Mavericks RFC U16 v Thurrock RFC U16

Mavericks RFC U16 v Thurrock RFC U16 (Friendly) 19.03.17

Thurrock travelled the short distance to Warley near Brentwood for a contest against newly formed U16 outfit at Mavericks RFC. Having formed their U16 team in January they had beaten some top League 2 sides they were looking to test themselves against Thurrock, a League 1 side. Ts eventually turned up with 22 players and then lent 2 players to Mavericks who until late on only had 13.

Scott & Irish both volunteered to play for the Mavericks, and with their 13 team mates steam rolled Thurrock in the first 22 minutes with Ts not clicking very well and missing tackles, Mavericks went into a 21 nil lead , with 3 well converted tries.
Ts undeterred kept going, and decided to flick the ball through the hands and Jordan playing centre crashed over for Ts first score, which in windy conditions Harry just missed. They kept the momentum up and were rewarded with another try as Miles crashed over after some concerted effort by the forwards. Harry added the extras to leave the half time score at 21 – 12.
Thurrock were playing the second half slightly uphill and into a breeze, and with the impetus of the end of the second half still with them they exerted pressure on the Mavericks defensive line and Mark was able take advantage and score Ts third try, which Harry was unable to convert.
A momentary lapse in concentration saw Mavericks move the ball out wide with an overlap to score under the posts for a converted try. With Mavericks rejuvenated and applying pressure, Ts mustered a moment of brilliance, and probably one of the best tries of the season. Mark got hold of the ball and ran it out of defence and as it looked as if he was getting smothered by defenders Alex popped up in support, then back to Mark, then to Charlie then back to Mark who sprinted through ably supported by Jake. Harry added the extras to make it 28 – 24.
A Mavericks latecomer came on the pitch for Irish, and made an immediate impact running through 3 or 4 would be Thurrock defenders to score in the corner for an unconverted try. Ts heads didn’t go down and they fought their way back up the field and in the dying seconds worked the ball well through the hands and Harry Edmunds dived in the corner, and despite the angle was able to convert to get the score to within 2 at the end.

A great game of rugby from both teams and we wish Mavericks all the best for the future.

Mavericks RFC U16s 33 - 31 Thurrock RFC U16s
Tries;
5 x Tries
4 x cons

Jordan Steward
Miles Davies
Mark Ikhifa 2
Harry Edmunds
Cons;
Harry Edmunds 3