Despite close result, Colts show promise

With the first league match came the first real test as to how the pre-season had gone for the Under 18s.

From the beginning of the match the attacking structure seemed to have bedded in quite well and the pace of the game and the width appeared to be causing Biggar some problems. It was still about half way through the half before Hamilton found the key to the Biggar’s defence. Breaking the line twice in the space of five minutes and scoring two unconverted tries. Unfortunately it was two mistakes in the Hamilton attacking ambition that allowed Biggar back into the game with two tries of their own and it took a further three tries before the half to give Hamilton a good lead at half time.

The Second half saw a change of fortunes and the Hamilton defence appeared to get tired looking and it was Biggar that started with the first try of the half crucially being converted. While Hamilton scored another two tries in the half it was Biggar that scored four more that took the result to a count back on the conversions to decide the winner of the game. It was Biggar that had the advantage by two conversions.

All in all there can be no complaints about the Hamilton attack other that when Hamilton got tired we also stopped letting the ball do the work compounding the fatigue issue. Preparation and hydration were key to finishing this game in the manner we started. Hopefully, a lesson was learned that we need to execute that skill as well as put in the work on the training paddock. The work will continue with our defensive plan but there is definitely scope for some great rugby in this team.

Thanks to the Gaynor and Mary in the kitchen and Mary for her photos. Also thanks to another large support and to our referee and Biggar for a great game. West at home is the next test and should be a great test.