Ashford RFC U14s vs. Aylesford 28th January 2007

Rose rises to the challenge

Ashford 0 – Aylesford 10

This was always going to be a difficult match for the Ashford Under 14s. With seven of their squad of 23 players away on Kent duty many players were force into unfamiliar roles. The season’s earlier encounter between the two sides had been won 35-5 by the Ashford boys and Aylesford themselves also had three players on Kent duty.

The match got off to a bad start when the Ashford side failed to gather the kick-off. Weak tackling allowed the visitors to move the ball wide and score the opening try after just 30 seconds. Conceding the try shocked the Ashford boys into action. Led by skipper Glen Caton the Ashford boys took control of both possession and territory. Despite pressuring the try line on several occasions, they couldn’t get the all important breakthrough.

Approaching half time, injuries to several key players slowed the team’s momentum. Luckily, Ashford had two Under 13s on standby and Owain Fussell and Max Rose stepped up a year to join the fray. Rose making a crucial one on one tackle that prevented Aylesford from breaking out of their half.

The second half saw Ashford resume their territorial dominance. However, the pattern of the first half was repeated and a loss of concentration and poor tackling allowed Aylesford to score the all important second try.

Despite the losing result, the match gave many of the less experienced Ashford boys the opportunity to play a full match. It was a test of stamina and concentration that most of the boys passed.

Player of the week was Max Rose, who should be proud of his ability to step up a year and play with such maturity. Next weekend, the Ashford Under 14s travel away to Cranbrook.