By Gideon Fackrell (U14 Coach & Team Manager)

Sunday saw us return to Hillingdon, unbeaten in the league for 2 years, their only blemish being a draw with us in the final match of last season.

Facing the wind in the 1st half we struggled to get to grips with the opposition and leaked 3 tries in the opening 20 mins and a deficit of 19-0, lacking possession and having to defend for a large part of this period. Finally, we secured some field position and just before the break Noah went over to reduce the arrears, 19-5 at half-time.

As we’ve become accustomed this try became the catalyst for a much improved 2nd half performance and with the home side starting to leak penalties we hit back, initially with AJ finishing powerfully in the left hand corner then Arlo gliding in on the opposite wing…game on , 19-17.

As the final whistle approached the home side though had other ideas and scored a cracking team try from their own 22 and their victory, deserved, just, was secured 24-17.

Whilst at times our skills and cohesion were found wanting, the commitment and team spirit was excellent, a real team performance, and almost enough to get across the line against a team with such an impressive record.