GRESHM'S PREP SCHOOL U11 A TEAM v WHITHAM HALL U11 A TEAM

Neutral Venue: West Norfolk RFC

Final Score: 6 -6

The boys went into this fixture without team mate Archie T after a thumb injury in training, but on the positive side Theo B had recovered from injury and was available to play. The boys were in good spirit and keen to improve on their draw from last week.

Gresham's started well and were first to get the scoreboard ticking with a try from 1st Half Capt. Evan C. Gresham's were linking well in attack and next to score was the powerful George C. Whitham Hall were not going to lie down and scored a fluid try of their own before Evan C found room to break the defensive line and out sprint the opposition for his second. Elias F and Archie C were carrying well and securing good ball at the breakdown and Edward M and Aleksey C were making good ground, carrying well in the wider channels.

It was no surprise when Edward M scored Gresham's 4th try just before the half time whistle after some good possession and distribution from Rex L and Harry B, but some poor tackling allowed a spirited Whitham Hall to chalk up three of their own for a narrow Gresham's advantage at half time.

Gresham's tackling definitely improved in the second half but one or two errors and near miss try opportunities proved to be costly.

Whitham to their credit contributed well and improved their support play to add continuity to their attacking moves whilst simultaneously stepping up their defensive game to deny Archie C a try with a last ditch tackle. Joel W, however, exploded onto the ball from depth to carve his way to the line for a Gresham's second half opener. 2nd Half Capt. Archie C followed suit to add a well taken Gresham's second after some typically strong carrying by Elias F and George C. Although Gresham's threatened to score on a number of occasions in the second half, a host of nearly trys was the result and Whitham made their way back to within one score of Gresham's. With the last play of the game and playing from a free kick 10m from the Gresham's try line Whitham scored at the death to force a well earned draw.

Congratulations to the boys for a good overall performance. A focus on defensive duties for the next fixture should help improve future performances. Thank you to our opposition Whitham Hall for a great match and for their good humour and friendship before and after the match. Thank you as always to our travelling faithful parents whose vocal support was very much appreciated and to West Norfolk RFC for hosting the fixture and preparing all the pitches so wonderfully.

Final Score Gresham's 6 - Whitham Hall 6

Sqd: George C, Evan C, Elias F, Archie C, Edward M, Aleksey C, Theo B, Harry B, Rex L, Joel W.