Veseyans colts travelled to Bromsgrove for their last fixture of 2019 with a much changed side due to availability and injuries. With a squad of 16 which included 2 U16s several players were asked to play out of position and did so without complaint and put in some outstanding performances.
Bromsgrove had a very large a physical pack which they put to good use with a very simple pick and go game plan scoring their first converted try after 5 mins. They continued with this approach every time they entered Veseyans 22 and 15 minutes up were 21-0 ahead. Veseyans then found some territory and from an excellent defending scrum put the hosts under extreme pressure which forced the back line to make a pass they probably didn’t want and Max Powell intercepted to run in under the posts from 20m out, 21-7. However, from the restart the home side reverted to type and scored their 4th bonus point try to lead 26-7. Unfortunately Veseyans suffered their first of several critical injuries losing the impressive Nick Ward to an HIA which meant we now had to play the 2 U16’s for the remainder of the game. The visitors had their best spell of concerted pressure but could not convert so the half ended with the hosts leading by 19 points.
The second half started pretty much the same as the first and from a 5m lineout Bromsgrove soon moved the score on to 31-7. Again, the visitors own mistakes allowed the home side in again after a line out throw went astray on our 22m line. This was quickly followed by another and the score board ticked over to 45-7. We then lost Alex Henn to a groin strain followed by another dislocated shoulder to the debutant U16 Keirut Kalay. With only 13 men on the field the Bromsgrove N0 8 picked and went from the base of a scrum and they had 50 points on the board. Veseyans though decided they weren’t going to just lay down and the captain Max Powell scored a magnificent 60m try followed by Thomas Yoong running a similar distance straight from the restart to give the score a more reflective 50-21. Veseyans from the restart continued to play dynamic rugby but a turn over allowed the hosts to end the game with a final score and 55-21 victory.
Despite the scoreline the collective effort from everyone of the 16 players was outstanding and a massive thank you to the 2 U16s Keirut and Alex Dixon who both looked at home playing up an age group. Additionally, our ‘never say die’ attitude at the end, with only 13 men demonstrated the true spirit of this team...well done. We now have a well earned break for Christmas before welcoming Bromsgrove back to Veseyans on the 5th January when we will understand their strengths and weaknesses and can expect a much closer competition. Have a great Christmas everyone and looking forward to pushing on in 2020!
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