Andover RFC - Youth Academy
Play hard - play well - play fair

News from the Under 14s

Browse by month to find the report of interest.

Sunday, 5th February 2012

The Ken White Distribution sponsored U14’s travelled the long drive through the snow to New Milton.  The pre-match preparation was not ideal, but the team were definitely ready and took the game straight to the hosts.

The first few minutes saw Andover camped in their own 22, but a number of big hits and the blitz defence working well put the hosts under pressure and they could not get over the line.  With Luke Wilkins as normal at the forefront of the defence and Jamie King up fast, a turnover resulted in the try of the game.    Charlie Donnelly in his own 22 went on a mazy run through the first few defenders, then used great speed, strength and a wicked hand-off to score from 80 metres out, a fantastic solo effort.  Andover stunned the hosts and 0-5 up.

New Milton came back strongly but were kept out once again by great defence and excellent counter rucking by the Andover forwards especially James Marlow and Kieran Holmes.   A loose clearance kick resulted in the New Milton fullback running strongly through a couple of tackles and scoring a converted try mid-way through the first half.  New Milton 7- 5 up.  With nearly all territory and possession with New Milton, the Andover defence had to work very hard, but this they did with great courage and discipline with a number of the New Milton attacks thwarted by poor handling errors due the pressure being exerted by Andover.  Eventually New Milton scored again close to half-time leaving it 12-5 to hosts.

Andover came out fighting again at half-time with a very strong chase and tackle from Sam Walsh that resulted in a turnover to Andover, great start to second half.  Andover started getting more territory and possession but the final pass or decision-making not quite coming off, with Ben Fraser and Josh Chatee making inroads to the New Milton defence.  Great leadership from skipper for the day, Jordan Gray and fine work at No.10 from Ollie Parry kept the hosts on the back foot, but no try came for Andover.  Nearing the end of the game New Milton stretched the Andover defence and scored an unconverted try in the corner with the final score 17-5.

A great game from a small travelling squad of 16, with all players playing for each other, contributing to the performance and showing fantastic team spirit.  The lads should be very proud of themselves and will learn from the experience.

The Man of the Match ‘Ugly Socks’ were shared by Charlie Donnelly and Sam Walsh, who both put in fine performances.

Andover Squad: James Marlow, Dylan Patel, Keiran Holmes, McKenzie Whitehead, Ollie Dewell, Sam Walsh, Luke Wilkins, Jordan Gray, Will Scobie, Ollie Parry, Cameron Holland, Charlie Donnelly, Jamie King, Ben Fraser, Josh Chatee.