After overnight showers the Sun was shining for Mansfield U12’s eagerly anticipated opening fixture. After a vigorous warm-up session, the coaching team selected balanced line-ups to match Moderns across the four 12-minute quarters.

Q1-Kick-off saw Mansfield quickly out of the traps and onto the front foot, with early passages of play through the middle and down both wings. Both teams were displaying an eagerness to carry the ball into contact and compete at the breakdown. It was from a breakdown in the middle of the pitch the breakthrough came. Several heavy ball carrying phases applied pressure to the Moderns “D” line with the last laying the foundation for Mansfield (Elliott) to drive the ball over the Try line.

A second Mansfield try followed after a Moderns kick chase gained territory and applied pressure to the Mansfield “D” line. A determined defence of the Mansfield try line pushed the visitors back, before a handling error gave Mansfield the opportunity to gain possession from the breakdown. Quick distribution of the ball gave Mansfield a line break opportunity with Mansfield (Noah-New) surging into space, holding off two Moderns defenders before placing the ball in the corner.

A well worked third try saw Mansfield pick up the ball deep in their own half. Neat link up play released Mansfield (Frankie) down the touchline before cutting inside and taking the ball into contact- a great pop pass allowed Mansfield (Corey) to place the ball over the try line. With time ticking down in the first quarter Moderns rallied and scored a well worked team try that used the full width of the pitch.

Q2- followed a similar pattern to Q1 with Mansfield for the most part in the ascendancy with another well worked team try touched down by Mansfield (Ben) with support available (Myles). Moderns rallied again and scored a further try to close out a competitive and physical first half.

Q3- From the kick-off Moderns placed Mansfield under pressure scoring a try down the touch line early in the quarter. Mansfield whilst on the backfoot continued to mount a gritty and determined defence making some well timed and fearless tackles. Despite the best efforts of the players Moderns touched down on a couple more occasions. The physical rigours of the gameplay in this quarter inevitably took their toll as players from both sides took knocks.

Q4- Followed a similar path to Q3 with both sides defending well and creating space and opportunities to score. A try saving tackle into touch by Mansfield was a highlight of the quarter.

Summary:

A great opening and challenging fixture for Mansfield. The match ebbed and flowed with both teams in the ascendancy for periods of the game. As always a relentless stream of vocal support and encouragement for the team could be heard from the sidelines.

Mansfield Player of the Day: Ben

Mansfield Rugby Club

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