Aguiles Xàbia Rugby reach regional final after win against San Roque
The youngsters ran out 50-22 winners to reach the final on Saturday 29th April.
Friday 28th April 2023
Mike Smith
The Under-14 side of Xàbia Aguiles Rugby reached the regional final after defeating San Roque in the semi-final 50-22.
The semi-final was a tense affair. The Xàbia youngster were calm and controlled as they took to the pitch and they channeled all their energy into tackling, passing, and rucking which kept them alive during the opening half. There were main nail biting moments which revealed the early nerves from the boys but the Aguiles came out fighting with a quick 7-0 lead. However, this was quickly reversed by San Roque who responded by storming into a 17-7 lead until the Aguiles woke up and restored their lead through two tries from Mo Millar and Edward Merrick, both converted by Evan Duncan, to enter the break with a narrow 19-17 lead.
The second-half was a completely different story with the Aguiles taking to the pitch full of energy and they scored a succession of tries scored by Mo Millar, Will Smith and Alfie Heaton, all converted by Evan Duncan to add those extra points. The tackling was strong and relentless and, despite sustaining several injuries, they kept going. James D, James Mac, Oliver, Will Thatcher, Connor, Mauro, Kaiden, Pablo & Ismael were the glue that kept the ball moving through the line, winning scrums and line outs, and keeping San Roque at bay.
It was a strong game that needed the full force of the experienced boys, though some of the new lads – Blake, Theo, Max F & Max Z had a chance to run the pitch. Regardless of who scored and who played, EVERY Aguiles player contributed to the game which ended 50-22 and sends the side into the regional final next Saturday. As usual, it’s a credit to the resolve of the players that makes them champions.
So until Saturday the 29th, Vamos Aguiles!!!!
