Douglas U14s recently played Sandbach U14s in what turned out to be an extremely competitive and well-disciplined match played on a cold March afternoon in Cheshire.
Two tries down in the opening 15 minutes, it took a powerful run through the middle from Alfie Howard to score and give Douglas self-belief, the forwards in particular upping their game led by the impressive Brandon Smith.
The crowd were dealt a rugby feast with tries a plenty from both sides, and Sandbach were a well drilled side. Douglas, not having played a competitive game for three months, grew into the game with increased confidence and Ewan Higgins, in a Man of the Match performance, caused endless problems for Sandbach from fullback and ran in a solo effort to cap off a superb individual performance. The fearless David Haddow scored an excellent team try, the rapid Alfie Howard ran in a second, and Joel Jenkins put in a solid shift.
A final 42-28 to Sandbach, but led by captain Jonty Shimmin at fly half (brother of current Douglas senior squad member Jack), Douglas produced an encouraging team performance and there is obviously huge potential.
The club would like to thank the coach Ben Dutnall, all the parents who accompanied their children, and Peel Holdings for the sponsorship support including match tickets for the top of the table clash Sale Sharks v Saracens.
