Hampshire U16's secure record win over Berkshire

Matt Kaye travelled to Marlow RFC on Wednesday afternoon to play for the Hampshire U16's against Berkshire.  The Berkshire side boasted many of the Royal Grammar School, (Surrey) pupils that won the Daily Mail Age Group Knockout competition last year.  Hamps expected a battle royal.

In the first 10 minutes of the match Berks were on top and very nearly scored the first try after only 5 minutes when they chased a kick through only for Matt Kaye, playing at Full Back, to beat the chasing winger to touch down the ball for a 22m drop out.  This seemed to be the wake up call Hamshire needed, the energy and channeled agression levels rose significantly.  The Hampshire forwards from then on dominated the lineouts, scurms and the breakdowns which gave their backs the time and the possession to turn the tables.  The constant pressure on the Berkshire forwards resulted in two penalties which Hampshire no.10 converted into a 6 -0 lead by the end of the first quarter

The match had turned and during the 2nd quarter hampshire scored two tries with flowing and inventive back play.  Kaye converted one and hit the bar with the other.  Half time score 18 - 0.

In the second half Hampshire changed their team significantly and eventually played 27 players.  Matt Kaye was amongst the players taken off for the second half.  Almost from the Berkshire kick off a mistake from Hampshire allowed Berkshire in to score in the corner - a very difficult conversion was successful.  !8 - 7.  Deep into the 3rd quarter Hampshire had not scored until the forwards secure a turnover ball on the half way line and passed the ball quickly down through the backs to score a converted try under the posts 25-7.  This score seemed to break the resolve of the Berkshire team and Hampshire capitalised on their dominence and eventually ran out 54 14 winners.  A record score for the team leaves with coaches with some tough selection decisions to make.

Hampshire's next match, a Divisional selection game is against Hertfordshire on the 30th October.

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JRFC are very grateful for the support of the Wooden Spoon charity who helped fund improvements to provide wheelchair access to the pavilion.