U14s North Mids Cup Semi Final

North Mids Cup Semi Final. Bromsgrove v Hereford

Bromsgrove U14s welcomed Hereford to Finstall Park this Sunday (10th March) for their North Mids Cup Semi Final clash, those who have followed the U14s will know it was Hereford who narrowly beat us in our own U12s Festival final almost 2 years ago. This game was certainly one of the most eagerly anticipated for the team, the coaches and the parents, and it didn’t disappoint.

Once again, the weather had to have a say in proceedings, an 8.30 am pitch inspection saw Steve H busy in the soggy centre of the 1st team pitch armed with a garden fork and a broom, removing the remaining surface water, much to the amusement of Phil C, who had turned up early to prepare for Bromsgrove’s first girls session, but nothing was going to prevent this semi final from being played, and it didn’t disappoint.

Bromsgrove were first to score going 7 v 0 up within the first two minutes with a brilliant team try, started by Liam Gilbert’s superb handling from the kick off and finishing with a powerful 15 metre drive by hooker and Captain Kaden Lloyd, converted by Kristian Husbands.

Fifteen minutes into the game Bromsgrove scored again, coming from a well executed line out, Ben Tomlinson breaking the gain line and passing out to Liam Gilbert, who with lots of work still to do ran in our 2nd try from 25 metres out, beating several defenders and scoring under the posts for an easy conversion.

More strong forwards play, followed by a brilliant kick for touch by Kristian, provided a lineout on Herefords 5 metre line, which led to Bromsgrove’s 3rd try. A catch and drive from the line out saw several attempts for the line by Bromsgrove’s pack, culminating in No8 Ben Tomlinson going over from 2 metres out making it 19 v 0. Bromsgrove stuck to the script for the remaining 10 minutes of the half and continued to make life difficult for Hereford.

Hereford started the 2nd half strong, scoring their first try after approx 10 minutes but failing to convert a difficult kick from 5 metres in from touch, bringing the score to 19 v 5. However, this provided a wake up call for the Bromsgrove boys who quickly got back into their stride, with the whole team showing real determination not to allow Hereford to score again, Bromsgrove’s 4th try came within a few minutes, with Ollie Sivell rewarding the teams efforts, driving over from a few metres out, bringing the score to 26 v 5 with 10 minutes remaining.

Although Hereford never once allowed their heads to drop and continued to try to break Bromsgrove’s resolve, the remainder of the 2nd half saw much of the same, with Bromsgrove’s line speed and relentless pressure creating real problems for Hereford, and our boys making the most of the chaos they were creating. This eventually led to Kaden going over, from closer range this time, for his 2nd try and  Bromsgrove’s 5th and final try of the game. Final score, Bromsgrove U14s 31 v 5 Hereford U14s.

Well done and congratulations to every member of our squad, not only those who played, but also those who came along to support their team mates, without who we wouldn’t now be in ‘The North Mids Cup Final’. You should all be feeling very proud of yourselves, there aren’t many teams make it to a Cup Final.

Finally, a well done and huge thank you to the coaches, many of whom have been getting up on a Sunday morning and coming in on Wednesday evenings, come rain or shine for the last 10 years, the only reward being to see every player develop and become the best player they can be, well done fellas, you’re a great team.

Bromsgrove U14s will face either Ledbury or Whitchurch in the final, to be played on the 28th April, the venue is yet to be announced.

Steve H
Head Coach U14s