Highfield 31 - 21 Old Christians

Highfield edge close game.

The u14s travelled to Highfield for their final game in phase 1. With both teams unbeaten it was always going to be a tough encounter. Highfield started strong and got their reward 5 mins in with a well worked try. Our lads settled and from the restart put Highfield under a lot of pressure eventually culminating in a great finish from Elliot to make it 7-7.

We were well on top at this point and after a great run by Kayden, we move the ball to their line and Eoin went over for Old Christians 2nd try, 7 - 14. Highfield bounced back and sucked Old Christians in towards the ball before working the ball outwide to go over, 12 - 14.

The lads dusted themselves down and from the restart and began working the ball towards the Highfield try line again. We were guilty of white line fever for a few phases before moving the ball outwide allowing Elliot to go over for his 2nd, 21 - 12 just before half time.

We knew that Highfield would come out fighting in the 2nd half playing downhill. We conceded very soon after the restart and that gave Highfield a massive confidence boost,17 -21. With some of our more experienced players unavailable today, we missed a few calmer heads and we lost our shape for a period of time allowing Highfield to score again, 24 - 21.

The lads regrouped and there was a ferocious battle in the middle third for the next while with both teams giving their all. The next score was going to be crucial and unfortunately, the Home team were the ones to make the breakthrough to give the hosts a 31 - 21 win.

Today was not our day but this game will stand to the lads as a barometer for the standards needed for phase 2 Group A. The lads know the areas we have to improve on and are eager to work on those over the next couple of weeks.