Match Report – Cornwall U18’s 25 v Buckinghamshire 25
3rd December 2023 @ Hartpury College
The squad departed early Sunday morning, and was greeted by cold mizzle upon arrival at Hartpury College. This was the U18 squad’s first competitive county fixture.
Saving their strength on the way up by sleeping for most of the journey, the boys were quick to switch on for the warm-up and looked impressive in the captain’s run throughs.
From the off, Cornwall had to soak up some early pressure, and held firm to keep Buckinghamshire from crossing the line. After the first 5 mins, where Cornwall were mainly defending, the team started to gain confidence in very tricky conditions, going through the phases to score the first try.
For the rest of the half Cornwall controlled the game’s tempo and looked threatening whenever they had the ball. They scored one further try, but conceded two.
At half time the bench was released, with all the subs gelling in straight away. Cornwall were still the better team, scoring another three tries. This was, however, matched by Bucks, including a penalty try (that most of the spectators were confused by). So, at the final whistle, we had to settle for a draw.
Over the 70 mins, it was one of those rare occasions where you couldn’t pick out individuals, as it was just an excellent, all-round team performance. All 22 boys played as one unit, putting in big tackles, going through phases and taking opportunities when they came. With a strong base to work from, this promises to be a great team to watch in the next two games.
Squad: Dan Bennett, Charles Byron, Joe Court, Jack Jenkin, Bailey Hadfield, Issac Jago (Capt), Seb Dash, Idris Logan, Oscar Marr, Ted Kullich, Olly Pellow, Harry Rigg, Jowan Wilding, Ross McKnight, Aaron Jones, Sam Vickery, Jack Green, Jude Hardy, Ashton Rowe, Callum Phillips, Fin Stuart, Harvey Brough.
Tries: McKnight (2), Logan, Vickery, Rigg.
Coaches: Andy Hawken, LJ Colick.
