Match Report: Esher U14s Surrey Values Festival 24 September 2023

After a strong 2022 season the Esher U14s team assembled for its first competitive test in the form of the Surrey Values Festival, hosted at Molesey Road. The Surrey Values Festival aims to give all players game time, with inclusivity and development at its heart. Technically there are no winners or losers, but for the boys on the pitch - ever keen to exploit the home advantage - it was a chance to test their mettle against fresh opponents.

Esher vs Battersea Ironsides, 2-1

At first glance, Battersea Ironsides appeared to have a couple of big players at its centre and from the off, it was evident that Ironsides had an advantage in the scrum. But Esher's game is increasingly about passing and speed, with notable tackles coming in from Finn Collins-Green. But it was a new part of the U14s game that opened the chances for Esher, with the first line out seeing some great passing from Esher, and a kick chase up the right wing for Kobey Mack to score.

The second half got off to a flying start, a strong run from Jacob Bance took him through half the opposition, deftly offloading the ball to Kobey Mack as Bance was tackled. The result was an inevitable second try. Battersea hadn't lost its spirit however, releasing the ball from a rolling maul to see the visitors cut round the right to score. A tough game, but one where Esher looked confident.

Esher vs Sutton and Epsom, 3-1

Esher have met Sutton and Epsom a couple of times in recent years and the game hasn't always been fortuitous for Esher. But today would be different, despite Sutton seeming to tower over the Esher team. Perhaps it was size that gave Sutton the early advantage, quickly griding over the line for a first try. Esher's fightback was on though, a decisive rip from Sean Collins, a big tackle from Leo Hall and encouraging runs from Joe Hollas.

It was the second half where Esher's pressure paid off. Exploiting the line-out again setup a run of great passing to put Kobey Mack over the line for Esher's first. On the restart, Esher was quickly on possession, passing down the line to release a strong run from Oscar Lawson, who at the last minute passed to Leo Hall to dab down Esher's second. Sutton fought back, leaving Esher to defend its line, but another kick chase from Kobey Mack, supported by new recruit Stephen Donnelly, regained territory. Gabriel Savva was on hand to gather up the loose ball a get a deserved third for Esher.

Esher vs Teddington, 5-0

Teddington could be considered a local rival and playing towards the end of the day, the opposition seemed rather muted. Kobey Mack wasn't however, darting through the lines to score Esher's first. With some great individual efforts from Gabriel Savva and Finn Carpenter in the centre of the park, it wasn't long until a string of great passed gave Stephen Donnelly a chance for Esher's second.

In the second half, Gabriel Savva clearly wanted more points on the board. Some magic feet saw Savva cutting through to score Esher's third. Soon after, with Teddington defending a scrum on the line, it was again left to Savva to collect the ball and pop it over the line. Teddington appeared to be caving under the pressure, as Jacob Bance was back, running through the line for Esher's fifth to close out the game.

A successful start to the season, the Values Festival was a chance to play some friendly games, but with no shortage of spirit. Roll on the rest of the season.