It was a day for firsts for the U14s this Sunday: a first ever competitive match and the first opportunity to use our impressive new changing rooms. The Bedfordshire Cup presented a chance to renew old acquaintances as we welcomed Luton, a club who our boys have played against since U7. Games are usually closely fought and it was with a sense of anticipation that the assembled parents and interested spectators started the morning.
Roused by a passionate speech from Coach Beer, the Buzzard boys made the best possible start, with a first minute try from forward (and coaches’ man of the match) Ewan Long, well converted by George Flack. A good run down the wing from Jack Beddall, together with more direct central play from Jack Beer and Eli Msoffe, saw three further tries added, all converted, before Luton got on the board. Another try from Ade Adebayo, converted again by parents man of the match Flack, who seems to have found his range with the boot, together with an unconverted Luca Pafundo try, saw the Buzzards go into half time with a 40-5 lead.
It was the Luton Coaches’ turn to rouse their side and this, coupled with a few changes among their backs, saw them start the second half much more positively, even though Buzzards drew first blood with a try from Evan Strong-Anderson, making his return following an injury at lady month’s DPP tournament. Luton quickly replied before Strong-Anderson went over in the corner for his second. Two more uncovered tries from Luton saw them win the half, not due to deficiencies in Leighton’s play, but through a massive improvement in their own play which shows their own potential. Final score: 50-20, a great performance by all 22 of today’s squad, and a return to Stockwood Park awaits in the next round in early 2023.
A good start to competitive rugby for the boys and with players returning from injury, and to the club (and rugby), there is surely more to come.