U9s at the International Mini Rugby Series 2nd and 3rd May 2009, New Forest
05/05/09 10:20
We arrived at Brockenhurst College, set up camp and Steve and the Coaches set about organising and preparing the squad for the 2 days ahead.
On day 1 we had four matches as follows:
Match 1:
We played Witney RFC. We missed a few tackles in the middle of the pitch and were caught a bit cold in the line out as the ref allowed Witney to
contest, thinking for the 1st half we were U10s! Although there was some competitive
play we were 0-3 down at half time. We settled ourselves and put some good moves together in the 2nd half but Witney kept us out. We, in turn, preventing them from scoring again.
Final Score 0-3
Match 2:
We played Old Colfeians RFC. Much of the 1st half was played amongst the forwards. We went in 1-0 up at half time. In the 2nd half we opened up and scored 3 tries from some good attacking play based on very well timed passing.
Final Score 4-0.
Lunchtime:
We all gathered together and there was a chance for the coaches to discuss the games and speak to the squad. The chilled Budweisers were very popular amongst the Supporter's Club. Some of the players expressed an interest in them too but, of course, stuck to their water.
Match 3:
We played Beaconsfield RFC. We scored an early try. Despite looking like scoring a number of times Beaconsfield defended well and we went into half time 1-0 up. We had to play uphill in the 2nd half but that didn't stop us scoring 2 well worked tries. Our general fitness showed. Just before the final whistle Beaconsfield scored to make it 3-1.
Match 4:
We played Dinas Powys Youth RFC. For the eagle eyed ones of you out there, yes this is THE International factor (!). We put some great play together and forwards and backs linked well. We also had to defend and made 1 or 2 particularly strong tackles. 3-0 at half time. We continued in this vein and a great performance saw us go 5-0 up. Dinas stuck at it and scored just before the final whistle to make it 5-1. Swing low, sweet chariot!
We finished the day with a super BBQ and reflected on what had been a terrific day. The boys gave a resounding '3 cheers' to Steve and theCoaches.
On day 2 we had 2 matches. This was the 'business end' of the festival. Steve and the Coaches had given careful consideration to how we were going to approach the final day.
Match 5:
We played Old Albanians RFC. This was a play off game. It was an intense 1st half and Old Albanians went 1 up. However, you sensed we were right in there and gaining the edge. We scored a great try early in the 2nd half and then a blinder to go 2-1 up. This was quite a fierce encounter, our driving play was superb. At the very end Old Albanians got a penalty at close range and went over to make it 2-2. This meant we were to play Old Albanians again in match 6, THE FINAL.
Match 6 - The Final:
A good crowd assembled. Despite that, you could hear Malcolm's (normally quiet) voice booming from time to time. Old Albanians were on the front foot and were 1-0 up at half time. The start of the 2nd half was hard fought but Old Albanians, in the end, were too strong for us this time and won 5-0. The whole squad had been involved in the festival. What an achievement, boys, and what a way to round off the season - a MASSIVE well done to all of you!
As always we were keen for more and arranged a friendly, if there is such a thing, against Wales. It was great fun and this time they beat us 5-3. Bread of Heaven!
Steve and the Coaches debriefed the squad and the boys proudly collected their trophies. The boys had had a terrific time and had gained much invaluable experience. The team bonding and camaraderie amongst them was plain to see.
Man of the match: Steve had consulted the parents and congratulated the whole squad. 3 players in particular had shone over the 2 days; Reece, Cameron and Max. Very well done you three.
A big thank you to Steve, Malcolm, Dan, Dave and David and to the Management and the supporters, for everything.
U9s at the Bear Pit on 19.4.09 against Bridport RFC
22/04/09 19:33
Fantastic conditions greeted us at Meyrick Park this morning for our last regular match of the season. How lucky we are to have such a brilliant setting for the boys to play their Rugby in.
Steve got the boys straight into a tackling drill and then David Knox (Personal Trainer and Sports Massage Therapist trading as D K Fitness)put them through their paces. Steve split the squad into 2 teams. A few of our boys played for Bridport.
Match 1:
Oaks scored 2 early tries, the second as a result of a turnover ball. Bridport then won a scrum and Oaks had to defend. Oaks won a line out and, from a mazey run, scored a third. Bridport hit back but, despite a strong
run up the middle of the pitch, couldn't score. 3-0 at half time. Bridport
upped the ante a bit, forcing us to knock on and then bundling us into touch. We kept our focus and with a good combination of forward and back play, and a growing composure, were rewarded with 4 further tries. Bridport kept their chins up and produced a super break of their own to score at the death. Final score 7-1.
Match 2:
We defended an early attack by Bridport but couldn't keep them out and they went 1 up. Bridport attacked again. This time our strength in tackle turned the ball over and, after some deft passing, we equalised. Some good open play followed with the teams battling to gain an edge. Bridport turned the screw and showed perhaps a greater degree of organisation to score 2 more tries. 1-3 at half time. Oaks came back in what was a very entertaining and hard fought game, scoring in the corner. Bridport came again with a strong team effort to score again, twice. Oaks were determined and, with the last play of the game and some pleasing interplay, made it over the line. Final score 3-5.
The Oaks squad then played a final game, bibs v shirts. The shirts put up a very good fight against the well drilled bibs, scoring a much deserved try but ultimately going down 6-1. Both teams put together some very good play showing again the strength in depth we have at our club.
Man of the match: Steve congratulated the whole squad. Charlie and Tom Tom were awarded Man of Match. Charlie is unassuming but has been quietly progressing during the season. Today he put in a performance full of dexterity and clever running with a subtle turn of pace. Tom Tom had made a number of strong tackles and had shown real determination in supporting his team mates up front and in the backs. Very well done you two.
It has been a tremendous season. Many congratulations to all the boys for what they have achieved and a big thank you to Steve, Malcolm, Dan, Dave and David and to the Management and the supporters. We have training next week and good luck to those of you involved in the New Forest Festival.
Oaks Under 9s at Swanage and Wareham RFC
14/04/09 16:24
Thank you to Swans for hosting a superb mini tournament. Ruislip played and
Cirencester were also invited but were unable to make it. The weather was
terrific and so was the Rugby.
Match 1, Oaks played Swans and won 3-2:
We showed strong team work and resilience under pressure. We showed we could
attack from deep with some strong, well worked, passing and interplay. And
we pulled off a stonking try saving tackle. A very competitive game.
Match 2, Oaks played Ruislip and won 3-1:
The weather was heating up and so was the intensity on the pitch. Both teams
were battling up front and we, in particular, showed good hands. Ruislip
were penalised for a kick and it cost them. In our enthusiasm we made one
pass too many and didn't complete the score. A cracking game with the added
benefit of couple of useful lessons learned by all.
Match 3, Oaks played Swans and won 4-2:
We scored early from set moves and some, frankly, perfect passing (perfectly
weighted and perfect positioning by the receiver). We were penalised for a
high tackle but, after a hand shake, the players simply got on with it again
such was the spirit of the day. There was more powerful forward play, with
Oaks in the ascendancy.
Match 4, Oaks played Ruislip and won 4-2:
A mixed Oaks team clicked well and forced some tenacious defending. Steve
made some substitutions to ensure that all the boys had played. A smart move
by Ruislip in the corner caught us a bit cold but we wanted, and had, the
final say! David Knox developed a ministry of funny walks for linesmen and
can now out do John McCririck with his hand gestures.
Steve gathered the squad and said how pleased he was, particularly as the
Oaks squad had produced 4 winning teams and was in a healthy state with
players competing for positions. The Coaches were very proud of all the
boys.
Man of Match: Dylan was awarded Man of Match (and what a man he is fast
becoming)for very strong all round play and, in particular, his destructive
driving play. Tommy was awarded Man of Match for some significant(including
try saving)tackles and for his potent try scoring.
A big thank you to Steve, Malcolm, Dave and David and to the Management and
the supporters. Next week is Easter and then, I think, we welcome
Bridport.
Oaks U9s v Lytchett RFC U9s Match Report 8/3/09
09/03/09 19:07
The squad assembled at the Bear Pit for some pre match warm up and training.
We had a beautifully marked out pitch to play on, in amongst the other games going on at Meyrick Park. A wonderful scene of vibrant grass roots Rugby.
Lytchett brought one team. Steve made it clear that the whole Oaks squad would be involved in playing and organised 3 games.
(1) Oaks attacked from the off and forced some good defence from Lytchett. Oaks won a line out, passing it out for an early score. More good handling brought a 2nd score for Oaks. Lytchett responded well running the ball deep into Oaks territory, Oaks defending well and forcing Lytchett into touch. Good passages of play from both teams followed, resulting in a super pass out of the maul and a strong run up the line for our 3rd score. Oaks continued to attack but were held up on the line, Lytchett forcing the knock on and winning a scrum. Lytchett advanced and won a line out which Oaks promptly spoiled and, with some really powerful forward play, drove over to score. Lytchett kept their heads up and remained competitive showing some good driving strength of their own. Oaks did have another break but were kept out, making it 4 - 0 at half time.
Lytchett started the 2nd half strongly and made a determined run at us. We tackled just shy of the line and came away with the ball and some strong running took us back up the beautifully marked out pitch. Lytchett defended well and broke away, real end to end Rugby. Oaks then got a significant drive on and some well worked forward moves produced another 2 tries. Lytchett kept going and got back up to our try line but failed to touch it down. There followed a try of individual and team excellence, finally rounded off by a forward to make it 7 - 0. Lytchett still refused to give in producing some good runs but again Oaks turned it over and scored to make the final score 8 - 0. Oaks looked organised and well progressed in its development. Lytchett competed well and overall seemed to be a couple of months behind us on the same learning curve we have been following.
(2) Oaks attacked from the off again but were turned over. Lytchett made a good break and, in the end, had to be pushed into touch. Oaks then went over with a full length of the pitch break using forwards and backs alike. More good running saw a try in the corner. Lytchett then got forwards and backs working together to force some strong defending by Oaks. Oaks won a scrum and started to advance but a forward pass gave Lytchett possession. 2 - 0 at half time.
A long range effort from Lytchett secured a very well deserved try and spurred Oaks into some well timed runs and passing deep into Lytchett's half. Lytchett came up with the ball, though, and only a try saving tackle by Oaks kept Oaks ahead. Oaks then worked the space well to score in the corner. The Lytchett forwards had a bit of a powwow and promptly burst up the middle and then, at the death, they scored again to make it 3 - 3. This was another hugely entertaining game and for Oaks it showed what strength in depth we have in the squad.
(3) This game ensured that all the boys had had a good run out. We played a half against Lytchett and then a half amongst ourselves. The standard of Rugby and levels of enthusiasm and commitment remained high throughout and you got the feeling that, although there was some tiredness creeping in now, we wouldn't have been short of volunteers for another game! The pitch was cutting up and getting quite heavy to play on but you simply couldn't fault the painted lines which looked as fresh at the end as they did at the start. Quality.
The Coaches then completed a player debrief and Steve amd Malcolm awarded the "Cameron's Grandad's Man of the Match" awards to George and William. Very well done you two!
A big thank you to Steve, Malcolm, Dan, Dave and David and to the Management Team and, of course, to the Travelling Supporter's Club. See you next weekend, when we welcome Bournemouth to the Bear Pit.
Away at North Dorset
16/02/09 21:56
Rugby played in fine spirit by both clubs with high levels of committment, skill and intensity. The whole set up at North Dorset is excellent, including the bacon butties.
There were four games.
(1) Oaks started strongly with some seriously impressive driving work, North Dorset tackling well to prevent an early try. Oaks came again and scored and then again with some well worked passing moves to make it 0-2 at half time.The passing was notable as it was well timed so that the ball carriers off loaded just before being tackled. It had been a fast paced half full of good rugby. Oaks then forced North Dorset to defend strongly and defend strongly they did. They then launched their own attack testing the organisation of the Oaks. Oaks then produced a purple patch linking forwards and backs scoring again to make it 0-3 final score.
(2) Another exciting game. There was a break away try for North Dorset. Oaks responded strongly going deep into North Dorset territory. North Dorset then produced a fine straight run with passes to runners which, despite a number of good tackles, resulted in a 2nd try for North Dorset. More good running and strong forward play made it 3-0 at half time. Oaks attacked and camped out on the North Dorset try line driving over a couple of times but not being rewarded with a try. Pure determination took us over the line but had we grounded the ball? The ref appeared at first to be looking to a TMO but then gave the well deserved try. Oaks scored again and were in the ascendancy at the final whistle, final score 3-2. A game of 2 halves (sorry!).
(3) This was an open game, great Oaks running so nearly producing what would have been a cracking opening try. Oaks then applied some forward pressure, the ball taken on by the backs. One back in particular. Willy make it over the line, or won't he? Oh yes indeed and with a super side step and dive! Some strong North Dorset tackling kept the score at 0-1 at the break. More good play and determination from both sides, broken by a lovely steal and drive over by Oaks, making it 0-2. North Dorset came back at us but an awsome tackle stopped them in their tracks. We then pinned North Dorset back in their own half, finishing 0-2.
(4) Oaks went 0-1 up early on. We then had to defend and managed to force a knock on by North Dorset. North Dorset turned over our ball and ran at us.We defended our line but they got the put in to a scrum. Oaks came away with the ball only for North Dorset to be awarded another scrum. We defended well and retained our 0-1 lead at half time. North Dorset then scored making it all square. There followed some tense moments including a number of scrums. Both teams were stubborn which made for a great spectacle. The game finished at 1-1 which was a very fair result. Who needs 6 Nations Rugby??
Man of the match. Everyone agreed that this had been a monster performance by all and it was awarded to Cameron for a particularly dynamic forward performance and Sam for his strength in his running and tackling.
Well done you two! The MOM trophies have been 'sponsored' for the next 4 weeks (thank you) and this will be another positive way to help the boys develop and enjoy their rugby.
Our thanks goes to Steve, Malcolm, Dan and David and, of course, "The Management".
See you back at the Bear Pit.
There were four games.
(1) Oaks started strongly with some seriously impressive driving work, North Dorset tackling well to prevent an early try. Oaks came again and scored and then again with some well worked passing moves to make it 0-2 at half time.The passing was notable as it was well timed so that the ball carriers off loaded just before being tackled. It had been a fast paced half full of good rugby. Oaks then forced North Dorset to defend strongly and defend strongly they did. They then launched their own attack testing the organisation of the Oaks. Oaks then produced a purple patch linking forwards and backs scoring again to make it 0-3 final score.
(2) Another exciting game. There was a break away try for North Dorset. Oaks responded strongly going deep into North Dorset territory. North Dorset then produced a fine straight run with passes to runners which, despite a number of good tackles, resulted in a 2nd try for North Dorset. More good running and strong forward play made it 3-0 at half time. Oaks attacked and camped out on the North Dorset try line driving over a couple of times but not being rewarded with a try. Pure determination took us over the line but had we grounded the ball? The ref appeared at first to be looking to a TMO but then gave the well deserved try. Oaks scored again and were in the ascendancy at the final whistle, final score 3-2. A game of 2 halves (sorry!).
(3) This was an open game, great Oaks running so nearly producing what would have been a cracking opening try. Oaks then applied some forward pressure, the ball taken on by the backs. One back in particular. Willy make it over the line, or won't he? Oh yes indeed and with a super side step and dive! Some strong North Dorset tackling kept the score at 0-1 at the break. More good play and determination from both sides, broken by a lovely steal and drive over by Oaks, making it 0-2. North Dorset came back at us but an awsome tackle stopped them in their tracks. We then pinned North Dorset back in their own half, finishing 0-2.
(4) Oaks went 0-1 up early on. We then had to defend and managed to force a knock on by North Dorset. North Dorset turned over our ball and ran at us.We defended our line but they got the put in to a scrum. Oaks came away with the ball only for North Dorset to be awarded another scrum. We defended well and retained our 0-1 lead at half time. North Dorset then scored making it all square. There followed some tense moments including a number of scrums. Both teams were stubborn which made for a great spectacle. The game finished at 1-1 which was a very fair result. Who needs 6 Nations Rugby??
Man of the match. Everyone agreed that this had been a monster performance by all and it was awarded to Cameron for a particularly dynamic forward performance and Sam for his strength in his running and tackling.
Well done you two! The MOM trophies have been 'sponsored' for the next 4 weeks (thank you) and this will be another positive way to help the boys develop and enjoy their rugby.
Our thanks goes to Steve, Malcolm, Dan and David and, of course, "The Management".
See you back at the Bear Pit.