The Newham Dockers under-14 team

The Dockers under-14 side completed their first season in the sport on Saturday and showed just how far they have come with a battling display against a physically powerful Rhinos side.

Newham Dockers 10 Eastern Rhinos 28

The Dockers under-14 side completed their first season in the sport on Saturday and showed just how far they have come with a battling display against a physically powerful Rhinos side.

Buoyed by last week’s victory against Brentwood, the Dockers started this game full of confidence and Owen Flindall’s kick-off forced a mistake straight away which led to Ranjit Singh collecting Anthony Sinclair’s kick to score the opening try for a 6-0 lead.

Both sides showed their defensive prowess with Michael Laskov inspiring his team-mates with one particularly bone-crunching tackle, but the Dockers could not push their advantage and the Rhinos found their form to score three rapid tries and make it 14-6 at the break.

Seb Solano and Dovydas Jankauskas came to the fore after the break, only do be denied by some fine tackling, before the pressure finally told when Charlie Landers slipped through a tackle for an unconverted try to make it 14-10.

Injuries began to take their toll on the Dockers as Brad Rackham, Jankauskas and Tyron Lukun all struggling and that enabled the Rhinos to take charge again and open up a 24-10 lead.

The Dockers rallied with Donatas Vainorius and Tomas Seniut tackling well, while Alfie Sillitoe and David Young looked for breaks, but they were unable to add to their tally as one more Rhino try made the final score 28-10.

Dockers coach Chris Williams was delighted with his players despite the defeat: “The game was the most physical we have played in and I’m proud of how every single player stood up to the test.

“We have improved beyond all recognition throughout the season and these boys should be proud of themselves.

“Next year will be a great chance to use what we’ve learnt this season and I’m sire we’ll be much stronger for the experience.”