Boys' 1st XV v Chellaston

Date: Tuesday 19th January

Venue: Home:

Team From:
1. K. Taylor
2. J. Keen
3. T .Green
4. J. Harvey
5. N. Martin
6. F. Reinke
7. B. Ashurov
8. W. Garrett
9. S. keen (C)
10. A. Freelander
11. J. Macdonald
12. J. Arnold
13. J.Boyce
14. D.Adams
15. C. Fox-Davies
16. A. Fabyan
17. J.Wilson
18. A.Kong
19. TBC
20. TBC
21. TBC
22. TBC
Meet at 1.50 prompt on Chapel Hall.

Result: 10-41

Match Report:

Chellaston delivered a hammer blow to Repton's hopes and early season aspirations with a 10-41 win over the home side. Repton appeared to be heading into a tight game when an early intercepted lineout throw resulted in the opening try for the visitors. Repton quickly equalised, however, with a strong period of power-play by the forwards which resulted in scrum-half and captain Sam KEEN (L6N) powering over from close range after a series of incisive rucks. This prompted a sustained period of strong attacking play from the visitors, who scored three unanswered tries to finish the half in style, leaving the score 5-22 at the interval.

The second half brought improved commitment from the home team, and further strong forward play with clever use of quick penalties allowed Andrew FREELANDER to evade the tackles and score a fine try in the left-hand corner. Chellaston contined to play free-flowing rugby throughout, and despite dogged Repton forward play ran in several more tries against a tiring Repton defence to finish the game at 10-41. Despite the conclusive result strong performances were recorded by Will GARRETT (L6O) and Tom GREEN (5O) in the back row, who both tackled incessantly. Nick MARTIN (U6S), who had moved into the forwards from the wing, had a strong game - clearly he has been paying attention when attending functions at Welford Road!

There are undoubtedly positive lessons to be learnt from this game, and while not seeking to make excuses it should be noted that this was a very inexperienced Repton side in which ten players were making their 1st XV debuts, two of whom had never played a full match before. Half a dozen first-choice players were also unavailable due to examination commitments. Chellaston ran strongly and with intent throughout the game, keeping the ball alive well, and this is where basic errors were made by the home team - a lack of tackling at first phase allowed the visitors to quickly recycle the ball or offload for further attacks. We also kicked away far too much of the relatively small amount of clean possession gained, and must show more faith in our own ability to put the ball through the hands and test opposition defences. What we must do now is regroup, reintegrate our missing players to the squad, and work on the basics. Training will be intensive in the next few days in preparation for the trip to Welbeck DSFC on Saturday, where the home side will be keen on revenge after their first-ever loss to Repton this time last season.