Colts v Old Halesonians (06/05/2014)

Last night the Colts took on Old Halesonians at Walsall to contest the final of the annual Fred Rowley Trophy. Three weeks ago they were getting ready for our end of season tour when I was contacted by Walsall to ask if they could replace Camp Hill in the tournament as they had a North Mids Plate final to play. The players were up for it even though it meant playing the first round a day after coming back from tour so playing 3 games in 5 days. Over the next 2 Tuesdays they beat Walsall and Aston Old Eds while Old Halesonians played on the Thursdays and beat Wolverhampton and Burntwood. With Kidderminster boasting a squad of 24 and Old Hales having 26 players the game kicked off.

Old Hales started the stronger and made most of the play in the first 15 minutes. Great defence kept them out though. Eventually Kidderminster started to make their way up the pitch and on 15 minutes were awarded a penalty which Freddie Morgan kicked over to take the lead. Unfortunately Ryan Wainwright injured his ankle in the proceeding play and took no further part in the game. Kidderminster continued to apply pressure and on 25 minutes had a ruck on the Old Hales line. Henry Cook picked up and dived over for the first try. Freddie Morgan converted. They then lost Cameron Babb with an arm injury and had 2 of their most influential players all season off the pitch. This didn’t seem to phase the team and they were unlucky when Ezra Fa'Alogo broke through the defence and fed in Chris Alosio to score but the ref judged the pass forward. Just before the whistle Henry Cook provided the ball for Mitchell Hardwick to break through and sprint to the line with Freddie Morgan providing the extras again. Half time score 0-17.

Within minutes of the restart Henry Cook fed in Freddie Morgan to slice through and score under the posts and then convert it. Old Hales did try to get back into the game but the longer it went on Kidderminster became more determined not to let their line get breached. They then lost James Turner with a shoulder injury and Lisa Hatch, doing her last stint as first aid, was having quite a busy time. Shortly after, another ruck close to the line gave Henry Cook the ball to pop it to Tom Phipps to go charging through in the corner. Freddie Morgan converted again. Ryan Harris then wrapped things up when Freddie Morgan released him on a run to the corner. Freddie Morgan added the extras to take 6 from 6 and total 18 points from the game. The closing stages saw Rhys Farlow and Mitch Dwyers come off injured. Mitch and James went off to hospital to get checked out but luckily it wasn’t serious. Final score 0-38.

A great way to finish a testing season. Made all the better from the huge support from club members at the game, especially the U16s. Thanks to everyone that turned up. Also thanks to the club for supplying coach travel for the players and parents.

I will do a report for the season after players’ night which is Friday 9th May at the rugby club. Doors open at 7pm.