Broadstreet RFC

Youngsters Shine Despite Heavy Loss To Stratford-upon-Avon

Stratford U17 47 Broadstreet U17 12

With only 12 players available for this away game against Stratford-upon-Avon U17s, ‘Street honoured the fixture by including 3 under 16 (sanctioned) players comprising; lively Joe Faulkner, who although a prop, played in the back row, fearless Mike Connor sharing wing and back row duties with colleague Julian Cook and gutsy winger Marlom Price filled in with a tidy game at full back.

On a hot day, with a bare 15 and playing against a well-drilled Stratford squad of 20 plus, well proportioned, players ‘Street were always tempting providence. Nevertheless, they showed great courage and no little skill against the odds and caused the home side to work hard for their deserved win.

Stratford’s big forwards ensured that their threequarters had plenty of ball in the first 20 minutes, but outstanding defence and forced errors by the home players, restricted the score to three well taken, and one defensive error, unconverted tries. ‘Street’s dogged defence, with midfield three Adam Naylor, Robbie Venson, Mike Lynam and wings Carl Moran and Mike Connor working wonders at times, ensured that there was no further scoring before half time.

A half-time pledge to get over the Stratford line at least once was realised after nine minutes play when captain and centre Robbie Venson powered over after a series of pick and go from a scrum 20 metres out, involving Gareth Evans, Ben Dalton and Lewis Masterson. Fly half Adam Naylor uncharacteristically missed the easy conversion, but this was the only blemish on a fine display of running and kicking skills.

From the kick-off Stratford seized on some defensive indecision to work their way to the corner for another unconverted try. ‘Street then did likewise and pressured from the kick off to force Stratford onto the back foot in their own 22 and after a series of assaults on the line, involving good support play by Scott McOwat, Julian Cook, Junaid Osman and Mike Connor, Ben Dalton burrowed over near the posts for a second touch down to which Naylor added the two points. Stratford 25 Broadstreet 12.

Now, with 20 minutes to go ‘Street visibly tired and lost out of position scrum half Callum Hill to injury to add to their difficulties and, predictably, Stratford ran in 4 further tries, two from very questionable beginnings, to show a final score of Stratford 47 Broadstreet 12.

Team: Marlom Price, Carl Moran, Mike Lynam, Robbie Venson(C), Mike Connor, Adam Naylor, Callum Hill, Ben Dalton, Scott McOwat, Junaid Osman, Lewis Masterson, Callum Warrender, Joe Faulkner, Gareth Evans, Julian Cook.