just before the end of the quarter, Josh ran in another try which Joe converted. By the end of the first quarter the score was 0-26.

Jack B was quick off the mark in the second quarter making it 0-31. Joe hit the cross bar on his conversion this time. So close! Acorns began to push back, linking a series of passes and finally making it over the try line. 5-31. Lovely set move from the scrum enabling Josh to score and Joe made the conversion. Half time score 5-38.

Rotating the players made the game differ in every quarter. Jack B scored a try for the Acorns and Joe converted. The lads were certainly not making it easier for each other! From this point the game went to 13 a-side. In the final quarter, Acorns definitely had most of the possession and scored a further two tries before the final whistle. Final score was 22-38.

Again real credit to all of the players: it’s not easy for either side to play with/against another team’s players but it was apparent to the spectators that the players played their hearts out for whichever team they were playing.

Player of the match: Jack B for incredible play making, tackling and determination in going forward.