1st XV v Highfields

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Result:

5-5 Draw

Match Report: 

This was a watershed game for the senior squad, a hard-fought, physical encounter which earlier this term they would certainly have lost. A new determination was evident in the team’s play, however, and this manifested itself in a massively improved defensive display, with a tackle count much higher than previously, and better organisation and communication between players when under pressure. Most of the early attacking play came from Repton, and resulted in a finely-worked try in the right-hand corner from Sam Keen, after patient, skilful phase-play from the forwards. Keen had a generally fine game, showing much more confidence in his tactical kicking than earlier in the season, and making consistently good decisions about attacking options from the fly-half position. Highfields came back strongly and deservedly scored an equalising try, although it was an odd one, their number 7 emerging from the far side of a harmless looking maul to cross the line unchallenged , in what looked like a lapse of the home pack’s defensive concentration. It was a rare lapse, though, as for most of the game the Repton forwards fronted up aggressively against a bigger, more experienced Highfields eight. Reinke, Martin and Ashurov tackled tirelessly, and Taylor mauled aggressively at close quarters. Webster made some surging runs with ball in hand, while Pereira once again carried strongly, making crucial hard yards around the fringes. Fearns also made a substantial contribution, marshalling the forward effort, throwing some fine cut-out passes to set attacks going, and forcing a crucial penalty with a great wrap-up tackle in the closing minutes when Highfields were pressing relentlessly for the winning score. In the end the 5-5 draw was a fair result for both sides in a tough game played in an excellent spirit. In terms of performance this was a major step forward for the Repton senior squad, who will now be aiming to improve further and chalk some wins up on the results sheet in the remaining games this season.