Surrey Waterfall Tournament - Streatham-Croydon U15s win in Derby Match

Following a heavy deluge the night before the u15’s final match of the decade, there was the distinct possibility that it would be the first match of the new one. A pitch inspection at 8:30am had rendered Battersea Ironsides u15s pitch unplayable. However, Battersea coaches appealed to their committee and they allowed the game to be played on the number one pitch, which was in slightly better condition.

Matches between the two sides are always closely contested fixtures with Battersea edging a narrow win last season and both sides settling for a draw in the preseason warm up festival. This match was no different and the result was only certain in the last quarter, when the decision-making choices and the fitness sessions the boys undertook started to pay dividends.

With a squad of only 18, victory looked a tall order as Battersea had the full complement of 23. So, it was a relief to welcome Joseph back at fly half. Also, the squad had other plans and despite going down to an early try 8mins into the match, they were playing the better rugby and eventually were worthy of the win.

Playing a running game was nigh on impossible as the ball resembled a bar of soap at bath time. However, Streatham-Croydon adjusted to the conditions quicker and mounted their runs from good ruck ball and at Scrum time with William at No 8 made charging runs supported by flankers Sam and Harvey. The back-row pod was magnificent in taking the game to the opposition ably supported by the rest of the team.

The backs resolutely defended and limited Battersea to feeding off scraps.
James and Jaden worked hard to cut off the supply to their wingers. Aldo, the ever-dependable fullback with Micah and Lorenzo on the wings (along with Jayden and Ryan) made countless last ditched tackles. Samad, a tackling machine continued to keep Battersea at bay.
The front five - Renee, Diran, Abhinav, Julian and Cillian won their scrums and stole theirs at crucial points in the game.
Tom at scrum half hassled his opposite number throughout the game.

Streatham’s first try resulted from a scrum, where Diran at hooker (reverting to fly-half at half time) won the ball, William picked up from the base of the scrum and making a charging run towards Battersea’s try line. Despite being brought down 10m short, Harvey was in support to complete the move from the following phase of play.

Streatham crept in to the lead just before half time following a ruck in our half, Harvey picking up and running 60m before being brought down. This time it was Sam in support to finish off the move.

Although Streatham were in control, it was Battersea who took the lead through their speedy winger Gabriel for his second try.

Battersea were in the ascendancy and with another scintillating run from their other winger, it took the amazing speed and ‘never say die attitude’ of Jaden to prevent a certain try.

Jaden's try saving tackle galvanised the squad and with 8mins remaining Harvey, scored his second try of the day.

With 2mins left on the clock the win was secured by William who capped a Man of the match performance with a try that would not look out of place from the Billy Vunipola repertoire of plays.

Resilience, courage, defending and never giving up had been topics been discussed this term and the boys delivered a well-deserved win in less than perfect playing conditions.

It was a great result and supporting parents were highly complementary on the skill levels from both sides as well as the good spirit in which the game was played.