Sarries2009 U15's Match Report

U15's - Match Report (24/01/10)
Bideford - Away (Won 0-41)

Saracens were delighted to accept a late invitation to travel to North Devon for their first ever fixture against Bideford. The visitors were again near full strength and were keen to build on the momentum of their good performance the previous week. They started with real intent, driving the home side back deep into their own 22. The opening pressure was maintained for fully fifteen minutes. Sarries looked likely to score on several occasions but were denied either by the final pass failing to go to hand or by last ditch tackles form the Bideford backs. Inevitably the deadlock was finally broken with a piece of individual skill and opportunism. Sarries prop, Zach Lee latched onto a loose ball at the back of a ruck, spotted the smallest of gaps and strode towards the line. He was apprehended just short but showed great awareness to reach out one-handed and place the ball on the line. Theo Miller stepped up to slot the conversion to give Sarries a seven point cushion. Try as they might, Bideford found it almost impossible to get out of their own half. Their halfback pairing were constantly having to deal with scrappy ball from their pack and then found themselves being closed down by the Sarries back row of Gyles Southwell, Steve Ashford and Shimi Wilson. In contrast, Saracens 9 and 10, Scott Burgan and Ollie Goodfellow were well protected by their forwards and used the time and space they were afforded to launch attack after attack out wide. The understanding between centres Ollie Palmer and Miller was clear for all to see and this seemed to spread confidence through the whole side to run and pass at pace. The second try was a perfect example of this. From a lineout on the right, Sarries secured possession and moved the ball quickly to the left touchline. Second rows Ryan Jenner and Greg Willmington demonstrated their fitness to get to the breakdown quickly enough to recycle the ball. Immediately play was switched back across the pitch. Zach Lee came into the line at pace, drew the last defender and then proved that props are not all about crash and bash by spinning an inch perfect pass to Ashford who ran in unopposed. Miller's kick at the posts seemed effortless but flew straight and true between the uprights from close to the touchline. Not satisfied with their fourteen point lead, the visitors continued to press and left wing Tom White came close to adding to the tally when put into space. Only some excellent covering by Bideford prevented him from bagging a further score. Further attacking threats came from Ed Williams at Fullback who plucked high kicks effortlessly from the air and judged with aplomb when to run and kick. Tighthead prop Ben Warren also scared the daylights out of the opposition. His build may be reminiscent of old fashioned front-rower but he possesses the pace and handling skill that is the hallmark of the best of modern players. Just before the break, Bideford rallied and put in a monumental effort to work their way into the Saracens' 22 but Sarries showed their own resolve and held firm until the half time whistle.

An impact injury to Lee saw Shimi Wilson move to prop at the start for the start of the second period and Alex Kelly taking his place in the back row. Kelly was immediately involved in the action, collecting a loose ball from the kick off retaining possession and presenting well to allow Burgan to initiate another attack out wide. Williams also sat out the beginning of the half with Ollie Goodfellow moving to fullback and James Slater playing in his favoured position of flyhalf. Saracens soon extended their lead. Bideford won the ball from a lineout outside their own 22. Ashford crashed through the line to scrag the Bide 10 and cause him to spill the ball. Jenner was on hand to pick up before sidestepping past the remaining defenders and score between the posts. Miller again added the extras. Saracens' tails were now well and truly up. Hooker Isaac Winyard was a constant thorn in the side of the home pack at rucks and mauls. His performance was all the more remarkable considering that he had been ill all week with a virus and had only intended to play for part of the game.

With Bideford starting to tire, Sarries upped the pressure. From a ruck on the right, Burgan span a pass for Slater to run onto. Two of the forwards joined the line and their presence created the chance of an overlap. When Palmer received the ball, he straightened his run to draw the last defender then released Miller who had enough pace to evade the covering Bideford players for a try in the corner. Bideford surged for one final time forcing Slater into a clearing kick from behind his own try line. The ball landed infield where it was collected by the Bide fullback. His forward run was thwarted by a phenomenal tackle from Sarries' right wing Calum McLaughlin. The ferocity of the impact knocked the ball free and Saracens were able to launch a clinical counter attack. The ball passed through four pairs of hands before reaching Ashford on the left. He galloped into the corner for his second try of the game. This score signalled the end of the Bideford resistance and two further tries were added before the end of the game. Firstly Gyles Southwell picked up from the back of a scrum and made good ground before being tackled five metres short of the line. Ashford was again first to the breakdown where he retrieved the ball and broke through to score his hat trick try. The final points came after Willmington had stolen a ball at a Bideford lineout. He crashed through the line and ran with determination towards the posts. He was only halted by the combined efforts of three defenders. As the remaining Bideford players ran back towards the breakdown, Saracens put together another passing move that put McLaughlin in for the try his overall play had deserved. Despite the final scoreline of 0 - 41, Bideford made Saracens work hard throughout. The home side were generous in their praise of the Saracens' side and rightly picked Steve Ashford out for particular mention. His terrific work rate and tireless running earned him the Man of the Match award.