On a cold and clear morning, Tottonians U13’s had their best game of the season so far.  After a good warm up the lads seemed up for this game, which was their first venture into semi finals.

The game kicked off with Totts playing up the slope and Pumas making the most of playing down and scoring first after some strong running.

Totts seemed stunned by this and albeit did get a try back, Pumas were in control of the game and making the most of the holes in the Totts defence.

Then, after the first scrum, Totts’ forwards woke up and got into the game creating a great platform for their strong running backs, especially the centres to attack the Pumas line.  This brought Totts into the game and for a while it was an even contest.

The Totts forwards were recycling the ball well which really kept the side on the front foot and allowed them to get some well worked tries off of first phase ball and lovely set moves by the back.

With the score at 5-2 at half time and Totts playing down the slope it was theirs to lose in the second period.  By now the Totts attack was going well and their defence was positive. Every time Pumas launched an attack they were halted by the Totts defence. This really held the difference between the sides as Pumas just couldn’t get going in attack. This along with a few bumps and knocks to their players which seen them shuffle their side and keep them playing.

With Totts getting their next couple of scores, they held the result and the game was played out as friendly to ensure all had their game time.

Totts scored several more tries, but lost their shape a little which allowed Pumas to come back into the game.  Pumas rallied well and their strong runners started to make inroads into the Totts territory and this showed their boys strength in character to keep playing to the final whistle.

Special mentions go to Luke S and Emile, Luke in his first season with us had a tremendous game and his efforts and energy at prop.  Emile, also at prop, who has developed so well this season had a great game in setting the forwards platform.

Totts certainly played well and are now in the final on the 23rd March with the oppositon and location still to be decided, which is great considering where they were seeded at the start of season in their first year of competition rugby.

Player of the match as chosen by Pumas was Zac R.