North Bristol 29 – Tewkesbury 31
On the day after the end of British summertime, the Tewkesbury U14’s made the journey south to play North Bristol in the Gloucestershire County Cup.
With the sun trying to have it’s last say before Autumn takes hold, the game kicked off. A fairly even start to the game with both teams playing competitive rugby soon changed after great work by Tewkesbury who engineered the opening try by Alex Rolfe and Henry converted the kick.
The Tigers looked to try and take control of the match but with it being quite a balanced game they struggled to make their good work count. It was however the home team that found some form and scored two quick tries. It seemed to shock Tewkesbury and galvanise them as a unit. Ben Peters scored a try late on in the half but the home team had also scored their third to take a slender lead into half time. The second half kicked off with the sun fully out making it feel more like a summers day and with this Tewkesbury seemed to blossom like flowers soaking up the last rays of the day. The passing was superb and the teamwork was inspiring. Brendan as always ran his heart out for the team with energetic mazey runs through the North Bristol pack to find the wing and stretch the opposition. With Jack Hawke and Harvey Maycock picking the ball and charging into the Bristol line time and time again it opened up lines for the team to exploit.
Tewkesbury were the better team in the second half despite North Bristol scoring 2 more tries. Ben Peters scored his second try of the game to reduce the deficit. But with the game entering it’s final phase Alex Rolfe grabbed his second try of the game. The winning try was a great team work try and showed the determination and fighting spirit which highlights Tewkesbury U14’s.
Great passing work down the left side with Brendan Walker heading for the line, he got tackled just before the line and it was quick thinking by Miles Rendell to pick the ball and pop it over to win the match. Every player played their parts today as always and should be proud of a gritty and truly professional performance against a very good North Bristol team.