Ashford RFC U14s vs. Hastings 14th January 07

Ashford 54 – Hastings 0

Ashford Under 14s faced a Hastings side top of their Sussex league and featuring 4 Sussex county squad players. Hastings fielded a big pack by Under 14 standards. Ashford’s game plan was to use their superiority in ball handling, mobility and quick recycling at the breakdown to outmanoeuvre their bigger opponents.

From the kick off Ashford immediately broke through the Hastings defensive screen and centre Gareth Jenner was held just 10 metres short. Hastings attacked from the resulting scrum and advanced 30 metres upfield before a tackle halted the attack. At the tackle Ashford turned over possession and quick passing saw centre Adam Batt open up space for winger Grant Noremac. Noremac stormed over to score the first try after just 4 minutes of play. This score was followed by a converted try from centre Batt just two minutes later.

Following the two early scores, Ashford piled on the first half pressure, scoring a further 6 tries before the break. Lock Charlie Williams, centre Gareth Jenner (2 tries), scrum half Rory Beech all featured on the try scoring sheet along with Noremac who scored two more to conclude a first half hatrick.

Ashford made some major changes for the second half. Displaced wing forward Tom Healy, featured at inside centre and made a well timed run, to score the opening try of the second half after just 5 minutes. Despite their reorganisation, Ashford maintained the territorial pressure and 14 minutes into the half Billy Stevens, playing out of position at No.8, crashed over to seal a 54-0 win.

Winger Harry Atkins and fly half Louis Burdon scored a conversion apiece. Player of the week was Tom Healy. Next week, Ashford U14s host Thanet.