The Surrey Waterfall tournament finals brought the first half of the juniors’ season to a conclusion. Having reached the Shield Final, the U15s had a shot of claiming their first piece of silverware for the season. Alas, it was not meant to be.
The team took 20 mins to get going. By the time they got into gear, they were 28-0 (4 converted tries) down against Cobham. Most teams would capitulate at this point but to their credit, the team started to fight back.
Julian finished off a forwards try and Sam thundered over the line to score a second a few minutes before half time to bring the score to a more respectable 28-10.
With the wind behind them, and playing slightly down hill, they started the second half in the same manner and scored the first try after a couple minutes of play from a scrum on Cobhams 5m line. William picked from the based of the scrum and powered over the line 28-15.
However, Cobham regrouped and mounted a challenge driving into our 22. Following a number of phases close to our try line, it looked like the team defensive structures would stand firm. Cobham could not find a way through, but somehow their fly half noticed our narrow defensive back line and executed a peach of a cross kick. This was caught by the left winger, who ran in unopposed. 33-15.
Still, Streatham came forward and scored another, through powerful runs by Jaden, Harvey and Sam who offloaded for Samad to dive over the line. Despite the strong cross wind, Diran converted what was probably the most difficult of his conversions. 33-22. The momentum was firmly back in Streatham’s corner and Cobham could not stop another charge to the line a few minutes later. Jude scored the 5th try but was injured in the process. 33-27
By the time that Jude was tended to and substituted, Cobham regained their composure and despite the teams’ efforts, Cobham scored the final try of the match giving them victory 38-27.
Despite the defeat, congratulations to Julian, Jude and Samad who scored their first tries this season and to Max and Agnik who both made their debuts for the club.
A great comeback by the boys but giving Cobham such a lead in the early part of the game cost them dearly. Many positives were taken from the game as the team showed great courage, determination and resilience. This game will hopefully stand the squad in good stead ahead of the next tournament which starts in February – The Quins Cup.