MOFFAT U14 BOYS v ANNAN U14 BOYS

Match Report from: Andrew Jancey

A 12 strong Annan team headed to Moffat on Sunday to take on the Rams. The day was overcast but dry and reasonably warm for an autumn day in the southwest, all the signs of perfect conditions for a game of running rugby. The format of 5 forwards and 7 backs also helping push the running game.

Annan were keen to let this show right from the off and it wasn’t long before the first try was scored after good interplay between backs and forwards and finished by 2nd row Rohan Cother.

More tries soon followed in the first 20 with further scores from captain Oban Nicholson and Rohan. Ben Richardson was on hand to convert to give Annan a good lead going into the break.

The 2nd 20 minute period was more subdued thanks to a stern effort from the Moffat Rams but Annan held fast with some good defence lead by center Mason Gibb and fullback Aaron Ker, with Ben Richardson clearing the lines well with his boot on several occasion. Notable big tackles from Oban, Rohan and Filipe Wisnieski also holding the opposition at bay. With all the boys doing their fair share in defence it wasn’t till later in the period that Moffat managed to break through for a well earned score.

Annan doubled their efforts for the last half of the period, and thanks to a series of great scrumming efforts especially from the front row combination of Ethan McDairmant, Danny Bell and James Farrell they were able to bounce back with some more tries from 2nd rows Oban Nicholson and Rohan.

There were also good breaks from winger Ben Quinn and centre Filipe who both did a great job with the few opportunities they had to set up tries, and Filipe bagging one for himself as well. On the other wing Finn Smith did a great job securing ball at the breakdown and continued the good defensive effort with no tries or line breaks coming down Annan’s right flank. Ben R once again made good use of his boot adding the extra points.

The final 3rd 20mins was to bring back the more attacking side of the game for Annan. Even after a change in positions the boys were able to showcase more of the skills that had helped them to take the lead in the first 20. More team tries were ran in with great breaks and support from Ethan and scrum half Duncan Richmond off the back of the scrums.

The break of the day came late on. Off the back of another good scrum, scrum half Duncan (who was the glue of the team all day, holding everything together between forwards and back) passed out to stand off Ben Richardson, who, with some straight running opened up space for Mason Gibb to break through in the centre.

With plenty to do from 65m out he then sidestepped the fullback and if it hadn’t been for a great effort from the Moffat winger would have been in under the posts. With Mason being brought down only 5m short, Rohan (like all good wingers/second rows) was there in support, and after a good pop pass of the ground from Mason, was able to take the ball the remaining 5m to finish the try.

Final Score: Moffat U14 Boys 7 v Annan U14 Boys 26

All in all a great effort from all the lads who had been well captained as always by 2nd row Oban. Everyone took their turn in showing good attack and defence especially with some players starting in new positions for the first time to earn a good away win.

As always thanks to Moffat for their hospitality and hope to see them again for a return fixture soon at Violetbank.

The mighty Tigers