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Coaches Paul Phillips 01621 828794 & Gareth Stacey 01268 560356

COLCHESTER RFC – UNDER 14 FESTIVAL – SUNDAY 19th

Colchester Rugby Club hosted its annual Under 14 Festival last Sunday 19th April.
On a bright, sunny and warm spring day, 16 other clubs from around the North and
East of London, plus Salisbury from Dorset joined Colchester’s 2 squads. Competing
clubs represented every possible standard, at very differing stages in their development.

In the early rounds, teams were split into 4 pools in order to determine which knockout they competed for in the afternoon.
Playing 7 minute each way games, 10 points were awarded for a win, 5 for a draw with bonus points being awarded for tries scored.

In the Red Pool, Colchester A started with a comfortable 25-0 win over Canvey Island. In what turned out to be the crucial game in the pool, Sudbury pipped Hertford by a single penalty goal winning by 3-0. Colchester proceeded to beat Basildon by 22-0, Hertford, 21-0 and Sudbury by 24-0 to win the pool by a significant margin, and take their place in the Trophy competition. Both Sudbury and Hertford beat Canvey and Basildon, so that Sudbury proceeded to the Shield ‘A’ competition for second placed teams, and Hertford moved into the Shield ‘B’ for third placed teams. Basildon beat Canvey 19-0 to take their place in the Bowl, and Canvey in the Spoon.

In the Silver Pool, Sevenoaks and South Woodham Ferrers set the pace, Sevenoaks defeating Saffron Walden by 17-0, Harlow also by 17-0, and Colchester’s Development Squad by 19-0. South Woodham curiously beat Saffron Walden , Colchester Development and Harlow all by 17-0 !! In the crucial game, Sevenoaks scored 2 tries to beat South Woodham by 10-0 to take their place in the Trophy, and South Woodham in the Shield ‘A’. Harlow had close victories over Colchester Development by 5-0, and Saffron Walden by 10-5 to move into the Shield ‘B’. In the last pool match, Saffron Walden and Colchester Development played out a 5-5 draw, but Walden moved into the Bowl, having scored an extra try, with Colchester Development into the Spoon.

4 teams competed in the Green Pool, following the non-arrival of Romford. Salisbury set the pace with a 14-0 win over Stanford-le-Hope, and a 12-0 victory over Norwich, and completed with a 27-0 victory over Clacton, to take their place in the Trophy. Norwich, beat Stanford 15-5 before beating Clacton 27-0 to move into the Shield’A’. Stanford beat Clacton to secure their place in the Shield ‘B’.

In the Blue Pool, Westcliff commenced with a 15-0 victory over Burnham-on-Crouch. In the most significant fixture, Shelford beat Ipswich, in a very close game by 10 points to 5. Westcliff continued with wins over Shelford (21-0) and Stowmarket (10-0) before a narrow 7-3 victory over Ipswich in a feisty game, to take them in to the Trophy. Both Ipswich and Shelford beat Burnham-on-Crouch and Stowmarket, with Shelford moving into the Shield ‘A’ courtesy of their earlier win over Ipswich, who joined the Shield ‘B’ competition. Burnham beat Stowmarket 34-0 to enter the Bowl.

In the Spoon competition for 5th placed teams, Colchester Development had a bye into the final where they met Stowmarket, who had beaten the tiring Canvey outfit by 26-0 in the semi. Colchester went ahead with a Danny Higgins try, well converted from out wide by Ed Clark. Danny Higgins added his second for a 12-0 lead, before Stowmarket, inspired by Colchester substitute Robert McGuinn (who had sportingly played for Stowmarket, when they lost an injured player) earned a well deserved consolation try; Colchester taking the Spoon by 12-5.

In the Bowl, for 4th placed teams, Burnham on Crouch (26-0) and Saffron Walden (31-0) had comfortable wins over Basildon and Clacton respectively. Burnham won the final by 12 points to 5 to take the Bowl back to the South East Essex coast.

In the Shield ‘A’ for 3rd placed teams, there were 2 very close semis, with Ipswich beating Hertford (7-5) by a conversion, and Harlow beating Stanford-le-Hope 7-0. However, Ipswich had a comfortable ride in the final, winning by 27-5 to secure the Shield ‘B ‘.

In the Shield ‘A’ for 2nd placed teams, South Woodham met Norwich, winning a tight game by 12 points to 3 to meet Shelford who earned a comfortable 36-0 win over a tired Sudbury squad. The final turned out to be a cracking game, between 2 skilled and well-matched sides. South Woodham  took the lead early in the second half, with a well worked try before sustained pressure from Shelford produced a deserved response with a try close to the final whistle to earn a 5-5 draw; the Shield ‘A’ being shared. We understand that both have agreed to meet next season over a full length fixture.

4 unbeaten and talented sides met in the semis of the Trophy, and 2 brilliant semis resulted. Both games were refereed by 17 year old officials !!.  Colchester met Westcliff. They went ahead when Connor Ibbotson followed up a kick ahead, taking the ball up to half a metre from the line before off-loading to Cameron Dobinson, who touched down for a 5-0 lead. Westcliff responded close to full time with a try of their own, with a well taken conversion  securing the narrowest 7-5 victory. In the other semi final, Salisbury met Sevenoaks; a superb game resulted with 2 good attacking sides meeting excellent defences, and as a result neither side troubled the scorers. The tournament committee had a heart breaking decision in awarding the final place to Salisbury on the narrowest of count-backs. In truth neither side deserved to go out at that stage. We understand that Salisbury and Sevenoaks will also meet next season in a full length match.

And so to the final; after a scrappy first half, the game came to life in the second period. 2 minutes into the half Salisbury worked Tom Hooper into the left hand corner where he touched down for an excellent try. Ben Holton kicked the sweetest of conversions from out wide. Westcliff responded when centre three-quarter, Dave Scupham won the ball on his own 22, and sprinting the length of the pitch touched down under the posts; Salisbury charged down the conversion to earn the narrowest of 7-5 victories to take the John Motum Plate back to Dorset.

Colchester Rugby Club was proud to host the event – over 400 boys took part in a friendly festival, where the spirit of rugby won in outstanding style. My thanks to Colchester parents who worked so hard, to Rod Chatters for producing 5 quality pitches, to the “backroom” team of Ron Hatch, Keith Harris, Joe Cowie and Kevin Rixon for ensuring that scores were recorded accurately, and for ensuring that the festival ran to time.  Unfortunately festivals with so many games and so many players produce knocks and injuries – thanks to physiotherapists. Liz Merrick, James Castle and Sam Currie for tending to these (thankfully few) injuries. Finally, thanks to my refereeing colleagues, my fellow London Society Referees, Mike Woods and Calum Howard (who are both only 17), Paddy Heeson and Martin Goodman, and Colchester RFC members, Lee Tanner and Lloyd Davies, with U14 Manager, Bruce Woodcock also officiating 3 games.


Ross Cowie – Chairman of Youth Rugby – Colchester RFC
21/04/09

 

Coach Paul Phillips

South Woodham Ferrers RFC U14’s

U 14 League Division 1 Match Report

Sunday 30th November 2008

South Woodham 19 - 7  Barking

In only their first season in this division, South Woodham moved to second in the league table after an emphatic win today over Barking.

For the first 10 minutes play took place in and around the Barking 22 metre line.  Both sets of forwards gave no quarter and each ruck and maul was hard fought.  Dom Stevens, Jack Stacey, Sahil Gul and Matt Hills were central to the South Woodham drive, with both Conor Phillips and Lewis Bruniges peeling of the rucks effectively. Gradually Woodham moved nearer the opposition line but as they did so their cohesion went and Barking escaped with a series well positioned kicks.  Runs from Liam Fitt, Jack Stacey and Elliott Croft drove the play back on target but as half time approached the Barking line clicked and they went over after a number of phases of play.  At half time Woodham wondered how so much pressure and so much play in the Barking half had resulted in them being behind.

Within 3 minutes of the restart Woodham were level.  A searing run from Liam Fitt left the opposition for dead and an accurate conversion from Elliott Croft sealed the seven points.  With both sides so evenly matched it was no surprise to find most of the play in the second half on or around the half way line.  Near missed tries came from great runs and drives from Leo King, Jack Stacey, Conor Phillips and Liam Fitt. Nick Anderson dealt expertly with the numerous kicks over the top from Barking and at last the back line started moving as one unit.  A series of scrums were won and Angus Joyce fed the backs a constant stream of accurate passes.  Anthony Guyseman and Bradley Lee combined well to push the play into the Barking half.  With 5 minutes to go a flowing backs move sent the ball all the way down to Ollie Cooke who ran half the length of the pitch to touch down underneath the posts in order to help Elliott Croft out with the conversion.  Ollie Cooke now had a taste for scoring so when play went down the opposing wing, he switched sides, made the overlap and ran the ball in close to the touchline. 

At the end both coaches and parents applauded a titanic game in which Woodham showed strength of character, teamwork and sheer will to win.

Team: Tim Stack, Matt Hills, Dom Stevens, Elliott Croft, Jack Stacey, Sahil Gul, Leo King, Lewis Bruniges, Conor Phillips, Bradley Lee, Liam Fitt, Athony Guyseman, Angus Joyce, Nick Anderson, Ollie Cooke

Tries: Ollie Cooke 2, Liam Fitt 1.  Conversions: Elliott Croft

Match Report by Brian Pratt







Under 14’s Friendly

Sunday 23rd November 2008

 South Woodham Ferrers 5 – 10 Chelmsford B

 Chelmsford are a large club with over 40 players on their books at our age group.  They have played in the first division for a number of years.  It was a remarkable achievement for our development side to get so close to beating them.  Two things stood out today, teamwork and the sheer enjoyment shown by all on the field, as Jason Spink said, “it was rugby with a smile on our faces.”

Right from the start we pressed forwards with some of the best rucking we have seen (the benefit of the extra training session was plain to see).  Tim Stack carried the ball well and was backed up manfully by Leo King, Matt Toner, Freddie Ellis and Jamie Beavington.  Ben pushed over the whole ruck on more than one occasion and he kept the play moving.  All of this provided a solid platform for our backs to attack whilst keeping the ball away from their backline for much of the first half.  There was a lot of communication from forwards to backs and Daniel Spink fed the ball out with great skill.  The ball moved down the line quickly (again, the practice the day before paid dividends as all the team were comfortable in their positions and had made their mistakes on the practice field - not on the match pitch).  A period of sustained pressure resulted in Angus Joyce crashing over on the wing.  Just before half time Chelmsford scored after being held up twice on the line by our defence.  At half time the game was finely balanced. 

The second half was played mainly on the halfway line which was a result of the even nature of the play.  Slowly it became clear that the only real advantage Chelmsford had over us was their kicking game, two or three of their players were adept at placing their kicks just behind our line.  Nick Anderson did very well to retrieve most of them and either kick or run the ball back.  Our lineout held up well and we stole a number of their put-ins.  Later on Chelmsford scored after a good two or three phases of forward play.

Even though we lost, all who watched the game applauded the standard of play on both sides.  Our team played for each other, backed each other up and encouraged each other constantly.  The final word belongs to Tim Stack, who said “that was the best game I have played in”.

Tries: Rhys Murphy

Match Report by Brian Pratt

Division One League Game

Sunday 16th November 2008

South Woodham Ferrers 10-35 Romford

With an illness ravaged side South Woodham went down fighting in this U14 league fixture.

Right from the start Romford pressed on the South Woodham line and scored a try right in the left hand corner.  Steadily, South Woodham began to get themselves organised.  This was made doubly difficult with so many players playing out of position (particularly Anthony Gyseman, a late choice at Full Back).  Our normally rock solid scrum was put under pressure constantly but the boys stuck to their task.  Runs from Elliott Croft and Liam Fitt relieved the pressure.  Just as we were gaining the upper hand Romford ran in a try due to a timely interception by their centre.  As half time approached Woodham again pressed forward, the rucking was purposeful ( Matt Toner, Sahil Gul, Martin Lane, Dom Stevens and Matt Hills worked well together) and they provided a good platform for the backs to attack. Lewis Bruniges also made a number of important tackles and he linked well with the backs, this was a sterling effort given his illness. The ball came out to Elliott Croft who switched direction, fooled the opposition and passed out to Ollie Cooke who went over in the corner.  At half time the position looked good and our boys looked the equal of Romford’s full strength side.

In the second half Romford used the advantage of the slope to good effect and kept us pinned in our own half, utilising their speedy centre to maximum effect.  Slowly the points tally mounted up and the boys tired, with no substitutes available to provide fresh legs.  Still Woodham did not give up and a spell of strong pressure allowed Liam Fitt to crash over the line. As the game wore on it was clear that illness and unfamiliar playing positions were taking their toll and the final score bore no relation to the playing ability of the Woodham side. All of the coaches and parents were proud of the spirit shown by the side and as Coach Paul Phillips said, “Today was about character and even though we are all disappointed at losing the league points, everyone should be proud that they played their part.

Tries:  Ollie Cooke, Liam Fitt

Match Report by Brian Pratt

South Woodham Ferrers 17- Westcliff 22
 
League Match on 26th October 2008 
 
This was always going to be a closely fought match, particularly with ,Matt Salter, out of commission with a broken ankle and our hooker and blind side flanker unavailable.
 
We had worked out how to play Westcliff,as they have stronger forwards and a weaker back line, particularly in the inside/outside centre channel. Imagine our surprise on the day to see the Rochford full back David Scupham in the outside centre channel-apparently Westcliff managed to sign him from Rochford and register him four days before our match! Clearly they were taking our win against Chelmsford seriously!
 
We stuck to our game plan though and blitzed Westcliff right from the start, as we did against Chelmsford, leading to Conor Phillips driving over for an easy first try. For most of the second half, we managed to keep Westcliff pinned back in their own half with sheer pressure,mainly from the back row in the rucks ,and some sterling runs by the tight five forwards-we were getting decent ball out to the backs and keeping the ball in hand.The problem with this was that our backs were getting sucked in to the rucks leaving us vulnerable to counter-attack and a runaway try and this is what happened with turnover ball leading to the ball coming out to the Rochford lad David Scupham who managed to break through our backs and put the ball down between the posts.The conversion went over,so the score was 5-7,against the run of play.
 
This seemed to galvanise SWF in to playing some outstanding rugby with runs from Jack Stacey,Sahil and other big ball carriers,and again domination of the rucks and set pieces-replacement hooker Callum did a great job in the scrums and line outs,as did our props and second rowers.We spent most of the time in Westcliff's half,with the ball coming out once again  20 metres from the Westcliff line and Elliot Croft feeding Liam Fitt,who straightened his run to break through in a brilliant try.Elliott converted so the score was now 12-7.
 
The remainder of the half saw further pressure being applied by SWF with wave after wave of attacks-Westcliff tackled well,and just before half time Conor Phillips went over the Westcliff try line-only to be found to have knocked the ball on with a last second tackle!
 
Westcliff just managed to clear their lines on the half time whistle.
 
The second half started again at a furious pace with some intelligent kicking by Westcliff this time putting our full back Nick Anderson under pressure-he cleared every time and stayed cool under mounting pressure. Gaps were beginning to appear all over the pich as the game broke up a little,and again the new Westcliff outside centre broke tackles to run through and offload the ball facilitating the second try.The try was unconverted so the score sat at 12-12-a real nail biter!
 
SWF heads did not come down,as they knew they can beat this side,but about 15 minutes in to the second half Westcliff again broke through,this time through the forwards,sucked all the SWF forwards in then moved the ball smoothly through the backs to put the winger over in the far corner in what was an excellent try. The try was unconverted so the score was 12-17 to Westcliff!
 
After a session behind the posts while the conversion was being taken,and having taken more fluids on board,the SWF boys came out looking for the next try .From the excellent re-start again from Elliott Croft,the chase was good,pressure came on and Westcliff cracked-fumbling and having to touch down in their own in goal area to avert the try.From the five metre scrum, Conor Phillips picked up and went on the blind side and was not to be denied this time. The conversion was unconverted-so level pegging at 17-17, ten minutes to go.
 
The last ten minutes were a complete cliff hanger,with the game see-sawing either way and some brilliant rugby being played by both sides,but it was Westcliff who were able to break the deadlock and get the ball wide to the pacey winger who ran in a very good try-no conversion so the score sat at 22-17.
 
In a monumental effort,with both sides out on their feet-it was SWF who re-applied the pressure and kept Westcliff pinned in their half- but it was good last gasp tackling and clearing kicks from Westcliff that kept SWF at bay and clinched the victory.
 
An excellent game of rugby from both teams.
 
SWF can be proud of the boys' display and the strength of character they showed. Next time boys,next time!  
 
Tries:  Conor Phillips 2, Liam Fitt 1, Conversion: Elliott Croft

 

SWF 12-12  Braintree  - League Division 1 Match 12/10/08

 South Woodham maintained their unbeaten run in the league in a match that ended early due to an injury to the Braintree full back.

For the first 10 minutes the play was confined to the Braintree half.  Good rucking by South Woodham pushed the ball close to the try line.  Although the ball was moved out of scrum and ruck efficiently by the Braintree backs, the Woodham line held and forced a number of handling errors.  Braintree then became more organised and kicked into the Woodham half.  Gradually Braintree moved forward, and as they broke through Liam Fitt held the ball up on the try line.  From the scrum Elliot Croft kicked clear over the line.  As the Woodham line moved forward from the line out, and, despite charging runs from Conor Phillips and Lewis Bruniges, Braintree counter attacked and ran in for a try.  From the restart, play became more even, good running from the Woodham backs, including Bradley Lee and Ollie Cooke, was met with solid resistance from Braintree.  As a Woodham move broke down, Braintree gathered the ball and the centre ran over for a try under the posts.  The conversion was easy and left Woodham 12 points adrift with 5 minutes to half time. After the restart Woodham forced a line out, Conor Phillips caught the ball, which went down the line as far as Liam Fitt who ran straight in for a try under the posts, leaving most of the Braintree backs in his wake.  Elliot Croft converted and brought the first half to a close.

The second half was evenly matched.  David Bird, on for Nick Anderson, picked up a difficult kick and began the move that resulted in Woodham’s second try.  Woodham pushed the ball towards the Braintree half and forced their full back to knock on.  The scrum delivered the ball to Angus Joyce who sent it down the line, when it came to Liam Fitt,  he reversed direction, ran around the now redundant scrum and drove hard for the line.  As he ran Conor Phillips stuck to his shoulder and as Liam Fitt was tackled he was on hand to lift the ball and drive over.  The kick was a difficult one and Elliott narrowly missed the nearside post.  The game was now neatly poised at 12-12. Braintree attacked from the kick and forced a 22 drop out from Woodham.  Play became a little scrappy with a number of unforced errors on each side.  With 10 minutes to go Woodham counter attacked with a brilliant kick from Liam Fitt, Conor Phillips gathered and drove forward.  However, the Braintree full back was so intent on collecting the high ball from Liam Fitt that he did not see his own centre and they collided heavily.  The referee, with the agreement of both coaches, brought the game to a premature end with honours even, so that medical attention could be sought.  The game was played in good spirit and we wish the Braintree player a speedy recovery.

Tries: Liam Fitt, Conor Phillips.  Conversion: Elliott Croft



SWFRFC Under 14’s v Chelmsford Division 1 League Match 21/9/08

South Woodham Ferrers 19  - 12  Chelmsford

 

For two years this Chelmsford side had been unbeaten in both league and cup games.  As a newly promoted side South Woodham must have appeared to be there for the taking, one more game to add to the impressive run of wins.  Three tries and two conversions soon changed all of that.

For the first twenty minutes Chelmsford were pinned down in their own half.  Tireless work by the pack and slick passing from the backs not only gained territory but also disrupted Chelmsford’s game.  Impressive runs from Conor Phillips, Lewis Bruniges, Ollie Cook and Elliott Croft kept the momentum going.  Chelmsford were being beaten in every department of the forward’s game, lineout, scrum, ruck and maul.  They were rattled and making elementary errors, many of which attracted the attention of the referee. Woodham’s first try was the result of sustained pressure on Chelmsford’s five metre line in which Sahil Gul, Josh Rainey and Jack Stacey figured highly. After many tantalising runs in which the whole Woodham back line frightened the life out of the Chelmsford coaches, Matthew Salter went over in the corner and Elliott Croft converted.  Now at last Chelmsford could be allowed to make the trip to the Woodham half of the pitch, courtesy of the re-start!  Late on in the first half Chelmsford began to regroup and justify their record of wins.  After a quickly taken free kick, some hard running by the Chelmsford line and despite a crunching tackle by Nick Anderson, Chelmsford produced a fine try on the stroke of half time.  

The second half started as the first had begun, Chelmsford were forced into making handling errors and Woodham produced the more fluid rugby using many well rehearsed set piece moves. Still the game was being played out in the Chelmsford half.  After 10 minutes Liam Fitt and Matthew Salter conspired to send Ollie Cook over the try line. 12-5 to Woodham.  From the restart Chelmsford found their game again and their outside centre scored after making a brilliant interception.  The conversion was easy. 12 apiece!  The game now became more even.  Both teams began to tire, mistakes became more frequent but it was always Woodham who looked the more likely to win.   It was as if this once great Chelmsford team were still on their summer holidays!  With 8 minutes to go Woodham were rewarded for a period of intense pressure.  They won a scrum against the head, the ball flew one way down the line and then the other, the forwards made ground but it was Angus Joyce the scrum half who when passed the ball surged over the Chelmsford line.  Elliott Croft again converted and the job was done!

The Masai warriors in Kenya believe that if you show the bravery to kill a lion in one to one combat and eat its heart you take on the characteristics of the lion. I think SWF under 14s just did that to Chelmsford, but they also started on the pitch with more pride , and sheer will to win - showing that even the ostensibly unbeatable can be beaten if you have the heart!

After the game Coach Phillips (Paul) congratulated Woodham for the best game he had ever seen them play and for some “very clever rugby”.  But perhaps the last word should be left to the Chelmsford coach “we were outplayed completely”, says it all really!  

SWF Under 14’s Team

Alfie Anderson, Lewis Bruniges, Sahil Gul, Matthew Hills, Leo King, Martin Lane, Jonathon Leong, Callum McCarthy, Conor Phillips, Josh Rainey, Jack Stacey, Dom Stevens, Matthew Toner, Stuart Tyler, Ollie Cook, Elliott Croft, Liam Fitt, Anthony Gyseman, Angus Joyce, Haydn Lock, Reece Murphy, Matthew Salter, Sean Saville, Nicholas Anderson, David Bird, Freddie Ellis, Bradley Lee, Daniel Spink, Tim Stack.





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