Braintree U12s v Old Brentwood U12s

Braintree U12s v Old Brentwood U12s

The U12s made their way to Braintree on Sunday. The rain made a determined appearance on the way up the A12, only relenting when the whistle signalled the start to the match. The pitch was heavy, but still playable.

The U12s started the match slowly, and initially, it looked as though the malaise that has provided a couple of mixed results recently, might still be lingering.

Harry got the scoreboard moving with a well worked try, taking yet another clout to the head in the process. He carried on as usual, but the team didn’t really come to terms with Braintree in the first quarter. It wasn’t the fact that Braintree had a bigger team overall, that hasn’t proved to be a problem for the U12s all season. It was probably a combination of several factors, including, but not limited to, the conditions, and not having played much recently.

Whatever the reason, Braintree moved ahead in the first quarter, and the U12s were relieved to have a break and some much needed input from Jason and Garry.

Whatever it was that was said in the interval, the effect was immediate. It looked as though a different team had taken to the pitch. Massive tackles, crashing over the gain line, and the customary strength in the rucks and mauls, created enormous pressure on Braintree’s defence. The pressure was converted into points with a flurry of tries leaving Braintree reeling, OBs turning a 1-2 deficit into a 6-2 lead.

To their credit, Braintree weathered the storm, and reduced the gap to 6-5, including a penalty try for a series of OBs infringements on their line.

Having taken their collective feet off Braintree’s throat momentarily, the OBs generosity reverted to clinical execution again, finishing off the game with another try to end the scoring at 7-5.

So much for the score line, what about the manner of the win? Smiling Sam’s return from injury provided a much needed tonic for the team. The effect of Sams good cheer cannot be underestimated, and it might not be a mere coincidence that the reticence of recent times appeared to be banished. The boys just seemed to be much more positive than they have been recently. Josh produced a standout performance, his play has improved exponentially this season. Influential in the rucks and mauls, and carrying a lot of metres, deservedly earned him recognition by virtue of a MOM award.

Ross was immense too. Having scattered the opposition like skittles on one bruising run, his presence was so intimidating, that defenders stood off him, giving him the opportunity to cross the line. Everyone played a part, Will stripped the ball in the mauls, James F was ferocious in the tackle and the backs had the pace to finish off the moves. Jack and Monty marshalled the midfield along with Alex and James No3 while Nathan and Frank had great games at halfback. Everyone deserves to be mentioned because everyone gave their all.

It’s hard to explain the success of this team. It seems to be a combination of factors, which when combined, enable them to play as a team, as opposed to a collection of talented individuals. There can be no doubt that there is some serious talent in the team, but it is when they play as a team, that they inevitably prevail.

Along with speed, stamina, strength and skill, this team has an indomitable spirit, and it is spirit which is the most important attribute in sport. As the well known saying goes, It’s not whether you get knocked down; It’s whether you get back up.

OB’s U12s just got back up.

Although incidental, for the record, the try scorers were; James M 4, Harry 1, Ross 1, Frank 1