...and they're off!

Match Report - Ongar U12s v Old Brentwood Acorns U12s
OB’s U12s visited Ongar for the highly anticipated first match of the new season. In a very
competitive game, the Acorns managed to eke out a win scoring 4 tries to Ongar’s 2.
Understandably, there was early season rustiness, with both sides making a number of unforced
errors, conceding penalties, and giving away free kicks. Nevertheless, both sides gave their all,
and the result could have gone either way. The Acorns’ ruthless and clinical execution inside their
opponents 5m line, ended up being the difference between the sides.
Firstly, the good.
Every one of the boys worked hard and displayed the tenacity required to force an eventual win.
James Fergus scored a great opening try, out sprinting his opponents to touch down in the
corner. Ross, as only Ross can, barged through several defenders forcing his way over the line
for a second try, before Ongar came back with two good tries of their own to level the match at
half time.
In the second half, Will Ellis's used his strength to break through Ongar’s defence near their
line and retake the lead for OBs. He then made a terrific intercept around 20 metres out,
somehow managing in one movement, to flick the ball into the path of his winger, who had too
much pace with only two defenders to beat.
Now the bad
A plethora of missed tackles, knock ons, and going into contact resulting in ball being turned over,
could have proved costly in this game. The refusal to move the ball wide and the ensuing running
into contact, invariably without both hands on the ball, often ended in a turnover ball to Ongar, or
a knock on. It was reminiscent of the beginning of last season. In fairness, it was their first outing
for 4 months.
Finally, the ugly
Neither sides’ discipline was great on Sunday. Understandably, the knock ons, missed tackles,
penalties and free kicks, caused a lot of frustration. However, with the talent and ability that the
U12’s possess, there is no need to do anything else but to place trust and reliance on that ability
to get the result required. No doubt it was an anathema. Let's hope so.