U 13 vs Old Bedians.

The New Year saw the resuming of the Toc H / Broughton Park u/13 team. The first game of the season had more spice with the news it was a derby against Old Bedians.

The game started with a very competitive edge. Fierce tackles from both sides and strong runs with both sides showing a good attacking edge. After 5 minutes 1-0 to Toc after good back play and a try by Max F in the left corner. This was the start of a few tries with Max A, cutting through the middle to touch down and then tries by Mo and two by Sam, one after a jinking run. The attack was looking sharp but the defence also strong, halting the threat of Old Bedians, especially the speedy wingers. It was however breached with a speedy wingers pulling one back for Old Bedians. This sparked Old Bedians into life and as the tackles started to slip off, they scored another just before half time. The gap was restored after a searing run from Luca leading to a Toc try. This re-energised the boys and after a lovely break down the left, and the ball being recycled they touched down in the centre. Half time and a commanding, well deserved lead.

The second half started with Old Bedians fuelled with half time team bananas!! The fruit seemed to work as after a quick Toc try, Old Bedians scored with their quick winger scorching down the wing to touch down. The fruit showed its power with Old Bedians scoring another quick try and a big rumble and poor tackling. Game on. Another try by Old Bedians, left us thinking that we are in need of a fruit boost next half time. Old Bedians seemed super charged with the scrum dominating and suddenly after another try, just one in it. Nervous times in the crowd. The boys had a quick team talk on the pitch and with focus restored Toc scored two quick tries......banana power wilting?? These led to the intensity increasing and the tackling improving. With Toc back on the front foot there was another try by Mo before a couple from Old Bedians at the end of the game, possibly showing the slow release power of the humble banana.

A real competitive game with both teams totally committed, playing excellent rugby with Toc winning 11-8 in the end. A good start to 2017, with discussions needing to be held on the power and impact of half time fruit!!