Handsworth RUFC
Fixtures
Handsworth U14's 0 v 50 Stafford U14's
Sunday November 23rd Handsworth visited Old Sills
RFC impressive Knowle headquarters for their 2nd successive away
game. With Old Sills having some players away at Warwickshire trials their side
was slightly weakened to the one which beat Birmingham & Solihull in their
previous game. Handsworth had a couple of enforced changes due to family
commitments and injury with 3 players in the starting XV for the first time.
Weather conditions saw all four seasons in a 2 hour period with rain, sleet,
wind and finally some sun.
Handsworth lost the toss and Old Sills elected to receive. Again Handsworth's problem of not getting going in the opening 15 minutes was evident when the kick off was not gathered cleanly and Old Sills got control at the first scrum. Handsworth missing 2 regular pack members and up against a well organised pack did not have it all their own way as in previous weeks and whilst winning the ball back it was more of an effort.
Adam Bell playing at scrum half, and wearing comedy size boots which had been lent to him due to leaving his at Spartans last week, got a fizzy pass out to Eamonn who smashed a cross kick down field which unfortunately didn't make touch but was caught by an Old Sills player and run back up the pitch. A number of runs and rucks later (including 2 text book try saving tackles from fullback Ben) Old Sills had made their early pressure pay and they went over for the first score of the day (SCORE 5-0)
Finally Handsworth woke up and showed that they are beginning to become a good physical side and went on the attack. Handsworths forwards and backs combined well with good rucking and tackling to win the ball back and released flying winger Josh off on a strong run. A further 3 phases of play got Handsworth to within touching distance of the line. A clever reverse pass from the base of the ruck got the backs moving and strong running from Connor and Rhys got the ball out to the wing for Josh to go over for the try (SCORE 5-5).
The half finished with Handsworth starting to find second gear and strong runs from Lilly, Fish and Alex (who's dad had offered him an incentive based payment of £10 for a try!) could have seen them go in ahead, however great Old Sills defence meant that the whistle went with no further scores in what was a very evenly contested half (HALF TIME 5-5).
With half time over and the coaches words of encouragement and guidance ringing in their ears Handsworth were ready. Straight from the off the ball was secured and the forwards went on a great trundling maul with a quick release to the backs Rhys got to a metre of the line and off loaded unselfishly to Eamonn who had supported well only for the pass to be deemed forward.
From the scrum Handsworth heaved forward and Adam broke from scrum half on the blindside only to be bundled out into touch. Again 2nd rower Alex won the line out (if only Handworth can get their own line working it will double the amount won) and the forwards built the platform to release the backs who, with Lilly sitting in the hole between scrum half and outside half, smashed through the holes in the Old Sills defence. A good ruck presented the ball to Jacob who picked up and went over for Handsworths 2nd try of the day which Rhys converted from near out on the touchline (SCORE 5-12)
Old Sills kicked off and came back on the attack, good tackling and a better understanding of the LVA's then last week meant Handworths line stayed protected and unbreached. Due to a massive hit put in by Alex and Handworths stronger front 5 the scrums went uncontested which gave the backs further licence to attack. Again good movement and passing took Handsworth over for another try with Rhys' kick just falling short (SCORE 5-17)
The last 10 minutes was in the same spirit as the previous 50 and was a fairly even contest but with neither side able to convert possession in to points.
The refs whistle sounded and confirmed Handsworths first away win of the season (FINAL SCORE 5-17)
Match Comment: Again better than the week before with the defence starting to work correctly and decision making improving. Tackling still needs to improve but the whole team are moving in the right direction.
Next week (30th November) Handsworth face Yardley and District.
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