Old Silhilians u15 vs Dudley 16th May
This promised to be a bostin game following strong home and away performances against Barker Butts and Oxford Harlequins. It didn’t disappoint.
Game was kicked into life by Dudley who looked strong and physical. First few minutes were cat and mouse before a flash of Sils quick ball through hands saw the inform Ted Clarke cross the line for 5-0 in as many minutes. Up steps George Hastings adding yet more strings to his bow with a sweet conversion 7-0. Dudley restarted but despite their efforts it wasn’t long before big Will C charged over to make it 12-0 and you’ve guessed it converted by George H, 14-0 Sils. Sils were starting to take charge with some great rucking from Josh B, Axel Rose and George M. Another converted try from a by now on fire Ted Clarke saw Sils go 21-0 clear only for Ted to greedily repeat the feat, bringing the first quarter to an end 26-0.
2nd Quarter saw a change at 9 with Ross taking over from Charlie. Dudley despite the score very motivated and right in Sils faces. It wasn’t long before the relentless Sils pressure started to tell, Josh, Will, Alex, James and Ciaran constantly hurrying the Dudley boys into mistakes. George Hastings not content with scoring 6 points in the first quarter ran in Sils 5th try duly converted making it 33-0. Another strong rucking performance saw 3 quick fire trys for Sils. Sean, Matthew and the ever hungry Ted adding an unanswered 17 points and reaching the magical 50 points to nil. The usually shy and retiring Pembo thought he’d rub salt in the wound with a great break converted by George 57-0 Sils.
The 3rd quarter was a quieter affair with Charlie replacing Ross at 9, but dont be fooled into thinking quieter meant any less intense. Dudley giving it everything and Sils relentless in defence, all over the Dudley attack to snuff out any chance of conceding. Little bit of off the ball, questioning of the refs eye sight set the tone as the third quarter ended scoreless.
4th Quarter with Ross back at 9 started in a similar vein but Dudley were slowing down and Sils turned up the wick. George H with a booming left right combination saw him land 2 quick trys,1 converted by Josh Bould making it 69-0 to Sils. Dudley had, despite the score line really kept up the pressure so it was a pity the game was brought to a premature end following a short boxing demonstration.