First trial match for the Under 11's
A friendly match was arranged with Daneshill of Hook, a somewhat bigger school on Monday. All Alton trialists had a run out on the paddock and we even had our trainee linesman Margaret. Alton started very shaky as this was our first run out and many never played a competitive match before. Tackles were frequently missed and possession was given up easily in the first 10 minutes, resulting in easy tries scored against Alton. However, the forwards began to assert some authority, lead by James and Tom. Basic skills and understanding of the game still were a challenge to Alton. Yet Aislinn and Tom tackled non-stop with Joe tried his best to organize the troops. Alton found themselves 5 tries down at the end of the first half.
Daneshill capitalized on poor execution of an Alton penalty and scored from the restart. That galvanised Alton defence and, with ruthless tenacity, Aislinn, Max and Sandy started to show real aggression and rip possession off the surprised opposition. James and Joe came close to scoring, but Daneshill demonstrated that their defence was solid as well their attack. Two more tries were scored before the final whistle. Daneshill run out comfortable winners 44-0.
In my usual review, long after the game it has to be said that Alton did not drop their heads and lose heart. Also the work rate of Tom (first game ever) and captain James was excellent. Aislinn with her 100% commitment and Joe's constant forward banter is improving. But the greatest success was Harry's clinical tackling that scythed the runners down. It was the last tackle of the match, and Harry's cover defence brought down the Daneshill player with the try-line wide open. Fanastic! We do have much to work on but be assured this team will improve greatly from this game.