Winning U13s 'Exiles' display at Old Reigatians

After last week's Cup game at Sunbury, today's full squad session was based around 3x20 minute friendly games with the intention of guaranteeing all Exiles game time. Playing on the wide 1st team pitch, and the spring sunshine providing dry conditions under foot, the portents were good for an open series of matches.

Currently sitting atop Surrey’s CBRE U13 Youth League 3, Old Reigatians have been averaging 30 points a game, so our hosts are very familiar with crossing the try line and so it proved early in the first period of play with a well worked, converted, try. However the Exiles responded with a sustained period of attacking play to set up a platform for a try of our own, such that the first 20 minutes ended with Old Reigatians holding a narrow 7-5 lead.

The second ‘half’ Exiles' team was predominantly composed of our league players (minus a few absences for injury or school commitments) and the difference was evident in the increase in pace and penetration; with Old Reigatians facing repeated waves of Chipstead attacks. Our assertiveness was rewarded with seven unanswered tries and the Exiles closed off this 20 minute period with a 7-44 point cushion.

The third game saw Old Reigatians come back with a more direct game plan that got them over the gain line on several occasions; although only one such attack resulted in a try, as the Exiles’ defence held. Chipstead generally had the advantage at the breakdowns and with the Old Reigatians line out misfiring Chipstead were able to set up a number of attacking plays which helped keep our try count ticking over, and with the clock ticking down there was just time for Chipstead to close out the game with a final seven points to bring proceedings to a close. Final score 14-63.

In summary this was another solid performance from the Exiles and big thanks must go to Tim and the coaches, the parents and, in particular, the players from Old Reigatians for providing the usual high level of welcome, hospitality and sportsmanship. We wish them the very best of luck for the remaining league fixture and the continuation of their unbeaten run.

For the Exiles, it is back to focusing on the Waterfall Cup with a Mead’s semi-final next week (15th March) against Guildford.