Youth Reports - 9/12/07

Written by Andrew Baron

Sunday, 09 December 2007

Colts Shelford 23 - 6 Bury In appalling conditions at the Davey Field this Sunday Shelford colts managed to play some good rugby and had Bury under pressure from the off, but had nothing to show for their efforts until the 15th minute when some ill discipline from Bury in the loose gave them a penalty not far from the posts which Ben Seymour slotted home. After applying more pressure from the kick off, Shelford forwards got a good maul going and made 20 yards before picking and going for Matt Gregorson to finish off with a try. It was no surprise that the conversion was missed in the wind and driving rain. 5 minutes before the interval Ben Seymour finished off a good backs move to score in the corner. After the break Bury started to lose their discipline and kept giving away silly penalties all over the park which started to disrupt the game. In the 48th minute, the ball came flying out of the scrum and Harry Robbins was the first to react and gathered the ball and powered over the line to score. As the game started to break up and Shelford still trying to play rugby put themselves under pressure and like Bury started to give away silly penalties, 2 of which Bury converted on the 52 and 70 minutes. but with the last play of the game  James Mepham kick through for David Cassettari to chase and score in the corner.  Under 17’s Eastern Counties Cup Pool Newmarket 17 Shelford 17 Another Sunday, another cup match and another rainy day. Shelford lost the toss but were given the first use of the strong wind and large sloping pitch. Shelford made much of the early running but were continually halted by committed opponents; it was some what against the run of play that Newmarket scored from a breakaway with conversion to make it 7-0. With Shelford gradually exerting control, long periods of play were now in the Newmarket half and eventually pressure told with Joe Parrish carving the Newmarket defence open to score beside the posts crucially the conversion was missed. With half time nearing and Shelford still trailing James Summerscales picked from No.8 at a Shelford attacking scrummage sold an outrageous dummy and sprinted to the corner to give Shelford the lead.the passage of play just before half time was crucial, Shelford relaxed sensing half time was near allowing a last Newmarket attack of the half, three rapid infringements led to the sin binning for a team foul on miles Anderson, so Shelford went into half time with a wafer thin lead and knowing they had a man down and had to play up the slope and into the wind. However Shelford defence was to prove rock solid as all Newmarket attacks were repulsed as Newmarket tried to muscle their way over the line. With Shelford restored to 15 men after 10 minutes parity was restored and the game entered stalemate as both team were cancelling each other out, however disaster stuck with a second sin binning for persistent infringement this time from the influential James Summerscales. Down to 14 men again and entering the last 15 minutes a monumental defensive effort was called for. Shelford held out the siege on their line for 5 minutes but eventually Newmarket scored to take the lead 12-10. From the restart, Newmarket hoofed the ball down field and won the race to score in the corner, all looked lost for Shelford but with the return of the talismanic Summerscales Shelford drove the ball upfield, Newmarket were now rattled and were happy to concede penalties to halt Shelford's upfield progress. From two consecutive line outs Shelford were able to drive at the heart of Newmarket’s midfield and from another penalty Summerscales tapped quickly to dive over 17-15. With time up and the conversion required to draw the match, up stepped ice man Tom Ward, no problem, as a Wilkinsonesque conversion ensured honours were even.  Under 16's Shelford 17 Saffron Walden 5 In a game that started in relatively good conditions, Shelford showed their dominance through the pack as the weather quickly deteriorated into a downpour of almost biblical proportions. Walden scored first from a well worked forwards drive, but it was Shelford who responded well with a series of drives up the pitch, especially from Dan Reilly, ending with a penalty 25 metres out. The experts on the touchline thought it a certain three point option, however, scrum half Alasdair Paterson thought otherwise, quickly tapping to Man of the Match Cameron Fay who floated the ball gossamer like to advancing fullback Ryan Kenny, who went over in style. Ben Wierny converted. Shelford began to dominate in almost all phases leading to Josh Pateman scoring after a break down the blind from Ian Morrison and Rory Stone. After half time the weather dictated that any attempted passes beyond 2 metres were doomed as it quickly became a pack only game, the backs figuring occasionally to knock on, kick through or chase a loose ball - Walden were camped in their own 22 for some time, when Paterson charged down the Walden scrum half's clearance kick for Ben Meggitt to tap it through and then score, leaping onto the ball like a salmon on its way to the spawning grounds. Under 15’s Shelford 37 Saffron Walden 0 This was a game of two halves and the final score didn’t reflect the commitment and sheer doggedness of Saffron Walden. Shelford were confronted in the opening quarter of the game with a Walden side up for the game and it took a while for Shelford to start playing with any fluidity. Although Saffron Walden did start with plenty of vigour, Shelford were still wallowing in the previous week's victory over Cambridge. Players thought just being on the pitch was enough. The defence was the worst of the season, the rucks and mauls were a joke. We got to the breakdown before Walden but did not get good body positions or drive over and past the ball, so when Walden got there they drove us off it.  Throughout the game there were little sparks of excellent rugby both individually with Sam Norcross’s try and Ned Brown’s try working well with Benjy to score an outstanding try on his return, as well as team scores that combined forwards and backs (what was Felix doing out there!) that put Alex Poirier away to score the try of the game. Luke, as ever leading from the front scored with Harry and Felix adding to the eventual score and the one conversion was scored by Lewis. Eventually the rugby did start flowing in the second half and the 15 men rugby that Shelford played was unstoppable . A good end result but all players must realise especially when we have plenty of players at you may only get half a game, that when on you must focus and put the effort in. The coaches can afford to leave out lazy players. You have been warned. In appalling conditions both sets of fans were entertained by a thoroughly good game of rugby. Under 14’s Shelford 17 Saffron Walden 7 The score line betrays Shelford’s dominance in this game, played in atrocious conditions.Shelford really took the game to Walden, setting up plays through around 10 consecutive phases. A try looked inevitable, but Shelford were penalised for diving over the ball close to the Walden line. From the penalty a speculative punt downfield by Walden was hacked on over our try line. Their full back won the foot race to touch down completely against the run of play, and to rub salt into the wounds was converted to give Walden a surprise 7-0 lead. Shelford’s dominance continued with the pack working very hard, but a number of knock-ons in threatening situations put paid to us getting back on level terms. Shelford continued to dominate the rest of the half, both in terms of territory & possession. The half ended with Shelford still deep in Walden territory, wondering how on earth did we manage to go scoreless in a half we so dominated. A reassuring word at half-time to the boys to continue on the front foot was finally rewarded with three second half tries that went unanswered. Shelford came out and played a much tighter ‘pick & drive’ game more suited to the conditions, which meant most of the forwards getting runs at the opposition at some stage. Connor Denton was on hand to batter his way through a solid Walden defence twice, one of which was converted by Joe Sherrington-Scales. After finally taking a deserved lead, Shelford threatened to run in a number of tries with a number of good breaks from deep by Ben Anderson & Alex Flynn. It was also good to see Flynn Marwood & debutant Harri Beasley have a couple of fine runs on the wing and finding some space. From a kick ahead by Joe, Alex Flynn re-gathered and off-loaded to Ben Anderson who shimmied his way through to the line and scored a try his endeavours deserved, making the score 17-7. Walden’s main threat was from their ‘kick & chase’ tactics, and these were dealt manfully by Dan Burling at full-back, and he is looking more assured in this position with each game. Shelford’s defence was again extremely solid, with very little threat coming from anything other than the kick ahead. Sam Porter led his pack with his usual exuberance, and won us a host of turnover ball which was then secured by the support players. Although it wasn’t pretty, ‘a win is a win’ and the ever-growing squad (that contained today seven new season players) continue to grow in confidence.    Under 13's Shelford 49 Saffron Walden 0 Shelford were able to dominate the game with a controlled display of attacking rugby in difficult conditions. Playing down the slope on a heavy pitch it was not long before the opening try came through Freddy Eggleton. Walden tackled and defended with remarkable resilience but the pace and power of the Shelford side soon took its toll. William Jones added a second try with a typical strong run down the wing to stretch the lead. Walden could not get out of their own half and a third try from Calum Huntington before half time made it 17-0 at the break. Shelford maintained their strangle hold on the match and Rhys Roberts extended the lead after a good passing move created the space on the left for him to score. Unfortunately this was to be his last contribution as he was injured when scoring. Walden did start to create some pressure and looked as though they would score on a few occasions but some great cover defence from George Knowles and Peter Rees prevented any points being conceded. Peter Rees then scored a try of his own showing great strength as he held of a number of defenders and kept control of the ball as the forwards drove him over the line. Frank Omandlewis maintained his recent run of tries as Walden started to tire. Freddy Eggleton then ran three quarters the length of the pitch to score his second and Shelford’s seventh try. From the restart Calum Miller took the ball and went on one of his charging runs. As he was being tackled he showed remarkable footballing skills for a front row forward and chipped ahead. James Gibson was on hand to grubber kick the ball on and outpace the defender to score. Robin Harvey did everything right as weaved his way through the defence from 60 metres out, but in waiting so long for the referee (one D.Martin!) to catch up his hands froze and he dropped the ball as he went to put in down under the posts. Gibson added the final try as he interchanged passes with William Jones down the blind side. Two conversions from Knowles made it 49-0 and credit to Walden for never giving up in the face of unrelenting pressure on a cold wet day.   Under 12’s Shelford 21 Peterborough 0 Shelford 26 Saffron Walden 0 Conditions were again challenging for the visit of Peterborough and Saffron Walden on Sunday. I'm not saying it was muddy, but some rucks had to be stopped early to save some of the participants from drowning. When we played Peterborough it wasn't actually raining. We knew what to expect from Peterborough - big forwards and robust tactics. Every time their fly half received the ball it was hoofed high down the pitch. This tactic however played right into our hands as full back Angus Finlayson caught the greasy ball safely and stretched the Peterborough defence as he ran the ball back at them. Our forwards matched Peterborough's big lads in the tight and the loose but our more ambitious tactics outside gave us the advantage. Again the aggressive straight running of centre Stephen Douglas punched huge holes in the opposition defence. With a centre of gravity somewhere near his bootlaces, Stephen is very hard to bring down. He scored 2 tries. The other was scored by Joe McNeill, Stephen's centre partner who carved open the Boro defence with another direct run. So still no ball for the wingers - maybe that'll come on the firmer pitches next April. Sam Jones of the siege gun boot converted all three tries so we ended up 21-0 winners. The heavens opened for the game against Saffron Walden. Walden had improved hugely especially upfront. However; we have now developed some big uncompromising forwards who relish a battle in the rain and mud. Liam Calvey is now a formidable ball carrier and is very strong in the maul. Connor Marsh is also big and intimidating with the ball in hand. We also have some quick and aggressive boys who get to the breakdown quickly. The result is a pack that is now playing well in all conditions. Liam and Connor both crashed over for short range scores. Scrum half Ollie Walker clambered over a ruck from about one yard out for another try created by the pack.  The final try came when Sam Jones charged down a kick from his opposite number and then fell over the line onto the loose ball. Ollie Walker kicked 2 conversions and Sam kicked one .Given the conditions it was a great effort by the team. We are improving every week and integrating our new players well. Here's hoping for some dry weather to allow a more expansive game over the next few weeks.  Under 10’s Shelford 10 Peterborough 10 Scorer for Shelford Reuben Patrick 2 tries Shelford 5 Saffron Walden 15 Scorer for Shelford  Simon Tyte 1 tryLuca Stephenson and Jack Bunton played an outstanding game for Shelford, with good team effort. Simon Tyte scored an excellent try for Shelford in the match against Saffron Walden.  Under 9’s Shelford 40 Saffron Walden 0 Shelford try scorers: Stan Clarke 2, Ben Frisk 2, Tom Whitehead 2, Jake Dodds 1 & Miles Brown 1Shelford under 9’s carried on their good run of form with a solid win over Saffron Walden. Stan Clarke kicked off the tries followed by Ben Frisk, Stan got his second by going over in the corner and Tom Whitehead finished off the tries for Shelford to go 20 up at half time. Tom Whitehead got his second in the game followed by Ben Frisk after a good run. Our 7th & 8th tries came from Jake Dodds and Miles Brown respectively who both scored their first try of the season. There was some excellent defending by all boys and in particular from Conner Wells, Erik Bell and Kieran Hatter. Shelford 40 Peterborough 0 Shelford try scorers: Tom Whitehead 3, Ben Frisk 3 and Stan Clarke 2As the weather closed in it left many parents wishing they had brought better weather protection. Christmas is coming so get your request to Santa for a new coat, hat and gloves. Dave refused to follow the example of the Peterborough coach who only wore a short sleeve top. Softy. At least the kids are harder than their parents to turn in another impressive performance on the pitch to score 8 more tries without conceding any. First try came from Stan Clarke and the second from Tom Whitehead both from bouts of pressure. Ben Frisk got the third after a good run. Followed by Tom Whitehead for our fourth. Ben got our fifth and Tom finished off his hat trick of tries scoring our sixth. Our seventh came from Stan Clarke and our last from Ben Frisk after good running from Garret Shannon to make the space for Ben to score. Again great defensive built this victory with big tackles coming from Kieran Hatter, Xan Hill, Charlie and Conner Wells. Conner’s defensive and team work earned him a thoroughly deserved Man of the Match.  Under 8's Saffron Walden 7 (35) : Shelford 9 (45) Tries: Hayden McKenzie 2; Harry Simpson 2; Aidan Thomas 2; Josh Butler 1; Jamie Coates 1; Will Stepney 1; tag count as led by Harry Simpson with an outstanding 12 tags followed by Daniel Arbide with 5 tags and Josh Whitmore with 4 tags. This was an excellent mornings play with all players tagging very well despite the rain. Peterborough 8 ( 40 ) : Shelford 10 (50) After this game the Peterborough  coach told me that Shelford were the best side they had encountered this season. This says everything about our boys and their ability ..................... lets see this form replicated against Cambridge !. I was very impressed by Peterborough alignment and the pace of one or two players. We were caught at times 'ball watching'. Hopefully in better conditions this will not happen in future.Tries:- Angus Thomson 4 ( excellent pace and lines of running this week );Harry Simpson 3; Will Stepney 2; Hayden McKenzie 1.This was a very difficult side to break down BUT our boys stuck at the job and deserved the narrow win.Tag count was once again led by Harry Simpson with 6 and Luke Burnham with 3.The player of the day is Angus Thomson. His four tries kept us in the game against a determined Peterborough side. Under 7’s Shelford 85 Saffron Walden 85 Shelford 55 Peterborough 50 On a cold wet and windy morning Shelford under 7’s played against two very good sides in extremely difficult conditions. Again with the large squad split into two teams of equal strength, the children battled away in every game. Some excellent tries and tags by both the Sharks & the Dinosaurs kept the score lines very close. Most game where drawn which is testament to the effort put in by both sides. We just about won the day but full credit must go to the opposition for some outstanding performances. Our skills are improving week by week, as is our game structure. So well done to everyone & if we keep it up at this level we will be in good shape to aim to win the Wenden’s Tournament in March 2008.

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 21 May 2008 )

 

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