Orlando Youth kicked off their season on Saturday with an important home win against neighbors Daytona. The late afternoon kickoff left both sides with great weather for attacking rugby. Orlando recieved the opening kick off and marched right down the field with great forward runs breaking the opposition line and applying early pressure on a dug in Daytona defense.  Second rower Maxime Remesey,  flankers Adam Gunn and Josh Wilson set the tone early and Orlando was able to score in the 7th minute from a set piece with Gunn finishing off an 8 man pick off the scrum; conversion missed, Orlando 5-0.

Using more tactical kicking to get out of their half Mitchell Wilson kicked deep into touch to set up a line out for Daytona. Orlando jumped on a long line out throw and Maxime Remesy was able to take the mis-throw in and give ORFC their second try, conversion missed, Orlando 10-0.

Daytona wasted no time in getting to the kick off and poor readiness by Orlando saw Daytona recover the restart and shortly after score their first try of the match in the right corner, conversion missed, 10-5 Orlando. Now with there heads up Daytona applied good pressure against Orlando but found very few opportunities credit to great ‘A’ gap defense from Hector De Juan, Nick Plale and company. When Daytona chose to go wide there was little space out there as well with Mark King, Harry Allen and Parker McCormick meeting Daytona before the gain line. Nearing the end of the first half both teams continued aggressive play but it was Orlando that was able to score with Adam Gunn scoring his second try of the match 4 minutes before the halftime whistle, conversion missed, 15-5.

Play stalled somewhat in the second half with both teams struggling to maintain consistant possesion. Hector De Juan, Sam Voegle and captain Jack Ponder all made great runs but Orlando lack suffcient support to finish great runs into points. Anthony Morales was able to take a try in during the 45th minute, conversion made, 22-5. It would be Orlando’s last points of the day. Daytona played well after some Orlando mistakes and were able to score two more tries before the final whistle. Orlando walked out passing their first test as a 22-17 winner. “We did things well but we have more to work on.” said captain Jacob Ponder. “We are going to work hard to fix our mistakes and be prepared for the Trojans” added junior hooker Nick Plale.

The Junior Griffins will be in action next on February 16th as they travel to Ft. Lauderdale to play the Taravella Trojans.  We would like to thank all supporters and members that came to support Saturday.

Tries: Gunn (2), Remesey, Morales

Conversions: M. Wilson 1-4

Man of the Match: Josh Wilson

Hit of the Match: Hector De Juan

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