On an overcast morning the Tewkesbury Tigers U14’s made the scenic trip to Stow on the Wold. With the sun trying to peek through, the game kicked off. The pitch had a slight slope to it, which seemed to favor Stow in the first part of the game.
Despite a fairly even feel to the game it was Stow who managed to break the deadlock. The Tigers seemed shocked to the opening try and tried to get to grips with the bigger players from Stow, but before long the home team had ran in another try despite desperate defending from the Tigers. It felt like Friday 13th when Stow bagged another 5 points to take a 17 point lead half way into the first half.
Whatever the coaches said to the Tigers in the huddle whilst waiting for Stow to take the conversion seemed to kick start a sublime team performance. The Tigers began to play as if their lives depended upon it, passing was better, quicker movements and getting the ball to the wings was a joy to watch. The team seemed to find confidence and began playing how they know they can, with energetic darting runs catching out a rather slow Stow.
By the break the Tigers had scored three tries and a conversion to bring themselves firmly into the driving seat, much to the annoyance of the Stow coaches.
The second half was all Tigers and Stow just couldn’t get back into their rhythm. Tewkesbury continued to play their hard tackling rugby with great teamwork and darting runs through a slow and tired Stow team. The final scored reflected a true pattern of the game and sets the Tigers up for next weeks home match to Longlevens. Well played Tigers, a great team spirit and performance that was a delight to watch. The boys should be proud of themselves for their professionalism and determination.
Final score, Stow 17 – 31 Tewkesbury
Match report by Steve Rolfe
Photos by Steve Rolfe and Adam Evetts
