Wands U13 v Dundee

First bus trip of the Season saw Wands U13's and U14's meet at Groats Road to take the short bus trip down to Dundee.
With 7 x players unavailable in the U13 squad, it was impressive that there was still the depth to be able to field a very competent 17 man team on the day, including the welcome return of Sam Smith & Craig Reid back from injury.
Was also great to see Hussein available to play in his first competitive league fixture after putting in so much hard work at training.
In agreement with Dundee and the referee, the match was to be played over 3 x 15 minute sessions to allow for ease of squad rotation to ensure all players on both sides got maximum game time.
Due to some of the unavailable players, it meant a bit of reshuffling with some players taking to the field in unfamiliar positions.

As it was remembrance Sunday, prior to kick off, both teams lined up to respectfully observe a minutes silence.
It was then time to kick off.
Wands failed to start as strongly as they had the previous weekend against RGC and Grammar, with a few missed tackles allowing Dundee to gain some territory. Despite calm and bright conditions, the ground was wet and the ball soon became slippery, with both teams suffering from dropped passes and knock-on's.
However it was Wands who got on the scoreline first, with the ever energetic Fergus barrelling his way over for a try, successfully converted by Campbell. Dundee soon responded though with one of their powerful runners slicing through some weak tackles to score, with a successful conversion. The 15 minute period ending 4 v 4.
2nd 15 minute session saw 4 x subs rotated onto the pitch, including Craig who promptly showed he was back to match fitness following injury to head off on one of his trademark long distance runs, brushing past tackles to score, again successfully converted by Campbell.
Dundee however responded with another converted try of their own to tie the score again at 8 : 8.
Wands then started to pull ahead as the defence improved with quicker line speed and lower body positions in contact preventing Dundee from gaining any territory.
Craig again head off at speed with the ball, gaining territory deep into Dundee's half with it taking 2 or 3 off the opposition to bring him down, unfortunately in the process Craig fell awkwardly hurting his shoulder and the match was paused whilst he received first aid and he was taken off to local A&E department for assessment / treatment.
Following the break in play, Wands responded well, running in tries from Flynn, Josh and Samuel Wallis, the difficult conversions were missed. Despite some excellent running rugby from Dundee, the Wands defence held strong, including one try saving tackle over the Wands try line forcing the Dundee player to drop the ball. Dundee were not to score again, final score Dundee 8 : Wanderers 17.

Overall a great squad performance away from home. Everyone seemed to improve as the match went on, Ruben Costello was unlucky not to score after a couple of blistering quick breaks down the wing and there was too many other excellent individual performances to mention. MOTM awarded to Kier Kidd for constantly looking to get involved in the action and excellent communication from the wing, calling out defenders to quickly re-set the defensive line.

Was also great to have travelling support with the Injured Kaiden not wanting to miss out an travelling on the bus with his teammates and shouting encouragement from the touchline.

Only downside on the day was the injury to Craig, and everyone at Wanderers wishes him a speedy recovery.