Report by Edward Duffy

SHARKS U-15 15 v 7 FLINT RFC U-15

The Sharks hosted two touring sides providing excellent sport for Flint from north Wales and Kituro from Brussels.

The matches were 15 minutes each way. Sharks were quick to press the imposing looking Flint team into their own 22 until a dangerous break-out was halted by a knock on in 8 minutes. Sharks resumed the attack but were frustrated by a holding-on decision when 2 metres short. But the deadlock was broken by Clark’s penalty kick at goal in 10 minutes. A further kick at the posts for a possible 6-0 lead was missed and Sharks immediately paid the price when a Flint runner broke clear for a terrific solo run to touch down under the posts in their only foray into the Dover half in the final minute for a unexpected 3-7 lead at the break.

In the second half the Sharks were lifted by a try from winger Chin after good passing in the backs, then the enterprising Bisset caught the visitors napping with a burst through from a Dover penalty to extend the lead to 15-7. Flint fought well and were stopped in front of the posts. A fracas broke out near the end but Dover contained Flint for most of the game for a well earned win.

In the second match Flint found good form to beat the lighter but hard tackling Kituro by four tries to one.

SHARKS U-15 10 v 7 KITURO

Sharks were in buoyant mood and started well with a five metre scrum on the Kituro line. Rigden claimed a clearance kick and fed Tonkin who ran across the park then down the flank to find a gap for a try in the corner. Sharks scored again when Caldwell was put through with some clever sleight of hand passing from Rigden and Geoghegan. Sustained Dover pressure continued and Kituro could not pass half way. Finally Kituro reached the Dover posts but were held up. Midway through the second period though a high Kituro kick was fumbled by Sharks defence and gathered at speed by the Kituro winger who planted the ball under the posts. Now it was a different game 10-7 with seven minutes left. Sharks new recruit Fletcher was stopped in full flight by a superb tackle with overlap available. Kituro threatened to the end but could not force the draw or the win. This should have been a more convincing win for the Sharks but Kituro were a gritty and determined opponent.

Two wins will encourage the Sharks in their bid to conquer Belgium and Luxembourg in next weekend’s Tour!

Squad: L. Allen / J.Bisset / H.Bryan / J.Caldwell / D.Chin / T.Clark / S.Deane / R.Duffy / A. Fletcher / I.Geoghegan / A.Harper / S.Harrison / J.Hornsey / O.Latham / L.Rigden / Jack Smith (Captain) / J.Tonkin.