SEDBERGH V MILLFIELD 2013

After a very one-sided match in Abu Dhabi earlier on in the season resulted in a heavy loss, Sedbergh travelled to Millfield with revenge on their mind as they played by far their best performance of the year.

With a big crowd and an incredibly exciting atmosphere throughout the match Sedbergh’s physicality, focus and commitment rattled Millfield in the first half to go into the break leading 17 – 3. The first Sedbergh try went to Charlie Greene after a great break from the outstanding John McPhillips.

Straight from the next kick off Sedbergh went on the attack again with man of the match Will Thornton rampaging down the middle of the field and offloading to Alex Moon,  the ball was then recycled quickly and with the Millfield defence struggling to find any organisation, Charlie Moorby sliced through the middle and beat the fullback to score a vital try before the halftime break.

Knowing the next fifteen minutes was a crucial period, Sedbergh took control at the start of the second half but unfortunately could not cross the Millfield line after some wonderful play by the backs. However constant pressure led to John McPhillips converting a penalty to stretch out the lead to 20 – 3. Millfield were the next team to score after throwing constant waves of attack at a very well organised and a relentless Sedbergh defence.

The Millfield try eventually came from a pinpoint cross field kick which landed straight into the wingers hands to score out wide and bring the score closer at 20 – 10. Sedbergh quickly regained their tight grip on the match five minutes later when Robbie Kent, who had been dangerous all match, scored a sensational individual try from 50 metres out,  where he beat his opposite man and fullback to race under the Millfield posts and secure a 17 point lead. With time running out on the clock Sedbergh kept their composure and defended with incredible heart to secure a famous and well deserved victory.

1st XV Captain, Christie, said “What pleased me was the determination that we had when we did not have the ball, having the work rate in defence to not let them get too many yards and when they were isolated how we got the ball back through our back row, who were exceptional on the day. I  was also pleased with our composure when we had the ball, building phases then at the right times, executing the plays.

Yes, there was added motivation from Abu Dhabi – we probably had our worst performance of the year then and didn’t adapt to the conditions, but we knew that if we played near our best we could turn them over, even away from home. We have Llandovery today – this time two years ago they came to Sedbergh and put 25 points on us, so we will want to settle that score.”

Mr Mulholland, 1st XV Coach, said: “With strong opposition arriving today for the last fixture of the season, Sedbergh will have to keep this red hot form going as Llandovery will be wanting to repeat the big away win that they achieved on Buskholme two seasons ago.”

S. Mulholland.