Salisbury

Newbury U13s took a slightly depleted squad of 28 to Salisbury RFC for their first post-holiday season fixture. The driving rain and strong wind, which didn't let up the entire time we were there, at first caused some doubt as to whether play would even be possible. However, it was agreed to play two 25 minute halves with constantly rolling subs to avoid any of the players suffering from the elements. We were allocated a pitch known affectionately by Salisbury as "The Eiger" on account of its seriously impressive end-to-end gradient. Initially playing downhill with a stronger "A" team, the boys competed strongly and, despite the driving rain, moved the ball skilfully among the backs with very few of the spills one might have expected in such conditions. Having scored three tries to nil, we then began substituting rolling "units" of players, with strong performances across the pitch and with the, largely B, pack then showing no diminution in power. Having turned round after 25 minutes to play uphill, the team continued to press hard and to defend strongly, running in three more tries in a truncated 15 minute second half, conceding no points, to finish with an impressive 6 tries to nil (30-0) victory (conversions having been dispensed with). There were plenty of highlights, but special mention must go to Ioan Llewellyn for a storming 30 metre charge uphill to set up a second half try; and few of us will forget Oli Rhoads and Louis Carnell managing to "summit" for their tries without the use of crampons.

Thanks must go to a very personable group of players, coaches and parents from Salisbury RFC who couldn't have made us feel more welcome, our own parents who stoically stuck to their vocal support in torrential conditions and, of course, to the boys who continued their strong run for this season (current A team stats now being 285 points for, 33 against (45 tries for, 5 against)).

Michael Brader