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U9’s Match Reports 2009-10
October 4th U9’s vs Crewe & Nantwich (Away) Lost 7-3 & 8-6
Northwich Under Nines took a team comprising of Alex, Charlie, Christian, Harry, Jacob, Paul and Ted to Crewe and Nantwich to kick off the 2009 - 2010 season. This was the boys first competitive game of contact and they faced a tricky test against the hosts who had a large squad to pick from but with their excellent team spirit to the fore the boys where determined to face upto the challenge. In the first game Northwich started brightly with some strong running from Charlie plus some trademark dazzling footwork from Harry. Christian, only a week after his first taste of rugby, also showed up really well. Crewe and Nantwich, with their extra bodies, were able to bring on regular substitutes and as the boys tired they kicked on to win the game 7 - 3 with Charlie, Harry and Paul getting the tries for Northwich. The second game was a much tighter affair. Northwich began to show up really well in defence with Paul really leading the way with some fantastic tackling, Alex made some great carries going forward whilst Jacob and Ted both made some great runs. It was Charlie however who was the real star of the show with 4 cracking trys. Crewe and Nantwich were dogged opponents and just edged the game 8 - 6 with Charlie (4), Harry and Paul getting on the score sheet for the blacks.
Two great games played in fantastic spirit bode really well for the season ahead.
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October 11th U9’s vs Mold (Home) Lost 3-0, 5-0 & 2-1
Northwich Under 9's welcomed Mold RUFC to Moss farm for their first home game of the season. The boys welcomed under 10 players Kieran Leyland, Callum Smith, Jamie Bennet and Alex Cross to bolster the ranks of usual Squad members Alex Williams, Charlie Firth, Christian Kouris, Jacob Waterhouse, Harry Naylor, Paul Hatfield, Ted Woodward, Lewis Strain, Edward Brookshaw plus the returning Morgan Brown.
Game 1
With the damp conditions making life difficult for both teams Northwich put up a spirited display against their organised opponents. The first game was a very tight affair both teams showing up really well in defence with Paul Hatfield and Harry Naylor both making crucial try saving tackles and Charlie Firth making some outstanding runs going forward, however it was Mold who managed to break the Northwich line to run out winners by three trys to nil.
Game 2
In the second game Mold once again showed themselves to be very competent in defence, blacks struggled to gain a foot hold in Mold territory despite some good carries from Morgan Brown, Kieran Leyland and Charlie Firth. A couple of missed tackles proved costly as Mold triumphed Five trys to Nil
Game 3
Northwich really showed their spirit in the third game, pushing Mold all the way. Once again Charlie Firth seemed to be everywhere making some real hard yards as Northwich pushed to get the try that their efforts deserved it was Kieran Leyland who managed to break through the Mold defence and touched down for a score to the delight of his team mates. Mold however were not to be out done winning by two tries to one.
Man of the match was awarded to Paul Hatfield for his fantastic display in defence
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October 25th U9’s vs Lymm (Away) Lost 7-0
Against well organised opponents Blacks, missing a number of experienced players, faced a tough task. Under early pressure the boys showed great determination in defence with Paul Hatfield, Jacob Waterhouse and Morgan Brown making some fantastic tackles. Lymm kept up the pressure on the visitors line but Northwich were really putting in the effort and were proving to be particularly adept at winning the ball from there opponents in the ruck.
There were some great carries going forward with Christian Kouris, Harry Naylor and Ted Woodward all making some good breaks up field but Lymm proved to be as strong in defence as they were going forward and Northwich were unable to break through the hosts line. Lymm were soon back on the front foot again and as the pressure built Lymm ran in a couple of quick trys.
Northwich refused to gave up and started to show up well in attack as the second hald commenced. Debutant Reece Hughes caught the eye in midfield as the boys tried to move the ball across the backs. Paul Hatfield was once again tackling like a demon and also made some good yards going forward, as did Morgan Brown. Blacks willingness to pass the ball across there back line nearly proved there downfall as Lymm intercepted but Harry Naylor and Ted Woodward both made lung busting efforts to get back and save what looked like a certain try for Lymm. This sadly proved to be only a temporary escape as Northwich started to tire and Lymm took advantage of a few missed tackles to run in a couple of trys to run out victors 7 trys to nil.
Man of the Match for Northwich - Ted Woodward
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November 1st U9’s vs Congleton (Away) Lost 4-3, Drawn 4-4 & Drawn 1-1
With wind and rain signalling the arrival of winter the hardy souls of Northwich Under 9's travelled to Congleton for their latest game. First impressions of the pitch were that canoes rather than rugby balls might be the order of the day however once the boys had gone through a rigorous Sales Sharks inspired warm up, what followed were three exciting games of rugby with plenty of skill and determination being displayed by the boys in black.
Game 1
The first game was a see saw affair with both teams showing some real flair in attack. Northwich were first to make a break through with Paul Hatfield making a fantastic run down the line to touch down in the corner. Congleton were straight back on the front foot and punished some missed tackles to run in a couple of quick trys of their own. Northwich with Luke McCormick and the Charlie Firth showing a real willingness for work were taking the ball forward well and, as in the last game at Lymm, Northwich were recycling the ball well from rucks. From one such ruck Christian Kouris swooped on a loose ball to run in his first try for the club. Congleton broke through again to go 4 - 2 up, Northwich attacked again and Myles Moreland in only his second outing for Northwich made a fantastic break through the heart of the home teams defence to score a superb solo effort. Blacks were really pushing for a equaliser but the refs whistle put pay to the ambitions - final score Congleton 4 Northwich 3.
Game 2
With the teams newer players making a real scoring contribution in the first game it was the turn of the more established players to step up to the plate in game two. From the kick off Paul Hatfield surged straight through the home teams defence for Northwich to take an immediate advantage. Both teams exchanged scores with Northwich scoring the try of the day, Harry Naylor showing great footwork to dance his way through the Congleton defence. Ted Woodward made some good yards for the visitors with an incisive run only to be stopped in his tracks by a great tackle from the Congleton defence who managed to turn the ball over only to knock on under pressure from Northwich's Reece Hughes. From the resultant scrum Charlie Firth powered over the line to score. Paul Hatfield then crossed to make it 4 - 3 to Northwich but Congleton refused to lie down and despite a valiant effort in defence scored an equaliser. Final Score Congleton 4 Northwich 4.
Game 3
After 2 such tight games these well matched outfits both decided they were enjoying themselves so much they would have another 'quick' game of five minutes each way! Again it was a really tight contest, Congleton worked the ball out to the wing and seemed certain to score only for Harry Naylor and Paul Hatfield, with a brilliant joint effort, managing to bundle man and ball into touch. Congleton attacked again and this time managed to break the Northwich defensive line to take the lead but as the seconds counted down it was Charlie Firth who made a heroic charge up field Congleton, despite there best efforts, could not bring him down as he scored to level things up much to the delight of his team mates and the Northwich supporters. The game ended 1 - 1.
Man of the match - Harry Naylor
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November 8th U9’s vs Winnington Park (Away) Lost 3-1, Won 2-0 & Lost 3-0
Northwich made the short journey to Burrows Hill for the eagerly anticipated derby clash against Winnington Park. Spirits within the camp were high after last weeks fine display against Congleton and with last seasons defeat of Park in the Cheshire Cup still fresh in the memory Blacks went into the game determined to record their first win of the season.
Game 1
After a minutes silence immaculately observed by all in attendance the boys took to the field for the first of 3 games. Northwich started brightly with Paul Hatfield, Charlie Firth and Luke McCormick making a series of impressive tackles but Park managed to keep hold of the ball moving it forward through an unusually high number of phases for this level of rugby to threaten the Northwich line. It appeared that Northwich had managed, against the odds, to keep Park at bay with Edward Brookshaw and Morgan Brown really putting in a great effort but with the ball breaking loose Park crossed the line to record the first try. Blacks were straight back on the front foot with Ted Woodward making good inroads into Winnington territory the ball came to Myles Moreland who played a fantastic pass to Paul Hatfield the Northwich speed merchant turned on the after burners showing a clean pair of heals to the Winnington defenders to score in the corner to level it up. Winnington were soon back on the attack. Northwich, suffering with the rub of the green were unable to keep possession of the ball and despite valiant efforts from Alex Williams and Reece Hughes in defence Winnington recorded 2 further trys to run out winners 3 - 1.
Game 2
Northwich, had every right to feel slightly aggrieved that they had failed to get the rewards their efforts had deserved in game one. Rather than let this affect them they showed admirable resolve and not a little skill to record a deserved first win of the season in game two. Blacks were simply awesome in defence during this game every single player made a fantastic contribution to ensure that Winnington were shut out. Added to some great play going forward Northwich really started to show that the lessons they had learnt in recent weeks were coming to fruition. Christian Kouris made a good run going before working the ball to Myles Moreland who surged through the home defence to put Northwich in the lead. Winnington came again, but there was no way through the Northwich defence as Jacob Waterhouse, Morgan Brown and Reece Hughes joined forces to push their opponent into touch. From the subsequent line out Charlie Firth made a typical rampaging run at the centre of the Winnington defence attracting defenders like moths to a flame. Charlie worked the ball to Edward Brookshaw who side stepped his marker in midfield before surging down the wing to score a fantastic try. Final score Winnington Park 0 - Northwich 2.
Game 3
After the excitement of the second game Northwich with a couple of players having suffered knocks during the course of the first two games started to look tired. Winnington Park on the other hand were fresh, with their extra numbers allowing them the luxury of starting the game with a third new line up of the day. But what they lack in numbers the Under 9's make up for in determination and team spirit and so after a pre match huddle the boys took to the field ready to do battle once again. Unfortunately for Northwich this was probably a bridge to far. Tackles were missed in defence as Park pushed home their advantage. Some brave efforts were made going forward but it was not to be as Winnington won 3 - 0.
So, In summary, a very encouraging display. The new players to the team this season all made a fantastic contribution with Myles Moreland in particular impressing with his tackling and his ball carrying. Whilst the team veterans (if you can have such a thing in under 9's rugby!) once again put in a shift that they can be proud of.
Man Of The Match: Myles Moreland
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November 14th U9’s vs Widnes (Away) Lost 9-0 & 4-0
The under 9's hit the road again this week for a fixture against Widnes or , as it will be referred to in the future, the land of the giants. With the weather forecast having been for rain and storms over the weekend Sunday morning proved a pleasant surprise the sun was out and the pitch was well drained. Nigel, Huw and the boys went through their warm ups preparing themselves for the task ahead. One quick glance over to the home team and it became immediately apparent what a huge task it was - we were really up against it this week, Widnes had a distinct advantage physically with a number of their team towering above the Northwich boys.
Game 1
So to the first game, straight from the off Northwich were struggling to make any inroads into the home teams half. Playing on a very narrow pitch any attempts to make yards through the centre of the Widnes defence resulted in the blacks coming up against a very big, very intimidating red wall. Try as they might Northwich struggled badly to get the ball wide Paul Hatfield and Morgan Brown both made a number of runs showing fantastic grit and determination unfortunately neither boy was able to get the try their efforts deserved as the Widnes players swamped them and managed to turn the ball over.
Widnes on the other hand were making hay. Their big forwards were able to cut through the Northwich defence at will. The boys in black, despite some valiant efforts from Jacob Waterhouse, Paul Hatfield and Edward Brookshaw had no answer.Northwich defenders were bouncing off their Widnes opponents as Reece Hughes pointed out 'its like playing teenagers!'.
Final Score Widnes 9 Northwich 0
Game 2
For the second game Widnes took the sensible option and withdrew a couple of their more dangerous players in the hope of making the game more of a contest, Unfortunately for Northwich a number of our players were clearly were still shell shocked following their drubbing in the first match. Widnes again were seldom troubled in defence and still, despite fielding their 'smaller lads', were having a big advantage in size and speed which they converted into try's Final Score Widnes 4 Northwich 0 In summary this was a bit of chastening experience for Northwich. On the positive side they can be very proud of the effort they put into defence and the fact that they kept on going right up to the final whistle.
Man of the match: Jacob Waterhouse
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December 13th U9’s vs Nant Conwy (Home) Lost 5-0 & 6-0
Northwich fielded a team of just 9 players against the Welsh visitors.
Match 1
Pre-match tactics were planned to use our larger players to draw the opposition and then use the fast players to break round the wings. Despite some determined drives into the opposition by Chales Frith, Jacob Waterhouse and Ed Bruckshaw, the opposition had a strong solid defence stopping our players time and again. Unfortunately in contact the ball was often lost and despite determined tackling from Paul Hatfield and Reece Hughes the Nant Conwy players broke through to score several times.
In the second half of the first match there was strong play from Northwich driving forwards and with Morgan Brown making a break down the wing it looked like a try was on the cards only for a last tackle by the retreating defence to end the opportunity.
Match 2
The second match started with Northwich captain Paul Hatfield again looking to exploit any gaps in the opposition defence. Together with team mate Harry Naylor they looked to have set up a certain try only for Harry to be stopped in the last 15 Mtrs. Northwich showed great improvement in retaining the ball from the mauls and rucks in the second half with Luke McComick and Christopher Koris collecting the released ball and attempting to open up the play, but despite Edward, Paul and Morgan taking the ball well into the opposition half the vital try still alluded the Northwich team.
Final Score.
Match 1 Nant Conwy 5 Northwich 0
Match 2 Nant Conwy 6 Northwich 0
Man of the Match Morgan Brown.
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January 24th U9’s vs Marple (Home) Lost 1-0 & 4-1
The Northwich team were today eager for rugby after the extended winter break. Northwich played a determined first game holding Marple with a strong defence and some great tackles including solid tackles into touch by Edward Bruckshaw. Thomas Ravenscroft playing his first game got fully involved with some good tackling and passing. Unfortunately despite being very close to the Marple line, a number of knock-ons gave Marple the chance to score the only try of the match. Marple 1. Northwich 0
The second match started strongly for Northwich with good team play with Paul Hatfield moving the ball across the pitch to score the first try for Northwich. Marple however managed 2 tries before half time. With it all to play for in the second half, Northwich produced a solid defence and when in possession every player was involved to try to exploit the space around the Marple pack. Reece Hughes, Charles Frith and Morgan Brown made some good forward ground but were unable break through despite being within metres of the Marple try line. Marple managed 2 more quick tries and finished out the match 4 tries to 1.
It was encouraging to see the team work and positioning after the enforced extended winter break.
Man of the Match this week was Edward Bruckshaw.
Well done to all the team. Alex Williams. Christopher Koris. Charles Frith. Edward Bruckshaw. Harry Naylor. Jacob Waterhouse. Luke McCormick. Morgan Brown. Myles Moreland. Paul Hatfield. Reece Hughes. Thomas Ravenscroft.
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February 7th U9’s vs Helsby (Away) Won 6-2
Northwich were away this week at Helsby looking for a win after only having played one match since early December. Northwich won the toss and elected to play downhill first. Inspired by some strong direct attacking by Charlie Frith and trademark footwork by Harry Naylor, Northwich took an early lead. Strong defence by Edward Bruckshaw, Jacob Waterhouse and Morgan Brown produced some exiting play with turnover's resulting. Whilst Helsby managed one try, Paul Hatfield and Harry Naylor scored 2 more in the first half to leave the first half score Northwich 3 Helsby 1.
The second half started with more solid defence from Thomas Ravenscroft (playing his second ever match) who always seemed to be in the thick of the action. Playing uphill proved tougher than the first half, but Chris Koris and Charlie stole the ball several times to give Paul and Harry the opportunity to score again. Great tackling teamwork between Harry and Charlie together with Jacob, Chris, Paul and Edward putting tremendous pressure on Helsby when they had the ball was rewarded with several turnovers and another try. Helsby did manage one final try but it was too late for the home team with Northwich coming out winners with 6 tries to 2.
The team played the best team rugby of the season so far and deserved their convincing result.
Tries. Paul Hatfield 2 Harry Naylor 4
Man of the Match. Thomas Ravenscroft.
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February 28th U9’s vs Crewe & Nantwich (Home) Lost 5-3 & Won 5-3
Northwich were at home for their return match against Crewe & Nantwich and were looking for revenge after being beaten in the first match of the season. C&N opened strongly and had the upper hand in the first half and despite determined defence the visitors put in 4 tries. Northwich worked some great moves and one passage of play drew the visitors to one side and with Northwich moving the ball quickly were able to release Paul Hatfield to regain one try.
Northwich opened the second half where they left off and with determined teamwork, Edward Bruckshaw and Paul Hatfied were able to score two further tries. The Northwich defence held strong and conceded only one try to leave the second half 2:1 to Northwich and the final score C&N 5. Northwich 3. (Paul 2 Ed 1) The second match started with the first pass to Paul Hatfield who scythed through the C&N defence to score before most of the players had moved. C&N quickly balanced the scores, but Northwich were going from strength to strength. Several set piece scrums with quick ball from the rotating scrum halfs Jacob Waterhouse, Edward Bruckshaw and Harry Naylor and strong driving from Charles Frith and lots of support from Reece Hughes, Chris Koris and Morgan Brown led to further tries from Harry and Paul. Strong tackling from Ted Woodward (returning from injury) and newcomer Thomas Ravenscroft together with support from Lewis Strain, Luke McCormick and Alex Williams kept the visitors under pressure with Harry scoring a breakaway try and Charlie also getting on the score sheet using his height to reach forward and touchdown at full stretch. Although C&N were able to score 2 tries Northwich took a very convincing win of 5 tries to 3. (Paul 2, Harry 2 Charlie 1).
Overall the team played 2 excellent matches and are really working together as a team.
Man of the Match Ted Woodward.
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March 7th U9’s vs Caldy & Knutsford (Home) Draw 2-2 & Lost 4-2
Match 1
In the first match between Northwich and Caldy Northwich controlled the game and held Caldy well into their half for a majority of the time. Northwich started strongly for with Edward Buckshaw feeding Paul Hatfield who passed the ball onto Morgan Brown who was able to exploit the pitch width and break down the left wing to touch down the first of 2 Northwich tries in a half where Caldy conceded several scrums. Ed Bruckshaw played strongly from the back of the scrum feeding Paul in one passage of play for Paul to drive over the line for Northwich’s second try. Further strong play allowed Ed to again feed Paul who passed on to Harry Naylor, who in trademark play got within inches of the Caldy line. Strong tackling from Myles Moreland, Reece Hughes and Thomas Ravenscroft kept the Caldy players pinned down for the rest of the half. First half, Caldy 0, Northwich 2.
The second half saw further aggressive tackling, but a dropped lineout ball 5mtrs from the Northwich line allowed Caldy to put in their first try. Great team work between, Paul, Charlie Frith, Harry and Morgan resulted in several further attempts on the Caldy try line that failed in the last meters. In the closing minutes, Caldy capitalised on a Northwich knock-on to put in a final equalizing try to leave the final score 2:2.
Match 2
The second match of the day saw Northwich playing Knutsford (who borrowed 2 Northwich players). Despite advice such as “drop the ball”, “pass it forward” and other encouragement from the remaining Northwich players, the loan players, Reece Hughes and Chris Koris, played an excellent game against their regular team mates.
Northwich continued from their strong play in the Caldy match with Harry Naylor picking up the ball 5mtrs from the Northwich line to run the full length of the pitch, only to be taken into touch 5mtrs from the Knutsford line. This was followed, by Charlie Frith stealing the ball in a maul, and releasing Edward Bruckshaw down the left wing to score Northwich’s first try. Knutsford immediately broke through the Northwich defence from the restart to redress the balance. From this, Northwich seemed to loose their way a little and gave away a series of free passes. One from a valiant tackle to stop a Knutsford break by Harry Naylor led to Knutsford’s second try. There was some excitement as Paul was able to make one clean break but unfortunately was brought back to a previous knock-on, and a further free pass gave Knutsford their 3rd try. Northwich regained composure and from the restart released Harry, to bring Northwich back into the game, only for Knutsford to score one back and leave the first half Knutsford 4,Northwich 2.
The second half again saw Northwich make the first move, with Paul releasing Harry, to take the ball from within the Northwich half and score in the left corner. A free pass gave Knutsford another try, but again Northwich returned, with the ball being fed from the back of a ruck to Myles Moreland who found space across the pitch and bring Northwich’s try total to 4. In the dying moments of the game knutsford gained one more to leave the final score Northwich 4, Knutsford 6.
The team again played some really good team rugby and both the attack and defence were strong. The team suffered, by conceding a few too many free passes, but it is good to see the knock-on’s reducing as the players work and communicate together more. It is really good to see the team developing, thanks to all the efforts and support of the player’s, parents and coaches.
Man of the match : Harry Naylor.
Team : Harry Naylor, Reece Hughes (Capt), Myles Moreland, Jacob Waterhouse, Alex Williams, Paul Hatfield, Lewis Strain, Thomas Ravenscroft, Edward Bruckshaw, Luke McCormick, Chris Koris, Morgan Brown, Charlie Frith, Ted Woodward.
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