"Please dont push us in the scrum, we're Knut very strong"

Today's friendly against Knutsford was a hard fought contest which our lads can be extremely proud of. Our defence was strong for most parts of the game, with just a couple of lapses in concentration in the second-half, which Knutsford took advantage of. Nobody from the visiting team was available to comment on why Knutsford U16 could not field a capable front row, forcing unopposed scrummages against the 'machine' that is the Barbarians U16 pack. Had the home team been allowed to legitimately excerpt their dominance in this area of the game, well the result might certainly have been reversed?

The first 10 minutes of the first half was an even battle with the Barbarians more than holding their own against a very accomplished side with an excellent track record. Knutsford then stole the ball in their own 22 and an extremely nippy player threaded his way through our guys to score the opening try which was subsequently converted, 7-nil Knutsford.

Barbarians dominated the lineouts with Giacomo winning every ball. One line out resulted in the ball squirting out to Logan who then, with the precision of a green beret sniper, kicked for touch with the ball ending up nestling in the Knutsford 22. They won the line out but were pressured back behind their own goal line resulting in Barbarians winning a penalty. The ball came back to the Barbarians half and Logan launched an up and under which bounced off a Knutsford player giving us the line out. Giacomo again padded the ball back which eventually ended up in the hands of Malaky who headed towards the goal line like a bull towards a red rag and scored without any Knutsford players getting anywhere near him. Logan converted the try to level the scores at 7-7.
Half time came and spirits were high as Barbarians were well up for the task.

The second-half started with lots of pressure from the opposition but the Barbarian defence were holding strong. With Knutsford going forward, they were fortunate to get away with a high hand off and managed to get the ball to the wing where they went over for their second try, 14-7. The game progressed with a continued great defensive performance from the Barbarians, but Knutsford managed to sneak in two more tries. Final score, Knutsford 28, Barbarians 7.

Oskar took a knock in the first half but came bounding back on with all the grit and determination of a mountaineer, climbing Mount Everest, without the aid of oxygen …… in a skull cap. Jack T also received a cut above the eye which resulted in an early bath for him. A hard well-fought match today.

Well done to the lads.
(By Chris Tabor)