Cullompton RFC U15 v Gordano RFC U15

After a weekend of sea, sun, paintball and Bobcats the U15s started their Sunday tour game tentatively. Rumours that this was caused by over consumption of cream crackers and lemons were rife among the traveling fans. Sharks also donned the white shirts of the home side to complete the 15 for Cullompton entering fully into the spirit of rugby.

The hosts dominated possession and used the ball effectively to open up a 24 nil lead in the first 10 minutes, based on strong scrummaging and running, and good use of the space afforded to them; their passing and game management challenged the visitors to up their game.

Gordano responded to the challenge with their first phases of consistent play. They were rewarded with time in the Cullumpton 22 and from that position Oli Heaven drove over to open the Sharks scoring. The second came from a well worked backs move that allowed Isaac Barr to chip and touch down for a try.

The first half finished with a fifth Cullumpton try in the corner whose conversion bounced of the bar to claim the full seven points. At 31-10 Sharks needed a high quality second half to restore tour pride.

Macie King kicked off to place Sharks into the hosts 22. A more even period of play opened the half with both sides testing opposition defences. Good passing in attack countered by strong organised defences, led to an enjoyable spectacle but no points in the third quarter.

The deadlock was broken by a well worked try by the home side after a penetrating up and under. The Sharks responded with a Kody Golding try, after a break out from their own half.

From a 5m line the home side turned over a line out and kicked to the half way. Gordano responded with a spirited 50m break by Leon Paul who, stopped a metre out, set up the second Golding touch down of the half.

A final score of 36-20 was a fair result in an even match, where Gordano recovered from their very slow start to compete well against their hosts. It was a good end to a highly enjoyable weekend on the squads first ever tour. It also completes a highly successful season where the U15s have developed their maturity and game play. Thank you to Steve, Adam and Matt for leading the next stage of the boys development and Kate, Caroline and Adam for their organisation of the Ladram Bay tour.

7-0
14-0
19-0
24-0
24-5
24-10
31-10
36-10
36-15
36-20