Civil Service Colts Come Of Age by Michael Curran
The Civil Service Colts excel against an experienced Ophir side
For the newly formed Civil Service Colts to play their first ever match together on the famous Everglades pitch at Stormont in front of a tremendous crowd of family, friends and club members must have been daunting enough.
Add to the mix an experienced and organised Ophir youth side and you couldn’t help being slightly nervous for the boys.
An Ophir try under the posts within 5 minutes of the kick off, followed shortly after by another didn’t help either.
But we needn’t have worried. The Colts forwards started to get into their stride gaining confidence at each ruck and upsetting Ophir’s ball.
Good work from Mattie Hamilton, Jonny Carroll and Jake Curran saw Connor Crutchley dive over for a well taken and deserved try.
The joy of their first ever try was short lived however as the Colts allowed the visitors big outhalf to run half the pitch untouched to score his second and Ophir’s third of the game. Another Ophir try on the 20 minute mark and things looked bleak for the Colts.
A water break and a chance to take in some air was all the boys needed. With the addition of Rory Lynn to the line up the Colts raised their game again. The ball was moved neatly between Christopher Magee, Joey Sumner, Josh Jones and Joe Crutchley before being passed to Rory who emulated his grandfather’s famous sidestep by charging over for a try in the corner.
Although Ophir scored another two tries the Colts never gave up with Jamie Kelly, Chris Bateman and Todd Vance (playing his first ever game and at prop) always in the thick of the action.
A solo break by the Ophir No8 came to nothing when Joe Crutchley showed his courage and tackling technique to take him out at the knees and turn over the ball.
More good work from the forwards and backs saw Mattie score the Colts’ third try of the match.
The third period of play commenced with the Colts on top. Good forward play from Jonny, Chris and Rory saw the ball neatly rucked. Quick interplay between Bruce Elkin and Josh saw a precise kick being put into the right corner. Jake put in a good chase and a crunching tackle which resulted in the ball coming free for Mattie to score his second of the match.
The Service Colts continued to gain in confidence with Zac Elkin, Ryan McKeown, Todd and Chris making ground with ball in hand.
Not to be outdone by Mattie, Rory decided it was time he got a second try. Picking the ball up on the half way line he charged through four Ophir tackles before collapsing over the try line for the Colts fifth try of the match.
Tiredness was starting to show on the Service boys but what they lacked in energy they more than made up for it in effort. Tackles continued to be made particularly by Connor, Joey, Ryan, Bruce and Christopher. Josh, Joe and Zac continued to look for space and the forwards kept growing in confidence.
At the referees final whistle all players were exhausted. Ophir had triumphed by 9 tries to 5. But in my mind the real winners were the Civil Service Colts.
Well done to all, thanks to Hosky for refereeing, thanks to Marty, thanks to Ophir and thanks to all who came to watch.
