Ionians Alligators v Selby U11’s
13th December 2009
The Alligators, quite prepared and fully aware of the anticipated tough game that lay ahead, arrived with focused minds and enthusiastic attitudes. They began the day with a brutal and vigorous warm-up, after-which they were fanatically anxious for the challenge to commence.
The game started tough and seemed to concentrate mainly in the centre of the pitch for quite a while before the Alligators managed to gain possession and bolt for the try line. With a quick and devious pass just shy of the try line, their first well-deserved try was acknowledged.
The game saw Selby win several scrums and their natural feisty ability ensured the ball was quickly deployed. Unfortunately, it also meant their chances of losing the ball were greater, which gave the Alligators opportunities they were to take full advantage of. Selby, realising they had underestimated the Alligators, began taking too many chances with knocked on balls and over-zealous tackling. The Alligators kept their cool and played courageously as they entered rucks and mauls, executing them flawlessly.
A careless mistake by the Alligators prompted Selby to take advantage of a penalty that levelled the score. Undeterred by the equalizer and the only possible chance Selby may have had to take charge, the Alligators retaliated with even greater vengeance and tackled like nothing seen before. They almost peeled their opponents away, tossing them aside one by one to gain possession and notch up another try to quickly regain the lead. By now, the Alligators were on fire and desperate for a comfortable lead before the half time whistle. Selby, even more desperate, executed some brilliant passes with the Alligators in hot pursuit and now becoming a real threat. After a fantastic array of ball work and a few shrewd little passes, the Alligators secured their third try before half time, giving them a 15-5 lead going into the break.
Reeling from a first half defeat, Selby re-grouped, changed their squad, and came back with a stronger team in the hope of a reprisal against the Alligators. Sadly for them, the Alligators had already anticipated Selby’s discreet and somewhat unorthodox strategy and adopted another level of skilfully artistic playing.
Selby gained the edge on a number of occasions and could have very nearly scored a few more try’s had it not been for several careless mistakes, often only a yard or two from the try line.
It took a strong dedicated and well motivated team to beat Selby, and the Alligators performance today was a real Christmas treat for the coaches. They watched with delight as the Alligators concentrated on every aspect of the game and delivered a breath taking team performance in their last official game of the year.
MAN OF THE MATCH: Sam Howard for his high octane approach in today’s game. Sam is very often a unique and gifted player. When he is not otherwise gazing into outer space he executes some amazing tackles, quite often gaining possession of the ball and making a bee-line for the try line. Sam’s commitment to the game is further enhanced by his ability to take harsh punishments dealt by the opposition and use it to his advantage. He was determined to securely deliver the ball over the try line and he proved that with the strength of will nothing was going to stop him.
MATCH SUMMARY:
Results:
Alligators 25 - 10 Selby
Try Scorers:
Sam Howard 2
George Boynton 1
Oscar Cavill 1
Jack Hatfield 1
Attendance: (Away) 17/22 - (77%)
