Dash U15s vs Deal and Betteshanger under lights - Report

Friday 17th December saw the Under 15s play thier first game under the floodlights at Ash vs Deal. 

The Under 15s have joined forces with Dover Sharks RFC, due to both clubs having a drop in players after the return from the terrible season last year, that got devastated by covid that hit all of us playing rugby at grass roots level. The new venture with a team name of ‘Dash’ has and is going from strength to strength.  The players are bonding and becoming a very strong tight squad.

As for the game itself, it was played in the manner to be expected from junior teams, physical, fast, but friendly even though the ground was very soft! Both sides managed to put out a team with finishers on the side lines under a very uncertain time. Credit to both teams and parents allowing the lads to play. The opening stages were very even with the scores level after 15 minutes, when a break was taken to allow the players to sanitize thier hands and change the match ball for a new sanitized one. This is to help keep the players safe and well, which continued for the length of the game every 15 minutes. Deal continued to pile on the pressure to a resilient defence of Dash, and managed to cross the try line to score and the following kick converted. Another try followed with some very strong ball carrying before half time.

The second half started in much the same way, Deal putting the defence under enormous pressure with great play at the breakdown. Dash never gave up and tried to take the game to them with some very strong scrummaging and tackling, attempting to find holes in the Deal defence, which were very hard to find. We started playing the ball along the back line and using plays practiced in training. Unfortunately we were unable to keep them out for long and several tries were scored in the second half. We were unable to have a reply even though some great passing and attacking rugby was played. 

The evening was finished off as always in the clubhouse with some warm food and fun between the teams. Thank you to Deal & Betteshanger Rugby Club for coming over last Friday and making a good game of it! For Dash, we go again after Christmas. 

Thanks to the Dash coach Neil for the report and James Osborn for the photos 🏉