 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
© Copyright |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
 |
|
|
|
U11’s Match Reports 2009-10 HT 7-0 The second half followed much as the first with some ferocious tackling from Alex Frith and Daniel Tyrrell on his Rugby debut stemmed the flow of attackers as the blacks looked to hit back. A sucker punch try in the 5th minute took the wind from the Northwich sails but the youngsters were undeterred and continued to plough forward to again be dealt what proved to be the knockout blow four minutes from time. With tired legs the final converted try in the last minute conveys a score line that is harsh on the youngster in what was a very good game of Rugby. Match 2 The C & N “developmental” squad were able to progress through the defensive ranks as tackles which would normally in training be met with a higher level of umph were missed allowing the hosts to run in a hatful of tries to no reply. On the whole these young players, of which four made their first competitive debuts, were blown away last season by the same side, gave their all and proved themselves a credit to themselves parents and club, a few tweaks here and there and watch out the blacks are coming!! Players of the matches :- Alex Frith & Daniel Tyrrell
Now having done our homework on the opposition it was noted that the team from Mold put 97 points past their previous hosts Chester. Now there is apparently an old law in Chester that a Welsh person found within the city walls after dark can be shot with a long bow. The law has nothing to say about Rugby teams coming from Wales and putting numerous points past teams in and around the area of Chester. The first game started in the usual Sunday morning drizzle but it was the Mold team who struck the first blow on two minutes as slack tackling allowed the visitors to score, which was duly converted. The blacks rallied and retained possession but were unable to make head way against a very well drilled defensive line that turned to a rapier like attack to double the score on 5 minutes. As last week Northwich failed to capitalise on loose ball and were again punished in the 10th and 14th minutes. The half time cuddle. . . . I mean huddle, restored the youngsters confidence and they started the second period in a more organised fashion, Grant Leah, with Jordan Kennedy drove forward with more aggression, but Mold still exploited gaps in the defence to add two more converted scores to their tally. Northwich were not about to roll over, a tap penalty followed by a “pod” saw Grant and Jordan power towards the line, moving the ball from player to player to reach Northwich’s own Welsh destroyer Ieaun Lewis who crashed down for the first try of the season. Alex Browns conversion attempt cannoned back off the ridiculously high cross bar, but the teams first points were on the board. Game 2 Changes again at half time as legs became weary, positions were rotated and players were able to gain experience playing in unfamiliar positions. The slick passing and movement of the Mold side coupled with a couple of very forceful runners forged themselves further in front to again leave a score line the doesn’t really depict the effort displayed by the young blacks.
In perfect surroundings and a squad of 13, the youngsters set off at a devastating pace catching their hosts cold as early as the second minute as superb work from James Campbell at lock drove forward with pace and aggression feeding Ieuan Lewis who completed the move from 30 yards to give the blacks an early advantage. Alex Browns conversion attempt had the distance, it had the height, it had a lower cross bar than last week but alas not the direction, 5 – 0 Blacks. Obviously the shock of driving for 90 minutes then scoring after 90 seconds was too much to bear and whilst everyone celebrated and imagined the final outcome, Bromsgrove snuck in, scored and converted, 5 – 7. Due to the distance, holidays, colds and forgetful mums the squad was a little on the scrawny side, no props, so as per continuum, uncontested scrums were the order of the day. James Hayes Clarke who is beginning to stake a claim for the 10 shirt restored the advantage with a fine run touching down in the corner, Alex Browns conversion had the height, it had the accuracy but didn’t have the distance. 10 – 7. If anyone asks the under 11s what they need to tighten up on, they will unanimously reply “tackling”. They will also tell you that they only have themselves to blame for the hosts next 2 converted scores. 21 – 10 Cometh the hour cometh the man and cometh he did, in the form of Cameron Gooch finally fulfilling some potential at number 12. Great work from all the backs with quick hands and running from deep allowed Cameron to score in the corner. Alex Browns conversion had the height, it had the accuracy, IT HAD THE DISTANCE!!! 21 – 17. The boys from the black stuff (ours) were superb in their handling and attacking play which allowed Daniel Tyrrell to burst through the Brummy backline to plonk one down between the sticks. Alex Browns conversion had the height, it had the accuracy, it had the distance!!! 21 – 24. Having already mentioned tackling it was inevitable that this would be the undoing of what was a truly fine performance from a squad of youngsters who gave everything only to be out done in the closing stages by another converted host score, 28 – 24. Thanks to Bromsgrove for their hospitality.
Game 1 So, to the game. With numbers being even a battle consisting of four 15 minute quarters was decided upon. Were the Blacks going to play like bears in the home town of sooty creator Matthew Corbett? Only time would tell if the Blacks would magic a result and “sweep” up!! Would the extra hour in bed mean a lively and aggressive under 11’s ready for the match from the 1st whistle .Hmmmmm…………. After 3 minutes of play where the Blacks were under pressure Lymm crashed over from short distance to open the scoring. A conversion made it 0-7. The lads were back in the fray straight from kick-off and fought to keep the ball alive and moving forward. Such was the desire to keep the ball alive that the ball was thrown loose in a tackle and Lymm were quick to pounce and picked up and scampered over for another converted try 0-14. The slow start by the Black Pack was being punished by the green hoops of Lymm and they drove over a maul to keep the board metaphorically ticking the wrong way 0-21. From the ensuing kick off the Blacks failed to counter a 40 yard run 6 inches from the touch line, bodies were flying everywhere except against the ball carrier .0-28! The interval couldn’t come quick enough. Stern words exchanged and a couple of changes seemed to do the job at the start of the second half and the guys started to play. Daniel Tyrell, in at scrum half for the first time , began linking well with James H-C at fly half who was having a good day and made continuous penetrating runs. Rucks were driven hard , and mauls were fought over. All this extra effort paid off and Grant Leah drove over with Lymm players hanging off him to open the Blacks account hurrah!!The wind was strong and Alex B’s kick was forced wide. There were concerns that Alex B with one foot off the ground would be blow away too! 5-28. Inspired and awake at last, the Blacks soon repeated the first try. Cameron Gooch made really good yards and a superbly timed lay off put Grant in for his second try. Alex B adjusted his sights and the Black Rebels moved to 12-35.Unfortunately, the closing stages of the game saw Lymm go over to make the final score 42-12 to Lymm. Game 2 (or the one that got away) Only minor changes were made in the Blacks line up for the start of what was to be an oh so nearly match .The start of the second encounter saw the young Blacks play with an intensity and drive that , had they started the day in such fashion , the first game scoreline would have been far , far closer , probably closer than the clubhouse! Superb forward play from the entire front five put Lymm under pressure and from a driving maul , Daniel broke with ball in hand and struck the first blow for the blacks. Alex B converted to make it 7-0 blacks. It was proving to be a bruising encounter with players from both sides clutching new bruises and sore lymms (couldn’t resist!)The green hoops lost a prop in the fray and the and the game was forced to go uncontested in the scrum. Shame. Lymm started to exert pressure of their own and early in the second half they drove over and converted to level the score. As the game rumbled on , knocks and bangs continued but the team continued to strive for the winner. Tackles flew in from both sides , and the game ebbed and flowed. Eventually though , with just 4 minutes remaining , Lymm crossed the line and converted to make it 14-7 to lymm. With little time to reply , the Blacks gave it their all but time was against them and the game ended. Coleys Notes If the Blacks can start games with the purpose and desire that they end games, then it will be the Blacks who will be celebrating win after win. Positive in defeat, there are great improvements in all aspects of the game on display for all to see, from all players, but lets just see it from the first minute of the first half , and not the 2nd minute of the 2nd half !!! COME ON YOU BLACKS
Congleton became notorious in the 1620s when bear-baiting was a popular sport and owned an old and rather decrepit bear who was unable to attract large crowds to their bear-baiting contests, fortunately for the bear they also lacked the money to pay for a new and more aggressive bear. The locals did however have enough money saved to buy a new bible. The town’s folk decided to use the money in the bible fund to pay for a new bear and then replenished it with the income from the increased number of spectators. If the collection bucket had been handed out today they could have bought two new bears and a bible such was the support and affluence from the black’s travelling contingent. Game 1 The relentless pressure told as our own Welsh wonder, Ieaun Lewis, broke the home resistance with a crashing score, duly converted by Daniel Tyrrell, 0 - 7. Unfortunately due to the blacks stunning hospitality and because they are saving up for a new bear, slack tackling allowed a host try, but no conversion! 5 – 7.HT Stern words at the quarter mark and fresh legs, David Richardson and Nathan Flaherty replaced by Tom Bray and Jack Wade in the unfamiliar position of wingers. It was back to déjà vu as the blacks allowed another converted host score four minutes into the next period – more stern words – Grant Leah who has been outstanding in his first season of Rugby had other ideas as a crashing run and drive smashing tackles brought the blacks within kicking distance of the lead, unfortunately Daniels place kick was under the bar 12-12. Tails were up and the standard of Rugby from the blacks was starting to click into place, superb forward work provided James Hayes Clarke with clean ball, breaking free and beating to tackles he charged towards the line finally caught by the third defender, tackled but not down he simply popped the ball to the on rushing Tyrrell whose pace took him beyond the whitewash, duly converting his own try. 12-19. All they had to do was hang on, last play was indicated, win the ball put it out! - Penalty to the homesters 5 yards out, first repelled, then re-taken, then they score and convert 16.40, no that’s the stopwatch time...... final score 19-19. It’s very difficult to put into text the performance of both teams in the next match but finally the young blacks begin to realise their potential and execute the work that they have so tirelessly put in over the summer. Game 2 Much the delight of the crowd, Grant Leah helped himself to another touch down straight from the restart – duly converted 0-14. Ieaun Lewis added a further score to add to his impressive performance, again converted 0 – 21 and half time…happy days!! The under 11s are a nice bunch of players, only sometimes too nice and are too young to realise that you can be nice after the match and not to allow them to score 14 points and put the coaches and parents into overload stress levels. 14 – 21. Squeaky bums a plenty, the reporter lost his pen and Alex ‘Bendy’ Frith slinked and slunked himself over the line to provide daylight between the two teams, 14 – 28. Again the generosity of the team allowed the bears to close the gap, 19 – 28 and Full time. Return to fixtures Early on everything was very amicable and diplomatic, verging on friendly... then the whistle blew to end the minutes silence for Remembrance Sunday... and the old hostilities resumed. Northwich prepared for the kick-off with their 12 players lined up for battle. All the previous weeks’ hard training and continued improvements would need to be in evidence today. Everyone was surely ready for this one! The match was to be broken into 15 minute quarters. The coin was tossed and Park won. They elected to kick-off. Quarter 1: From the start Northwich enjoyed good possession and defended very well. It was evident even at this stage that Park were not going to find this easy today as the Northwich pack got into the game early and were resilient in defence and this was going to be a hard, tough battle in the mid-field. On a rather narrow pitch space was going to be at a premium and any ground or territory was going to be hard won. Northwich began to dominate in terms of possession and territory with some good kicking from Cameron Gooch. Northwich won many line-outs and scrums but did not manage to successfully turn these opportunities into any scoring... runs from Daniel Tyrrell and Grant Leah, in particular broke down due to handling errors and relieved much of the pressure on Park. Northwich were dominant in this early period tackling was very much at the forefront with all the 12 putting it about! Park had no immediate answer and they were unable to move the ball through our congested lines. It took a passage of play, part creative, part villainy to break the deadlock. A cunning kick from open play from the Park no. 9 inside his own half landed and rolled over into the Northwich try line. The Northwich Full-back Alex Frith, under pressure from the chasing Park players, touched down the ball to safety seconds before being overwhelmed, the referee, maybe unsighted adjudged the Park players had touched the ball down first and blew for a try. Some consolation as the accompanying conversion was missed. End of Quarter 1: Park 5 - Northwich 0 Quarter 2: The Game re-started with both sides unchanged after the interval. Northwich, heads still held high continued where they left off. Last year heads would have dropped and it would have signalled the start of a Park onslaught! Not today. Northwich are more determined, much stronger now and continued to enjoy good possession and territory, again aided by the kicks to touch from Cameron Gooch. The young blacks started to put in good driving mauls with James Campbell, Jordan Kennedy and Grant Leah making a difference. From the scrums and Line-outs we were starting to get good clean ball with the half-backs Billy Cole and James Hayes-Clarke starting to come more into the game. This was complemented by determined runs by second rower Ieuan Lewis and the centres Cameron Gooch and Dan Tyrrell. These passages of play from Northwich were putting pressure on the Park defences but they held out exceptionally well – Park were defending well today too! Although enjoying long periods of possession Northwich could not find that telling pass or play to unlock a resolute Park defence. On a narrow tight pitch Northwich could not move the ball out to the wings or get behind the Park lines and the referee blew for the end of the second quarter. Northwich were very unlucky not to score. An excellent competitive spirit is now evident in this Team. End of Quarter 2: Park 5 - Northwich 0 Quarter 3: At the half-time interval both sides made changes. After a bruising first half a number of players were happy to enjoy the respite! The third quarter would turn out to be significant in terms of score-line. Whether changes and a re-shuffle at half-time had upset the rhythm of the Northwich team or whether the half-time team talk from the Coaching Staff was still ringing in their ears at the referees whistle (deafness!), but from the second half kick-off Northwich were immediately put under pressure. A combination of poor handling and sloppy defending resulted in Park driving on and over the Northwich line to score. The resulting conversion was won and Park now led 12-0. Northwich rallied and showed grit and determination again – this team has the right attitude and the aptitude now – and entered another period of sustained possession and territorial advantage inside the Park half. Dan Tyrrell had moved to Scrum Half and was linking up with James Hayes-Clarke but lack of fast ball was becoming a problem, highlighted by James Hayes-Clarke being dumped a couple of times in possession at the line-outs by the keen and on form Park No. 9. Space was at a premium and a fast flowing passing game was not on the cards today. Instead Northwich were driving and rucking well and in the mid-field areas they more than matched Park in terms of competiveness and irrespective of the score this was very pleasing. It was whilst enjoying a period of territorial possession that we were undone again by the boot of the opposing number 9. Another cunning kick deep into our territory quickly turned our advance to hasty retreat and Park were in an instant applying heavy pressure, a well coordinated and determined drive overcame our defensive line and another try was secured by Park. A successful conversion pushed to the score to 19-0. End of Quarter 3: Park 19 - Northwich 0 Quarter 4: How fitting on Remembrance Sunday that the Northwich Coaching Staff gathered the players together for one of those rallying speeches normally reserved for epic battles. The Northwich Team were offered and took the option of bringing back the original starting 12 to give it one last big push. Earlier eye injuries to Ieuan Lewis and Tom Bray were now forgotten, tired limbs, bumps and bruises a distant memory. C’mon Northwich! From the kick-off Northwich were again soon into their stride. Park were again under pressure and Northwich continued to dominate both in territory and possession. Park were on the back foot but were still putting up stiff resistance. Their kicking game was still evident and was the only valve open to them, but Northwich had learnt the lessons well and now handled this tactic better. Alex Frith at Full-back was picking the kicks better now and with the ball returning with some good penetrative runs from deep aided by good support by the Northwich Forwards. The Half-backs were enjoying more advantage, especially from the Line-outs and Scrums where ball was starting to get out to the centres resulting in some positive runs from Cameron Gooch and Jamie Pritchard. Northwich continued to probe and apply pressure with good Drives and Mauls - a main feature of their play today and testament to the growing craft produced by the Forwards. It was from one of these Mauling Drives that Northwich got the well deserved consolation try. Grant Leah broke from a penetrating drive deep in Park territory to cross the line. Another safe conversion from Dan Tyrrell bagged the extras,19-7. From the resulting kick-off Northwich pushed on for more and as James Hayes-Clarke went on a mazy run from centre and down the wing deep into Park territory after another brief sortie the referee blew time and hostilities ceased. Try: Grant Leah Congleton became notorious in the 1620s when bear-baiting was a popular sport and owned an old and rather decrepit bear who was unable to attract large crowds to their bear-baiting contests, fortunately for the bear they also lacked the money to pay for a new and more aggressive bear. The locals did however have enough money saved to buy a new bible. The town’s folk decided to use the money in the bible fund to pay for a new bear and then replenished it with the income from the increased number of spectators. If the collection bucket had been handed out today they could have bought two new bears and a bible such was the support and affluence from the black’s travelling contingent. Game 1 The relentless pressure told as our own Welsh wonder, Ieaun Lewis, broke the home resistance with a crashing score, duly converted by Daniel Tyrrell, 0 - 7. Unfortunately due to the blacks stunning hospitality and because they are saving up for a new bear, slack tackling allowed a host try, but no conversion! 5 – 7.HT Stern words at the quarter mark and fresh legs, David Richardson and Nathan Flaherty replaced by Tom Bray and Jack Wade in the unfamiliar position of wingers. It was back to déjà vu as the blacks allowed another converted host score four minutes into the next period – more stern words – Grant Leah who has been outstanding in his first season of Rugby had other ideas as a crashing run and drive smashing tackles brought the blacks within kicking distance of the lead, unfortunately Daniels place kick was under the bar 12-12. Tails were up and the standard of Rugby from the blacks was starting to click into place, superb forward work provided James Hayes Clarke with clean ball, breaking free and beating to tackles he charged towards the line finally caught by the third defender, tackled but not down he simply popped the ball to the on rushing Tyrrell whose pace took him beyond the whitewash, duly converting his own try. 12-19. All they had to do was hang on, last play was indicated, win the ball put it out! - Penalty to the homesters 5 yards out, first repelled, then re-taken, then they score and convert 16.40, no that’s the stopwatch time...... final score 19-19. It’s very difficult to put into text the performance of both teams in the next match but finally the young blacks begin to realise their potential and execute the work that they have so tirelessly put in over the summer. Game 2 Much the delight of the crowd, Grant Leah helped himself to another touch down straight from the restart – duly converted 0-14. Ieaun Lewis added a further score to add to his impressive performance, again converted 0 – 21 and half time…happy days!! The under 11s are a nice bunch of players, only sometimes too nice and are too young to realise that you can be nice after the match and not to allow them to score 14 points and put the coaches and parents into overload stress levels. 14 – 21. Squeaky bums a plenty, the reporter lost his pen and Alex ‘Bendy’ Frith slinked and slunked himself over the line to provide daylight between the two teams, 14 – 28. Again the generosity of the team allowed the bears to close the gap, 19 – 28 and Full time. Return to fixtures With the key absence of skipper Mathew Thomas, the black pack never got going in a match that they could have at best competed in and then made it competitive. For the second week running the mavericks were faced with a side that preferred the kick and chase option but who could also use quick hands to gain space and territory. As mentioned in previous reports the elevens are far to nice and allowed the hosts to win and turn over more than their fair share of rucks and mauls, this coupled with fast hands allowed a continuum busting ten try haul in the against column, the only saving grace is that with no conversions it saved the possibility of a further 20 points! The game itself was not one for the purist. Far too many players sulking or complaining instead of giving it a go gives the coaching team headaches as how to move forward and re-instil the confidence gained from recent results and performances. Only a handful of players worthy of praise on a day best forgotten, James Hayes Clarkes commitment and work rate earned a deserved MOM for the second week, Alex Frith, solitary in defence as others stood and watched, with Ieaun Lewis ferocious as ever up front. Daniel Tyrrell’s consolation try was little comfort on a bad day in the office. It is difficult to comprehend the gulf of performances from this week to last. I normally do a demographic insight into the opposition but couldn’t find anything funny that had happened in Widnes – Today was no different! Quarter 1: From the start it was clear that Northwich had learnt from the previous game and turned up ready to play. Particularly the Northwich pack got into the game early and James Campbell did one of his signature runs through the opposition but.....where was the support? Northwich were pushed back to their own try line. Unfortunately some confusion on the position of the try line ended in a failed attempt to kick the ball out of the danger zone and Sandbach had their first try. The try was converted and James Hayes Clarke kicked off at the restart with a well delivered effort. As in the past Northwich were on the back foot and apparently in shock. A spate of missed tackles resulted in Sandbach’s second try which was again converted. However, the team dug deep and started to perform despite losing 2 line outs in quick succession. (When did the rule requiring straight throwing change?) Mathew Thomas, ball in hand led the charge out of the Northwich half. All looked good then as the quarter came to the end a scrum. Sandbach won the ball and set off down the blind side catching the Northwich defence off guard for a 3rd try. A conversion in the style of Matt Giteau, lucky for Northwich, ended the first quarter. End of Quarter 1: Northwich 0 – Sandbach 19 Quarter 2: The Game re-started with both sides unchanged after the interval. Not sure what the team talk was about but Northwich came back engaged with the enemy. The tackles went in Daniel Tyrrell, James Hayes Clarke and Alex Frith in particular did not miss a tackle and Northwich had the opposition under pressure for the first time and their coaches were worried. The scrum started to work the way we know it can and ball was being won. Billy Cole continues to grow in the role of scrum half and worked the advantage of a scrum that was competing for every ball. Alex Frith in the full back position made sure that the oppositions kicks gave no advantage and several times ran the ball back into the Sandbach half. Cameron Gooch was once again on form with his kicking and Northwich enjoyed the territorial advantage this brought. Towards the end of the half Sandbach had a scrum five yards out putting Northwich’s clean sheet in the quarter under threat. Northwich won the scrum and Billy Cole delivered the ball to James Hayes Clarke whose excellent kick cleared the ball from Northwich’s half preserving the defensive effort. A shame that an advantage in territory and possession was not turned into points but a great team effort. End of Quarter 2: Northwich 0 – Sandbach 0 Quarter 3: At the half-time interval Northwich made changes. After a bruising and physical second quarter the forwards were definitely happy for a rest. From the second half kick-off Northwich were immediately put under pressure. The sleeping sickness had returned as quickly as it had gone. The team had lost its structure people stood around looking at the ball on the floor. The backs were left to ruck over the ball as some of the forwards went missing. Sandbach took full advantage of the confusion to score a try and the conversion followed. Northwich started to show determination again. Dan Tyrrell took a leaf out of Alex Friths book and ran ball in hand all the way to Sandbach half but again where was the support? Sandbach turn up the heat and a converted try followed. James Hayes Clarke seemed to be all over the field putting in tackles until a boot to the head resulted in an early retirement. As a result Grant Leah found himself in the unfamiliar position of Fly half and Jamie Pritchard took over kicking duties. Bad habits began to creep in and a spell of running backwards and side to side resulted in Northwich being placed under pressure of their own making. A 3rd Sandbach converted try followed. Try saving tackles from Dan Tyrrell and Alex Brown followed but the opposition came relentlessly resulting in a 4th converted try. Frustration set in and the team got a strong warning from the ref for talking back. (Just can’t be done even if the ref is your dad!) End of Quarter 3: Northwich 0 - Sandbach 21 Quarter 4: Northwich were forced into making changes with the retirement of James Hayes Clarke and Alex Brown. James Campbell found himself on the right wing for the first time this year doing a fantastic impression of an Ice-pop. (Next week he may listen to his dad and put a long sleeved shirt on under his top!) Again the team came back after the break looking like they meant business. They were cold they were tired but they weren’t finished with Sandbach just yet. The forwards competed in the rucks and Mauls. Bethany Cooper looked like a girl possessed in the driving maul using all her power to drive forward towards the Sandbach line with all the forwards working as a team. The ball came out and was passed down the line to Cameron Gooch who set off at a gallop. Five yards short he was taken to ground by a strong Sandbach defensive. James Campbell, on the wing, arrived quickly and stayed on his feet long enough to collect the ball off the floor and perfectly pop it up to be collected by Jordan who had run the width of the pitch to support the attack. Jordan had the look of the steam engine who was going where he wanted despite having 3 Sandbach players hanging off him- TRY!!! Dan Tyrell converted confidently and, in this quarter at least, Northwich went ahead. After a period of balanced play Sandbach were rewarded with their own converted try. In a period of pressure Sandbach again moved towards the Northwich line. Strong defence stopped the advance and Cameron Gooch cleared with another long kick. A potential game of ping pong started but Cameron again followed up and collected the return kick. Some great team work in this quarter if only Northwich started each week as they always end. Much improved performance in the worst conditions. End of Quarter 4: Northwich 7-Sandbach 7
The lights obviously went on as the team set about starting the match the second time in 2 minutes. This time the boys meant business with great forward work from the front five of Kennedy, Leah, Thomas, Lewis and Campbell heaping pressure on a resolute Marple defence. Dan Tyrrell at scrum half hassled and harried around the scrum and breakdowns feeding the backs, who today moved the ball to wide men Alex Brown and Jamie Pritchard, both boys attacked and defended with great vigour. James Hayes Clarke, Cameron Gooch and Billy Cole at 10, 12 and 13 found themselves in the firing line of two strong Marple runners and had to make tackles to keep their side in the match, still the yellows pressed Jordan Kennedy and Grant Leah making devastating forays into the Marple defence. Parity was restored 2 minutes before the break as Kennedy smashed his way over in the corner with Daniel Tyrrell converting. Unfortunately due the generous nature of the boys, slack tackling allowed the visitors to get their noses back in front in the last play of the quarter. 7 - 14. With no changes in the second quarter the large contingent of parents bore witness to a slugfest of Rugby with both teams refusing to give ground, some fine play by both teams in this quarter. 7 – 14 Changes for the next quarter, Bethany Cooper, Nathan Flaherty, Tom Bray and David Richardson with new lock partner Cameron Gooch having one of his best games for the team. were straight into the fray. Bethany particularly with three outstanding tackles on the wing. As in the second quarter both teams refused to yield and attack turned to defence for both teams. 7 – 14. The final quarter saw both teams go for the result, Grant and Alex Brown producing fine long range runs into the opponent’s danger zone, still the ball would not cross the line as desperate defending and delays in passing allowed Marple to hold out and deliver a sucker punch in the dying moments. A clearance with the boot gained no distance and allowed Marple to break through the tiring lines to add a touch of harshness to the score line. A great effort from all the team. The second half began at the same pace, with the visitors perhaps shading the majority of the play, wingers Jamie Pritchard and the fearless Alex Brown heavily involved in defensive duties.A real ding dong of a half looked to be heading for deadlock until the visitors spoiled the party by scoring and converting, final score match one. 5 – 14. Harsh on the youngsters after probably the best 20 minutes of Rugby they have played all season. Changes for game two, perhaps the cold had set in or the mind set had slipped but the aggression levels dipped allowing the visitors to thrice score without reply, stern words and the pointy finger treatment saw the earlier grit and determination restored. Bethany Cooper refused to yield any ground making several superb tackles as the yellows tried to claw themselves back into the match. With Ieaun Lewis blood binned (note to the Welsh destroyer, if you want to stop it bleeding – put the cotton wool in the nostril that is bleeding!) James Campbell returned to the fray. A slug fest developed in the final stages, Jack Wade fulfilling his potential at tight head driving the team on in the mauls with great determination ably supported by Jordan Kennedy (when onside) and Tom Bray. A slightly disappointing result in the second match 26 – 0 but a vastly improved performance with steel and aggression in defence and courage and conviction in the tackle, very encouraging! Return to fixtures The aforementioned slaughter never really materialised against a team that had only lost once (to Macclesfield) all season. Superb work in the backs from Alex Brown, Jamie Pritchard and Alex Frith resolutely defended any Caldy wide ball. Grant Leah was again awesome at 12, ably abetted by Bethany Cooper who took no prisoners at 13. James Hayes Clarke and Daniel Tyrrell pressed hard in and around the break downs smothering their opposite numbers at 9 and 10. Pressure did tell with Caldys handling being the difference in a very well contested match, but again a very encouraging performance which bodes well for the forthcoming fixtures and tournaments. Return to fixtures After several doses of being barked at Cameron Gooch finally stretched his legs to plonk down in the corner, Daniel duly smacking the underside of the crossbar, which is stupidly high – must find out what the standard height is! Alex Brown was unlucky on several occasions due to the ball being passed to his knees or over his head, meanwhile Grant decided he wanted another try and duly smashed half a dozen players and the ball over the line, ‘Tap ‘em over Tyrrell’ with the extras. Ieaun Lewis complete with pockets full of cotton wool, just in case he had another nose bleed decided he to would like to score – and did. End of game one 33 – 0. Changes for game two, unfortunately team 2 thought that it was just enough to be on the pitch and the scores would come, Flint however had other ideas and really upped their game and threatened to break through on several occasions. Jordan Kennedy had other ideas thrusting for the line on several forays finally showing complete unselfishness to pop the ball to James ‘crazy’ Campbell to pop the ball down for his first try of the season and duly converted his kick. Another 1st of the season from Mathew Thomas as he intercepted a loose ball to scurry over the score zone and then most nonchalantly popping over the conversion. Flint really had their backs up and were determined to get one back and did following a fine run coupled with slack tackling. Jordan Kennedy rounded off the scoring with a superb smash and drive with Bethany Cooper adding the extras. Final score game two 21 – 7. A morale boosting win against a side who are probably where we were at the beginning of the season a good spirit and played to the end, thank you for travelling. As for the “Stagsters” Some nice rugby at times and hopefully confidence will grow, results however have to be gained, not given. March 21st U11’s vs Congleton (Home) Drawn 26-26 Return to fixtures It didn’t start so well in a mind boggling first quarter display that saw the blacks trail at the interval 14 – 0. Stern words and some pointy fingers revitalised the impetus and the team soon put the previous quarter behind them. Grant (line him up and let him go) Leah christened his new boots with devastating effect to reduce the arrears, James Hayes Clarke unable to add the extras. The Blacks were now in the ascendancy and looked the team that we know they can be again Grant Leah jetted over the line to further reduce the gap, Daniel Tyrrell adding the extras. The Blacks were now dominant and as the half came to a close Grant secured the first hat trick of the season, his dad however was more concerned that this feat may cost him a “jug” back at the club house. James Campbell coolly slotted the extras, great come back from the blacks 19 – 14. It didn’t take long for complacency to creep back in and tackles went begging as Selms crept back into the game, this set the tone for the remaining two quarters as both teams slugged it out as the score swayed from team to team. Tom Bray pounced on a loose ball to swing things in favour of the Stags, with James Hayes Clarke providing further daylight with the tee kick. Anselmians again refused to roll over and again had their noses in front shortly before the end of the third period. Daniel Tyrrell at scrum half dotted down to swing the pendulum back in favour of the visitors, Jamie Pritchard converting for his first points of the season, end of quarter 3, 28 – 33. The slugfest continued, until the Scooby Doo tackling endemic returned to haunt Northwich as again the hosts stole back the lead. With 5minutes on the clock and Anselmians resolute in defence, it took a moment of brilliance from Daniel Tyrrell to break the resistance. Breaking free down the wing he showed the last defender a sublime dummy pass that wrong footed his opponent allowing Daniel to touch down, James Hayes Clarke failed with the extras. With three minutes remaining it was squeaky bum time again as Anselmians pushed for what would have been the winning try. James Hayes Clarke at 10 had other ideas and atoned for his wayward tee kicks with a run almost the length of the pitch to put the game out of reach, Daniel Tyrrell securing the conversion. 35 – 45. A great game of Rugby, pleasing to see 80 points shared between the teams rather than all at one end. On a sour note it is rumoured that another Northwich ball fell victim of the phantom ball snatcher, but in true rugby fashion both teams have agreed to play for the match ball the next time they meet. Superb performance from all the team today, obviously learning from experience as they progress, with three tournaments to play in the remainder of the season a few more records may well be set. April 18th U11’s at Cheshire Cup - Bowl Runners up Macclesfield 2s were the final group opponents but again mistakes and slow support play allowed the Macc Lads to take the points 3 – 1, Grant Leah again with the consolation. So true to form the youngsters finished bottom of the group and into a quarter final against Helsby in the Bowl competition. Quite what the players had for lunch no-one knows, although there is no truth that our sponsors, The Clinical Trial Company, were seen handing out large blue smarties at the interval. Like a team possessed the young Stags tore into Helsby, but could not cross the line, the whole of period one was total encampment in the opponents 22 as they smashed at the door. With the clock running down and no-one knowing how a draw would be settled, there was only one player that was going to settle this. With his twentieth and probably most important try ever Grant Leah smashed over to send the travelling Northwich Barmy Army into a frenzy of delirium. The clock slowed and the final moments dragged but at the whistle it was relief all round. Semi finalists the week before in Wales the youngsters were on familiar ground but sailing unchartered territory in the Cheshire tournament as for the first time they progressed to the second knockout phase. It wasn’t the first time this season that Northwich had met their opponents Wirral. The sides had met with the Blacks on the wrong end of a thumping earlier in the season. Northwich again set about their opponents and again all of the 1st period was spent in opposition territory. It was all about the 1st try and it was Dan Tyrrell who took advantage of a tap and go penalty while no-one was looking to put the blacks in front.There was no let up in the ferocity of tackling as Wirral struggled to get out of their own half and pressure told as James Campbell ploughed through to settle the tie. Dave was on the pitch, they think its all over, IT IS NOW!!! Under 11s were through to their first cup final, the opponents Bowdon. Whilst some of the ‘bigger’ teams were packing up their troubles in their kit bags and heading home, the Blacks prepared to stay around. The early exchanges were all Bowdon as they strove to break the Northwich back line, not this time, nor the next as they were met with a wall of black. Bowdon dominated the 1st period but could make no head way. HT all to play for! Second half started as the tournament began, two missed tackles allowed the flying Bowdon winger drop down in the corner. Heads dropped momentarily but the Stags fought hard for territory and frustrated Bowdon at every turn until the final seconds as they again crossed the line for a flattering score line against a battle weary but proud Northwich side. A huge stride taken by this squad this year if they can keep up the commitment and desire….who knows?! What we do know is, next season Northwich under 12s are coming to a try line near you!! Return to fixtures Next up, Sefton B, The stags had had their 15 minute warm up and tore Sefton apart with fine running from all the players, Grant Leah completed a hatrick of hatrick s for the season and as the big fella hit the 23 for the season Bethany Cooper and Billy Cole went over to record their firsts of the season, final score 5-1 The squad had certainly warmed up and next up Waterloo B were to feel the wrath, Dan Tyrrell with two more, Beth Cooper again, Alex Frith got in on the act and Cameron Gooch realised that if he moves his legs quickly he can cover more ground than anyone, chipping in with two as the Yellows destroyed their opponents with direct running and quick hands. So with Caldy not sending their ‘Z’ squad we were awarded the points and waited with bated breath for the result of the Waterloo - v – Ramsey, with the latter the only team that could catch us. Catch us they did and after finishing level on 18 points out of 20 it went to try’s scored, Ramsey 14, Northwich 13. Very harsh as we had the best defensive record of only conceding 3 to their 5, had it have been a football tournament we would have gone through on score difference. So again we ended up the bridesmaid and not the bride and qualified for the plate final against Sefton A. Following a lengthy delay where much sugar and other unhelpful additives were consumed the squad had lost momentum of the group games and were beaten by themselves in a very flat first half that was not helped by a very lenient referee who allowed many high tackles to go unpunished. Much better in the second period but the damage was done and it was too far to come back. Dan Tyrrell grabbing the only consolation for the sugar crashed side. So another presentation ceremony, no medals – but a very shiny plate to display at Moss Farm, 2 finals in 2 weekends was above expectation but thoroughly deserved. Roll on September. |