Under 14s Battle to an Away Draw a Basildon

Cancel your Netflix subscription because if you are looking for high drama for free this season just watch Enfield’s under 14’s! Those brave souls exchanging cosy living rooms for the touchlines of Donkey Lane and other cinematic locations have seen a series of see-saw thrillers and narrow victory’s. Sunday was the latest edition featuring an epic 24-24 draw at Basildon.

With barely any time left on the clock the boys were trailing 17-24. Enfield were denied a try in the corner with a tackle 5 metres out. It tuned out to be a blessing given we needed a converted try to tie up the game. Subsequently the ball was worked back in field. A powerful leg drive from Daniel took Enfield close. Then a burst from Patrick and offload to Sammy to run clear and score! Patrick made the clutch conversion from a little left of the uprights.24-24 Phew!

Any viewer could easily come to the verdict that Enfield were fortunate to nick a draw. The boys had trailed most of the game, struggling to contain Basildon’s big lads. The backs were starved of good possession and literally no set piece ball. Our boys were guilty of 90% of the knock on’s (handling practice Thursday night?) and 90% of the penalties too. The accumulation of penalties meant Cian had to take one for the team with a yellow card. Harsh on him as he had a terrific game.

The view that we should have won also has merit. Enfield played all the attractive rugby and scored some cracking team tries. Lots of the new players also got some valuable game time. A draw, then perhaps a fair result.

…..Hang on. There’s a twist. It’s not over!
Just when we thought we had levelled with the last play of the game the Ref played on. There had been some stoppages but we were well over the allotted time. But the man in the middle was keen on more entertainment. A bonus episode no less.

Basildon found themselves just yards from our own line. We had struggled to contain some of their big lads from short range earlier in the game so alarm bells were ringing for the boys in blue and gold. Some brave tackles were put in, one of note from Liam S. The game was called over…and then it wasn’t. Now a Basildon penalty 5 metres out. More tension. Coach Corky reflected after that it would be tough to lose late after fighting back so often. Indeed. David Howley was watching through his fingers. Poor bloke. But one last valiant defensive effort was made and the draw secured.

The boys let out a roar to celebrate their rearguard efforts. Well done chaps.
Next episode 10.12.23. Bring popcorn.

Scoring;
0-7 early Basildon try after a collection of missed tackles 7-7. Cracking Enfield try following breaks down the right from Donie and Patrick, Chenitha then cut back across the field to score. Patrick Converted.
7-14. Close range effort for Basildon
7-14 HT
12-14. Berkay scores in the corner after a great defensive press pushes Basildon back and turnover ball.
17-14. Lovely team try. Cian’s strong run fending off tacklers, recycled by George, a long pass by Ollie H for Sammy (welcome back from Wendy-ball) to race clear.
17-19. Numerous penalty decisions given against Enfield in their own 22 eventually punished with a forwards try from close range.
17-24. Missed tackles and penalties before another short range try 24-24. Sammy try, Patrick conversion.