Sarries2009 U15s Match Report

U15's - Match Report (13/12/09)
Exeter Chiefs - Home (Lost 12-26)

The local derbies between these two sides are always keenly anticipated affairs with local bragging rights on the line. This match was no different with both teams clearly in determined mood. Despite the rivalry Chiefs were generous enough to loan their injury ravaged hosts two players to allow the game to take place. Sarries started the brighter and opened the scoring after just four minutes when number 8 Shimi Wilson kept low to drive two Chiefs tacklers back over the line. The conversion attempt narrowly missed to the left. Chiefs came back into the game and responded with their first try midway through the half after some fine handling set their wing free tight to the touchline. The difficult conversion attempt also missed leaving the sides level at 5 - 5. Chiefs had the better of the remainder of the half but squandered a number of opportunities when in promising positions. They failed to heed the repeated warnings of the referee and gave away a series of penalties for handling in the ruck. Sarries made occasional visits to the Chiefs half but were, for the most part, fighting a rearguard action. Just before half time, Chiefs put together another period of play that saw their flanker break clear. He just managed to cross the line with two Sarries defenders of his back. This time the conversion neatly bisected the posts. To give the visitors a 12 -5 lead at the break.

Saracens came out for the second half with renewed vigour and took the game to Chiefs. However, the Chiefs defenders tackled strongly to repel the danger and when they got possession, they were able to string together several phases of play. Their lead was extended when their impressive number 8 used great strength to force his way over the line. The conversion was again sweetly struck through the posts. Sarries came straight back and again narrowed the margin. They first took a quick tap penalty which was moved forwards 10 metres when the Chiefs players failed to retreat. With few of the Chiefs players making any effort to retreat Scott Burgan passed to Steve Ashford who dived over. Ollie Goodfellow added the extra points. With time running short, Sarries suffered a blow to their chances of making a comeback when their flyhalf James Slater suffered a hamstring pull and was forced to leave the pitch. Chiefs chose not to offer a replacement and took advantage of their numerical superiority to create an overlap in scoring the clinching try with just a minute remaining. The final points were added with the conversion to bring the score to Sarries 12, Chiefs 26