U15s Cup semi-final away to Melbourne

Casuals U15 were going into their first knockout game of the cup which was an away game against Melbourne. After a heartbreaking loss the previous week the boys were determined to get a win. After being prepped by captain Jamie, the boys came onto the pitch looking hungry for a win. Within the first play Casuals looked very strong with some great tackles and carries from all of the boys. Early into the first half Melbourne gave away a penalty right under their posts. The boys decided to get some points on the board and kicker Aidan delivered putting Casuals 3-0 up. Melbourne looked eager to get back level but the boys had other ideas. A great try from Kajus secured Casuals a 8 point lead. Despite being right on the touchline, Aidan converted to put the score at 10-0. Within seconds of Melbourne’s kick, Sami received the ball on the wing and broke through Melbourne's line and ran half the length of the pitch to score an amazing try under the points. A simple conversion from Aidan put Casuals at an even greater lead. The U-15 looked hungry for more and a great turnover at a ruck from Lwazi let the boys have another attack before half time. Matthew received the ball and trucked it up before being tackled by a Melbourne player 10 metres from the try line. The boys quickly spun the ball out to Wilton who managed to score a try right by the touchline. Despite the difficulty of the kick Aidan beautifully converted it with ease putting the score at halftime 24-0.
In the second half the boys kept putting pressure upon Melbourne but unfortunately couldn’t find a way through. Melbourne had an opportunity to attack and capitalised in a gap of the casuals line and scored a try but couldn’t convert. The boys were eager to fight back and shortly after a A casual’s scrum was awarded 10 metres away from the Melbourne try line. Captain Jamie ran out from the back and scored a try which Aidan again converted. The boys looked by far the stronger team and were constantly looking for a gap in the Melbourne line. A smart play almost put the boys further up but unfortunately the ball was intercepted. Soon after the boys had another chance to score. Kajus had a great opportunity to score but instead he selflessly passed it out wide to Wilton who finished off a brilliant back play putting the score at 36-5. Unfortunately, Aidan narrowly missed converting. In the last play of the game, Matthew kicked it through the line but it rolled out dead and with that the game finished. Everyone gave the best efforts and it was a thoroughly well deserved win. Special mention to Sami who played his heart out despite fasting for Ramadan.
By Matthew