In the last game of the U14 season Old Cats U14 team travelled to Reeds. A side well known and where our last encounter saw a narrow defeat. This time round Old Cats had low numbers, but still able to field a very talented squad with a spare finisher.

Warm up was not good for Old Cats, balls being dropped, set moves not coming off, coaches’ sighs being heard. Too many Easter eggs we thought! Looking across to Reeds, it seemed in contrast their warm up was going well and the individual talent was obvious to see. Old Cats would need to switch on fast to contain this team.

Then with the start looming close, the team huddled with the chants of Old Cats boomed across the wooded area around the pitch. The supporters felt the energy of the Old Cats team from the side lines. Kick off and the first exchanges of play were very even. Then Old Cats started to consolidate on possession and moved up into Reeds territory. Getting all the basics right. Forwards doing a fantastic job in securing the ball. Harrison making mature decisions where the first try came from. 0-7 to Old Cats.

Next was the turn of Reeds to come back. From a spectator’s point of view, as a team Old Cats have improved so much in defence over the season. Reeds were camped on Old Cats try line and we kept them out. Reeds came and Old Cats held firm. Even when Reeds managed to get over the line, the ball was held up. Eventually, some tough decisions and through Reeds dogged performance they got the try, which was well deserved. 5-7 to Old Cats.

However Old Cats heads would not go down and Harrison pulled another one back from a break from the scrum; 5-14 to Old Cats.

With the wind in their tails Old Cats flair started to show. Great moves from the backs, Ross with a break with brilliant support running from Seb for him to go over for a great team try; 5-19 Old Cats.

With half time looming, Reeds piled on the pressure, Old Cats getting on the wrong side of decisions and Reeds finished off the first half with a well worked try. 12-19 to Old Cats.

Everyone knew the second half could go either way. Old Cats had to increase the performance and their discipline maintained.

Kick off for the second half and the whole team just worked as one unit. Intensity increased, lines maintained, lots of communication and picked off the opportunities when they came up, then in came the tries! A brace from Josh M-L using all of his power; great break from Josh D and another one from Harrison smart thinking exploiting the gap in defence.

Reeds wanted to spoil the party, fighting for honour to at least get a second half try. With their skills being matched by Old Cats defence, in came the Reeds big guns trying to power their way through the Old Cats defence. We talk about great tries, but one of the great tackles of the season has to go to Harrison. Reeds big number 4 running like the ‘Flying Scotsman’ train and Harrison steps up and stops him in his tracks! With some decisions, not going Old Cats way, the team responded in the best way. Up the skills and let the rugby do the talking.

A great way to finish the season! The match report is already too long, but have not mentioned the huge efforts from our forwards. Won the scrum, the line outs and gave a great platform for the backs. Charlie, Josh M-L, Beau, Leo and the rest, talking to each other, know what the others are doing – a solid unit!

Alex A, superb performance in the first half hooking the ball, but did not stop when he was subbed in the second half. Kept supporting and involved from the side lines like a true 16 man squad.

Alex D - Great under the high ball and using his power up the field.

Josh M-L – using his height, power and rewarded with a brace of tries.

Josh D, some impressive breaks reward with an individual try.

Seb – always chatty and keeping the backs aligned giving no space for Reeds in their attack.

Harry – head down, run straight and behold anything that gets in your way!

Charlie - worked out the Reeds line out and a handful. Great under the highball - what a turnaround from last season!

Ross - some great breaks and pinning Reeds in their half with territory kicking.

Man of the Match to Harrison. Smart thinking, rewarded with a hat-trick of tries and a contender for tackle of the season!

Tries
Harrison x 3
Josh M-L x 2
Josh D x 1
Seb x 1
Conversions – Ross x 3.

Old Caterhamians RFC

Whiteley Village

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