Match Report
Haberdashers' Elstree Schools Boys-U18A vs  Watford Grammar School for Boys
On: Saturday, 23 Sep 2023
Venue: at Home

A high penalty count, numerous handling errors and an inability to produce fast ball at the breakdown resulted in a frustrating first defeat of the season for the 1st XV against Watford GS. The first 20 minutes saw our opponents dominate territory and possession and our lack of discipline around the tackle area resulted in three kickable penalties which were gratefully accepted by Watford. Habs eventually began to get a foot hold in the game and searching runs by Tolu Ayetan and Ore Adebayo gave us the territory and platform to exert some pressure. A try from close range by Jacob Suissa just before half time, followed by a penalty from Tom Fielden mid way through the second half was a reflection of our dominance at this point and we should have turned the screw by forcing Watford to run from deep. As it was, we continued to make handling errors at regular intervals and late ill discipline gave Watford the territory to launch one final assault. A series of big Watford carries resulted in a converted try and 3 minutes were left for us to produce a response. Alas, despite making a break down the right flank we were unable to secure the victory that our mid game dominance should have warranted. On the positive side, the effort levels were excellent and I was pleased with the performance of our senior players. Greater accuracy is required at the breakdown and the basic skills of catching and passing will need some attention this week and beyond.