Westcliff win sends Fullers into final (From Watford Observer)

Fullerians Under-17s reach London & South East Division Plate final after beating Westcliff

3:00pm Friday 15th March 2013 in Sport

Fullerians Under-17s have reached the London & South East Division Plate final after defeating Westcliff 24-14.

Despite a new-look back line due to injuries, Fullers started well and kept the opposition on the back foot with forward drives and strong rucking.

After sustained pressure, the ball was moved to George Selwood and he burst through the defence and scored under the posts. Josh Hancock added the extras.

Westcliff looked to respond and their forwards made good gains from driving mauls and moved up the pitch after Fullers conceded a succession of penalties.

Fullerians struggled in the lineout and Westcliff applied pressure. Their opponents were not able to fully clear their lines once again and from another catch and drive at the lineout, Westcliff were able to score wide on the right.

The setback galvanised Fullerians and they went into the interval 14-5 ahead. Jack Longbottom was stopped just short of the line but he offloaded to Conor Devine. He touched down and Hancock scored the conversion.

Westcliff responded with a try of their own after the restart but then Fullers took control of the contest.

They went over twice in the second period to taking a commanding 24-12 lead and it was one they held onto until the final whistle to seal their place in the final.