| Youth Reports - 8/3/08 |
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| Written by Andrew Baron | |
| Sunday, 09 March 2008 | |
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Colts Spalding 5 Shelford 38 After the long trip to Spalding, Shelford’s hard work paid off with some good rugby from both teams. It took Shelford 24 mins to break the dead lock with both teams working hard to get the upper hand. But on 24mins Toby Mepham took quick ball from the line out and broke the rushing defence to make a 3 man overlap which was scored by Jon Caller and converted by Mepham. Just before the break, Caller scored again after some good play from the forwards and converted by Mepham. After the break Spalding’s forwards mauled the ball for 20 yards and were encamped on the Shelford line for 5 minutes. But some good defence kept them at bay. In the end, they got their reward with a score in the corner. This seemed to galvanize Shelford who got their running game going and after the forwards secured some quick ball at the break down and shipped the ball to the wing and Caller once again scored for Ben Seymour to convert. 5 minutes later, after a clever lineout and a miss move in the centre Caller scored his 4th and final try for the day, once again converted by Seymour. Then after some good running Seymour chipped over the top for Michael Houghton to collect and score. Then David Cassettari scored in the corner after some fine team play with the forwards and backs keeping the ball alive and chasing everything on the park.
Under 17’s Shelford 59 Cambridge 0 Shelford comfortably won this local derby racking up 37 unanswered first half points with tries from Chris Haigh, Lewis Benwell, Adam Hodgkisson, Max Johnson X2 and Will Barnes. Tom Ward added one conversion and Will Barnes added one conversion and a penalty goal. The second half saw Shelford make numerous changes which slowed the scoring rate, but it was still one way traffic with Cambridge not venturing into Shelford territory. Further Shelford tries came from Tarren Runham, Benwell, Barnes and Michael Keady. Will Barnes added one conversion.
Under 16's Cambridge 22 Shelford 17 With 7 first choice players missing due to Eastern Counties, School and injuries, the 18 man squad showed passion and commitment aplenty. The match was a closely fought affair as you would expect from two old rivals. Cambridge's Isaac Jones opened the scoring after a loose defensive kick following scrappy line out ball. George Newnham levelled the scoring on 10 mins with a great pick up from the base of an attacking ruck, just squeezing into the corner. Cambridge went ahead again after their openside flanker burst through, appearing out of nowhere. On 35 mins, both teams lost a player a piece into the sin bin after needless handbags. With minutes to play, Newnham's no 8 pick up from a scrum 25 metres out led to a bruising ruck, which saw the ball appear out of the side, with the ref waving play on, Man of the Match Thomas Queripel picked up and sped to the line, ignoring the obvious corner, side stepping the full back to make Ben Wierny's conversion a formality - Shelford 12-10 up at half time. From the kick off, Cambridge played a switch to the blind, going ahead once more. After a lengthy disruption due to injury to a Cambridge player, from a fantastic tackle from Jonno Swain, Shelford's pack turned up the heat with a series of drives - after being held up twice, Wierny appeared out of the melee to touch down, restoring the Shelford lead again. A sliced kick in defence however, led to the final score of the game for Cambridge, despite the hosts losing another player to the sin bin after an illegal tackle. Under 15’s Shelford 15 Cambridge 10 Penalty from Elliot Mepham, tries from Alex Poirier and Luke Whale, Lewis Cooper Conversion. Determination by both sides not to expose weaknesses saw the score 3-3 at half time. A high restart kick assuredly fielded by Shelford put its marker on the style that the home team were going to adopt for the next 30 minutes. Despite a well executed Cambridge forwards' pick and drive try which stimulated them to express a more excited period of offensive play for the next 5 minutes the home team reapplied themselves to tactically placing the remaining game in the Cambridge. With 10 minutes to go Shelford were 10 3 down to Cambridge ,testing, lofted kicks resulted in tries apiece from the forwards and backs. An outstanding conversion from the sideline by Lewis levelled the scores and provided the end game impetus for a Shelford 15 man expression to send over the skipper Luke whale, for the winning try. Under 14’s Cambridge 0 Shelford 20 This was without doubt the performance of the season so far. Shelford played throughout the game with a great tempo, never letting Cambridge settle into any stride whatsoever, putting great pressure on their opponents whether it be in attack or defence. The forwards were constantly on the front foot, even in the first half with the elements against them. The packs in the set pieces were initially evenly matched, but it was Shelford’s ability to defend around the fringes of a number of ‘pick & goes’ by the Cambridge back row, and then secure turnover ball on a number of occasions that was impressive. The backs were also much sharper in defence than of late, with both Calum Shaw & Alex Flynn pairing up in the centres looking really solid. Midway through the first half with the match still scoreless, Shelford started to dominate more of the possession and threatened on a number of occasions, but the back line was still too flat in attack, and wasted some good opportunities. With the backs finally getting more depth on one particular attack, Calum Shaw broke through but was well tackled just short of the line, but good support by Nick Webb saw him score his first ever try for the club from Calum’s off-load. Shelford took a 5-0 lead into half-time. With only a couple of personnel changes being made at half-time, Shelford continued to dominate the contact areas. The game also became more open, which suited Shelford’s style of play more, with the back row of Perry/Porter/Taylor being very prominent as well the usual runs from Connor Denton being supported well by the rest of the pack, the ball was being kept alive really well. Shelford’s back line was looking a little sharper too, and a kick-through by Lewis Cracknell was gathered by Alex Flynn to extend Shelford’s lead to 10-0. Cambridge responded well, but Shelford’s defence still stood firm. Shelford were also taking control of the scrums, with Dan Smith & Cormac Starling each taking strikes against the head. Shelford’s scrummaging was looking it’s most solid of the season. Shelford attacked once more down the right flank, and Calum Shaw was put through to out sprint the Cambridge defence to score under the posts, converted by Lewis Cracknell, 17-0. Cambridge then put in a concerted attack, but brave defending by Dan Burling was then backed up superbly by the forwards, who turned the ball over once more to clear the danger. This passage of play summed up Shelford’s tenacious play today, and their desire in not wanting Cambridge to score. A late penalty by Lewis Cracknell gave Shelford a well deserved 20-0 victory.The decision to select squads for the tougher fixtures during the season was well vindicated with this performance, as all the boys selected performed really well today, and stepped up to the task. However, we are a squad and even those not selected to play today can also take enormous pride in the performance of the team. It was nice to see Ben Pirzad there for the warm up, as well as Toby & Fraser there cheering on their team mates.It would be nice to see the boys continue in this way for the remainder of the season, (of which we only have four fixtures left) starting with the visit to Luton next weekend.Well done to all!! Under 13’s Shelford 12 Cambridge 17 Shelford U13’s started the stronger against Cambridge and spent the majority of the first 10 minutes in their visitors half. Ollie Jones played a real captains role as he put pressure on the Cambridge backs forcing a loose pass which he caught and had a clear run to the try line from 40 metres. James Gibson added the conversion for a 7-0 lead. A great cover tackle from prop James Impey thwarted a near certain Cambridge try as they started to mount an increasing threat. Some slack tackling from Shelford shortly after let Cambridge in for an unconverted try. It was the visitors that had the upper hand in the second half and a try from close range gave them the lead. George Rutherford was unlucky after a great solo run ended with him being tackled into touch only a few metres short of the line. Hooker, Michael Dunnett had a fantastic game putting an immense amount of work all over the pitch. The game was settled though when a loose kick form Shelford gifted Cambridge an easy try with 4 minutes left. Shelford had the last word as Calum Miller picked up form the base of the scrum and fended of three defenders as he touched down in the corner. So, the honours this time went to Cambridge 17-12. Under 12’s Shelford 12 Ipswich 7 There was however a lack of fizz about the game with Ipswich . Ipswich had competent forwards and some definite flair behind the scrum. The game was tight and cagey. We didn't help ourselves as initially the passing from the backs was lateral and there was no penetration. Eventually some good straight running from centres George Smith and Stephen Douglas gained us some ground. The ball was recycled quickly and fly half Sam Jones spotted a gap. Sam galloped through it for the first touchdown. He converted his own try to give the boys a 7-0 half time lead. There was a completely new pack for the second half, which acquitted itself well against the experienced Ipswich boys. Ipswich were slowly inching their way back into the game but a try from replacement fly half Charlie Whitehead sealed it for Shelford. The visitors' late try was a mere consolation as Shelford ran out 12-7 winners. Shelford 28 St Ives 0 In the second match Shelford played a St Ives team bolstered by some Ipswich stalwarts. Shelford raced into a 21-0 half time lead with tries from Stephen Douglas, George Smith and Sam Jones. The St Ives/Ipswich combo came back strongly in the second half but a further try from James Tilbury put Shelford out of sight. Ollie Walker kicked 2 conversions, Sam Jones and James Tilbury kicked one each.The final score was 28-0 to Shelford. Under 10’s Game 1- Lost Shelford 5 - 40 Ipswich Scorers: Reuben PatrickShelford lost to a very strong Ipswich team who were superior on the day. An excellent game was played by Troy Peace, who is improving and playing very well as a forward. Game 2 - Won Shelford 15 - 10 St.Ives Scorers: Moe Drury = 1 try Reuben Patrick = 2 triesShelford played in a very close game, but Reuben Patrick’s two tries clenched the game for Shelford. Game 3 - Won Shelford 30 -20 Ipswich Scorers: Reuben Patrick = 1 try Ollie Barnes = 3 tries Ollie Perry = 1 try George Franklin = 1 tryShelford won their second match against Ipswich, who had brought a strong disciplined squad with them. Luca Stephenson played well for Shelford and together with some good support by Liam Thomas and Henry Moore, they helped Shelford to an improved team win. Under 9’s Game 1: Shelford Peacocks 15 – 10 Ipswich Shelford try scorers: Tom Whitehead, Tom Cropper and Stan Clark Ipswich made it difficult in Shelford’s first game this morning. Early pressure was rewarded with a try for Tom Whitehead after a big push by the forwards. Our second try came from Tom Cropper with a run into the corner. And third try came after Tom Whitehead broke from our 22 to set the try up for Stan Clark who ran into the corner. Game 2: Shelford Tigers 5 – 0 St Ives Shelford try scorers: Miles Brown Shelford soaked up a all the pressure from St Ives throughout the game and Ollie Parkes made an outstanding tackle late on to save the game which earned him Man of the Match. The Shelford try came from Miles Brown who finally broke free to run from well inside his own half and made it to score in the corner with the last play of the game. Game 3: Shelford Peacocks 20 – 0 St Ives Try Scorers: Tom Cropper 2, Tom Whitehead and Ben Frisk Shelford played well throughout with good performances from all. Our first try came from Tom Cropper who broke free after a lot of Shelford pressure to score from 5 yards out to put the ball over the try line. Tom Whitehead scored the second with a good run along the line to out sprint the St Ives defence. The third from Ben Frisk was a drive into the corner after a good run. And our last with an almost identical try from Tom Cropper. Game 4: Shelford Tigers 20 – 0 St Ives Shelford try scorers: Tom Cropper 2, Tom Whitehead & Tom Shortt Tigers came out with a roar for the last game of the morning, no the afternoon. Our first try came from Tom Whitehead who broke free to score in the corner and our second followed by Tom Cropper who broke through the St Ives defence. Our third came from Tom Shortt and was thoroughly deserved after an excellent performance. Tom ran to score in the corner. Our last came after a lot of Shelford pressure for Tom Cropper. You had to be called Tom to score in this game Under 8’s Shelford 30 St Ives 25 This was a close fought game with their senior team. So to hold them out and deliver a victory was a great effort. The try count went as follows:- Will Stepney 2 ( back on form), Daniel Arbide 1, Luke Burnham 1, Harvey Redfern 1, Aiden Thomas 1. Well done to all the boys for supporting each other so well. Shelford 5 St Ives 20 A tough game against Ipswich drained our boys prior to this fixture. Nevertheless in this game we failed to tag or challenge for tries. There appeared to be too much focus on who was receiving the ball, rather than playing for each other in order to repeat their victory. The tag count was led by Aiden with three and Harry, Will, and Luke with one each. The only try for Shelford was scored by Luke Burnham. Shelford 15 Ipswich 40 This was a game that deserved to be a draw. Both sides ran with pace and put equal pressure through both tagging and offensive play. The tag count improved with Hayden 3 and Daniel with 2 and most of the other boys with at least one tag. Tries were score by Jamie Coates 1; Luke Burnham 1 and Hayden McKenzie 1. Shelford 40 Ipswich 35 Wow what a game. Must have been the longest tag game in history with potential victory waving back and forth with neither side giving ground. Our defence was excellent with a tag count of 40 led by Daniel with 11 , Harry Simpson with 9, Henry Breeze & Will Stepney with 5 each. All other boys got at least one tag. Such was the pressure from a determined Ipswich squad. Despite their defence our boys scored some exciting tries. Jamie Coates and Will Stepney crossed the line with two tries each. Daniel Arbide, Harry Simpson, Daniel Hoole and Angus Thomson scored 1 each. This weeks player of the day is Jamie Coates for his elusive running and willingness to follow instruction during training. Under 7’s Shelford 75 Ipswich 65 Shelford 85 St Ives 55 With a turn out of over 30 players Shelford under 7’s had a very successful day against strong opposition. Both Ipswich & St Ives played very well but Shelford were able to keep themselves head over all with some excellent tries and belligerent defence. Well done to everyone who turned up. The standard of play is improving each week and it is great to see that everyone is listening and learning. |
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