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Wed 18 Oct 2017
S2 BoysLatymer School
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Dunfermline S2s vs Latymer Upper School
Kevin Storie20 Oct 2017 - 11:10
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Dunfermline contribute to hard fought and entertaining game with touring side
It's always good to play new teams, especially when they play rugby in the same spirit that we always try to, and when the off-field support just wants to cheer the positive aspects and provide a great atmosphere for the boys to play. Dunfermline RFC hosted the touring Latymer Upper School from London, a cracking bunch of lads, and both squads contributed well to a very entertaining fixture.
Latymer had brought 2 complete teams, so we agreed to play 20 minutes against each team, then a further 20 minutes to ensure everyone got enough game time.
First up were their 'A' side, a very well drilled team with good handling and running skills. We were competitive against them, but they had the upper hand in both attack and defence, playing the sort of wide game that we also favour. Our attack was a little slow to get going, their line-speed in defence was good, which put us under a lot of pressure, and hence we weren't able to make the decisive breaks. When Latymer had the ball, their passing was slick, they were able to hold onto the ball through multiple phases, and while our defence was spirited, eventually they worked the overlap and scored some very decent tries.
Next we played their 'B' side, and again they proved to be a capable team, playing in the same style as their 'A' side. In this period we managed to create more space in attack, and scored a good number of tries in the wide channels, whilst doing just about enough in defence - some very good individual tackling, though our defensive shape remains a work in progress!
By this time we had just about achieved parity on the score sheet, but in the spirit of the game neither side was really keeping the score. Onto the third period, where Latymer played with rolling substitutions to give game time to everyone. More excellent handling play from both teams, some big tackles going in which showed that both teams were giving their all, and tries for both sides.
The result if that matters, let's call it a draw - but probably the general concensus was that Latymer edged it over the three periods. But more importantly the boys had played in their most competitive fixtures of the season, and established a healthy rivalry and mutual respect with Latymer, who we hope we'll have the opportunity to play again at some point.
Latymer had brought 2 complete teams, so we agreed to play 20 minutes against each team, then a further 20 minutes to ensure everyone got enough game time.
First up were their 'A' side, a very well drilled team with good handling and running skills. We were competitive against them, but they had the upper hand in both attack and defence, playing the sort of wide game that we also favour. Our attack was a little slow to get going, their line-speed in defence was good, which put us under a lot of pressure, and hence we weren't able to make the decisive breaks. When Latymer had the ball, their passing was slick, they were able to hold onto the ball through multiple phases, and while our defence was spirited, eventually they worked the overlap and scored some very decent tries.
Next we played their 'B' side, and again they proved to be a capable team, playing in the same style as their 'A' side. In this period we managed to create more space in attack, and scored a good number of tries in the wide channels, whilst doing just about enough in defence - some very good individual tackling, though our defensive shape remains a work in progress!
By this time we had just about achieved parity on the score sheet, but in the spirit of the game neither side was really keeping the score. Onto the third period, where Latymer played with rolling substitutions to give game time to everyone. More excellent handling play from both teams, some big tackles going in which showed that both teams were giving their all, and tries for both sides.
The result if that matters, let's call it a draw - but probably the general concensus was that Latymer edged it over the three periods. But more importantly the boys had played in their most competitive fixtures of the season, and established a healthy rivalry and mutual respect with Latymer, who we hope we'll have the opportunity to play again at some point.
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