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Brighton U14 vs Crawley | Match Report

Brighton U14 vs Crawley | Match Report

TUDOR ELLIS7 Dec 2021 - 21:21

The Polar Express Rides Again

As the Polar Express Funbuses rolled out of Waterhall for the u14’s last league match in 2021, there were a few empty seats due to several players isolating or being under the weather. The team was going to be up against it for a full match squad, but were all positive and uplifted by the Christmas Songs.

From the outset Toby and Felix set the tempo with strong tackles but Crawley soon managed to move the ball wide for an early try.

Solid scrummaging from the Blues and a couple of kicks into space bought some breathing space. As they moved up the pitch a line break from Ben & Felix looked promising but soon after, a fully committed tackle from Felix took him out of the game for the remainder of the match.

While Brighton adjusted, Crawley rucked up the pitch to score a second try.

Heads didn’t drop and a chase from a kick forward and perfect offload from Otto nearly put Isaac clear only to be tackled before the line.

A slight delay to the second half while “Scrummaging Technique” was discussed with the Referee, and a spectator absent from the sidelines, Brighton built on their strong rucking and moved the ball out wide, along with Brandon driving forwards in the mid field to build the momentum.

A couple of plays later and with Crawley starting to move up the pitch, Jonah picked off an intercept and took his chance for a full 80+ meters run in to score Brighton’s first.

Crawley came back with a couple of quick tap and go’s, which Brighton had been called back for, and it created 2 tries in quick succession for the home team.

Pinned back in their half, a kick clear from Alfie brought Brighton back to the half way and turned the pressure on Crawley. This led to several penalties being conceded by the hosts and enabled Brighton to move up the pitch.

Dynamic rucking by all the forwards, and a quick-thinking offload from Leo presented an opportunity for Cam to go on a charge, setting Isaac clear for a run to the line, only to be brought down illegally to earn Brighton a penalty try. With the Crawley pen count rising another charge from Cam didn’t quite result in a score and Crawley responded with another try.

It’s fair to say in the second half there were more pens than a teacher’s briefcase, and as Alfie took a quick tap he was heavily tackled, forcing him to leave the field. Jonah picked up the reigns and on the last play of the game Sharky Fin got Brighton’s 3rd try.

The coaches were impressed with the progress made. Tough tackling, rucking and use of the width of the pitch have really improved.

2022 is looking very good.

The atmosphere on the Polar Express return journey was full of Christmas Cheer and thanks go to all the supporters who endured the cold (helped by a little mulled wine), the commitment from the players and coaches and our hosts Crawley.

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