It was soft underfoot but conditions were good for rugby. Mansfield had the kick off from which Matlock knocked on.

In the resulting scrum Matlock had a big pack and turned the ball over giving them quick ball out to the wing, and he was off but Owen playing fullback put a massive tackle in and stopping him in his tracks.

However Matlock broke the game line early and before Mansfield knew it they were 12-0 down.

A lot of scrappy play from both sides but Matlock were clearing out better then Mansfield. As Matlock got another break away, this time their player ran the ball over the dead ball line. Luck was on Mansfields side that time.
Mansfields 22m drop out didn't go to plan as the ball went backwards. The scrum on the 22m with Matlock put in didn't fase the U14s who put in a big drive and wont he ball back to clear, making up for earlier mistakes. With fortunes now turning and a lineout ball from Matlock that was deemed not straight, Mansfield ended up winning a penalty from the subsequent scrum. Harry kicked a long ball to touch. The lineout ball this time knocked on by Matlock. This Mansfield scrum was 5 metres out, Mansfield secured the ball and drove forward. Mansfield had done all the hard work but couldn't convert it to points this time. Matlock turned over the ball which resulted in a try. 17-0.
In the restart their was a great spirited chase but Matlock moved the ball quickly. Tackles were going in from Mansfield yet Matlock kept the ball alive and scored another try to make it 24-0. Again a great chase from the restart into Matlocks 22, then a lot of errors by both sides. The ref called half time, a very scrappy half.....

Matlock kicked off for the second half. Mansfield push forward but again were turned over at the ruck. Matlock score another try, 31-0.

Again a big kick from Harry, getting behind them, the chase was good but ended with a Mansfield knock on. Matlock come away with the ball from the scrum. Good tackles were put in, ending in Matlock spilling the ball. Another scrum to Mansfield which they were able to secure allowed them to push forward again, but another turn over and Matlock run the ball over the tryline. Mansfield were able to get under him and hold the ball up. Mansfield didn't hold them off for long though as the resulting scrum was won by Matlock and they score the try, 36-0.

This was all in the first 10mins. At this point it was like a switch had been turned on.. was this the same team playing as before? Mansfield moved the ball well, tackled hard, chased everything, pushing and fighting, not giving ground to Matlock.

Matlock were still trying to push forward, yet Mansfield kept them at bay, causing Matlock to give away a lot of penalties. One by dummying a ball pick up at back of the scrum drawing Patrick offside, but the ref saw it.

All of the Mansfield boys were running hard, tackling hard trying to break the line. Matlock were having to defend hard to keep Mansfield out.

Final whistle goes 36-0. But what a fantastic last 15 mins from Mansfield.
It is all about confidence you can do it guys and it is coming !!

Mansfield Rugby Club

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