Gordano U14s v Weston Hornets

Match Report by Gary Townsend (Coach)

Gordano V Hornets(Away) February 23 2014
Lost 21 – 31

Having lost to Hornets 14 – 31 earlier in the season, Sharks entered the game with a little trepidation. From the kick-off the writing seemed to be on the wall, when the Hornets 8 scored immediately without anyone else touching the ball.

However, Sharks did regroup and defended well against a Hornets side that liked to play the ball close to the pack. Sharks hardly got out of their own half, and conceded 5 penalties to 0, which hindered both continuity and possession, and resulted in a further try for Hornets. Sharks endeavoured to move the ball wide which eventually paid off with a fine break by George Briggs, who danced through the defence before off-loading to the supporting speedster Jacob Evans who scored between the posts. This was ably converted by Hamish Bonar – who, alongside Ben Critchley – both playing fly-half at various times, had excellent defensive games.

A further break by centre Macauley Chesson almost resulted in a try but he was excellently tackled by the covering defence to thwart the attack.

Hornets continued their close driving play to turn round 19 – 7 to the good.

Sharks were determined to demonstrate their worth and upped the tempo in the second half. Hornets played well through the forwards despite some far more resolute and aggressive defence, with Sharks playing through the backs. The game became cut and thrust with the bludgeon v the rapier in an excellent game to watch. The Sharks forwards stepped up and began to dominate the contact area. Flankers Ryan Kay and Sam Merrick , skipper, had very fine games and were ably supported by lock Will Hawkins.

The entire back-line defended really well and dictated that Hornets would play it closer to the pack, George Briggs defended as well as he attacked and had his best defensive game to date.

Hornets maintained the pressure to score a further converted try, before Jacob Evans at centre, spotted a space and used his speed to run 65 metres to score, converted by Hamish Bonar

From a rare penalty, No.8 Sam Kessler scythed through the defence to score a try in the corner from 30 metres, which was excellently converted by Jordan Shaddick.

Hornets scored again and converted to have the last word.

Sharks could be proud of their performance with a particularly notable second half performance which showed a truer reflection of their potential. This was a good game, generally played in good spirit, with two different styles of rugby and strengths. Thanks go to Hornets for their hospitality and sportsmanship.
Jacob Evans 2 tries
Sam Kessler try
Hamish Bonar 2 conversions
Jordan Shaddick conversion