Abingdon Match 1

Newbury RFC's U14 squad, having been reduced quite significantly in numbers since last season, due to new school commitments, travelled to Abingdon for their first match of the season. Any concerns that the squad of 22 would take time to bed in new combinations were soon dispelled as they ran in 12 tries for a very convincing 74-12 victory. Regular substitutions over four "quarters" had no effect on the team's dominance in every element of the game. Matt Kean, playing for the first time at 13, used his pace and step to carve large holes in the midfield and Abingdon struggled to defend against a very quick and powerful back three of Arham Khalid, Oz Williams and Oli Rhoads. The forwards competed aggressively at the breakdown, with Scott Wallace, Ethan Sheard and Louis Carnell impressing with strong running. Oli Goodhind also impressed with an assured performance at scrum half. A lot of credit to Abingdon who played with great spirit and never let their heads go down. Louis Carnell was voted Man of the Match by the Abingdon coaches.

Scorers:

Tries: Louis Carnell 3, Oz Williams 2, Arham Khalid 2, Oli Rhoads 2, Lewis Hayman 1, Matt Kean 1, Matt Gaskell 1

Conversions: Oli Rhoads 6, Matt Gaskell 1