Sarries2009 U15s Match Report

U15's - Match Report (22/11/09) - DRFU U15's Cup - 1st Round
Plymstock - Home (Draw 36-17)

Exeter Saracens were only able to name a squad of sixteen due to a number of injuries but progressed through to the second round of the Devon Under 15's Cup competition with a team display that belied these limited playing resources.

A welcome break in the rain allowed both sides to produce some high quality rugby throughout a well contested game played in great spirit. Sarries held firm against an opening foray by the visitors and then launched a sustained period of attack that saw the ball moved swiftly through the hands and recycled repeatedly from a series of rucks. They camped in the Plymstock half until the eighth minute when winger Calum McLaughlin was set clear to dive over for his first ever try for the club. Theo Miller added a superb conversion into the strong wind from near the touchline.
Plymstock struck back with a sweetly struck penalty after Sarries had been penalised for not releasing. Saracens' front row had great success with hooker, Tom Raymont, throwing in accurately to the lineouts and stealing a number of scrums against the head. Props Ben Warren and Zach Lee demonstrated great handling skills and made some barrelling runs. The second row pairing of Ryan Jenner and Greg Willmington put in countless tackles and their rucking gave scrum half Scott Burgan clean ball which he used to great effect to release the backline which was superbly marshalled by James Slater at flyhalf.
Plymstock played mainly through their forwards when in possession and on the few occasions they moved the ball wide, their backs looked to have plenty of pace but lined up a little too flat to have any real penetration. They also defended strongly until just before half time. Following the breakdown of a Sarries attack, Plymstock were awarded a scrum inside their own 22. However, their early shove was seen by the referee and from the resultant free kick, Burgan took a quick tap and popped a pass to Jenner who powered his way over for Sarries' second try.
As the sides swapped ends the score was 12 - 3 to Saracens.

With the wind at their backs, Sarries began the second period as they'd finished the first. Plymstock were put under great pressure and were forced into an attempted kick to clear from behind their own line. The sliced effort travelled only a few metres where Miller collected the ball. As defenders closed in on him he threw an audacious pass behind his back. Winger Tom White ran onto the ball and dived over to extend the lead.
This early success gave Sarries even greater confidence and they dominated the next fifteen twenty minutes. The back row of Jack Marks, Steve Ashford and Shimi Wilson were in marauding form, probing around the fringes of breakdowns and closing down the Plymstock flyhalf before he was able to initiate any meaningful attacks. The strong wind meant that the threat posed by Plymstock's kicking game was much reduced so Sarries' fullback, Ed Williams, had the freedom to join the line. He chose excellent lines of running and twice came close to scoring. Ollie Goodfellow, playing out of position at inside centre, always seemed to be on hand to support others and his decision making was faultless. Slater was also having his best game of the season, making great contact with kicks, timing his passes well and picking the gaps when choosing to run. Sarries deserved go further ahead and added to their tally from a lineout. Willmington plucked the ball off the top from a Plymstock throw and broke through the line, gaining ten metres before being tackled. His fellow forwards cleared out the ruck and Burgan span a pass to Goodfellow. When he was tackled, Ashford was at his shoulder for the offload and he crossed the line just to the right of the posts. Miller added the easy conversion.
Shortly after, Ashford scored again. From a ruck near the Plymstock line, Slater sidestepped sweetly inside his opposite number. He presented the ball well when tackled and Ashford picked up from the back of the ruck to dive over. The Saracens' scoring was then completed when Plymstock flapped the ball back untidily at another lineout. The ever alert Ashford reacted first to swoop on the bouncing ball and evaded the last defender to complete his hat trick. Miller again split the posts to bring the Saracens' total to 36. He then took a well earned rest to allow Joe Moran to join the fray for the remaining 10 minutes. Moran slotted seamlessly into the Sarries backline, running and passing well and defending resolutely.
Plymstock continued to work hard and were rewarded with two late tries of their own. The first of these followed some determined forward play which saw their strong second row break clear. The second was scored from close range but with the final whistle approaching it was too little too late.
The final score of 36 - 17 to Saracens in no way flattered the home side, but Plymstock deserve great credit for their contribution to a thoroughly entertaining game.

Despite strong competition from all quarters, James Slater was named Sarries man of the match for his fine all round performance.