The first fixture of the new year heralded the arrival of Thurrock to Ashwells

The first fixture of the new year heralded the arrival of Thurrock to Ashwells. OBs U12s were keen to get under way after the best part of a month off due to a combination of inclement weather and the festive season.

Unfortunately, or perhaps inevitably, illness had taken its toll, so we missed Freddie and John, and wish them a speedy recovery, hopefully they will be good to go this coming Sunday.

The pitch was in remarkably good condition given the weather recently, but it was cold, probably no more than 3 degrees. Nathan got the first score with a well taken individual effort. Thurrock then responded with a good score of their own giving an early indication that OBs might not have it all their own way. Thurrock were a big physical side, bigger than the OBs, and a barrelling run down the touch line by one of their big lads (with the OBs uncharacteristically missing a few tackles), resulted in their try. A try of that nature might have caused many a side to drop their heads. Not this side though. If anything, it seemed to wake them from their slumber, push aside thoughts of Christmas dinner, and ignore the hand numbing cold.

William put OBs back in front with a strong run to the line before Frankie added a third just after the interim, showing too much pace for the Thurrock defence.

At half time Jason had stressed the importance of going forward as opposed to running laterally, and staying strong in the rucks. The boys obviously listened and returned to form clearing out rucks, and regularly turning over the opposition in the maul. In other words, doing what they do best, and what they have been doing all season.

The combination of great work at the breakdown and thumping tackles took its toll on Thurrock and eventually the pressure was rewarded with a great try from Sam. Slick interplay over several phases saw Sam with the ball around 10 metres from the line with three Thurrock players to beat. He was too strong, and his sheer determination was always going to carry him over the line, (along with a couple of Thurrock boys trying to hold on).

James Fergus side stepped his way over the line to complete the scoring. The end result, 5-1 to the OBs.

It was a very accomplished performance. The combination of the cold and lack of recent game time suggested a bit of rustiness, certainly at the start of the game. However, Thurrock did manage to threaten OBs line on occasion, and they were a big side, but every time they got close, a massive tackle would come in forcing a knock on, or they would have the ball ripped off them in a maul, or they would come out second best at the ruck.

The U12s remain unbeaten, and the good news is that they can and will play even better as the season progresses.

A special mention for James Savage, who undertook the task of refereeing this game. Another excellent performance in quite difficult circumstances. Thank you James on behalf of all of the U12s.