Manor U14's v Old Colfeians

With passports in hand Manor ventured beyond the Blackwall Tunnel to sunny Sowfff Lundun. Passports duly check Manor were cleared to head to Kidbrooke to meet Old Colfeians.

Now are boys are used to and happy playing in dirt, sand, mud and under water therefore the immaculate pitch at Colfes School was an unknown factor for the squad. The pitch was a lush and green as Simon (our beloved coach and Manor groundsman) was when he saw the pitch (green with envy). This was a lawn Alan Titchmarsh would be proud of. Quote of the day goes to Mick, who felt he had to wipe his feet before stepping onto the pitch, yes it was that good.

The East London Manor parents won the fashion competition sporting their latest haute couture crutches (top fashion tip; next week we'll all be wearing them). Having beaten the Old Colfeians parent at the fashion contest it was now down to the boys to prove themselves on the rugby pitch.

The match was purposely arranged as a development match and both teams using it to play new players, try players in new positions. The match was played as four quarters of 15 minutes.

First fifteen saw Manor play up the slight gradient. Special mention should go to the two debutante players; Mikey and Jake who showed their credentials as great rugby players. Both tackled fiercely and ran the ball forward. In a well contested first quarter both sides showing great attack and defense resulting in a 0 - 0 score line.

Second fifteen Manor rotated a few players and within a minute saw Finlay cross the line. Unfortunately the conversion missed. Old Colfeians 0 - Manor 5.

From the restart Manor continued pressurizing Old Colfes line. All the pressure paid off as Teirnan broke free, opened his legs and sped to to try line; Mikey added the conversion. Old Colfeians 0 - Manor 12.

Colfes were still a threat but a classic deep run from Adam scything through the Colfes players saw another try under the posts, which Finlay duly converted. Old Colfeians 0 - Manor 19.

Third fifteen; Manor now had the gradient for the rest of the match, Adam quickly took advantage of the possession and once again crossed the try line, Jack converted. Old Colfeians 0 - Manor 26.

Colfes still attacked but suddenly Jack was on one of his strong runs cutting through the opposition and under the posts which he then added the conversion points. Old Colfeians 0 - Manor 33.

Try of the match came from Gabe; contesting the breakdown, stealing the ball and running 3/4 of the pitch to score. You'll all be glad to hear my hearing has return as i happened to be stood in front of Soraya and I'm sure her screaming was heard in Wanstead. Once again Jack added the extra two points. Old Colfeians 0 - Manor 40.

Last try and conversion of the match went to Jack finishing the third quarter at Old Colfeians 0 - Manor 47.

Fourth quarter Oldd Colfs re-organised themselves and it was once again a much tighter match. Although manor were within 5m of Colfe's try line they couldn't cross the Colfe's defense.

Final score Old Colfeians 0 - Manor 47.

A huge thanks to Colfes for the match and their hospitality and hopefully the first of many matches to come between our two teams.

Once again man of the could have gone to each player; to Darragh, to Jack D and Will for their attacking play, Jake and Mikey (playing their first matches) for their tackling and attacking play, Vinai, Daniel, Max C etc should also all be mentioned but man of the match goes to Jake. It was Jake's first match, not that you'd know that as he tackled hard, made numerous runs, breaks and had the awareness to off load when he need to. A brilliant performance by all the boys.