'Exiles' continue winning ways at Old Wimbledonian Warriors

An excellent squad turnout (injuries aside) allowed the U12s (Exiles’) to field both a Blues and Golds team against the hosts.

The first match saw a competent display by the Blues who scored three tries in each half and kept another clean sheet. What was nice to see were the players maintaining their shape and execution of moves both in open play and at set pieces. A platform of solid rucks and mauls and a dominance in the scrum provided the Blues with the space to open up and work the angles and overlaps. A good day at the office. Final Score (Warriors 0 : 30 Chipstead “Blues”)

The second game was a closer affair with the Golds and the Warriors contesting a much more competitive and combative game. The Golds’ defence however has continued to improve this season; and so it was again that successive waves of Warriors’ attacks were stifled. The Golds also made a number of probing attacks with a strong solo Forward’s effort resulting in Chipstead securing the only score of the first half. The latter stages of the half saw the Warriors continue to pressure inside the Chipstead ’22. But again the defence held.

The second period of the game saw more of the same from both sides with the Warriors continuing to strive for that elusive try. Determined efforts from the hosts were met with equally determined defence from the visitors – with all players putting in a shift (which has not always been the case). The Golds are more than just a defensive unit however and a series of breaks over the gain line proved that the Golds are developing an edge; which we’ll look to sharpen up at the Meads. Final Score (Warriors 0 : 5 Chipstead “Golds”)

What all the coaches were particularly pleased with though overall is how the Golds are more and more playing as a Team; with a team ethos, greater cohesion as a unit, and a commitment to play with and for each other.

Well done to the ‘Exiles’ squad. A good performance and good set of results.

Thoughts from the day:

During the training, it did seem that some of the squad had left their concentration somewhere in a field in Cornwall. A focused performance in training provides the platform for a winning performance on the pitch; something that some members of the squad should keep front of mind a bit more often.