STANFORD U14s v WANSTEAD On Sunday, 22nd February, STANFORD U14s played WANSTEAD at the Rec ... Photos...

UNDER 14s

STANFORD 25 WANSTEAD 33

Stanford U14s played some of their best rugby of the year scoring 5 tries but still lost out in an exciting encounter with Wanstead. It was end to end stuff with the home forwards dominating the game only to have Wanstead counter attacking and breaking with long range tries. Gareth Anstee, playing at No8 was in fine form and got three of the Stanford tries with powerful runs and being driven over the line by the rest of the Stanford pack. Michael Kite on his debut for Stanford was strong in the tackle and showed blistering pace after centre Nicholas Sharp fed him with a perfect pass and sprinted down the line to score.

Backs coach Matt Rumble had been working on the back defensive lines and it showed as the pressure forced mistakes from the visitors. Captain Jared Gounden and Jack Egar made welcome comebacks after a few weeks off with injuries. Sean Seeley linked up well with outside half Luke Dawson. Dawson had a superb game at outside half and made big tackles all day. Mark O'Connell had a solid game at full back as did Sam Sandford on the left wing. Gounden got the 5 th try for Stanford as he intercepted a pass and scampered over the Wanstead line to score.

The Stanford forwards had the better of scrums and lineouts against a heavier pack and showed good mobility and fitness as the game went on. Hooker Jack Lee was awarded forwards player of the match for his excellent scavenging, tackling and accurate lineout throwing. Nathan Thomas was kept busy on the wing and was up to the job getting backs player of the game for his heroic tackling. Despite all the good work and being even in tries scored it was a tough day at the office with the Stanford kickers not able to convert their tries and Wanstead making 4/5 kicks.

Final score Stanford 25 Wanstead 33

All the Stanford Coaches and parents were full of praise for the effort put in by the lads and it had probably been the best team performance this season. The Wanstead coaches were impressed by how much the side has progressed since their last meeting. Next week Stanford U14s host Burnham on Crouch at the Stanford Recreation Ground 11am KO.