Match Report for Lytchett Minster 1 Vs Eastleigh on 22 Oct 2011
The team arrived at Eastleigh with only 17 players after many players had declined at a late stage. Yet again the 2nd team supplied much needed players to boost up the 1st teams squad in key positions. Matt Deary for the second week running started as hooker and Kristian Heeps for his first league match with the 1sts started as fullback.
The first 10 minutes of the game was the best defence that Lytchett have played in a league match all season. The mixed team bonded well and the defensive line was strong. Previous games had allowed tries to be scored through the centre but all players held their heads up and this gate was closed to the opposition.
Eastleigh changed their tactics and with quick hands gained an overlap on the wing that led to their first try. They continued to put pressure on the wing and this led to some great tackles being made by the back row and James Sims. Eastliegh attacked with numbers and scored a further 2 tries but these were not conceded without a fight.
Lytchett continued to battle all the time and this led to a penalty on Eastleigh’s 10-yard line that Harry Boulter converted. Eastleigh scored a further 2 tries in the first half but Kristian Heeps with some good tackling and safety kicks out of the 22 kept the score down. Halftime score, 27 –3 to Easleigh.
Eastleigh started the second half with determination after realising that Lytchett had came to put up a fight. Eastleigh parked themselves in our 22 for the first 10 minutes that led to more defensive tackles being completed than the first half. Lytchett eventually broke out but yet again Eastleigh moved the ball to the wings and scored several more tries.
Lytchett never gave up and continued to battle all the time. This led to Daryl Cormack breaking through several tackles on their 10-yard line and running in to score a try.
Justin Pender who had chased everything and had a lot of knocks in the first half was replaced by Jake Malton 10 minutes into the second half. Darren Mason who had returned from an injury after the first game of the season managed to play the full 80 minutes which is good news that injured players are on the way back. Matt Deary who had harassed their forwards all game came off after 70 minutes (thanks Matt).
The game was played by all players with a newfound belief that we are in Hampshire 1 to play good rugby and not be run over. It was very hard to pick a man of the match as nobody gave up. With hard tackles being made by Sam Tucker, Kyle Malton and Matt Sprague it was close but it was James Sims with his game play and fitness that shone through.
Man of the Match: James Simms
Final score: Eastleigh 66 vs Lytchett Minster 8