Halsemere play a great match despite injuries and adversity! MoM Jethro Broughton

Match report by Richard Hallt.

Sam kicks off for Haslemere with James the first to the Sutton receiver, from the maul Haslemere steal the ball and get it out to the backs. Haslemere get the ball wide and after one ruck are turned over but soon win a penalty after strong counter rucking. Jethro kicks for goal from the 22 and scores, 3-0 Haslemere. From the off Jethro takes the ball but is tackled and after some really strong driving in the maul Sutton are awarded a scrum after Haslemere are tied up. Haslemere turn over the scrum after some great hooking and Chad takes the ball forward 20 yards. Haslemere knock on but again their scrummaging is really strong but this time Sutton retain the ball.
Haslemere rucking is working really well and after turning over a ruck Jonnie runs forward 40 yards, Haslemere retain the ball from the ruck and Chad takes the ball forward another 20 yards to get within 5 yards of the line where he is stopped. After winning the ruck Henry tries to get over the line but is held up, scrum to Sutton. Sutton are awarded a penalty and kick forward, Ed gets the ball and runs through several players and is then followed up by George but Sutton counter ruck winning the ball. Chad gets the ball after Haslemere win their scrum; he gets the ball to Alexander who, after running 20 yards forward, is taken into touch. Henry steals the ball in the lineout and Haslemere are awarded a penalty after Sutton don’t release after the tackle.

Haslemere lose their lineout and Sutton get to the Haslemere ten yard line before they are turned over by excellent rucking by Haslemere, Hugo comes forward with the ball, gets it away to Henry who loses the ball forward and Sutton get to within ten yards of the Haslemere line. After about ten phases eventually Haslemere steal the ball in the ruck but Hugo is charged down and Sutton continue towards the Haslemere line through a number of phases but Haslemere keep them out. Haslemere clear the ball forward after winning their scrum but Sutton run it straight back into the 22 and after several phases get over the line but are held up after Henry makes a try saving tap tackle. Sutton win their scrum and again Henry makes a try saving tackle, after another scrum Sutton get the ball over the line but knocked on just prior ,after a number of further phases where the ball changes sides several times, its half time.

From the off Haslemere give away a penalty, Sutton take it quickly and their prop runs in a try, 3-5. After the restart Haslemere are on the attack with Ed and Max setting up the ball for George to get over the line but he is held up. Haslemere are consistently winning their scrums, Sutton intercept a pass but are offside giving Haslemere a penalty which James runs forward from, gets over the Sutton line but the ball is stolen as he hits the ground. Haslemere steal the ball in the scrum but a penalty is awarded against Haslemere, Sutton kick to touch but knock on, Haslemere win two scrums on the trot, and Gus and Jonnie take the ball forward followed by Chad, Alexander and finally Ed who gets to within 5 yards but Sutton turn the ruck over. After several more phases, George gets the ball after Sutton knock on, he passes the ball to Chad who runs forward 40 yards before he is stopped.
James Chad, Jonnie and Ed all contribute to getting to ten yards out before George gets the ball to Max who is kept out just short of the line. Sam gets hold of the ball but is held up when he gets over the try line. Haslemere win their scrum but Sutton turn them over in the ruck and kick forward, Henry gathers and passes to Jonnie who takes the ball back to Sutton. Sutton win the ball back and get to the half way line where Haslemere rucking wins the ball back, great play from Ed getting the ball out to Chad who runs forward 20 yards. From the Haslemere scrum James runs forward 20 yards is tackled, Jonnie rucks well and George gets the ball to Chad who runs forward 5 yards before being turned over. Sutton kick down into the Haslemere 22 but Haslemere are able to retain the ball from the tackle they kick forward to clear, the ball switches sides over the remaining few minutes, the last play of the game results in Chad tackling Sutton 2 yards out, George winning the ball in the ruck and Haslemere clearing. Final score 3-5. Great play by Haslemere.

Thank you to E&S who agreed to convert a scheduled league match to a friendly due to injuries on our part – sporting behaviour, much appreciated.
Thank you to the injured players who came to support their team.
Sincere thanks to the coaches and parents who, despite the club Christmas ball the evening before were there at least in body if not in mind!