It was an anxious start for Ivel U9’s as this was their first fixture of the season away at a very hot Sherborne RFC. Preparations went well with a 15min warm up and a quick chat from the referee explaining what uncontested scrums and line-outs are.

Captained by David, Sherborne won the toss and kicked off. As the whistle blew Sherborne immediately tested Ivel’s defensive line, with some aggressive tackles being made and Sherborne’s constant wave’s of attack but Ivel’s defense held strong, pinning Sherborne in to the centre of the pitch.

Possession changed frequently as both teams were getting in to the game. David took the ball forward for Ivel, with Alistair ripping the ball after the tackle surging Ivel forward in to Sherborne’s half. After a hard tackle Sherborne gained possession and thrust forward gaining 30 meters’. After a knock on by Sherborne Ivel took the penalty quickly but unfortunately played the ball wide and were forced in to touch. Sherborne’s throw in saw them gain the advantage and score a try.

Ivel lined up still determined and Charlie took Ivel forward with a cracking pass to George, who used his quick feet before taking a tackle, Matt ripped the ball, went wide but again was forced in to touch but made good ground for Ivel. From another throw in Sherborne linked a couple of quick passes and pressed the Ivel defense and scored.

Head’s where still high as the second half began. Ivel started with Thomas passing to Josh, who took a tackle and with Neo ripping the ball to rush forward taking on Sherborne’s defense. A big tackle saw possession passed to Sherborne but Ivel’s defense held with Jay, Noah and Oscar making some tremendous tackles halting Sherborne’s attacks, with quick recycling and a long pass for Sherborne this saw a sprint down the side line to score a try.

Ivel restarted play with Jack, with aggressive running, shrugged off a couple of tackles laying the ball down for Matt. who went wide but couldn’t keep the ball in play. Possession was gained by Sherborne to take a quick penalty and Score. Ivel still held their heads high and carried on pushing to Sherborne’s try line, but some handling errors and good defense from Sherborne, Ivel where unable to cross the line.

Even though the score line was not in our favour, there was some fantastic running; the tackling was outstanding with some really big hits coming in. We do need to work on ball retention; to many times we got the ball ripped from our hands, threw the ball forward in the tackle or just dropped it. Matt you did some great runs but you need to know where the side lines are, keep play in the middle of the pitch and use the support around you.

Final score Sherborne 5 Ivel 0.

The second game captained by Thomas was a repeat of game 1, with some great running by all and some tremendous tackles going in, it was to-and-fro. Sherborne took a quick 2 try lead but with persistence and determination Charlie managed to scramble his way over the line to get Ivel on the score board.

Overall a very good way to start the season, you all played your socks off, even on a very hot day; you never let your heads go down. Well done to you all.

Final score Sherborne 3 Ivel 1

Well done to Thomas for being Man of the Match, some great little runs and some brilliant tackles. It was so close, you all played fantastically well, keep it up lads.  I’d also just like to thank all the parents for making the effort and coming along and supporting the players, it’s going to be a long season!!!!!!!!!!