By Paul Harrison
February 15 2008

Having chosen to retain the advantage of playing at school instead of the professional surroundings of Butts Park Arena, it was important that the lads' knowledge of their home 'turf' showed. Captain and fly half Ben Palmer led the way, and was well supported in this by full back Gareth Windsor, as their probing kicks pressurised and turned the fancied Queen Elizabeth Hospital School of Brizzul.

The first 12 minutes of play saw The Woodlands camped in their opponents' 22, but could not convert their only penalty chance in this time.  QEH broke the stranglehold, and, after an excellent passage of play, winger Miles Pakeman notched his side's only score. 

TWS bounced back and, within 10 minutes, were on level terms as winger Tom Walker barged his way over to touch down for his 21st try of the season.  The touchline conversion was missed. 

The score remained at 5-5 for the rest of the first half, with QEH spurning a couple of opportunities to add to their score. 

The second half began with TWS playing a slightly tighter game.  It was beginning to look like the dreaded 'away team' rule would come into force until the visitors handled the ball in a ruck after a strong midfield break by Palmer, which resulted in a penalty on the 22 right in front of the posts.  Skipper Palmer gave the kick to Windsor -  a very brave piece of captaincy, knowing that his own kicking game was not quite up to par - and the young Welshman slotted the kick over with the aplomb of the great Welsh simian kicker Neil Jenkins, and TWS went ahead for the first time as they led by 3 points. 

QEH again had the possibility of a try which they spurned, and another penalty for an identical offence ten minutes from time, again on the visitors' 22, again in front of the posts, allowed the skipper, recovered from his exertions before the last penalty, to nudge the ball impeccably between the posts (who needs J Wilkinson!?) to finish the scoring. 

Parents, spectators, coaches and the watching Coventry 1st team players then had to endure a heart-stopping, nail-biting final ten minutes as QEH pressed the home side's 22, and had a couple of chances to score. 

The Woodlands' lads, however, showed their true character and dug deep to make tackle after tackle, with blind side Sam Chare, centre Mike Tyrrell, and tight-head Daniel Falcini making a series of big 'hits' as the clock ran down. 

The final whistle blew and the lads engulfed their skipper and the celebrations began!  This was certainly a tough game, and QEH played very well.  The QEH Head coach, who is a contemporary of Rich Siveter, who is currently assisting in the coaching of this U15 side, said that, in the end, the better side won, although the referee felt the better side lost!  It was very close, and TWS hung on by the proverbial skin of their teeth!  

Roll on the semi final, at Broadstreet RFC, on Sunday 16th March!  The former RDO, Rich Siveter, is now working with the side, aiding in the preparation for the tour to South Africa the team will embark upon in June/July 2009 (Lions time again!). 

The lads have worked very hard for 4 years now, attending pre-season training in the summer holidays, attending judo classes at school, doing their own training.  Many of them are Coventry Schools' players (19 of yesterday's squad of 22) and there are also 9 U15 county players, with 3 others playing for the county as U14s.  They have toured twice to Cardiff as U13s and U14s, and last year we went to Ireland for a week.  The whole 4 years have been planned to peak during the U15 season (for the Daily Mail) and at the end of the U16 season, when we go to South Africa. 

I have high hopes that a number of these can make a potential career out of the game, if they so choose.  Academically they are a strong year group, with many aiming to gain 7+ GCSEs at the end of this academic year.

Wondrous Woodlands

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 15/02/2008 17:19

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
15/02/2008 17:19

Wondrous Woodlands

Reply Quote Report

Goto: Forum List•Message List•Search• Log In

Sorry, only registered users may post in this forum.

We record all IP addresses on the Sportnetwork message boards which may be required by the authorities in case of defamatory or abusive comment. We seek to monitor the Message Boards at regular intervals. We do not associate Sportnetwork with any of the comments and do not take responsibility for any statements or opinions expressed on the Message Boards. If you have any cause for concern over any material posted here please let us know as soon as possible by e-mailing abuse@sportnetwork.net