On Sunday 13th October, St Neots U15s made their way over to Royston for a friendly. It was a bright crisp day with the first challenge being for the parents trying to find somewhere to park.
After a warm-up and a final briefing from Captain Matthew, the match started. Within minutes Max scored the first try of the game under the post followed up with a conversion from Jack.
After the restart St Neots gained several meters towards the try line and took possession of the ball after a penalty given against Royston for a knock-on. Jack's quick thinking with a tap-and-go catching Royston off guard secured St Neot's second try. The conversion was missed going slightly too hard to the right.
Royston came back fighting and quickly evened the scores with two tries and one conversion.
Back to the middle for the re-start, after several phases of attack from both teams, Alex emerged with the ball and made a strong run through passing off several of the Royston players to score St Neots next try. The conversion from Jack being successful in taking St Neots out in front again.
Gabriel was next to make a run down the wing towards to try line and was close to scoring but took a last-minute tackle giving Royston back possession. With minutes left on the clock till half time Royston managed to break through and score the last try of the first half and secured the conversion meaning both teams went into halftime 19-19.
The second half started with a switch of sides and a bit of a slower pace from St Neots and Royston managed to score two tries both with successful conversions taking the lead.
Jack managed to close the gap slightly with another St Neots try after a pick and go from the back of a ruck. Quynn took the conversion but was just short of going over.
Royston was next to score missing the conversion taking the score to 38-24 to them.
St Neots did not let this affect them they kept going and showed great strength and resilience and came back fighting.
After a brilliant display of teamwork and perseverance, with lots of great passing and progressing forward, Arthur saw his chance and made an awesome run from the scrum and scored. Jack converted.
With time running out the boys pushed themselves one last time with Arthur making a breakthrough and scoring his second try of the match. The conversion was successful at going through the posts as well as hitting a passing Sainsburys van to the road behind the pitch.
The final whistle was blown with the final score being 38-38. Both teams put an outstanding amount of effort in. It was a nail-biting match to watch from start to finish showing great sportsmanship from all.
Royston chose Jack as man of the match with the St Neots Coaches also selecting Matthew for his constant hard work and determination in the match.