This was the key fixture of the Crawley Schools League, between Oriel and Hazelwick, with both teams having won their other matches and with half of the boys involved also playing for the Club it had become quite the ‘Grudge Match’.

The Club’s U14 & U13 players did themselves and the club proud by showcasing what a great team game rugby is and how it can bring out the best in a group of teenagers. The teams were a mixture of year 9 and 8 and for some, this was only their first or second match.

The first part of the match was pretty even, with some strong tackling keeping the defences on top but this changed when the Hazelwick fullback took the ball at pace, skipped and passed several defenders to score the game’s first try. From this score, Hazelwick controlled the game with strong ball carrying, good handling skills and their pacey wingers.

In the second half, Oriel’s heads could have gone down but they started the second half with renewed energy and focus. They were able to turn their pressure and possession into points, scoring two tries, which could have easily been more if it wasn’t for the outstanding defensive efforts of Hazelwick.

The collective commitment and effort to keep putting the tackles in gradually wore Oriel down and mistakes crept into their play. It was from some loose play by Oriel that saw the Hazelwick fullback score a truly memorable solo try, in which he gathered the ball at the halfway line and evaded seven or eight tackles to score under the posts.

The weather did its best to dampen the afternoon but it was outshone by this extremely enjoyable game of rugby that finished 29-12 to Hazelwick.
The bragging rights within the CRFC U14s team belong to Hazelwick and for the players new to rugby – it would be great to see you at the Club!