The JCB Academy U16 rugby team traveled to Chellaston Academy, Derby for our third fixture of the term, and the bus certainly had an air of optimism.
A very positive yet frustrating game, JCB enjoyed the bulk of the possession with phase after phase of recycled ball but a very disciplined defence saw our efforts constantly thwarted, with Chellastons first try coming from a spilled ball while we built another attack. Solid carries from Jamie Wain, Max Warlock and Danny Thompson set the tone for the rest of the team who worked so hard with no points for the efforts. Again Chellaston capitalised on turnover ball and again no conversion, so half-time saw a 10-0 lead to our hosts.
A positive half time talk from the senior players saw the boys set themselves for the 2nd half, but a quick score by our hosts did mean the boys dig deep in their resolve, which was rewarded with a score (and conversion) by Alex Scullion. The remainder was scoreless so game finished on 15-7, a very respectable effort.
Player of the match goes to Jordan Churchill, a novice player who was thrown into scrum half and did an exceptional job, well done all.”
