St George (Gillington) Nearly Slays The Dragon!

This afternoon, Moulsford Under 11D/E Rugby side displayed incredible resilience as they battled to a thrilling 45-45 draw against a formidable Dragon side. The match, divided into four quarters, showcased the sheer determination and skill of both teams, leaving the spectators on the edge of their seats until the final whistle.

The game kicked off with an intense first quarter, marked by breathtaking rugby from both sides. Moulsford's Gillington opened the scoring with a brilliant try, demonstrating exceptional teamwork as the ball was skillfully worked through Day, T Richards, and finally Gillington, who sprinted half the field to level the scores. Gillington continued to shine, securing a second try with impressive pace and footwork running from his own 22 to put the ball under the posts. Rowland-Clark impressed in his quarter before being promoted to the C side scoring one and making some lovely tackles down the left flank leaving Dragon seeking other routes to our try line.

The second and third quarters saw a shift in momentum, with Dragon seizing control. Moulsford struggled with their tackling technique and rucking efficiency, allowing Dragon to dominate possession. Despite this, Young and Thomas showcased determination with two match-saving tackles, preventing the opposition from running away with the lead. Young in particular in the 3rd quarter put in a wonderful tackle down the right to send the ball carrier out of touch.

As the match progressed, Moulsford's super team rallied in the final quarter, staging a remarkable comeback. The last 12 minutes were a spectacle of rugby prowess, with Winckworth's crucial turnovers, J Richards' breathtaking tackle, and Fletcher's standout defensive play. Day and Dixon combined effectively down the left, scoring in front of the loud home support. Gillington and Fletcher added two more tries, bringing Moulsford within touching distance of a comeback.

Miron-Canosa, Dixon, J Richards and Linares held their defensive shape well through the middle, proving challenging for Dragon to breach. In the dying moments, Dragon managed to pass our defensive line and looked like scoring. Fletcher and Day were not losing today and they chased the Dragon scrum-half into the try area tackling him forcing a knock on! Moulsford, one try away from tying the game, and hearing the call of last play worked the ball methodically from right to left. Gillington and Houghton combined brilliantly to level the score, concluding the match in a 45-45 draw leaving both sides exhausted from the fixture.

Mr Skinner, who refereed the game, earned praise from both sets of parents, players, and coaches for his clear, fair, and exemplary officiating. His display was the benchmark for any referee and I cannot thank him enough for his time, energy and enthusiasm. The match was a testament to the resilience and spirit of the Moulsford team, and the support from the sidelines added to the spectacle. I do acknowledge the need for continued work on tackling, rucking, and line speed in the upcoming week's training sessions before facing Beacon on Wednesday but the boys are improving every session/fixture.

In my first home game in Moulsford colours, I must express my gratitude to the boys, parents, and Mr. Skinner for their support, making the game a memorable spectacle. As the last match to finish, the team's comeback drew ample cheers from the spectators, ensuring a fantastic weekend for all involved. I look forward to meeting more of you over the next few weeks and wish you all a wonderful weekend.

Squad - Gillington, Rowland-Clark, Winckworth, J Richards, T Richards, Miron-Canosa, Linares, Day, Dixon, Fletcher, Thomas, Young and Houghton.

Mr Chaffey