U13s Host Katy Last Saturday

On a brisk Saturday morning Katy came to The Woodlands fully prepared to avenge the earlier 3 -1 defeat on their home turf.  WRFC kicked off and Katy immediately ran the ball back, linking some reasonable passes along the back line.  WRFC were a slow to the challenge and Katy made ground but lost the ball forward in the tackle.  The ensuing scrum saw Katy win the ball against the head and another linking move put their winger away for their first try, which they subsequently converted.

WRFC moved quicker after the re-start and prevented Katy from advancing as far.  The ball changed sides a number of times during the ensuing mauls, Katy usually coming out on top, putting WRFC on the back foot again.  Loose ball in the ruck was generally capitalized on by Katy too who had more shape and organization at the breakdown.  Nevertheless as the game warmed up WRFC managed to combine some effective rucking with good forward control in the scrums allowing the ball to be swung out to the backs who displayed flashes of good open play.

Neither side made their tackles low enough to be effective and additional ground was gained by players who should have been brought to ground earlier.  Some basic law knowledge was missing in the breakdowns and penalties for infringements went to both sides, WRFC electing to run them whereas Katy kicked for touch, not always effectively but sufficient to gain some territory.  WRFC held their own in the lineouts, winning all their own ball and occasionally that of their opponent’s, successfully clearing the ball quickly to their three-quarter line.  Some poor (and sometimes complete absence of) tackling allowed through the quick Katy runners who were rewarded with tries.

After the fourth Katy try and with just two minutes to go to the full time whistle, the kick-off went long and was caught by a Katy player who ran back over his own goal line in response to pressure from the WRFC and lost the ball backwards.  WRFC seized the opportunity to ground the ball and secure a try right on full-time.  Congratulations to Katy for upping their game but the consolation try illustrated how WRFC played with great tenacity and determination despite being 24 points down, they kept their heads up and were a credit to the spirit in which rugby football is played.

Katy 24

WRFC 5 (try by Joe Morrice)