Under 13s Lose at Home

In an unexpectedly bright and sunny morning at Groats Road GCC got off to a sleepy start and let in a soft try in the first seven minutes. Due partly to poor tacking technique and not being competitive at the rucks. This pattern continued and a further four tries and two conversions were conceded. Enforced changes due to unavailability of players and on field injuries saw Angus and Thomas being replaced by Archie And Angus.

First Period 0-17.

Playing uphill in second period GCC fared much better and moved the ball effectively down the line a few times and players started to support each other. A good try was scored, but I didn’t see who got it and an attempt at the conversion was unfortunately missed with Dylan taking on the kicking responsibilities. Deeside/Garioch scores 3 tries and failed to convert any of them. After a good draw and pass and then a tackle on one of the bigger lads in the Deeside/Garioch team Finlay was unfortunately injured in an off the ball incident and replaced by Calum. Thomas after a good rest decided he was fit enough to get back into the game and replaced Flynn who had made some good runs during his time on the pitch.

Second Period: 3-9

In the last period GCC lost a bit of structure and tried various kicks which didn’t come off, giving away possession generally made life harder. Also, GCC were poor in defence, tackling with fingers rather than shoulders. Poor body position and unwillingness to protect/win the ball at the rucks led to return of form akin to the first 20 minutes. It’s very frustrating to lose possession after the ball is properly set up by the attacker, set back correctly and then lose it because too many players are ball watching. We also ran the ball across the pitch rather than passing to people running onto the ball a bit too much. Deeside/Garioch were good at closing space and forcing errors in our back line
Deeside/Garioch played well and had a big squad but GCC flattered them with the score line. The second period showed that GCC could compete in the game. There is going to be plenty of fun rucking this coming Wednesday. On the up side we had a small chat about teamwork/culture before the game and we were happy to see that even though the boys were up against it they all generally supported each other throughout.

Thanks again to Kirsteen for washing the shirts, Archie for getting the water bottles, the lads that took in the first Aid Kit and the U14 mums for organising the lovely food afterwards. Good to see the lads chatting and having a laugh in the clubhouse after the game.

Coaches
Graeme Buchan

Referee
James Bell

Squad
Sam Lynch, Callum Sherwood, Joseph Rasmussen, Stewart Shearer, Andrew Bell, Dylan Lennox, Lewis Gibbons, Angus Morrison, Ihsan Rahman, Thomas Ewan, Flynn Hamilton, Angus Webb, Lewis Mclean, Archie Lyndsay, Finlay Buchan, Angus Webb, Brodie Duguid.

Report by Graeme Buchan