Boston u14s played host to Grimsby who have had a fantastic season so far, in no part thanks to their number of county players; so Boston knew that they had to play their best and they did.
It was a magnificent team performance from the very start and Boston clearly rocked the Grimsby team who appeared to have been expecting something less.
Boston tackled aggressively and contested every ruck and maul, often knocking the Grimsby forwards backwards. Tom Andrews, the Boston captain led by example, and at a penalty, took the quick tap and and ran in a try from 20 metres out. He converted.
Boston maintained the pressure and lock forward Marcus Gibbons took the ball from the base of a ruck and crashed over for the team's second try. Tom Andrews converted.
Grimsby seemed stung but began to fight back. Chris Cook, Boston's right winger put in excellent tackle after excellent tackle and, on two occasions, he was so quick to regain his feet that he was able to take the ball from the tackled Grimsby player and go forward.
Charlie Porcher at number eight for Boston really annoyed Grimsby's scrum half and fly half; he was so quick and strong that before they could even pass the ball he was there tackling.
He picked and went from the base of the scrum, straight at the opposition, always breaking through the first tackle.
A lapse of concentration, allowed Grimsby to score a try but Tom Andrews kicked a penalty just before half time so Boston went in 17-5 ahead at the break.
Grimsby were able to ring the changes, using fresh players from their large squad. Boston did not have the luxury with only one substitute available so Boston knew that the second half was going to be tough - it was.
Grimsby saw attack after attack, stopped by fantastic tackling and great positional sense. But as Boston began to tire the odd gap appeared in their defence and Grimsby managed to score a couple of tries.
The final score was 17-17! The Boston team were outstanding and the Grimsby coaches were very vocal with their praise for their opposition and recognised an excellent team effort.
Great leadership was shown by Tom Andrews and John Peng and choosing a man of the match proved very difficult for the Boston coach, after what had been one of the best team performances of the season. However, two players were worthy of that accolade, Charlie Porcher and Chris Cook, men of the match.
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