Machen U14 RFC

A bruising encounter at Machen - physically tough from the first whistle, and a game that summed up everything about this squad: character, commitment, and no shortage of quality. Ultimately, a second-half comeback from the hosts edged them over the line, but Whitchurch made them work every inch of the way.

The opening exchanges were hard-fought. Machen showed why they're a stern home side, making the first ten minutes difficult for the visitors. But Whitchurch held firm and took their chance when it came - Ben breaking clear for the opening try, though the conversion was missed. 5-0.

More resilience was required through the next quarter as Machen pressed. Whitchurch weathered the storm and hit back with a classic score: sustained pressure, a kick through for Luca to finish, and Jay adding the conversion to make it 12-0. Josh then added a third try - conversion missed - to send the Warriors into the break with a commanding 17-0 lead. Machen pulled two tries back before half time to make it 17-12 at the interval, setting up a tense second forty.

The second half opened with Elliott S crossing for Whitchurch's fourth try to restore the margin to 22-12 - but Machen were relentless. Three converted tries in quick succession flipped the scoreboard: 22-19, then 22-26, then 22-33, as Machen's power game took hold.

With eight minutes left on the clock and 11 points to claw back, Cam drove over for a gutsy try to make it 27-33 - but it proved to be the last score of the game. Despite Whitchurch pushing hard to the final whistle, Machen held on.

A disappointing outcome, but a performance packed with heart. Leading at half time, five tries scored, and fighting back when it mattered - this group never stopped. The season continues. 🏉