Sunday 27th April
For several of the Nottingham squad, this was the second final in consecutive years and a chance to finally lay to rest the anguish of last season’s narrow defeat to Stamford.
For some, though, it ran deeper than that; five or six seasons of vying with (and often matching) the best in the region at our age-group at NLD Festivals and finals, only to miss out and be left in the shadows as Derby or Stamford lifted the trophies year after year.
This year’s final took place at Market Rasen, and began well for the Green & Whites, who controlled the first ten minutes. The forwards were tidy, soaked up all the early Derby pick-and-drives, and Matt F and Doug began to get regular supply out to the backs. Although Jack P and Joe W on the flanks didn’t get clear of their opposite numbers, it was Nottm asking the questions. Matt B landed a penalty – the reward for this early pressure - from 25 metres out.
But Derby moved up a gear, and enjoyed the better of the second quarter. On three occasions they fashioned breaks in midfield, and looked dangerous with second-phase ball. With our defence stretched, a try was disallowed for a forward pass, and another effort was held up over the line, before we finally capitulated and went 3-7 down.
Further pressure ensued, and big tackles from Dan W in midfield, Ross WS on the touchline, and Jona (an extremely brave head-on collision on our goal-line following a tap-penalty) were required to keep the deficit to 4 points. Indeed, but for these outstanding tackles and a couple of nervy knock-ons by Derby in advanced positions, they would have certainly extended their lead.
So, the talk over Darren’s oranges at half-time - rumours of Grape Clusters administered by Roman handmaidens proved groundless (or is it seedless ? –Ed) – was that we should plug the defensive holes in our midfield, and continue to fight like terriers to ensure the possession that would surely lead to further chances.
And, it must be said, the lads responded magnificently. The front five battled away, Alistair stole line-out ball, Tennessee led by example, and crucially, Matt B, Jack P and Adam T worked as a tight defensive trio to stem the midfield attacks. As a result, the second period saw us gain a significant territorial advantage – Derby hardly got out of their own half.
Had our final passes and handling at crucial moments matched our fighting spirit and approach play, we surely would have won the game earlier. As it was, their defence matched us, and a stalemate followed as the clock began to run down. Derby never really looked like adding to their tally of points, however, whilst our territorial pressure finally led to them conceding penalties. Matt B kicked another from 30 metres to make it 6-7, and with time running out (3 minutes) and nerves fraying (at least a few were along the touchline !) had another chance from wide on the left.
Ignoring the unsporting chants of a couple of parents (thankfully both the ref and Derby coaches intervened, to the relief of all present – spectators and players) Matt held his nerve and launched a beauty towards the posts. What happened next didn’t help to calm the aforementioned nerves; the ball appeared to creep over the crossbar, then was dropped (knocked on) by a Derby player in the in-goal area, and touched down by Matt F, who was dutifully following up the kick.
We held our breath.
After a momentary pause, the touch judges raised their flags to signal a successful kick, and provoke a huge cheer from the Nottm supporters. We survived a late flurry from Derby, but continued to keep our shape and our nerve to win 9-7.
Not a flowing game of creative rugby, then, but a great contest between two very finely-balanced teams. Derby were fiery and played better than in the two games earlier this season, but for the third time within a year we prevailed. Just.
Fantastic effort from the lads – they went into this final believing they should win it, but had to dig really deep to actually carry it off. We know we could have performed better, but for the players finals are – when all is said and done – about winning, and finally today we won.
A big thanks to all the squad players (subs and other travelling players) who were present today; their efforts helped us to get this far, and they helped with the smooth running of things today. Also, a round of applause to the parents and families who made the trip – they have travelled far and wide this season, and it was good to have their positive, encouraging vocal support on the sidelines.
Special thanks to Angela for the victory cake – including the hasty piping of ‘Winners’ on top after the final whistle. Scrumptious, and perfect with a pint in the sunshine while the celebrations started………
Squad: Sam T, Ross W, Sean S, Jacob H, Josh K, Alistair P, Joe C, Will N, Anthony S, Tennessee H, Jona N, Matt F, Josh G, Doug M, Matt B, Adam T, Dan W, Rorry H, Ross WS, Joe W, Dan P, Stewart D, Matt M, Callum B, Josh H, James S
Scorers: Pens: Matt B 3
Statto’s Corner
Overall
P 37 W 35 D 1 L 1
Pts F 970 (160 tries, 73 conversions, 7 pens, 1 drop-goal) A 199
15-a-side
P 22 W 21 L 1
Pts F 737 (118 tries, 63 conversions, 7 penalties) A 160
* Statto will provide his complete end-of-season breakdown of stats after the NLD Sevens, and will apparently be attending the Presentation Evening at Lady Bay on Wed 14th May, where he has agreed to answer any questions (of a statistical nature only).
Sunday 20th April
The penultimate 15-a-side game of the season saw Nottingham coast fairly comfortably to a 38-0 victory over Market Harborough.
The side was never under any sustained pressure, and might have used their superiority in most areas of the pitch as a springboard to put together a more cohesive and disciplined performance.
However, this never really materialised – a combination of penalties conceded around the tackle/ruck area, some casual and over-ambitious passing and offloading, and some chilly fingers, all led to a somewhat stuttering and patchy performance.
Consequently of the six tries scored, only one reflected outstanding team-play (the second, when after the forwards secured clean ball, Dan made a good break in the centre, Anthony supported and offloaded well, and Doug made good ground as final support player to score wide on the right flank).
Arnie produced some strong tackle-breaking runs and scored twice (once with a flamboyant finish which will probably be a contender for the Dive Of The Season competition). Dan, Anthony and Joe W also bagged a try each, and Rorry kicked four conversions.
So, a comfortable win – although in a higher-stakes game our tendency to not catch kick-offs cleanly (Josh K excepted, who confidently called for and caught two), to infringe needlessly at, and overpopulate, the ruck area (offside/hands in), and to persist in risky offloads after contact – might cost us more dearly than it did today.
All that said – well done to the team for another good win, the twentieth of the campaign, and good luck for the finale at Market Rasen in a week’s time.
Finally, a slap on the wrist to whoever carried on the drinks at half-time (mascot Brian was found shortly afterwards, discarded and flat on his back in the damp grass on the touchline!) and hats off to Angela, who, as the ball was hoofed into touch at the final whistle, caught it with style and aplomb.
So, if we need catching practice…………………………….
Final score 38-0.
Scorers:
Tries: Arnie (surname please !) 2, Doug M, Dan W, Joe W, Anthony S
Conversions :- Rorry H 4,
Stattos’ Corner:
Overall:
P 36 W 34 D 1 L 1 Pts F 961 (160 tries, 73 conversions, 4 pens, 1 drop-goal) A 192
15-a-side
P 21 W 20 L 1 Pts F 731 A 153
Sunday 13th April
This was our twentieth 15-a-side fixture of the season, and our first defeat.
It was suggested after the game that perhaps a loss at this stage of the season might be no bad thing, and may serve to sharpen our minds, leave us hungry for the NLD Final in a fortnight. Maybe so – in the meantime it has given us a few pointers and a bit of food for thought.
Old Northamptonians just had a bit too much for us today, and probably deserved their victory. Had we snatched a draw after our belated comeback late in the game, it would have belied the pressure they put us under, and been scant reward for the vigour and purpose with which they attacked us, both up front and in the backs.
That said, things could have been quite different had we been more consistent in our tackling and realignment, and managed to make greater use of our wide runners (who looked dangerous and capable of scoring when they got the ball).
Things started quite well (despite us dropping the kick-off) and when Ross WS broke clear wide on our left, Adam made good ground to take an inside pass and score. Matt B converted.
Northampton replied after winning a penalty close to our line, and went ahead when after further pressure they created an overlap to run in a rather-too-easy second try.
A neat tap-penalty of our own led to Matt B edging us back in front 14-12, but the lead changed hands again just before half-time, when we conceded another try after being adjudged ‘consistently’ offside. 14-19 at the break.
There were good moments from both sides in the first period, but the game suffered from a surfeit of whistle – often for mysterious and unexplained infringements. As we scratched our heads on the sidelines and witnessed a string of erm, idiosyncratic decisions, one could sense the team becoming frustrated with the regularity of the whistle and the imprecise nature in which these infringements were explained.
When two pretty good sides meet, you hope (for all concerned) that the game will be overseen, controlled and generally helped along by a decent ref. The players deserve it.
Mulling over this, and other issues at half-time, we munched on Darren’s oranges (rumours of a kiwi and grape surprise proved groundless) whose freshness and flavour may have been compromised by a lengthy trip around Northamptonshire in the boot of his car, but which were relished nonetheless.
The second half continued where the first had left off. Obviously a set of forwards under pressure (and we were) are likely to concede the odd penalty, but today we conceded a hatful. Even taking account of some erratic decisions today, this is something that we will need to address ahead of the NLD Final. Equally, when we are under threat in midfield and wide positions, we must ensure our backs realign and defend as a unit; today there were too many occasions when our shape was left wanting, and for once we were punished for it.
They scored the next two tries to lead 14-31, and from that position it was always going to be difficult for us to turn it around.
We had a good go, though. Ross WS raced clear on the left touchline after good passes from Matts F and B, and when Matt B converted this, and then landed a penalty a few minutes later, it brought us to within 7 points.
A measure of the bewilderment and confusion engendered on the pitch can be gleaned from the fact that several players believed that Matt’s penalty had in fact levelled the scores (this having been suggested by the ref as Matt lined up the kick).
Unluckily (for us) Statto emerged from his corner, and after a quick consultation of his abacus confirmed the final score to be 24-31.
So – well done to Old Northamptonians, deserved winners on the day. We played well in flashes, but we were patchy, and occasionally a bit flimsy.
Now that the 100% record has gone we must make sure we know what to do to be focused for the last two games against Market Harborough next Sunday, and against Derby in two weeks time.
Scorers
Tries: Adam T, Matt B, Ross WS. Conversions: Matt B 3. Pen: Matt B.
Stattos’ Corner :
15-a-side:
P 20 W 19 L 1 Pts F 693 A 153
Overall:
P 35 W 33 D 1 L 1
Pts F 923 (154 tries, 69 conversions, 4 pens, 1 drop-goal) A 192
Saturday 30th March
For a change the weather blew fair and a much-appreciated local fixture would have meant an extra hour or so in bed had the clocks not gone forward.
Never the less every one seemed to remember and turned up on time, even Josh G who had driven in from the French Alps and still looked remarkably fresh, which is more than can be said for his dad.
Nottingham Started with intent and Dan W scored almost immediately with a blistering run down the right wing with Rorry converting his 1st of 4 for the day from the 5 meter mark. In a strong 1st half performance we dominated much of the game and our newsiest member of the squad, Arnie, proved a real hand full, and was duly reward when he scored our 2nd try, he will be back.
Our forwards continued to dominate and with some slick passing through the backs more tries followed, Ilkeston did manage to score either side of half time but never looked like threatening our lead.
Dan W scored twice more, Stewart marked his return with a typical wingers try down the wing, as did Joe walker, who also defended superbly through out.
After a scrappy few minutes in the oppositions 22 Will N cleaned up the scraps to score a fine try and Josh G finished a typical scummy’s try.
Tries: Dan W 3, Arnie 1, Stewart 1 Joe W 1, Will 1, Josh G 1. Conversions: Rorry 4
Saturday 22nd March
There must have been a certain time, a moment at some stage during the outward journey to Bath, at which there was a feeling, a collective sense of apprehension and foreboding, a realisation that this was going to be a long, eventful and a topsy-turvy day.
In retrospect, it is clear when that moment was. It was just after 9.45am, as we turned off the main road onto a country lane somewhere between Bristol and Bath (had the great God SATNAV sent us up this remote by-way to test us ?), and starting chugging uphill, looking out into the swirling wind-blown snow and Alan (only half-joking) suggested to the forwards that they prepare to get out and push, and his phone rang.
Coach Partington calling.….already arrived…..not much here really….. a bit bleak……..on top of a hill…….pitches quite exposed….…signal fading……….
Perhaps the prospect of a visit to Bath Youth Rugby had provoked images of comfy regency splendour; shortly before ten our vehicle (having survived the hill but, unbeknownst to us, on its last legs) arrived at a scene resembling something more like Ice Station Zebra.
Clearly in such conditions it would be difficult to play much expansive rugby. However, we prepared for action, and headed off into the teeth of a howling wind across a field and in the direction of a dry-stone wall, behind which we could just make out (through the blizzard) some rugby posts.
We sheltered inside a creaking old wooden construction (a miniature stand from long before the professional era) and met our opposition, St. Joseph’s from Cardiff.
We had our usual sluggish start, failing to close down and tackle their danger-men, and found ourselves 0-5 down. Handling was tricky, and we had trouble adapting to the conditions – too often attempting long passes, but battled our way back into what was becoming a physically-intense game (Adam had to leave the field with a neck injury, and Joe W and Joe C both received heavy knocks) with some strong defence.
Jack scored and Matt B converted to give us a 7-5 advantage, but they regained the lead with a converted try – 12-7. As the game entered its later stages the occasional feisty and niggling exchanges from earlier in the contest threatened to escalate into ugly scenes as their number 8 and inside centre lost it completely, the former being restrained and led from the field by coaches, and the latter extremely lucky not to be carded for a blatant and pre-meditated elbow into Matt F’s face after a tackle (leaving Matt streaming with blood and unable to continue).
To their credit, our lads, whilst more than ready to front-up in legal physicality, refused to be drawn into the Welsh side’s approach of being all-too-ready and willing to use violence. And as if to justify this, the game swung on a late breakaway try by Callum, who burned three defenders on an inspiring run from halfway to level the scores, and an outstanding conversion by Matt B, who held his nerve and landed a long-distance kick in swirling wind to win the game 14-12.
We snatched victory despite a faltering performance, but deserved it, if for nothing more than our spirit and refusal to be drawn into the ugly side of the game in the face of pretty extreme provocation.
What a joy it was, then, (after a short huddle in the shed) to play Devenport in another hard-fought but utterly fair contest. We edged this one, and despite being pressured and having to tackle hard (Anthony S, Joe C and Tennessee H were prominent and put in a huge effort), a try in each half from Ross WS ensured a 10-0 victory.
The third and final game was against hosts Bath, who proved to be weaker in the pack than our previous opponents. This was relief for our front-five players (Sean S, Ross W, Matt M, Sam T, Alistair and James) who had worked tirelessly in the intensity of the first two games. With a following wind we racked up 19 points in the first half (2 tries from Jack and a breakaway from Matt B, who converted 2) and spent almost all of the second half defending in our own 22, sometimes on our own line.
Again our defensive technique and stubborn resolve not to concede points stood out ; Bath huffed and puffed but never really looked like blowing the front door open, let alone the house down. The only calamity proved to be when Ross WS, attempting a clearance kick (we told them to keep ball-in-hand !) saw the ball ricochet off Matt and back into his own right eye – laying him out and resulting in a first-class shiner as a souvenir of the day, which led to much mirth and comment on our return journey.
So it remained 19-0 – a third victory which ensured that we won the competition!
The aftermath was somehow a bit anti-climactic. We all hurried back to the warmth of the clubhouse for a hasty prizegiving (Callum and Brian lifting and collecting yet more silverware for the cabinet), and then it was all over. No time to meet and chat with other coaches and parents, no food or drinks available. Perhaps they were all in a hurry to get airlifted back to the comfy regency splendour of the real world, or to the Rec to see Bath play London Irish.
After an hour or so at Ice Station Zebra waiting for our bus to be fixed, or for supplies to be dropped, or for the weather to break, we went there too, and saw a great game, including a host of internationals (one of whom –Steve Borthwick – kindly agreed to pose with our lads for a photo on the pitch after the game).
Then all we had to do was pop back to the coach and head off to Nottingham…………..
Squad: Sean S, Sam T, Ross W, Matt M, Alistair P, James S, Tennessee H, Anthony S, Adam T, Joe C, Matt F, Matt B, Dan W, Jack P, Rorry H, Joe W, Callum B, Ross WS.
Scorers - Tries : Jack 3, Ross WS 2, Callum B, Matt B. Conversions : Matt B 4
Sunday 16th March
Those of you who listen to the midweek radio phone-in hosted by my colleague D’Arcy Gregan will have been aware of the interest and speculation in advance of this fixture.
We’d seen their photo in Rugby World, we’d heard praise and advice from other opponents, we were aware of their mammoth unbeaten run.
So by 11.00 am on Sunday, after a stressful hour of negotiating and fighting our corner to access changing rooms and a pitch to play on, (having assumed this had all been sorted amicably on Wed evening) we finally kicked off.
For the first ten minutes it seemed that Bosworth’s reputation was indeed justified and deserved; they were aggressive, faster than us to the breakdown, and intent on spinning the ball out wide for, in particular, their full-back to run onto.
This he did to good effect, to open the scoring after 5 minutes. Then a couple of long kicks pinned us back, although strong tackles from Rorry, Adam and Joe C, and a brief counter-attack from Ross WS, settled our nerves.
As the first period progressed, we began to achieve parity up front, with the forwards beginning to assert themselves in the scrum, and our fierce tackling around the rucks and in midfield causing Bosworth to spill the ball.
Gradually we started to match them at the breakdown, and when they were repeatedly penalised for killing the ball, our kicks pinned them back in their own half. From one penalty Jack P came very close to scoring a try (placing the ball onto a post-protector, though unfortunately not at ground level) and shortly before the break Matt B kicked a penalty to leave it 3-5 at half-time.
As Darren’s oranges were devoured (rumours of mango and pineapple smoothies proved groundless) a few words of frustration were overheard from the opposing huddle, whilst a quiet determination was articulated in our own; we felt that we had started to wrest the momentum of the game from Bosworth, and that if we could continue in this vein ………………..
The second half saw not only a continuation, but a step up in terms of effort and resolve. Our defence was outstanding – everyone making big tackles. Sam, Sean, Jacob and Josh K grafted tirelessly up front, and Matt F, Jona and Alistair were everywhere at the breakdowns.
Will upset their half-backs, making several tackles and then charging down a clearance kick to maintain pressure. Whilst the forwards toiled and fought, the backs defended well as a unit, so that none of the opposition attacks made much headway. Matt B, Jack and Dan kept the midfield together, and when we got possession they began to punch holes in the Bosworth defence.
When Tennessee made a break into their 22, Joe W was in support and forced his way over for a try, and then Dan , who had taken a couple of crash balls into contact, worked a neat dummy-scissor with Matt B which allowed Jack to slice through between their centres and score the decisive second try. A simple but perfectly-executed move.
Bosworth kept attacking, but big tackles from Josh G and Joe W (followed by a declaration worthy of Churchill on the beaches - “Nobody is ever coming through this channel” !!) summed up the collective resolve that we were not, having gained the advantage, going to let it go.
The final whistle signalled a deserved 13-5 victory, in what was a pulsating game of good quality rugby in wet and windy conditions – praise must go to both teams for providing an exciting spectacle.
For Nottm this was a step up in intensity from the recent victories against Paviors & Lincoln. Bosworth were a good side - very similar in character to ourselves, in fact, with physical but mobile forwards and pacy, strong-running backs (though we had the edge in the backs, with a greater variety of options and strength across the park).
Though tested, we responded superbly and played in a very mature way – there was lots of communication on the pitch, and good decision-making (in the frenetic last ten minutes, having handled well to create the tries, we used penalties to kick and gain territory, ensuring that the game was played nearer their line than ours).
After the game it was an extra treat to notice that mascot Brian has now been elevated to ‘club legend’ – his photo displayed in the clubhouse for all to see. He will be accompanying the squad to Bath Festival at the weekend, hoping to oversee further success as the season gathers momentum towards its final few weeks.
Also, hats off to the parents who volunteered to cook, serve, man the bar and generally help to make the day a success.
“Top banana !” as D’Arcy would say.
Squad: Sean S, Sam T, Jacob H, Josh K, Ross W, Alistair P, Joe C, Adam T, Jona N, Tennessee H, Will N, Matt F, Josh G, Rorry H, Matt B, Dan W, Jack P, Callum B, Joe W, Ross WS.
Scorers – Tries : Joe W 1, Jack P 1 Penalty : Matt B 1
Stattos’ Corner :
P 30 W 29 D 1 Pts F 808 (136 tries, 58 convs, 3 pens, 1 dg) A 137
Sunday 9th March
A very long but eventually very fruitful day in Boston saw the unbeaten sequence first extended comfortably, then under considerable threat, and finally underlined with confidence and aplomb as Nottm Under 14s added the Boston Tens Trophy to their virtual cabinet (has a cabinet been ordered yet for all this silverware ? –Ed).
Nestled between the impressive modern sports centre facility on one side, and the cabbage patches (doubling as the main runway, it proved later in the day, for Boston International Airport) on the other, we started our campaign against Spalding (a good performance resulting in a 25-5 victory) and then Loughborough (a less-than-convincing 10-0 win).
Third up were Kesteven, and although we took an early lead, a combination of strong resistance from Kesteven, poor decision-making from ourselves, and a few …erm.. idiosyncratic decisions from the referee put us on the back foot. To howls of delight from opposing fans and in front of a baying chorus of the Paviors squad (between games on the other pitch and sensing an upset, they suddenly became honorary Kesteven fans !) we conceded a late try and drew 5-5. Time to regroup. Words of wisdom. Bacon cobs. Bit of navel-gazing. Hot chocolate. etc.
Syston were beaten 25-0 in the next fixture (featuring Josh Hannah’s first try of the season), and then we played Grimsby – a match we needed to win in order to qualify from our group. Their centre broke away and opened the scoring; we equalised immediately through Dan. The minutes ticked by. Nerves frayed. A draw wouldn’t be enough. Memories of past NLD minis festivals flashed across our minds (not losing any games but failing to qualify on points/tries scored/penalties conceded/number of Aquarians/left-handed players in squad). Then a last-minute break from Ross secured a 10-5 win.
Bourne were defeated 25-5 in the last group game (notable for Rorry’s first try of the season).
The final saw us drawn against local rivals Paviors, who had won their own group and who were eager to repeat their narrow sevens victory against us of a year ago and to avenge the NLD cup victory we had inflicted on them early last season.
As we awaited the game, mascot Brian (having been snapped by the official tournament photographers, who displayed his image on their picture-board) revelled in his newly-bestowed notoriety and signed autographs in the clubhouse, chatting to intrigued players, tournament officials and besotted younger brothers and sisters alike. Eventually a referee appeared. Then an ‘independent’ touch judge (they live alone, travel fast, and need no-one). Then another.
At the end of a long day, and after a delayed start, we raised our game impressively to win 10-0. We controlled the game with a confident and steely performance; stifling their attacks and closing them down efficiently (Joe W’s early tackle into touch set a marker) and then taking our two chances when they came.
Most of the game took place in their half, we never looked in danger of conceding a try, and only the most biased and misguided of onlookers could possibly have suggested that we didn’t deserve our victory.
Well done to all the players who took part, and a medal of some sort to all the parents who encouraged, sympathised, cheered and maintained a good sense of humour throughout.
Squad: James S, Jacob H, Josh K, Alistair P, Tennessee H, Matt F, Josh H, Joe C, Josh G, Ross WS, Jack P, Dan W, Doug M, Joe W, Rorry H
Scorers – Tries: Ross WS 7, Dan W 5, Joe W 3, Jack P 2, Josh H, Rorry H, Doug M, Tennessee H, Alistair P
Tries scored 22
Tries conceded 4
Stattos’ Corner : P 29 W 28 D 1 L 0 Pts F 795 134 tries (24 different scorers !),
58 conversions, 2 pens,1 drop-goal A 132
Sunday 24th February
Tricky blighters, semi-finals. ‘One step from glory’, ‘tense affairs’, ‘agonising to lose’ etc. etc.
Having beaten Lincoln on Trent Pool earlier in the season, there was certainly an air of expectancy as we lined up to face them again in sunny Sleaford for a place in the NLD final.
But Lincoln started confidently, and put us on the back foot early in the game. We lost the ball trying to offload after contact outside our 22, and from the ensuing ruck a combination of sluggish realignment and a missed tackle from the normally-reliable Ross led to their centre opening the score.
The Lincoln scrum looked powerful, and Sam, Sean, Josh, Alistair and Joe C had to work hard to counter them in the set-pieces.
After Joe W had made headway on the left, a neat passing move released Dan W to equalise, and shortly afterwards Alistair broke clear to give us the lead. Ross atoned for his earlier error by manhandling the Lincoln centre into touch on halfway after he had broken clear again.
Downfield kicks from Rorry and Ross, using the wind at our backs, relieved further Lincoln pressure, but we still failed to assert ourselves with confidence – a few more missed first-up tackles in midfield reflecting a sense of nerviness, until we scored a third try to make the half-time score 15-5.
With Lincoln still very much in the game, and assisted by the wind after the break, one could be forgiven for expecting a stormy second half for the Green and Whites. However, fortified by a constructive chat and Darren’s oranges (rumours of a strawberry and kiwi fruit surprise proved ill-founded), we settled into a positive and confident rhythm.
Playing against the wind can have advantages; it points you toward keeping ball in hand, in narrower, safer channels, and passes tend to drift back towards, rather than out and away from receivers.
In an uncanny replica of the earlier fixture, we snuffed out the threat posed by the Lincoln forwards and steadily took control and extended our lead, as we were able to stretch their defences with ball in hand. As in November, Lincoln did not add to their half-time tally, and further tries from Jack P, Will N and Ross WS (2) sealed a comfortable victory.
The forwards were outstanding in this period of the game – Tennessee marshalled the forward effort, Sean and Josh H picked and drove, Jacob & Josh K even snatched a couple of scrums against the head, and when Alistair burst into their 22, excellent support from Will N led to a well-deserved try.
We also demonstrated how effective it is to have pace in wide positions, and Matt B’s introduction sparked the backline into a more active role, with steady supply from Josh G and Doug M.
The final score (43-5) belied the effort and contribution that Lincoln made to this game, but Nottingham were certainly worthy winners.
So – a second consecutive NLD final beckons; reward for consistently solid performances, and a sign that we are developing into a side capable of handling big games with confidence.
For several years, both as minis and juniors, the team has stuttered and failed to produce winning performances in the so-called ‘high-stakes’ fixtures; now there exists a consistency of performance and a level of technical ability for the undoubted potential in the squad to be realised.
Scorers: Tries - Ross WS 3, Dan W, Alistair P Jack P, Will N. Convs – Matt B 4.
Stattos’ Corner:
P 22 W 22 Pts F 685 (112 tries, 58 conversions, 2 pens, 1 drop-goal) A 112
Sunday 24th February
Armed with our old dog-eared copy of the Fodor Guide to the Rugby Grounds of Leicestershire (South), Mrs B and myself arrived at the ground just prior to kick-off, after a brief but illuminating visit to the local Montessori School and a couple of local farms.
A goodly crowd was gathered along the touchline, including mascot Brian, resplendent in new kit, and supporters of both sides saw an even, hard-fought and, eventually, cliffhanging game unfold before them.
Lutterworth soon showed that they could match Nottm in most areas of the pitch, and like ourselves had strong incisive runners in wide positions. Jack P was called upon to make a vital touchline tackle on our 10 metre line, before a strong run from Adam T led to Josh G scoring the first try.
After a period of stalemate, Matt F made a neat break from our 22, and good support from first Joe W and then Doug M led to our second score, which Matt B converted. At this stage, although we had to fight hard and contest every aspect of the game, we seemed to have established supremacy, matching Lutterworth in the set-piece with controlled forward play, and being solid in the backline , if a little wayward sometimes with over-ambitious passing.
A well-struck penalty from Matt B increased our lead to 15 points. However, a Lutterworth try either side of an orange-less half-time reduced our lead to 15-10, and although a slick passing move following a tap-penalty led to a try for Jack P, we had to defend as the home team raised their game in the final 10 minutes, and when we fumbled the ball near our line Lutterworth drove over to reduce the lead to 20-17.
With barely three minutes remaining, their centre broke clear wide on the left wing, and for once our cover tackling was found wanting as he ran in under the posts, leaving the simplest of conversions to leave us trailing 20-24.
Nails were bitten, brows were furrowed, Brian looked even more bemused than usual, and we began to steel ourselves for the inevitable as the glorious unbeaten record hung by a slender thread. Not so the forwards, who mauled and drove steadily upfield, winning two scrums and, crucially, keeping possession under intense pressure. When the ball squirted out of the second scrum, Josh G picked up, chose the blindside channel, drew his opponent, supplied Joe W who committed his own opposite number and passed to Jack P who, despite a heavy double tackle, squeezed over in the corner.
Last play. Final whistle. 25-24. The words ‘shave’ and ‘close’ sprang to mind.
Mention must be made of the Lutterworth side, who contributed fully to a very entertaining spectacle, and who must have thought their second-half comeback was enough to win the day.
The control and resilience of our lads in the last couple of minutes was hugely uplifting; it would have been easy for heads to have gone down and for defeat to be accepted at that point, but the team lifted itself when it really mattered.
In a bizarre twist after the final whistle, the oranges arrived (Richard having been too preoccupied with the game at half-time). I understand that normal service should be resumed at Sleaford (there are rumours of a passion fruit and strawberry salad to mark the NLD semi-final, but these are unconfirmed at the time of writing). Darren ?
See you at training, or at Sleaford. If not, on the scaffold.
Mortlock Bergamasco
Chief Sports Editor
Scorers: Tries – Jack P 2, Josh G, Doug M. Conversions – Matt B. Pen – Matt B
Stattos’ Corner :
P 21 W 21 Pts F 642 (105 tries, 54 conversions, 2 pens, 1 drop-goal) A 107
Sunday 3rd February
When I’m retired and the kids have flown the nest and I’m pottering around the house with nothing much to do, I may write a little pocket guide to the rugby grounds of middle England. Something along the lines of the old Baedeker’s & Lonely Planet Guides I thought; directions to the ground, a little description of the clubhouse (perhaps an artist’s sketch ?), dimensions of the pitches, marks out of five for the bacon cobs etc.
Someone should have the foresight to publish one; an invaluable accessory to the weekend kitbag. If one existed now, I venture that most of our squad would benefit from owning one. Apart from being a mildly-diverting good read, it would help to reduce the collective carbon footprint of the squad, which rises weekly as we traipse around the shires with SATNAV before us, Multimap beside us, searching for the hidden lanes and occasional signposts which signal the entrances to these far-flung little clubs.
This week’s stop on the 2008 Under 14s roadshow was Oakham. After an interesting, but ultimately pointless, detour around Rutland, Mrs Bergamasco and myself arrived at the ground to find the warm-up already in progress, surprisingly enough on the farthest pitch from the clubhouse – rendering it more in Leicestershire – or possibly Staffordshire.
However, at least we were all there on time, unlike last week when some arrived at half-time and one or two never arrived at all ! Anyway – to the game.
Matt B (broken toe) and Ross WS (back strain) were late absentees from the squad, but the team made light of this and settled into a good rhythm, playing some reassuringly controlled and confident rugby. Oakham were another example of a solid-enough team, able to match us physically and in most areas on the pitch, but hindered by an inability to pass the ball under any pressure.
Today our forwards were sparkier than in recent games – generally quicker to the breakdown, and superior in mauling technique. After a few adjustments, the backs got their passing game flowing, and when they did we always looked threatening. Some good tactical kicking from Doug and Rorry gave us territory early on.
First half tries from Jack P (2) and Josh G gave us a comfortable lead, and after the break (rumours of a mango and papaya fruit salad were ill-founded)
Stewart D, Adam T and Joe W increased our advantage.
It was at this point that we realised we had scored the 99th try of the season, and odds were hastily laid on the scorer of the 100th. Would we kick for the corner, manufacture a catch and drive for the forwards to claim it ? Would we try some crafty training-ground move ? Well, in the end the bookmakers went home happy as Stewart scampered up the wing to score a typical wingers’ try.
The final score of the game was the most memorable. Firstly it featured a simple but effective back-row move; Alistair broke from No 8 and offloaded nicely to Matt F, supporting well. Matt broke forward into the 22, was closed down, and might have scored himself but drew in two tacklers before a lovely offload to Stewart, who ran in to complete his hat-trick in the corner. Secondly it featured a splendid touchline conversion, in tricky windy conditions, from Rorry.
A late consolation try from Oakham was reward for their hard work and perseverance.
Final score Oakham 5 Nottm 46.
Later in the afternoon news filtered through of Derby having beaten Deepings 14-0 in the first NLD semi-final. Our own semi is 4 weeks away; if we play as assuredly as this, we will be unlucky not to win it.
Squad: Sean S, Sam T, Matt M, Josh H, Josh K, Alistair P, Joe C, Josh H, James S, Will N, Tennessee H, Jona N, Matt F, Josh G, Doug M, Rorry H, Adam T, Joe W, Stewart D, Jack P
Scorers: Tries - Stewart D 3, Jack P 2, Josh G, Adam T, Joe W
Conversions - Rorry H 3.
Stattos’ Corner : (out the clubhouse, over that field, where those trees are,
not the first pitch, but the one after it……….)
20 W 20 Pts F 617 (101 tries, 53 conversions, 1 pen, 1 drop-goal) A 83
Sunday 27th January
As kick-off time fast approached, the Nottingham squad, already depleted by a last-minute withdrawal and an unexplained absence, was reduced to an absolute bare minimum as several parents and players drove round (in circles, literally) the environs of Burton attempting to locate the alternative venue.
A diagram, supplied by our well-meaning hosts to guide us from club HQ to leisure centre, owed more in design-style to Etcha Sketch than to Multimap, and served only to scatter a succession of hapless and confused drivers into the Staffordshire countryside.
The successful navigators saw a fairly evenly-contested first half, interrupted by rather a lot of whistle. Many scrums were set, and then reset, and then set again. When the ball did emerge, we had the better of the play when we moved the ball wide.
Doug and Ross switched the direction of play well to allow Stewart a decent run that was halted on halfway, and Dan, having knocked-on his first try-scoring opportunity, made no mistake with his second to open the scoring. Burton came back strongly and forced a penalty, which they kicked to reduce our lead. Dan increased the lead to a seven point gap with a second try just before half-time.
The interval was announced by a bugle call. Was it the Shobnall Hunt on a Sunday outing ? Was it Venture Scouts camping in the next field ? No – it was the cavalry, coming hot-foot from the car-park; Grundry (“bring your kit with you, mate, we’re a bit short”) Hickling, Oranges et al.
With the sudden luxury of subs, Coach Musson rang the changes (all 3 of them !). Matt F went to number 8, and did a very passable impersonation of Dan Montague at the ‘pause, engage’ stage of the scrum.
The second half was, to be honest, a pretty turgid affair, again interrupted by rather a lot of whistle. Many scrums were set, and then reset, and then set again. You get the picture. This was not necessarily the fault of the players.
Our tireless forwards ran, harried and worked hard throughout. Will N, Jona, Sean, Matt M, Jacob and Josh H (who stepped in to the front row for the last 10 minutes) all played the entire game, in itself a worthy feat in a game this physical.
The game was briefly enlivened when we scored our third and final try. Burton’s centre valiantly put his body in the way as Jack burst onto a pass and charged for the posts. Parents covered the eyes of their young children.
Grown men shuddered along the touchline. The ensuing impact registered 5.5 on the Richter/Partington scale. Tremors were felt in nearby villages, and flocks of birds fled, startled, from the treetops.
During the last few minutes Burton lacked the penetration, and handling skills, to pressure us any further, and we held on to win 15-3.
Squad: Sean S, Jacob H, Matt M, Josh H, Alistair P, Will N, Jack P, Jona N, Doug M, Rorry H, Adam T, Dan W, Stewart D, Callum B, Ross WS, Matt F, Tennessee H, Josh G,
Scorers:
Tries: Dan W 2, Jack P 1,
Statto’s Corner (just off the A38 – go right at the first roundabout, then straight on, past four more roundabouts, you can’t miss it, mate……)
P 19 W 19 Pts F 571 (93 tries, 50 conversions, 1 pen, 1 drop-goal) A 78
Sunday 20th January
Despite heavy rain during the preceding days, which had caused many fixtures in the area to be cancelled, the pitches at Kesteven were, though soft, in good playing condition.
Aside from a couple of early basic errors (catching kick-offs may once again find its way into the training ground schedule in the near future) we settled down well, and soon began to dominate territory and possession. Kesteven’s front five were strong in the scrum, but when we asserted out game plan of moving the ball quickly into wide positions, we looked threatening and dominant.
Tennessee was quick to attack breakdown situations, Anthony tackled strongly at flanker, and James S carried the ball forward forcefully. Matt B distributed well from fly-half, and Rorry’s smooth passing allowed our wide players to attack open spaces. Four tries were scored in the first half; three following backline moves and one by Jacob, who dived on a loose ball following a ruck near their line.
After half-time Doug, Matt M, Alistair and Adam added fresh impetus, and three more tries followed in the second period; two following lovely interplay in wide positions – first between Jack and Ross on the left touchline, then between Dan and Joe Walker on the right.
A couple of high and, frankly, reckless tackles briefly threatened to spoil the later stages of the game, but the young ref issued a yellow card and dealt with the situation calmly.
When Adam went over in the corner for the final try, it was his first of the season, our ninetieth, and he became the twenty-first player to cross the line this season. Rumours on the training ground (confirmed from the locker room by mascot Brian) are that Sean is winding himself up again to score the hundredth try of the campaign.
Final score Kesteven 0 Nottingham 41
Scorers:
Tries : Ross WS 2, Jack P, Jacob H, Matt B, Joe W, Adam T
Conversions : Matt B 3
Statto’s Corner (of a muddy field somewhere in the shires of England)
P 18 W 18 Pts F 556 (90 tries, 50 conversions, 1 pen, 1 drop-goal) A 75
Sunday 6th January
Two years on this ground we lost to Sheffield, and, much worse, Angela broke her ankle. Twelve months ago we won narrowly in blizzard conditions
- the closest we have ever come to playing rugby in a French impressionist painting.
“What have you got in store for us this time, then ?” we joked nervously with their coach on our arrival. “Wait and see!” he replied.
Well, nothing quite so traumatic this time, as it turned out, although the game did serve as a salutary lesson in suggesting that we will, as a team, have to apply ourselves more rigorously to producing good basic rugby skills on a regular basis if we are to fulfil our early-season promise and win the higher-stakes games ahead of us later in the year.
Only if we have the discipline and commitment to do so are we likely to land the end-of-season trophies which many players, parents and coaches feel are now a realistic ambition rather than a hopeful dream.
But enough conjecture; the positive aspects of the game included an improved second half (after a fairly woeful first) and yet another victory, extending the run to seventeen.
Sheffield certainly dominated the first period; it was they who looked ready for action, first to react to play in nearly all areas of the pitch, and more aggressive at the breakdown.
We seemed to be suffering from three weeks off and too many mince pies. Not for the first time recently we were second best for most of the first half, and had to come back from being behind. We were outfought up front, and positionally and tactically naïve in the backline. There is nothing sophisticated or technically difficult required to solve most of this; being disciplined and quicker in realignment, more aggressive, anticipating the play, working in small units, talking more, heads-up rugby.
By our fairly high standards these are lapses rather than gaps in our repertoire. But when pressure comes and good sides start to dominate us for periods of a game (and the ref’s looking for reasons to blow up for the merest hint of an infringement), we need the basics in place, so that pressure doesn’t turn into panic or penalties and points conceded.
They scored first, then Dan levelled with a solo run, returning a clearance kick. Matt B converted to give us a slender 7-5 lead.
The second half was better. We had a let-off when their winger crossed the try-line after a good move, but he went on to cross the dead-ball line too. He’ll probably never do that again.
After that Joe W scored on the left wing after a good move, and Dan bagged a second on the right after tidy passing to seal victory 19-5. In the last phase of the game we finally generated some momentum, territory and applied some pressure of our own. A lovely interchange between Joe and Ross on the left touchline resulted in a further try being disallowed for a forward pass.
Well done to all the squad for a spirited fightback and another victory.
Squad : Sam T, Josh K, Sean S, Jacob H, Josh H, James S, Alistair P, Joe C,
Will N, Matt F, Tennessee H, Jona N, Anthony S, Josh G, Doug M, Adam T, Ross WS, Callum B, Dan W, Joe W, Matt B,
Scorers:
Tries: Dan W 2, Joe W 1
Conversions; Matt B 2
Stattos’ Corner :
P 17 W 17 Pts F 515 (83 tries, 47 conversions, 1 pen, 1 drop-goal) A 75
Sunday 2nd December
Although only a friendly, local rivalry always makes this fixture one of the most eagerly awaited of the season, added to that the possibility theses two teams could well meet again in the NLD final meant both teams where up for this game..
From the Kick off Nottingham started strongest, pinning Derby in there own half, a few handling errors from Nottingham and a stoic defence from Derby prevent any early score.
Derby started to put a few moves together to gain territory, and kicked well from defence, but neither side had a clear scoring chance until late in the half. After some scrappy play, a free ball was picked up by Jonna N, finding Will N in Support, who drove towards the try line only to be stopped just short by the Derby defence.
Shortly afterwards, after some dominant play by the forward, going through the phases and making ground the ball found its way to Joe C who scored again from close in, seems to becoming something of an Habit. In the blustery conditions we where unable to convert.
From the restart the game continued in the same vain until Derby broke down our right and scored with the help of a few missed tackles. At half time all was square at 5 a piece.
The coaching team made wholesale changes at half time, giving everyone some game time. A close fought half saw some strong running from Joe walker, always a threat on the wing. Will B did well at Scrum half in a forward dominated game. The only subsequent score coming from a penalty just inside Derby’s 22, Matt B stepped up to kick the 3 points that gave a close run game to Nottingham.
Sunday 25th November
This was a stern test for Nottingham, who upped their game significantly to dominate the second half and win comfortably, having been second best for most of the first period.
After the final whistle coaches Rubble, Robin and Flintstone (what a fine-sounding Dickensian name for a legal business -Ed) congratulated the team on a rousing second half, and urged players to reflect, over the next few days, on the first half, with a view to learning from it.
Certainly S. Leics were more fiery and aggressive early on, both in the set-piece and at breakdowns. It was reminiscent of the early part of the Lincoln fixture, but with the added worry that S. Leics had a few more capable runners out wide.
We missed a few tackles (two, crucially, in the lead up to their try), we weren’t quick enough to breakdown situations, or assertive enough when we did get to them, and our handling was patchy. Under pressure as a result, our decision-making became erratic; in particular we tended to ignore the game plan of spreading the ball wide whenever possible.
Darting inside defenders with ball in hand can be an effective option and variation, but when it leads us back into the areas where the opposition have the upper hand, and reduces supply to areas where we know we can dominate, it is questionable.
We also kicked possession away three or four times (kicking was clearly going to be a second-half option today, with wind behind us).
But let’s not paint an entirely gloomy picture ! – having gone behind, we briefly took the lead after a neat break and try by Ross WS, converted by Rorry. They scored with a penalty on half-time to lead 8-7.
The second half was excellent. The forwards steadied the set-piece (Sean S and Jona N both having an impact), Matt F played an assured and forceful role at scrum-half, and when we spread the ball wide Dan W ran some good lines onto the ball.
Gradually we took control. Jack P crashed over having pounced on a loose ball in their 22, and Sam T burst over from a lineout play 5m out (becoming the twentieth player to score this season).
Fitness was also a significant factor - they grew tired and less mobile, and Joe W capitalised on space and flimsy tackling out wide, scoring twice.
Rorry’s conversions were noteworthy, including two splendid kicks from wide angles.
Final score 33-8.
Woody was on fine form, both on the pitch and in the clubhouse afterwards (though there was a rumour that he might be undergoing DNA testing to see if the studmark on his forehead matches Joe Walker’s boot).
Statto’s corner:
Tries: Joe W 2, Ross WS, Jack P, Sam T
Conversions; Rorry H 4
P 14 W 14 Pts F 462 (75 tries, 42 conversions, 1 drop-goal) A 44
Sunday 18th November
With both teams unbeaten in the NLD pool, this game was effectively a knock-out fixture, with the winner certain to progress to the semis and the loser in need of a bonus point to stand a chance of qualifying as best runner-up.
In cold, rainy conditions there was little to choose between the two sides in the early exchanges; their pack included some big lads and they contested set pieces and rucks aggressively. In the backs they had a speedy-looking winger but not much in the way of tidy supply to him.
We did certain things rather weall, and set up some promising positions, but couldn’t convert promise into points. Dan Wilkins made a purposeful break and we spent a long period in their half, but were unable to capitalise until a clearance kick fell to Ross WS, who sprinted clear of cover to score in the corner.
Joe Coxon doubled the lead before half-time, plunging over after a tap-penalty close to the line.
At 10-0 the game was still far from safe, and Nottm had to continue to work hard to keep Kesteven at bay. Sean Smith strengthened the scrum and added to two excellent driving mauls, and Josh Knight put in a powerful tackle in midfield to halt an attack.
With ball in hand we again set up promising positions from which more points could (should ?) have come, but first Adam’s lovely break from our own 22, then charges from Alistair and Jack closer to their line, all came to nothing. To be fair, it was difficult to put phases together in very cold and wet conditions.
Eventually Josh Gundry sealed victory with a cheeky ‘tap and go’ from another penalty, and soon afterwards we were able to hasten back to the relative warmth of the clubhouse for hot food and ‘rehydration’.
Congratulations, then, to the squad – a semi-final place in Lichfield next March, against………………………… ??? Watch this space.
And best wishes from all to Stewart, who headed off to casualty with a nasty-looking wrist injury.
Final score 15-0.
Tries: Ross WS, Joe C, Josh G
Statto’s Corner
P 13 W 13 Pts F 429 (70 tries, 38 conversions, 1 drop-goal) A 36
11th November 2007
Nottingham began this hastily-arranged fixture (Dinnington having cancelled) sluggishly, and were second best in most of the opening exchanges – standing off rucks, not getting into supporting positions, waiting for team-mates to instigate things.
The nerves were settled when Doug, following an attacking ruck, chose a good blindside option which enabled Joe Walker to score. However, our play continued to be scrappy, and Mansfield contested the play strongly, which meant that neither side was able to put together any meaningful phases.
We were on the back foot, and had to rely on some decisive tackling, notably from Arthur, who helped us by halting two dangerous breaks. It was Mansfield who ended the first half the stronger, when their full-back burst through two tackles to score. Half-time 7-7.
We managed to find a bit more structure and rhythm to our play after the break, which resulted in more possession. Ross WS restored the lead with a neat dummy and try in the left corner, and Jack increased it after capitalising on a loose ball in midfield, dragging tacklers with him over the tryline.
Mansfield continued to contest, but although they had strong runners in a few wide positions, they lacked the ability to provide good service to them, and never looked like scoring again.
Josh G bagged our fourth try (bonus point ?) by pouncing on a wayward defensive pass from a scrum, and Rorry converted to make the final score 24-7.
Scorers - Tries : Joe W, Ross WS, Jack P, Josh G . Conversions : Rorry 2
Stattos’ Corner :
P 12 W 12 Pts F 414 (65 tries, 38 conversions, 1 drop-goal) A 36
4th November 2007
Nottingham were without eight regulars (on County duty) for this fixture and had to fight hard, especially in the first half, to maintain their 100% record against a strong Lincoln side lacking two players of their own.
It was a chance for players to step up and test their strength and skills, especially in the forwards, an area where Lincoln are strong and where we’d made several changes.
In the early minutes Lincoln were stronger, faster to loose ball, and more aggressive in contact. They scored within 2 minutes, and after Dan had levelled the scores almost immediately, running onto a crossfield kick to dive over in the corner, they retook the lead following a neat dummy and break in the midfield which led to a penalty try being awarded for a high tackle on our own line.
Momentarily we looked flustered and rattled, although it didn’t take too long for us to rally , steady the ship and restore control. This was largely due to forward effort; it became clear that Lincoln were relying on their back row to provide line-breaking and attacking charges, and when we started to nullify this threat it became clear that they didn’t possess too many other options.
By half-time we had established a lead – Ross WS scored after neat passing and a well-executed dummy, and again with a sprint up the touchline after fielding a clearance kick. Jack broke from the back of a scrum and sidestepped the full-back in fine style to make it 22-12 at the break.
Strong defence (notable tackles from James S, Anthony S and Matt F) around the set-pieces and rucks meant that Lincoln failed to add to their score in the second-half. In attack, we persisted with the usual game plan; get the ball wide quickly and exploit the space.
We still need to develop phases of attacking possession and support play, and therefore once again we tended to score from solo runs (two more from Ross, another from Dan and a charge down from Matt F) rather than from phases of sustained possession. But we engineered a win that was comfortable in the end –
46-12.
So, some memorable moments (Jona’s athletic catch, Jack’s sidestep) and some forgettable ones (kicking out of hand and off the ground was generally poor by our standards, support play could improve, and we started sluggishly).
However, if I may lapse for a moment into football-manager cliché-speak (and why not – it’s a perk of the job !) if you’d have told me at the beginning of the season that after eight weeks we’d have beaten Derby, Stamford and Lincoln, be on top of our NLD pool group, and be Lexus Regional champions, then I’d have taken it.
Scorers: Tries - Ross WS 4, Dan W2, Jack P, Matt F. Conversions – Rorry 3
Stattos’ Corner:
P 11 W 11 Pts F 390 (61 tries, 36 conversions, 1 drop-goal) A 29
28th October 2007
In gusty overcast conditions, Nottingham proved the strength-in-depth of their squad to overwhelm a gallant but inexperienced Vipers team, who were enthusiastic and persistent, but who lacked strength in the tackle and technique in attack. As soon as Tennessee caught the kick-off, drove forward, handed-off a couple of half-hearted challenges and ran in unassisted to score, one hoped that there would be stiffer resistance to follow from the visitors to prevent a completely one-sided fixture.
For a while, Nottingham made things difficult for themselves by trying to spin lengthy passes in the difficult blustery wind (when two or three simple shorter passes would have sufficed) and by taking contact too soon, so that offloads became risky.
But as the game unfolded we were too strong in all areas – the forwards enabled quick and easy ball, and the backs got their passing game together and were too pacy and strong for their opposite numbers. Dan ran in a first half hat-trick, Arthur finished off two neat moves wide on the right, and Josh Knight added a seventh score just on half-time.
At the break, with the game already won, it was suggested that short passes, lots of support play, multiple phases, training-ground style, heads-up rugby should be the order of the day from now on. One or two opted to ignore this advice, by careering off on 50 metre solo runs up the touchline (perhaps for headline glory, or perhaps just because they could) but the majority delivered some confident and structured play which kept the scoreboard ‘ticking over’.
During the second half nine more tries followed, from Anthony 3, Matt F 2, Callum, Jacob (first for a while !) Matt B, and Ross Wynne (during a brief but effective cameo as right-winger).
Matt Burrows converted ten of the sixteen tries, and his last kick, from wide on the left touchline, crept over to make the final score 100-0.
Special thanks to Lee (Under 8s coach) who kindly stepped in at 30 minutes notice to ref this game. This is the third successive home game for which we’ve had to hastily cajole someone into being ref – maybe we could meet to discuss what the club/squad can do to improve the situation before the forthcoming Lincoln, Dinnington and Kesteven games ? Well done also to Joe Coxon, who ran the line.
Tries : Dan 3, Anthony 3, Matt F 2, Arthur 2, Tennessee, Josh K, Jacob, Callum, Matt B, Ross W
Conversions : Matt B 10
P 10 W 10 Pts F 344 (55 tries, 33 conversions, 1 drop-goal) A 17
14th October 2007
When the NLD Cup fixtures were first published, I believe one or two amongst our number (parents, I hasten to add) imagined a bleak morning up in Grimsby; a gruelling battle on the touchline in the teeth of freezing rain, with gale-force winds howling off the North Sea, huddled in waterproofs and avoiding the dive-bombing seagulls. In fact the game began in bright autumnal sunshine, and the only battling to be done was on the pitch, against a Grimsby team that soon showed itself to be physical and ready to fight hard to overcome pool leaders Nottingham.
The scrum, in particular, proved an area of combat - three of our front row players sustained what was thankfully minor damage to neck and shoulders throughout the course of the game, but continued to contest the set-piece manfully and more than held their own.
Best, we thought, to get the ball swiftly away from the set pieces, and, as usual of late, when we began to do so it paid dividends. After a tap penalty Matt F made headway and the ball was moved wide to Stewart, who took on his opposite number confidently before sprinting in from 40 metres.
Grimsby came back and tussled hard in the loose to pressure us, but our defence looked equally aggressive and confident. First Josh G and then Alistair P won important turnover ball for us inside our own half. A second try came when, after a couple of phases of possession, we handled well to put Joe W clear. He finished strongly in the corner to make the score 10-0, and it stayed that way until half-time.
Our main problem (the front-row battle apart) was that we were taking the ball into contact too readily in potentially good open-play positions, and sometimes kicking when a better passing option was on. To the team’s credit, they managed to rectify this in the second half, after it had been diagnosed and discussed at the half-time break (amidst the now-customary slurping and sucking on Darren’s oranges).
Classy passing from just inside our own 22 freed Jack to burst clear and make a long break, and when he eventually was hauled down Alistair was on hand, having sprinted 60 metres in support, to finish off a great move for our third try.
Although Grimsby had big and strong players in certain positions, they lacked an overall cohesion, and couldn’t match us for pace and passing in the backs. From an attacking scrum the ball again fizzed out to Joe W to add a fourth score, and as the opposition tired we ran in two more, both finished off in style by Matt B.
Rorry added a conversion to the latter to make the final score 32-0.
Despite the scoreline this was a hard-fought game, and a good test for our team.
The performance could still improve in certain areas, but we showed resilience and an ability to listen to change tactics during a game and turn it to advantage.
It was another clean sheet, and five of the six tries came from wingers in wide positions.
The final NLD group game promises to be a cracker – both ourselves and Kesteven have won two games convincingly. We head the group by having scored one more bonus point.
Statto’s Corner :
Scorers:
Tries: Joe W 2, Matt B 2, Stewart, Alistair.
Conversions: Rorry 1
P 9 W 9 Pts F 244 (39 tries, 23 conversions, 1 drop-goal) A 17
7th October 2007
It’s always intriguing to face a team one hasn’t played before; an unknown quantity, from a different region, without knowledge of their strengths and weaknesses, and with no history between you. Today we welcomed New Milton to The Bay, up for the weekend from the New Forest area of Hampshire.
The game began with neither side gaining the ascendancy. New Milton looked quite strong in the forwards, we held our own but gave away a few penalties at ruck and maul situations. Consequently they enjoyed the majority of early possession, but their backs seemed tentative and they made handling errors without gaining headway.
The first try came from one such error – Dan intercepting a wayward pass to burst clear from halfway to score under the posts. A few minutes later Adam put in a massive tackle on his opposing centre, causing the ball to be spilled, and from the ensuing play Dan again broke away from a central position to score.
New Milton tackled hard and attempted to rally, but they made little of the possession they earned, and were punished again when Ross WS, happy to chance his arm from our own goal-line, darted past three tackles before running the length of the field. Matt Frings scored a fourth just before the break to leave the half-time score 26-0.
The second period proved to be scrappier and less cohesive. Its high point came from a planned long crossfield kick by Rorry, gathered by birthday boy Jack who made good ground before passing to Dan, who raced in to complete his hat-trick.
Otherwise the play failed to flow, and the game reflected much honest endeavour and good intent but little coherent rugby. With the final play of the game the visitors took a tap penalty in their own 22 and moved the ball incisively upfield to score a consolation try. Final score 33-5.
Coaches Rubble and Flintstone conducted a quick debrief on the pitch (I’m talking reflective practice here, not striptease) during which it was voiced on the plus side ; a confident debut from Josh Hannah (our third ‘Josh’ – we may need nicknames ! –Ed.), and an opportunity for several players who hadn’t featured in the NLD and Lexus fixtures to have significant game time. Also, the scrum looked fairly impressive, and we took our opportunities to score when they came.
On the minus side, our tackling in certain areas was flimsy, some (though not all) of our passing was pedestrian, and we gave away a lot of penalties around rucks. The Boy Wonder (running the touchline today as well as scribbling furiously – Holy Multi-Tasking, Batman !)) also observed that our tries had come mainly from individual breaks following New Milton errors, not from phases of play initiated and developed by ourselves.
So – another comfortable win – well done, lads – but quite a few things to work on as well.
Tries : Dan W 3, Matt F, Ross WS. Conversions : Ross WS 4
Stattos’ Corner :
P 8 W 8 Pts F 212 (33 tries, 22 conversions, 1 drop-goal) A 17
30th September 2007
For the third successive Sunday Nottm Under 14s produced a strong and confident display of rugby, and in doing so laid another ghost to rest.
So positive and committed was the first 20 minutes of this game that Stamford were simply blown away; to many onlookers it seemed inconceivable that we had struggled to assert ourselves in the nervy display against the same opposition five months ago in the NLD Cup final.
We were 14-0 ahead after just 5 minutes. First Matt F (playing his first game at open-side flanker) caught the kick-off, set up a eat ruck, and following quickly-recycled ball four sweet passes released Joe W, who outpaced the cover to score under the posts. Shortly afterwards, a break by Matt B set up Stewart for a second.
Nottm were, by this stage, revelling in the open spaces and using them to great effect (why WAS that final played on a minis pitch??!). When Sean drove forward and set up another ruck, Jack P slid a grubber kick for Ross WS to chase, hack on, and dive on for try number three.
Only as half-time approached did Stamford rally and begin to put a few phases of play together. By then, though, Matt F had broken away to score our fourth try, and when Stamford did cross the line in the corner after a back-row break from a 5-metre scrum, it left the half-time score 24-5.
We never really recreated the same cohesive play in the second period, and as a result the tries that came (even though there were four more) were less the result of coherent phases of attacking play, than individual runs from distance.
Matt B chipped in with two from full-back (the second, after being put clear by Jack P, was particularly impressive), Ross WS broke away for another, and Dan Wilkins scored the eighth and final try on his debut for the club, after catching a high ball on halfway and bursting clear. Matt B kicked all four conversions to leave the final score 52-5.
Having overcome Derby and Stamford with such confidence and panache in successive weekends, the team looks set for a successful season.
Tries :- Matt B 2, Ross WS 2, Joe W, Stewart, Matt F, Dan W,
Conversions : Matt B 6
23rd September 2007
A marvellous collective effort from the 16 players in the squad ensured that Nottm Under 14s won the Lexus Midlands Regional Tournament.
The achievement was hugely rewarding, and a great confidence booster – more so because the squad, depleted both by absence and a few injuries, rallied themselves after two patchy performances in the pool games to improve over the knockout stages and win the trophy at the end of a long and tiring day.
In our first game we overcame Olney (resplendent in cerise and grey shirts) by 12-0 with tries coming from Joe Walker and Ross WS, and in our next comfortably beat Stourbridge 19-0 (two more from Ross and one from Jack). Although we were never in danger of losing these games, we struggled to find a rhythm; the forwards were competent but lacked spark and aggression, and the backs stuttered, tending to overuse the kicking option and thus failing to establish the pattern of handling movements we know we need to settle and dominate games. Our positional and support play was erratic, and running lines were frequently too shallow to be effective.
When the final pool game arrived (after a lengthy wait) we needed to beat Hinckley (a physical team with some big lads) in order to win our group and benefit from an easier semi-final draw. With a few tactical adjustments we raised our game, matched them for strength and ran out 24-0 winners. Ross weighed in with another brace of tries, Stewart gathered a clearance kick on halfway and tore up the wing to score, and Matt Frings delivered a trademark ‘scrum-half try’, breaking from the base of a scrum to add a fourth. Jack enlivened proceedings by chasing a high kick-off and, frankly, steamrollering the brave but ultimately unlucky lad who opted to catch it.
A few folks winced audibly on the touchline. Jack had his wrist slapped by the ref (though the tackle was certainly not illegal). The lad was led quietly away for post-traumatic stress counselling. We had won the pool.
Walsall were the semi-final opponents, and again our lads stepped up a gear, in a game which was tight, hard-fought, and which will hopefully not be remembered for a couple of high tackles and some needlessly volatile comments from their coaches and supporters on the touchline. Let’s instead remember it for a solid and gutsy performance by both teams; Joe Coxon scored after a forwards drive to give us the lead, Walsall rallied and their No 8 crashed over near the end to level the scores. We failed with a last-ditch drop-goal penalty attempt from the touchline, and so extra time and Golden Try followed.
Hardly had it begun when, after we pressured them with another high kick-off, we won a scrum 10 metres from their line. Showing very cool heads in the situation, and realising the first score would bring victory, we kept the scrum solid for Matt to supply Ross, who dropped a straightforward, but clinically executed, drop goal. 10-7.
And so to the final and a game against East Mids rivals Derby (the first reunion since our NLD semi-final victory in March). As Mike gave the pre-match team talk, it was difficult to tell whether the lads were quietly composed and focused, or just worn out and ready to go home. What followed in the next 20 minutes showed us that it was the former.
In the first half we came under intense pressure, with Derby looking threatening and camped for over five minutes in our 22. But, not for the first time, we displayed some awesome defence, and showed how resilient and courageous we tend to become collectively when any team threatens our tryline. Eventually Stewart hammered a clearance kick downfield into touch, and from then on we started to assert ourselves on the game.
After half time Ross went close (spilling the ball near their line) before Joe Coxon dived over following a ruck under the posts. Derby rallied, but with time running out they made handling errors in trying to force the play, and we were able to maintain territory. The set-piece continued to be dependable, and when Matt F broke away blindside from a scrum 10 metres out, he held a good line to commit the defence, and waited just long enough to pop a simple pass to Doug, who scored the clinching second try with ease. 12-0. Champions!
Steve has already circulated a couple of great photos of the presentation, and there are many other images of the day that will be remembered.
Individually there were some great efforts – Josh Knight played every minute of every game in the front-row; Joe Coxon played in every forward position and weighed in with two vital tries; Ross Wynne, Adam and Rorry all made valuable contributions despite injuries; Doug and Matt F worked well at half-back, revelling in the space without opposing flankers and reviving our faltering passing game when it mattered most; Sean steadied the set-pieces and added much-needed impetus in the mauls; Ross landed some impressive drop-kicks and combined well with Jack (whose tackling in particular stood out) in the centre; Tennessee came on despite feeling unwell and pepped up the forwards; Jona, Alistair, and Will were dependable and tireless in the loose; Stewart and Joe Walker had perhaps their best games yet as wingers, being incisive in attack, thoughtful in support, and covering as full-back.
But, to echo my first thoughts, it was the collective effort that won the day, exemplified by fierce defence, some flashes of attacking brilliance, some cool heads under pressure, and an ability to raise the game in the knockout stages of a tournament (so long our Achilles heel as minis).
By winning this Lexus Regional Tournament, I understand that we will take part in a National Final later in the season. Well done to all involved !
Results : Olney 12-0, Stourbridge 19-0, Hinckley 24-0, Walsall 10-7, Derby 12-0.
Scorers : Tries – Ross WS 5, Joe C 2, Jack, Joe W, Matt F, Stewart, Doug,
Conversions – Ross WS 7
Drop Goal – Ross WS
16th September 2007
On a glorious sunny morning in Newark Nottm Under 14s lined up for their first game of the season – an NLD Cup tie.
After a tidy start, during which neither side dominated, we came under lengthy pressure following our failure to deal with a restart kick. Newark, aided by a strong wind blowing diagonally downfield, gained two penalties (the second of which rebounded off the crossbar) and attacked our line with intent, though lacking the guile and passing skills to force home their advantage.
Though they crossed the line once (an excellent tackle from Matt F and Ross WS, forcing themselves beneath the would-be try-scorer, denied them a score) and spent several more minutes in our 22, they were unable to score.
Though our clearance kicks into the wind failed to clear out lines, the backs resolved eventually to keep ball in hand and work upfield (a tactic that proved successful and which served as a big confidence-booster).
Within a few minutes we had seized the initiative; first a neat passing move allowed Joe W to score in the corner, then Ross WS added a second. Rorry converted the latter.
The remainder of the first half saw Nottm dominate completely, with the forwards growing in confidence after a slightly sluggish start, and the backs putting together some excellent passing movements at speed. This allowed Stewart to score two tries in succession, one after Jack had made good ground in midfield, the other after a flowing move left to right and a deft cross-kick by Doug.
Half-time 24-0.
The second half continued with Nottingham dominating the play, though it took a while for us to regain the momentum generated before the break. The forwards looked in complete control now (strong tackling from, in particular, Joe C, Alistair, Jona and Tennessee denied Newark any meaningful possession) and the scrum, boosted by Sean and James B, was solid.
Further tries came from Jack, Ross WS (2) and Jona, and Rorry added three more conversions to make the final score 50-0.
All the tries except one came from wide players in wide positions, benefitting from good handling movements. Though Newark had a few large forwards, we denied them possession, and consistently passed the ball out to exploit our superiority in the wide positions.
Room for some improvement, but a splendid start to the campaign, achieved by hard work and confident play from all concerned.
Tries :- Ross WS 3, Stewart 2, Joe W, Jack P, Jona N
Conversions :- Rorry H 4, Doug M
Ross Walker Smart on his way to another try
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