Liverpool Collegiate U-15 V Chester Barbarians

Liverpool Collegiate U-15 V Chester Barbarians
Sunday 09th November 2014
Score 50 - 0
Tries:- Kyle, Callum, Kieran, Ed, Aldi, Vineet, Jamie, Gary
Conv:- Brad (2), Josh Dempsey (3)

Right people, today’s game was one big experiment, Brian and Mike style. They decided to give the new rugby league players an outing to play what may be described as Rugby Loon-ion, (see what I did there? Ha ha), anyway 6 of today’s team play for the Scouse rugby league side the Lions, so whether to hold on or let go would be a quandary!

The team selection has been further complicated by a swelling squad. When most 14 and 15 year olds are dealing with a crush on their geography teacher and squeezing spots, we have attracted upwards of 35 squad members who all want to play. The coaches have had to start a squad rotation system where 9 or so players are asked not to play friendly games to give all a chance. A word of warning though squad rotation does not apply to cup matches and its dog eat dog out there to secure 1st team status. Remember performance in friendlies and attitude on training nights counts.

Today’s opposition was Chester development who we have had many good games with over the past few years. Unfortunately todays travelling squad were weakened by other commitments and could only field 14. Paul Peasey stood forward and crossed over to make a match of it. Later in the game Brad swapped with Paul and Joe Delaney and Loyde also helped out to keep things even-ish.
As you can see from the wonderful score line our mixed code bunch packed a decent punch with 8 separate try scorers and 5 conversions to boot.

Due to the unconventional team selection and lack of slack jawed, knuckle dragging forwards, many lads were played out of normal position. Matty B made a great effort at 2nd row. Little Joe Delaney packed a punch at flanker, Jamie proved he could catch with an outing at full back, Kieran was tried at centre and flanker, brad had a good 1st half at scrum half, (watch out james and matty), Michael was well out of his normal position spending the whole 2nd half at scrum half, but the most outrageous and daring team selection was playing the recovering Matty F as linesman, (ive never seen him run so much!).
All 8 tries were extremely welcome and enjoyable but Callum’s 60 yard punch through the whole Chester team and Jamie’s catch on the half way then battle back through all 29 players to score under the posts were my two favourites.
It was clear that although Kyle was probably a little sketchy on the finer points of scrimmaging, he certainly relished the Billy Vunipola style of No8 play, pick up from the base of the scrum and charge at the opposition. Kyle not only scored but made the most game metres at 72.

A few negative points to bring balance to the match report. We were playing an understrength Chester so were let off when our passing went astray and we gave away a ridiculous number of penalties in the 2nd half and were slow to react and get back.
Not only were the boys showing their skills but both Brian and Gary’s dad, Mike caught high balls from clearance kicks showing they’ve still got it, (veterans rugby anyone?).
So are rugby league players any good at Rugby Union? Well of the 6 who play for the Lions, 5 of them scored today!

A nod to Matty F, Kuba and Mitch for coming down and giving support.
By Aitch