NLD U18G v Leicestershire U18G

After some hard work by the team managers following the original date’s cancellation due to harsh weather across the country, the NLD U18W took to the field for what would be their final game of the season.

Leicestershire had an excellent start, coming out aggressively and making plenty of yards through structured play. However, a strong NLD defence prevented them from encroaching into the final third of the pitch. Possession went back and forth between the teams until Leicestershire found themselves with an attacking lineout on the NLD 20-metre line. A strong rush defence from NLD pushed the Leicestershire attack back to the 10-metre line, but after some structured phases, Leicestershire broke the NLD defensive line, scoring the first converted try of the game under the posts, making it 0-7.

The NLD players, now with some work to do, mounted their attack, continuously working through the phases to progress within 5 metres of the Leicestershire try line. Play was stopped due to a Leicestershire head injury, but once it resumed, NLD targeted the posts, being brought down short on three occasions before sending the ball wide for captain M. Hemsley to score in the corner. The conversion was missed, bringing the score to 5-7 at halftime.

Leicestershire started the second half quickly with an aggressive defence, pinning NLD between their own 10-metre line and the halfway line for several phases. An interception allowed the Leicestershire loosehead prop to make a 40-metre dash to the try line, bringing the score to 5-14 after the conversion.

With work to do, NLD began to put together some nice phase play with powerful runners attacking the Leicestershire defence. Holding strong for 20 minutes, the Leicestershire defence slowly fatigued, allowing the NLD attack to creep closer to scoring. A hard run from A. Tye carried NLD over the line for a converted score, bringing the score to 12-14.

Both teams battled for a narrow victory, but neither could string together enough phases to cross the whitewash until late in the second half. With a Leicestershire lineout on their own 22-metre line, they cleared their lines with a kick, making it into NLD’s half. An unfortunate bounce enabled the Leicestershire kick chase to prevent an NLD return, stage a successful counter-ruck, and allow a back-row player to make a 50-metre dash to the corner, securing Leicestershire a 12-19 win in the last moments of the game.

Assistant Coach Sam Scott said after the game, “It was a really well-fought and contested game, with both teams stringing together some nice phases and ultimately rugby in its purest form. We were outmuscled and beaten by the more aggressive team on this occasion. However, hopefully, we can have a return fixture next season, and all our spectators can be enchanted by another thrilling game of CB rugby!”

We wish to thank all our players’ parents for their continued support throughout this season, as well as Leicestershire for their assistance in rearranging this match. We also wish the injured Leicestershire player the best and hope they are back on the rugby pitch in the near future!