U14B fall to Warwick despite defensive endeavour

By Tom Oliver

Hampton’s U14B rugby side showed brilliant defensive skill to restrict the score away to Warwick School, but failed to take their attacking opportunities when they had the ball.

In a fixture in which a year ago Hampton conceded over 50 points, the game started well for the visitors, as debutant fly-half Ted Clarke almost found wing Saganan Thurasingham with a well weighted kick, only for the ball to trickle into touch. 

Hampton’s strong defence allowed them time to build attacks, but these attacks repeatedly ended in turnovers. Warwick took around 20 minutes to break down Hampton’s defence, as they scored under the posts and converted to take the lead. 

Hampton’s defence continued to hold strong until late in the first half when a well worked move by Warwick resulted in seven points, as the hosts’ centre crossed the line in the corner. 

Soon after half-time, Warwick’s inside centre then used his pace to beat two defenders and cross the line before Warwick again added the extras to lead Hampton by twenty-one points. 

Hampton continued to force turnovers but still could not make a charge down the field. As Warwick took the ball inside Hampton’s twenty-two, a series of pick and goes resulted in another seven points for the hosts. 

A late consolation try for Hampton went unconverted, but despite the loss, the score-line showed the progress Hampton have made over the season. 

Hampton will go into next week’s fixture against Campion School, Essex confident that with the type of defence they exhibited against Warwick, they can win the game. With a more clinical attack, Hampton know that a win is more than possible next Saturday.