Chetenham CS RFC U16s 0 Evesham RFC U16s 34

The U16s headed down to Cheltenham for their first game of the 2023/4 Season to take on their counterparts at Cheltenham Civil Service RFC.

From the off the team looked to play on the front foot, receiving the ball from the kick off and running the ball through the phases for Matt to score under the posts which he duly converted. Despite the quick start though, too many daft errors and infringements in the play that followed allowed the home team to settle and find their feet. With the penalty count rising, a charge down of a kick allowed the ball to break and be passed wide for skipper Ellis, impressive again with his leadership, to crash over in the corner. With a cushion behind them, the U16s started to play leading to final try of the half, again from Matt under the posts to give a half time score of 0-19.

The second half followed a similarly disjointed pattern with further errors at the set piece preventing the game from flowing. When the opportunity arose, some nice rugby was played though with some strong running allowing Ellis to touch down for a second try and debutant full back Ryan also picking up a well deserved try. Tired legs at the death saw Matt claim his third to complete a well earned hat-trick for a full time score of 0-34.

Thanks to the Civil Service for hosting and sticking to the task from start to finish. For the U16s, a steady start to the season with good debuts from both Ryan and Coen, but plenty to work on and improve as a team. A bit more rugby intelligence and focus to cut out the penalty count will be needed before the Cup match vs Droitwich in two weeks.