Boys' 1st XI v Bromsgrove

Date: Saturday 27th February

Venue: Away, depart 12.20pm

Team: S.Attwood, J.Williams, M.Dewis, A.Clarke-Dowson, D.Blackwood, C.Twigg, W.Byas, L.Samra (Capt.), L.Watton, G.Osborne, R.Ho Chan, S.Mullen, H.Rees-Jones 

Result: Bromsgrove 5-3 Repton (Watton (F) (F), Byas (PS))

Match Report:  This game was lost by half-time due to below-par basic skills, a lack of positive communication between players in key positions and the failure to convert a couple of straightforward early chances.  Bromsgrove, on the other hand, started brightly, were well-disciplined and took their chances when they came.  A 4-0 half time deficit possibly flattered the hosts but could not be argued with. 

Changes in personnel, tactics and attitude at half-time made a difference.   The pressing from the forward improved thanks to the efforts of Will Byas, Leo Watton and great work-rate from Steve Mullen.   Bromsgrove's attackers were much more tightly marked on the counter-attack too.  Good communication between lines, organised by Luke Samra and Charlie Twigg, made passing on and picking up players much more effective.  A well-take Leo Watton goal and a converted penalty from Will Byas, after a great run, reduced the deficit but Bromsgrove scored an excellent counter attacking move as the boys were pushing on.  A late Leo Watton goal made the scoreline look slightly more respectable but this game was effectively all over after half an hour.

Bromsgrove are our first opponents in the Midlands Finals on Monday 15th March.