U14s win Hampshire Shield Semi-final

The game started well for Fordingbridge with the first try coming after just three minutes with Dominic Bowden-Smith going over directly from a penalty after good work from Jake Barry and Bird Root. Six minutes later Bird Root was again the creator with Toby Peebles on hand to score when the G&F defence finally managed to bring Bird’s powerful run to a halt. Dominic Bowden-Smith got his second and the team’s third try a minute later, picking up the ball from the back of the scrum 5m out and crashing through the G&F defence. Try number four was scored by Sam Bishop on the right wing, completing a lovely move that began on the other side of the pitch and flowed through the hands of the midfield, before being touched down close to the corner flag. Timmy Evans was the next to go over scoring almost directly from the restart with a trademark run from the half way line handing off defenders whenever they came near and crossing under the posts to give George O’Reilly a straightforward conversion. Toby Peebles then got his second just before half time after great pressure by Sam Bishop on the G&F defence allowed him to steal the ball and set Toby on his way. George O’Reilly again kicked the conversion to take the half time score to 0 – 34.

The second half began with G&F putting the ‘Bridge defensive line under pressure following a long kick from the restart. However, Fordingbridge managed to weather the storm and a surging run by Jack Griffiths from the half way line brought play right back under the G&F posts and a couple of phases later Joe Madgwick went over for the seventh try. From the restart G&F again put ‘Bridge under pressure and again Fordingbridge converted defence into attack, eventually forcing a penalty 5m out from the G&F line which allowed Toby Peebles to force his way over for his third try of the day. George O’Reilly again slotted over the conversion. The final try of the day went to Bird Root and once again it came from a swift counter attack which began deep in ‘Bridge territory, the ball coming out to the Wing who flew past four defenders to complete a 0 – 51 victory.

A great all round team performance from the boys who competed well for the ball all around the field. Particularly impressive was the scrum with Hooker Alex Bevan not only winning the Fordingbridge scrums but also stealing possession on most of the Gosport & Fareham put ins as well.

Fordingbridge will now contest the Shield Final away at Petersfield on March 17th.