NLD U20’s Lose Out in Tough Eastern Counties Encounter

NLD UNDER 20S MATCH V EASTERN COUNTIES 30TH NOVEMBER 2014

SQUAD

Match report (By Graeme Gunn)

Score – 32-11 to Eastern Counties

The match was played at Chesterfield Panthers RFC on Sunday the 30th November 2014. The conditions were sunny and the pitch was in good condition.  The floodlights were used from the start as it was due to cloud over later in the match.

The squad 

11 different rugby clubs/universities/colleges were represented which is testament to the buy in by the clubs in the NLD CB for the Championship. Over 45 players were in the initial trials and this was then reduced to a squad of 28. On match day we had a squad of 20 due to last minute injuries and call offs.  The final squad featured players from  one level  5 club,  four level  6, one level  7, one level 8 and four different universities or colleges.

In the first half NLD were playing down hill with the sun at their backs. The game started at a fast pace with a number of mistakes and penalties being given away by  both sides ending up with it being 3-3 after 20 minutes.  Mid way through the first half Eastern Counties scored a well executed try out wide which they converted. NLD then followed this with a penalty converted by Jordan Ingledew of Nottingham Trent University. NLD  kept the pressure on before half time and Alex Ingram was very unlucky not to score two tries on the right wing before half time. Half time score 10-6 to Eastern Counties.

After the break NLD came out with a great deal of passion and confidence (even although playing uphill) which ended up in a try being scored – well taken by Jay Heath of Ilkeston RFC after  considerable amount of pressure by NLD through a number of well executed phases.  This pressure by NLD was maintained for period of over 15 minutes  with some excellent ball carrying by both forwards and backs. A yellow card was then given against NLD for a dangerous tackle. During this spell of 10 minutes NLD players upped their work rate and did not concede any points. However this effort had taken a lot out of the NLD players  and Eastern Counties started to keep the ball well and scored a converted try after being camped on the NLD try line for a considerable time.  This took the wind out of the NLD players sails and was then followed by two tries for Eastern Counties  – one for their number 11 and number 5. This took the final score to 32-11.

The NLD squad should be and are proud of their performance against an Eastern Counties squad with all their players from level 6 clubs and higher. e.g. Cambridge – (level 4) – 10 players.

Phil Milton – head coach said – “I am very proud of the squad and the score did not reflect the competitiveness of the game as Graeme’s report states. The players were given very positive feedback by both NLD officials and Midlands selectors who were present at the game. We now look forward to the next fixture against North Midlands at Dudley Kingswinford on the 4th January”