This was a game played in great spirit by the colts.Having arrived with only 9 players we were blessed with an additional player from Ashfield at tight head prop along with our new signing Jamie Priestley in the second row.Despite Mansfield having the luxury of 22 players on the night and lending us 4 additional backs our Barbarian style side kept Mansfield off the score sheet for an incredible 20 minutes with some great defensive work and some great direct running led by the ever improving Jack Bailey.
Unfortunately half way through the first half we conceded the first try out wide and we lost Jack with an unfortunate concussion so we wish him a speedy recovery.After Joshua Peart eventually (we had to persuade him to come off after returning to the field several times)left the field ,after some strong defensive work ,with a bad shoulder it was always going to be a formality from then on which is why I have only recorded the score from half time.
I expected our lads to collapse and lose discipline but we managed to close on half time at 26-0 - a very respectable score against some very quick and hard running Mansfield backs.
I cant really say anything negative about the 2nd half every Casuals player stepped up and instead of giving in and letting the opposition run riot the few players remaining did the club proud and themselves proud by following my request to keep their discipline.
It was at this point when I saw something I've not seen on a rugby pitch when Jacob Frost wrapped the Mansfield centre up and drove him back 30 metres up field in a show of absolute defiance.This ignited the forwards along with James Beech ,our talented half back,into a final 10 minute flurry where we pressed the Mansfield line - at this point just before then I was in disbelief expecting the referee to blow full time early but then we went on the attack!
Ben Barratt led with some powerful carries along with Ben Wilson which led us to the 5 metre line.Backed up by Billy Bennett and Evan French our forwards pressed until the final whistle.
The year gap created this season by an U16 team that folded and the increasing injury list may cause some disruption to fixtures but these players are not short of determination and passion.
Thanks to Mansfield's coaching team for hosting us and making us very welcome.