Mosborough RUFC

Match report - U15's home to Middlesborough  - 55-19:

There was a palpable cup feel to the pre-match atmosphere against Middlesbrough and the match didn’t disappoint. This was an honest, full-blooded and bruising encounter but played in a spirit that had both sides commended by the ref for their attitude and lack of disciplinary issues

The scoring was slow to start as both sides defended solidly in a pulsating high-tempo session of possession won and lost in equal measure, before Mosborough made the breakthrough with Chris making both the try and conversion. Middlesbrough came back quickly with a converted try of their own but tries by Cain and Ashton, the latter converted by Chris, took the half-time score to 19-7. Alex was unfortunately side-lined from partway through the 1st half after a solid collision with an opposing player, sadly not to be the last injury of the day.

The 2nd half started just as brightly but an early try by George was ruled out as he was adjudged to have run into touch when flying down the wing. Linesman Jake narrowly avoided cleaning out a prone ‘Boro player with a tuck jump, pike and semi-pirouette combination that earned him a 9.7 from the judges, not quite finished he landed on the muddy surface for an arms aloft, left leg out quick highland fling for Burns’ night before, remarkably, keeping his footing and catching up with play, well done Sir! 

Mosborough continued to play well in every position and with old ‘sticky hands’ Alfie seemingly taking every catch from Middlesbrough kicks continued to push forward. Chris then scored and converted followed by great tries from Maverick and Jaffrin.

With the score standing at 36-7, Mosborough were defending against a Middlesbrough attack and holding their ground solidly when the whistle blew. As the melee cleared it was quickly clear that something wasn’t right; Ashton, who had been having an outstanding game, was still laid down and concern was growing for all watching as the activity around him grew. There was huge relief as he was eventually stood up but he was obviously still not right and he was applauded by both sides and spectators as he was helped from the pitch. It was later confirmed that he had broken his collarbone and he is wished well for a speedy recovery from his teammates, and all connected with the team and club.

Middlesbrough scored first after the re-start but Maverick ran in another for Mosborough which Chris duly converted for 43-12. The scores and the injuries were not quite done with Will leaving the pitch with a bloodied nose and Middlesbrough were to have one more try in them before Cain and George, and another conversion from Man-of-the-Match Chris made the final score 55-19 Mosborough.

This was an outstanding game between 2 well matched teams with arguably Mosborough’s obvious well drilled tactical awareness being the difference. The backs were solid and resolute, giving their all in tackles and very strong in the scrum, and the forwards took their chances perfectly when they came. The training for line-outs is clearly paying dividends and every single player in a Mosborough shirt knew where they should be and what was expected of them at any time, each one executing their role superbly.

Another great game and result, well done lads.