West U15 v Durham City - 24/11/13

Last weekend the U15s took on Durham City at home in the second round of the County Cup. Durham are the only team to beat West this season and are a very good team so West knew it would be a difficult game. West got off to the worst possible start and conceded two early unconverted tries in the first ten minutes. They did, however, show a lot of character and battled back scoring two tries from second row Aaron Maguire and hooker Jordan Foulds, the second try converted by Liam Checksfield. West were unlucky not to go further ahead when flanker Elliott Gilhespy-Swan chased a kick through from Jordan Sanderson, but just knocked the ball on before touching down, making the half time score 12-10.

In the second half City stepped up their game and some good offloading, support play and powerful running allowed them to run in a further three tries during the half, converting one. All the way through the second half West never let their heads go down and continued to have a go at City and had periods of sustained pressure on the City line, but were unable to add to their score. The final score of 12-27 slightly flattered the visitors, although on the day they probably deserved the win.

This was another encouraging performance from West as they continue to work hard and improve. We probably gave away too many penalties, which took its toll in the second half and this is something we need to work on.

West U15 v Darlington - 01/12/13

This week was another hard game away to Darlington, always a strong team with previous games being very close and hard fought. This again turned out to be a good game with both sides looking to play running rugby. West started the stronger and dominated the early play and when Matt Siddle found himself in a bit of space he put in a well weighted cross field kick, which bounced kindly into the arms of chasing winger Jordan Sanderson for the first try, the conversion missed, 0 - 5. West continued to press and with the forwards providing good ball for the backs they always looked threatening. From a ruck on the half way line Matt Siddle chipped over the top and Liam Checksfield chased and caught to race through under the posts, converting his own try, 0 - 12. Darlington fought their way back into the game and a break by the fly-half saw them score under the posts and convert, 7 - 12. West came straight back at Darlington and from a five metre scrum a well worked training ground move in the back line saw centre Connor Allen go over unopposed under the posts, again converted by Checksfield making the half time score 7 - 19.

Darlington started the second half strongly and put a lot of pressure on the visiting side. One characteristic of West’s play this season has been their resolute and organised defence and they managed to keep Darlington out and clear their lines. Further good tackling resulted in turnover ball and West quickly turned defence into attack breaking up the field. After a couple of phases of play the ball was spun out to winger Nathan Wanley who went over in the corner, the conversion missed, 7 - 24. The final try came from a result of some good work from the forwards, which created space on the blindside for Liam Checksfield to outflank the defence and score under the posts, also slotting the conversion. Final score 7 - 31.

A determined, organised and structured performance. Last weeks defeat by Durham was disappointing for the team after all their efforts, but they bounced back well this week and returned to winning ways.