Academy draw away at Whitchurch

Senior Academy Colts travelled to Whitchurch RUFC on Sunday, for a top of the table clash in the Halbro League.

Having defeated Whitchurch comprehensively at home, it was always going to be a tough game for our lads, with the winner taking the points advantage in the run in to the end of the season.

The opening exchanges set the standard for the day, hard tackling and relentless forwards play needed to set up opportunities to move the ball wide.

After 10 minutes of grind and with Whitchurch under pressure in their own 22, they fell victim to their own desire to play the ball wide with Jacob picking out a great interception to go over for our first try, with Logan converting to lead 7 – 0.

Playing with the wind in the first half, C&N knew they had to get points on the board and keep the pressure on Whitchurch. With the penalty count mounting against them, Whitchurch were kept on the back foot and deep in their own half.

C&N then went with a penalty advantage close to the Whitchurch line, Josh picked up from a well secured ruck to push over for the second C&N unconverted try.

A response from Whitchurch was expected and soon came. Committed to moving the ball through hands and using their pace, they took advantage of a C&N yellow card to get points on the board, scoring two tries before the end of the first half, to see the score Whitchurch 10 – C&N 12 at the break.

With the wind in our faces, the second half was a proper test of character for C&N. Under pressure from the conditions and in our own 5 metres, Whitchurch drew a penalty and from the resulting lineout went over for the try, with the extras taken Whitchurch now lead 17 – 12.

C&N have developed huge character over the season and their desire to not give up and keep their discipline paid off. From loose play on the halfway line, relentless pressure by C&N pushed Whitchurch back into their 22. Our hard work at the ruck saw the ball spilled out, for Adam to collect and drive over to level the scores. A well hit conversion by Logan was close, but the wind kept the ball out.

C&N then felt the full force of both Whitchurch and the wind, but their desire not to give up saw them not only keep Whitchurch out but keep pushing for the win. With the ball moving from end to end as both teams tried to take maximum points.
The final whistle saw C&N take a well-earned draw, with both sides to be applauded for a hard but fair game in tough conditions.

Final Score 17 - 17

Try Scorers - Jacob x 1, Josh x 1, Adam x 1
Conversions - Logan x 1