Dragons have a great day at the Crusaders P&P

Sunday February 27th the Lowestoft and Yarmouth Dragons along with supporters travelled to Hethersett for a Pitch and Play kindly hosted by Crusaders Rugby Club.

In a round robin format with 4 teams participating the Under 13’s Dragons first came up against North Walsham. Buoyant after their last cup result, the Dragons took an early lead after a strong drive and great presentation from Chloe was finished by the alert Izzy. A move particularly pleasing as this had been worked upon in the pre match warm up. A further two tries followed, each exhibiting the strength and discipline in the shape of the team. However, after a period of pressure, North Walsham deservedly worked their way back into it with two quick fire tries which illustrated both the pace within the team, but also the gaps that the Dragons were starting to leave. After a period of tight play, the North Walsham resistance was finally broken after a try from Lexi out of nowhere, showing a number of feints to ghost her way through the defence. A final try followed, following quick thinking from the tap in by Poppy. Final score Lowestoft and Yarmouth Dragons 5 North Walsham 2.

The second match was against Wymondham, with Jess kindly volunteering to don a Wymondham shirt to even out numbers and proving to be a constant thorn in her usual teammates side. The match proved to be a very different affair to the first with the Dragons falling to an early 4-1 deficit, with Lowestoft and Yarmouth only having one try to show for a series of very physical battles. The try was scored after a quick break away from Phoebe with the opposition left trailing behind her. However, the momentum of the match swung after a conversation between coaches and referee after it became apparent that some confusion on the rules being played had led to two of the Wymondham tries. Therefore, the match was reset with the scores adjusted to 2-1 to the opposition. This change gave the Dragons a massive lift and they began to fight their way back into the game. As the game came towards its conclusion and with the scores sat at 3-3 it was clear that it was the Dragons with their tales up. This enthusiasm paid off after a series of strong tackles by Seren in the middle of the park led to a try in the final seconds of the game. As the ball popped out the ever-available Lily was on hand to set up the try which led to great cheers from the travelling support. As the teams applauded each other it was clear a great deal of respect had been earnt from the bruising encounter. A great game which both set of players will take a great deal from. Final score Wymondham 3, L&Y Dragons 4.

The final game of a thoroughly enjoyable day came against Norwich, from previous encounters it was clear this would be a very difficult game against a very well organised and drilled team. However, it was the Dragons who started the brighter and could have taken the lead after great work on the left-hand side between Frankie and Evie led to a try which was unfortunately discounted for a foot going out of play. After this early pressure Norwich began to show their class and worked themselves into a 3-0 lead. A quick fire try for the Dragons followed. With a number of battles in the centre of the park it was clear that the next try would be critical in the direction the game would take and it was Norwich who worked it well out of a scrum to take a 4-1 lead which was quickly followed by another. Whilst it would have been easy to let the disappointment set in the team kept their heads up with the ever-rhapsodic returning Jess filling her teammates with encouragement. Final score Norwich 5 Lowestoft and Yarmouth Dragons 1. Whilst the team were disappointed with the result they saw enough to be encouraged going into the final of the U13’s Norfolk cup in May.

L & Y Dragons under 15’s also came along, not only to support the under 13’s but to play for Beccles and Wymondham. Jess, Anna, Ace, Alicia and Elyse all volunteered to muck in and play with all girls moving into new positions with no hesitation and enabling some good games of rugby to be played. A special mention for Sarah also who stepped up to play for North Walsham in the under 18’s match against Norwich for which some fantastic feedback as received as Sarah not only put her speed to good use but was involved with some great set plays.

As the team bus started its journey home the singing from within was a clear sign that an enjoyable day was had by all players, and the coaches, parents and supporters were left feeling very proud of how the team has developed over the previous months and looking forward to the season remainder