TraffordMVRFCC

With lots of matches not going ahead due to weather, we knew we'd be in for a muddy day, and with only 16 players (starting with a flat 15) we knew we had our work cut out for us. A short sharp warm up got us ready for the match, with plenty of self-belief we were ready.

 

From kick off you could tell we were all up for the challenge, our intensity took Hoppers by surprise and we had lots of early momentum. The conditions did make putting phases together difficult, but we adapted to the game plan and knew what was needed, with our backs using their boots to kick us into great positions. This helped us build to a line out on Hoppers 5m and with it going a bit loose, Nathan Mushod pounced on the ball was over the line 5-0. This was pretty much the story of the first half, a very end to end game, one highlight from the first half, our defensive work was outstanding. Numerous times Hoppers built great momentum with pick and go's and a lot of big carriers - and were getting towards our line, but our defence stood strong and forced turnovers that were immensely important to our hold on the match. Further on into the half, we realised we had a very strong scrum and maul and we used it to keep making ground, and the backs were working the edges smartly and kept getting us further up the pitch.

With more progressive work, Nathan Mushod was again able to get himself over the line to reward our graft. 10-0 at half time.

 

The second half was more of the same, incredible tackling and defensive work helped us keep an ever-improving Hoppers side out. We were put under immense pressure in the second half, defending our own line after a few penalties, but again our work rate got its reward when Jacob 'the Jackle' Grant turned the ball over, and we'd survived a barrage of work. As the match went on, the pitch started opening up, Hoppers were making the most of their subs and had lots of fresh legs to keep the pace very quick. Our 3rd try came from a quick break getting us well into Hoppers territory, and then some brilliant hands through the backs lead to young 2s debutant Ollie Knighton getting over the line for the try, a great team try. 15-0. Not much later our 4th try went over after another break through the Hoppers line, and a slightly skew-whiff offload was kicked through and dropped on by Jamie Parker not far from under the posts. 22-0. Final score.