U13 'Exiles' secure semi-final win

Chipstead welcomed Guildford to the Meads for the semi-final of the Bowl competition. Having narrowly beaten the visitors in the league earlier in the season Chipstead knew it was going to be a tough match; but we looked like we were trying to make it harder for ourselves by conceding an early try just after kick off. Not the start we wanted!

The ‘Exiles’ seemed to have taken the view that tackling the upper body instead of the legs was an effective approach; but as the boys found, this strategy against big fast opponents does not work. Chipstead gradually steadied the ship by good forward play and going through the phases, retaining possession and building momentum; with the accumulation of pressure enabling the ‘Exiles’ to successfully cross the goal line. However poor tackling technique meant we gave up the lead too quickly again; but in a game of tit for tat Chipstead responded with quick back play leading to a well worked try in the corner.

The second half commenced and again Guildford, quicker out of the blocks, scored an early try. This was becoming a habit, but the shock treatment of conceding points early seemed to galvanise the ‘Exiles’ who then began to play to the Team’s strengths. The pick and drive of the pack gained us field position and providing quick ball to the backs allowed the 'Exiles' to go over for the third try.

However the game was far from over and Guildford were in no mood to give up; aided and abetted by Chipstead who put themselves under pressure through unforced handling errors. It is a sign of maturity on the pitch though that the boys, through good communication with each other, sorted this out and began a period of playing simple direct rugby, and executing the basics well. The forwards, going through the phases, linked well with the backs and put Guildford’s defence under stress. A five meter line out on Guildford's line was the result of this pressure, and although Guildford won the ball they were out rucked in the breakdown and Chipstead went over and scored.

Chipstead recycled well from the kick off and, again going through the phases, the ‘Exiles’ gained field position in Guildford’s twenty two with an attacking scrum. Having secured the platform, good communication and awareness from the team meant the right call was given and a try was scored. This was the final score of the match and the ‘Exiles' had secured their place in the Bowl final (27-19).

Full credit to all the full match day squad for a good win against combative opposition. Big thanks to the Guildford players whose tenacity and ‘never give up’ attitude made this a compelling game; their performance on the pitch is a credit to the ethos and training provided by their coaches.

The ‘Exiles’ had to work hard for this win putting themselves under pressure at times with simple errors; however the positives of our play outweighed these slips and this was a good win to continue what has been an encouraging start to 2015.

The ‘Exiles’ now need to focus on ironing out the simple errors and prepare for the Final on the 19th April. Next week is a home friendly against Tonbridge Juddoians and is a full squad affair; so well done again for today, and let's see everyone at the Meads next week.