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Under 8's

Coach Andy Williamson 01245 221373

SWF RFC Under 8s: Braintree Rugby Festival.

Following their success at the Essex and Chingford Festivals, South Woodham Ferrers RFC Under 8s ventured to the Braintree Festival in good spirits.

The first group stage saw them matched against familiar opponents in Thurrock. The opening play saw a darting break by Rhys, who passed to Daniel who supported well and shipped the ball to Nathan who put in Jack for a good try. SWF followed this up with Jack breaking the Thurrock defence and Daniel and Nathan again linking well to set up Lee for the second. Thurrock hit back before Callum scorched the left wing, with Lee again on hand to score. And before the half ended, Lee then ran in another to rack up his hat-trick and put SWF 4-1 up at the break. In the second half, Thurrock ran in a brace of tries. But good work, by Tom, Harry, William and Kyran enabled Callum to run in 2 tries himself, so that SWF ran out 6-3 winners.

The second group match saw SWF matched up against Westcliffe, who quickly went into a 2-0 lead. A jinking run from Nathan was well supported by Callum who slipped in Lee to reply. However, SWF were doing themselves no favours and a series of unforced errors saw good runs go unrewarded and a clinical Westcliffe side took advantage, scoring a further 4 tries. However, SWF showed great spirit, carrying on until the final whistle and a great run from Harry saw Nathan grab a consolation, Westcliffe running out 6-2 winners.

The final group match pitted SWF against Harlow, with a win required to take SWF to the cup knock out stage. SWF started well with Rhys cutting through the Harlow defence and good support work saw Nathan touch down for the opening score. A good run by Harry was thwarted, but SWF were rewarded with long-range solo efforts from Nathan and Daniel. However, Harlow were making a game of it with 3 first-half tries of their own. William combined well with Harry, who scored the last first-half try for SWF, giving them a 4-3 lead at the interval. In the second half, good defence limited Harlow to 2 further tries. A determined run from Luke saw him touch down before Tom scored a fine individual try. And a good break by Jack saw Callum go over. Callum then sealed the victory, running from his own half to score the final try. SWF winning 8-5.

Their results in the group stage saw SWF drawn to face the winners of the other group, Bury St. Edmunds. Both teams were giving it their all and good defence by Jack forced an error and good counter attacking saw Lee go over. Bury hit back and scored 3 first-half tries. SWF hit back valiantly and Nathan, Rhys, Lee, and Callum all made good breaks, but sadly the team were unable to convert them into tries, leaving SWF 1-3 down at the break and with a mountain to climb to reach the final. Again the team showed great resilience and fighting spirit. Nathan scored a great try following a good pass from Tom before a good run by Callum racked up another. Bury were still potent going forward and ran in 3 second half tries. But SWF fought back with Nathan and Callum scoring, following great approach play by Daniel and Tom respectively, setting up a tense finish. Despite ’winning’ the second half, Bury held on to win 6-5 and edge SWF out of another final appearance.

Another good day. The team can again be proud of their performances - getting to the semi-final of the cup competition is an achievement in itself . Well done and hope to see you all next week at the Presentation Day.

Festival squad: Nathan, Tom, Luke, Rhys, Lee, Daniel, William, Harry, Jack, Kyran and Callum

Match Report: Greg and Darren - Under 8s coaches


 

SWF RFC Under 8s serve up success on a Plate


A series of thrilling performances saw South Woodham Ferrers Under 8s draw in the final to win a share of the Chingford Festival Plate.

In the first match against Ashford, SWF opened strongly, with solid defence culminating in a try-saving tag by Tom. The next play saw a powerful run by Callum create a try for Nathan. And in their next attack, a flowing move involving Kimberley and Luke saw Tom cross the line. Ashford were also potent in attack, crossing 4 times in the first half. The second half saw Luke and Nathan combine to put Lee in to score, but Ashford bounced back. Two more tries, by Nathan and Tom were not enough as Ashford ran out 8-5 winners.

In their second match, SWF faced a Thurrock team they had drawn against in the Essex Festival. Lee opened the scoring only for Thurrock to strike back. Then a run from Katherine was taken on up the wing by Nathan to score, but Thurrock again responded. Defence then prevailed with a strong break from Callum being forced into touch and Woodham responded by shutting out Thurrock. Further aggressive defence saw Thurrock fumble the ball on Woodham’s try line and Rhys spotted a gap and ran the length of the pitch to score. Thurrock scored before more inspired tagging saw a Thurrock forward pass and Nathan ran in a try. Thurrock replied with a brace before Callum ran in the winning try.

The third group match pitted SWF against Burnham. A strong run from Rhys saw Lee open the scoring before incisive running and passing from Luke and Lee saw Nathan double the score. Burnham fought back to level before good handling from Nathan and Lee put Rhys in to score. Burnham then hit back to square the scores at half time. Great team tagging and a second half hat trick from Callum saw SWF take control but two late Burnham tries saw the game finish tied 6-6.

The final group game against Woodford saw SWF needing a win to take them into the Plate final. A surging run from Rhys saw Lee cross for the opening score before a break from Katherine and clever support from Lee saw Nathan cross for a second. However a strong Woodford team were matching SWF try-for-try. A brace of tries by Nathan were followed by a clean break by Kimberley who fed Lee to score. Again, Woodford were proving to be strong opponents and they replied with tries of their own before great passing from Tom, Nathan and Lee was finished off by Callum. Then, with the game tied, Callum scored a terrific solo effort to win the game.

In the final, SWF saw themselves up against a strong Brentwood team. SWF showed great intent with a 7 tag turnover. Rhys then broke the defensive line passed to Tom who put in Nathan to open the scoring. Brentwood responded before Rhys restored SWF’s lead. A typical Callum solo effort and great passing, by Nathan and Rhys to put in Lee, added to the score but Brentwood were still formidable in attack, leaving the scores even at half time. And the second half couldn’t separate the teams, with Brentwood scores being matched by Nathan, Callum and Nathan again to tie the scores 7-7 and secure the team‘s second piece of silverware of the season.

Another great day out and another fantastic team perforance. Good luck for next week and the season’s final festival at Braintree.

Festival squad: Callum, Kimberley, Katherine, Lee, Luke, Rhys, Tom and Nathan.

Match Report: Greg and Darren - Under 8s coaches



SWF RFC Under 8’s Bowl-ed over by Festival success.

A series of spirited and skilful performances saw South Woodham Ferrers Rugby Club Under 8’s draw in the final and walk away with a well earned share of the Essex Rugby Festival Bowl.

In the opening group match, SWF ran out convincing winners with a powerful all-round display against the hosts, Southend. Callum showed the way with a trademark solo score from the game’s opening play. Robust defence pressurised Southend into an error and Tom raced away for a second. Then Kyran made a incisive break before feeding Tom to put Callum in for a third. Southend hit back with 2 tries, but Kimberley broke and Nathan scored with a typical side-stepping run. In the second period started, Nathan sped away to score again before tenacious SWF defending forced an error, and Rhys made use of broken play to off-load to Luke who linked with Nathan to put in William to finish a flowing move. Southend looked to score but aggressive tagging saw them drop the ball on the try line - and Rhys reacted quickest to turbo-charge his way past the entire opposition, running the length of the pitch to score. Southend scored but Rhys ran in a further solo effect to reply. SWF closed off the game with 2 7-tag turnovers to run out convincing 8-3 winners.

The 2nd pool match, SWF faced Eton Manor. Good SWF defence stopped Eton Manor’s first attack and Callum again showed blistering pace to open the scoring. Eton Manor responded before a barnstorming run by Tom put Kyran in to score - and the same pair linked well for Tom to score after Eton Manor had hit back. Eton Manor went over again, before Tom broke and put in Kimberley to score a fine try. Eton Manor hit back to even the score at half time, and then scored first in the 2nd half to take the lead for the first time. Undaunted, a fine move started by Rhys, taken on by Tom and then Lee who showed great awareness and no little skill in throwing a long pass for Daniel to score in the corner. Eton Manor struck again before a fine effort from Lee tied the score 6-6. Eton Manor again scored. In the closing stages, Luke burst through the defensive line, but for once support was slow in arriving and Eton Manor turned the ball over to score a break away try. The final score was 6-8 to a fine Eton Manor side who went on to top the group, but this was an excellent performance by the team which illustrates the fine line between victory and defeat.

The final group game against Thurrock was a tighter affair. SWF went into an early lead with tries from Tom and Harry before Thurrock responded. Fine defence from Jack, Tom and Luke saw Callum run in and make it 3-1 at half time. In the 2nd half SWF continued to show good attacking intend, with Luke, William and Nathan showing up well. But a couple of fumbles saw SWF fail to add to their total and Thurrock score twice to gain a 3-3 draw and deprive SWF of a deserved win.

SWF’s performances in the group saw them paired against Epping & Upper Clapton in the Bowl semi-final. Clearly Epping hadn’t deployed spies to our group match as the jet-heeled Callum again motored up the wing to score. SWF were playing with verve and vigour and Tom racing in before Callum put us 3 up. Epping responded with a brace, but a fine run from Luke was taken on by Jack who passed to Nathan to go over before fine play again by Jack, Luke and Harry saw SWF go 5-2 up at the break. Again SWF couldn’t quite convert their fine attacking play into tries in the 2nd half, with fine runs by Tom, Rhys, Lee and Nathan and a couple of fine attacks by Daniel going unrewarded. Epping fought back and 2 tries made for a nervy finale, but SWF stood firm to go through to the final 5-4.

So to the final against a strong Chelmsford side who opened the scoring. SWF reacted well with Tom making a break to feed the ubiquitous Kyran who put Nathan clear to score. Another fine team move then saw Kimberley, Tom, Nathan combine for Callum to score, and the same group then linked up with Harry to free Nathan to put SWF 3-1 up. Chelmsford fought back to level the score, only for Callum to restore the lead. 2 quick Chelmsford tries put them ahead but SWF showed great spirit - William sprinting clear and supplying the pass for Nathan to complete a cup final hat trick. Again, Chelmsford breached a heroic SWF defence and on the sidelines we feared that lightning may indeed strike twice following the Eton Manor result. But a final score by Nathan secured a 6-6 draw and a well deserved share of the spoils of victory.
The team can be rightly proud of their performance today. The commitment, courage and skill levels were all first rate. And the Festival organisers also praised the team for their sense of fair-play and sporting behaviour - well done each and every one of you.

Festival squad: Callum, Daniel, Harry, Jack, Kimberley, Kyran, Lee, Luke, Nathan, Rhys, Tom and William.

Match Report: Darren and Greg - Under 8s coaches


SWF RFC Under 8s

South Woodham Ferrers v Colchester.

Last year, we discovered how strong Colchester are at this age group and they proved again to be formidable opponents. In the opening game, the visitors proved to be tenacious defenders and potent runners. SWF tried valiantly to breach rock-solid Colchester defence with good runs from William and Drew with Lee and Kimberley showing up well in support. Each time they were thwarted and Colchester, running good lines and always providing options ran in 4 unanswered tries. SWF kept battling with Nathan making a number of half breaks and good work by Luke and Lee resulted in Callum finishing off a fine team effort.
SWF made 6 changes at half time. Good breaks by Jack, Kieran and Daniel went unrewarded while the whole team tackled like trojans with Rhys and Tom leading the way. A flowing move with the ball moving from Katherine to Kieran saw Tom sweep out to the wing and run in a deserved effort. Despite never letting their heads drop, SWF could not catch Colchester who ran out convincing winners.

The second match saw a determined SWF take the game to the visitors. However, Colchester again showed their all-round quality, running in some tremendous tries. SWF responded well with Nathan regularly making half-breaks, Luke and Jack linking up well and Kimberley regularly appearing on the ball-carrier’s shoulder. Tom finished off a good move to score and Drew added a second. Despite trailing at the break, SWF didn’t let their heads drop. Rhys made a number of telling breaks, William darted looking for gaps but they could not escape water-tight cover defence until Kieran showed great support play to receive a pass to score. Katherine then made a break and Kieran again was on hand to link play for Callum to go over, before the effervescent Daniel arced down the right ring to score. However Colchester continued to run in good tries to secure the win before Tom, epitomising SWF spirit and fight, crossed for the game’s final score.
Today was a steep learning curve for the team - but they can be proud of the effort they all put in and the spirit and camaraderie displayed - well done all.

This week’s team: Daniel, Nathan, Luke, Jack, Tom, Callum, William, Kieran, Katherine, Kimberley, Rhys, Lee and Drew.


Report from Greg and Darren - Under 8s coaches.

 

SWF RFC Under 8s

South Woodham Ferrers v Chingford.

South Woodham Ferrers started well against a well organised and committed Chingford side, with determined defence forcing a 7-tackle turnover from which Drew ran in a well earned try.
A day made for running rugby saw entertaining rugby from both sides. Chingford drew level and a couple of unforced errors saw Chingford move to a 3-1 lead before Drew struck again.
The second half continued in a similar vein. Chingford ran in a further 4 tries, with South Woodham responding well - more elusive running from Drew completing his hat trick and Rhys running in a brace, leaving Chingford deserved winners 5-7.
South Woodham responded well in the second match, with Tom opening the scoring after a typically strong run. Chingford rallied scoring 2 tries before William showed his pace to score and Martin showed the value of good support play to be on hand to put South Woodham 3-2 up at half time.
Good tries by Lee and Drew were countered by 3 fine Chingford tries. With the scores tied at 5-5, the final play saw a searing run from Rhys breach the Chingford defensive line. His charge towards the line was thwarted by good cover defence, but he offloaded well for Drew to score a well-deserved winning try.
Congratulations to the team for another good performance.

This week’s team: Katherine, Drew, Jack, Martin, Luke, Tom, Rhys, William and Lee

Report from Greg and Darren - Under 8s coaches.

rugby@southwoodhamferrersrugby.co.uk phone 01245 323955