BRAMPTON U16 JUNIOR MEN SALVAGE SOME PRIDE     22nd July 2007

Harton School from Newcastle in the United Kingdom have been frequent visitors on tour to Brampton Rugby Club. They are a well-drilled side with five years of Rugby experience behind them, and even in Sunday's blistering heat, they were too good for the Brampton Juniors, running away to a 58 - 10 victory. However, there was little gloom in the Brampton camp. This week, the Brampton U 16 team moved into first place in the league, while the coach of the English touring team congratulated them for sticking at their game and scoring two excellent tries.

After a delayed kick-off and the late arrival of the referee, Brampton put themselves under pressure right from the Harton kick-off, dropping the ball. Despite some good tackling and defense, including a big hit from Jake, the Englishmen contrived a score at close quarters wide left. 0 -5.

Brampton kicked long from the restart, but the Englishmen went inexorably back to the attack. Brampton defended and tackled well again, but a series of mauls and rucks showed us the finer arts of bridging and squeeze ball, and they scored in almost exactly the same place. 0 - 10.

From the next restart, Brampton gained some ball and showed that they were the match of the English with ball in hand. There were some excellent runs and drives, with good ball retention and pop-up passes. The ball was moved wide, but although they came close, Brampton could not break the line.

Following a water break in the high heat and humidity, Alex, at scrum half for Brampton made an excellent break and soon after David, the Brampton captain, powered over to score under the posts. 5 - 10. Unfortunately, Phil's conversion attempt hit the post and rebounded out.

Again, from a Harton kick-off, Brampton made a series of errors passing the ball under pressure and Harton leaped on a loose ball to score for a third try. 5 - 15.  Brampton did have some excellent phases of play with the ball in hand, but after one long passing movement, they were penalized for not releasing and all came to naught. Soon afterwards, the same happened again. As Brampton made good attack down the right wing, an errant pass was intercepted and Harton ran the try in. This time the try was converted. 5 - 22.

As an interminable first half seemed to be winding down, Brampton missed a series of tackles to allow Harton to take the score to  5 - 27.  Straight from the kick-off, Brampton had a good run this time, and were unfortunate not to score as a last minute throw forward prevented a try. Instead, Harton used their relentless pack to grind out a close quarters score to end a 50 minute half by a score of 5 - 32.

Brampton kicked long to begin the second period, but this repetitive pattern allowed the Englishmen to return straight to the attack. They scored a quick try which they converted 5 - 39, but the Canadians dug deep for some pride. Brampton secured some ball and made a series of long sweeping attacks. When Harton had the ball, the team made some excellent tackles and the defense stood strong. Kevin had some strong breaks in the centre, but it was again Harton who were next to score. 5 - 46. With 20 minutes still to play, the defence continued to hold the Englishmen out, but eventually they again found a breach to move the tally to 5 - 51.

Brampton gave another glimpse of the Rugby they can play though, when they won a maul near the half way line on the right, and moved the ball the width of the field to score wide left. 10 - 51.

Unfortunately, Harton came in for a tenth try in the dying moments of the match which was converted, as Brampton tried to pass their way out of trouble on their own line and a pass was intercepted. 10 - 58.

These touring matches are not just excellent opportunities to meet overseas visitors and continue Rugby traditions, but playing against such good opposition stands Brampton U 16 in good stead. The standard of play of the team continues to improve, and the players can see the levels of cohesion, individual and unit skills needed to succeed.

Thank you to all the relatives and parents who helped with the post-game meal. At the reception, Coach Terry Bennell, accepted a trophy from the school and presented a Brampton jersey to the School captain. Harton School made a further presentation to David, the Brampton captain, and selected Alex, who had an outstanding game, as MVP.