Match Reports

Under 14s 0 v 88 Bromsgrove

In front of their biggest home crowd of the season, Longton Lions Under 14s suffered their heaviest defeat, 88 - 0,  at the hands of Bromsgrove Under 14s.

The Lions were taught a real lesson in how to play simple, but effective rugby. The Longton lads couldn't match the accurate passing, assured handling and silky running skills being displayed by the Midlands Champions.

The Bromsgrove forwards won their own set piece ball and managed to take a couple of the Longton scrums against the head.  Their forwards and backs supported each other in open play and all too often Bromsgrove were able to outflank Longton and simply move the ball out wide to score at will.

When Longton won good ball from their scrums and lineouts, their passing and handling let them down.  It seemed to be a case of "big night nerves" with the ball being dropped to the floor on several occasions, much to the delight of Bromsgrove who gratefully accepted possession and scored whilst the Longton players were still holding their heads in frustration.  

Although the team has regularly practiced their tackling skills and all the players are good tacklers in training, they stood off the Bromsgrove players throughout the game.  They allowed Bromsgrove to run through the middle on several occasions without any resistance - leaving the Longton Coaches and Supporters scratching their heads.

Right at the end of the match Dwayne and Dan showed the rest of their team mates what good tackles look like, but by then it was a case of too little too late.

Its back to the drawing board for the Coaches and the players, and no doubt some of the players will be asking themselves if they really want to continue to play a contact game like rugby.