Sun 15 Dec 2019, 10:00
Sunday found the 16’s at home to Hinckley
A hard game was expected and a hard game is what we got
The discipline of the team was tested to the full in the face of in the words of more than a few players, “the dirtiest team we’ve faced”
Which Hinckley don’t really need in their game as they are a very good team when they play they’re brand of rugby
The game finished 10-20 , a tight affair where both teams showed all that is good about their games
Hinckley scoring first after a period of sustained pressure for the Butts to reply quickly after a sparkling run by Sam Mikhael took the team into the opposition 22 where the forwards led by the impressive Sam Hines and returning Josh Knight hit the ball up before releasing the ball to the back line where Freddie Painter at outside centre just held the ball to hold the defence and send out the pass to Sam M to finish off what he had started
The game was a fill blooded affair between the 2 teams , Hinckley having the edge at scrum time and challenging the line out throw every time to give pressure ball but the Butts dug in and gave as good as they got
But again from a penalty award a quick tap and over went Hinckley and with a sustained bout of pressure they scored their 3rd try it the an attritional half which left Barkers with 2 players unable to continue ( Ethan Spandley damaged knee ligaments and Callum Lloyd after a “tip” tackle landing in his head requiring an ambulance but thankfully no lasting damage)
HT 5-15
The second again became a tight affair with both teams scoring one try apiece
Barkers scrum tightened up , the line out functioned and the back line had ball they could use
Hinckley opened the scoring and were denied other scores by resolute defence and grit
From one of the defensive efforts Byron Brown whilst running the ball out at pace took a nasty bang to his face which subsequently forced him off the pitch and now will require surgery to repair the damaged cheek bone
But undeterred the boys pressed on and took the game back to Hinckley
The backs again showing off all their skill sets and a flowing move involving them all gave Sam Mikhael his second try of the game and the final score of the game
The boys pushed for the next score but the Refs whistle called for the end of the game
FT 10-20
A physical game to open up the year but the boys were more than capable of not only dealing with it but keeping their discipline and playing great rugby
Speedy recovery to the 3 players who took the bad knocks thru the game
The players were excellent throughout
The forwards putting in a lot of dog and effort throughout the game . Each putting a shift in , each doing what was asked of them and each deserving they’re drink after the game ( orange squash of course)
The backs tackled everything, Captain Ollie Hurst leading from the front and when they got the ball in hand showed just how good we they can be
Yes it was physical but as it was said to the players before the game these are the games you train for, get out of bed for and want to be involved in
Unfortunately picking up a few injuries during the game and ,as said , a speedy recovery to all but impressively the discipline shown was exemplary
MOM
Sam Hines -the pick of an impressive forward display
George Parnell - shading it from his brothers in the back line
Team
Luke Loui Rory
Sam H Matt
Lewis Ethan Josh
Max R
George
Sam M, Ollie(capt) , Freddie, Max G
Paddy
Interchanges
Ben,Tom J,Danny,Tyler,Jake,Jack
Callum, Charlie,Josh S, Byron
