Ashford vs Deal & Betteshanger U11 01.10.23

Well, where to start…The U11’s were fired up for this one having missed an abandoned fixture last Sunday due to opposition low numbers. A fantastically well run, structured and progressive training session under the Ashford coaching staff. This then followed swiftly with small games of touch, leading then to some small mixed group scrag games to help develop tackle technique. Once complete, both clubs separated and geared up for the main event. Wow! What a brutal and well contested game, Ashford went 2 tries up early, forcing Skipper H Marler to rally his team, and they listened! Soon after and following some fierce competition at the ruck, E Malpass kicked for the corner allowing F Harrison to engage the afterburners and chase down to take over the line for the Lions first score. It wasn’t long, and after some great phase play, working from break down to breakdown, E Malpass punched through the Ashford line to put her score down. The score was 10-10 going into half time, but the young Lions were starting to dominate their opponents in most areas of the park. The second half kicked off with the team feeling the pressure and intensity of the game. More phases passed and after a beautiful string of passing F Harrison received out wide to run in his second of the game, some great footwork, and some exceptional speed. More battle ensued and after play not too dissimilar to his second, F Harisson bagged his third in the far corner. This was a fiercely contested game, and our D-Line was immense for the most part. A Warner put in probably the biggest try saving tackle we have seen from this squad. T Henderson made a chase and tackle close to our line, thumping him to touch, nullifying yet another zippy Ashford attack. Recent newcomer M Clements-Mills carved up the Ashford defence in the second half drawing players and making space for some exceptional lines form R Deschamps and K Bentley-Campbell.
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The day ended with a slower but none less competitive coached development game. This saw some of our less blooded and newest squad members run out against a similar Ashford line up. Some of our more experienced ranks filled the gaps and led the team, and followed with inspiring work from J Edwards, A Campling and KH. A hugely buoyant game with so many positives to draw form going forward. Our newest members of the pride, with T Lane commanding the lines, created opportunities for K Bentley-Campbell and R Deschamps to run 1 each over against Ashford single score. [ML]