Match reports from the Guildfordians Festival - 4 October 2009
Under 7's Under 9's Greens Under 9's Reds Under 9's Yellows Under 11's
The U.7's tournament was well contested with some excellent rugby played by all teams. The late withdrawals by Warlingham and Effingham being the only dampeners on the day.
The final was contested by Farnborough and Old Alleynians with Farnborough running out eventual winners after a match of the highest quality.
The third / fourth play-off between Winchester and Guildfordian Y was a draw at the end of normal time and it was only after extra-time could the teams be separated with Winchester taking the honours. Particular mention goes to Gaby Urvoy and Richard Loch who had some excellent individual runs - however it was the great team play that was particularly impressive - particularly as this team featured several players new to rugby this year.
The Guildfordians G team were runners up in their group and were unlucky not to progress through to the final stages having scored the most tries in across all the groups (21). Strong running and good handling were the trademarks of the team, along with some excellent defence and this group of players showed tremendous potential. The try of the tournament was a length of the pitch individual effort by Jim Woodriffe with a winding and evasive run right through the heart of the opposition.
The Guildfordians R team played with passion throughout and were unlucky not to come away with a win but came up against some very strong opposition including the eventual tournament winners, Farnborough.
Great day had by all with everything done in an excellent spirit. A big thank you to the parents who offered their sevices and helped out on the day. It was particularly good to hear the amount of positive feedback from the clubs about the organisation and planning of the event - so a huge thanks to David Knight and Simon Davies.
Tim Bevans - U7 Coach
Guildfordian Greens go undefeated
With 36 players available, the coaches decided the fairest team selection was to sort alphabetically by surname and so three squads of 12 were entered into the draw for U9s competition. With 4 pools of five teams, only the top team in each group would progress to the finals so it was imperative to get off to a winning start.
First up for Guildfordian Greens was Wimbledon and the team was keen to perform well with Wimbledon hosting a festival the following week. Playing up hill in the first half Guildfordians pushed Wimbledon back winning phase after phase. Totally dominating the half, Bo Beynon sped in for two unanswered tries. Playing with the slope in the second half the Greens looked to extend their lead. With a powerful run that was to prove a feature of his play for the festival, Alasdair Bulman raced from within his own half to set up a try for Ollie Bliss. With what was to prove their only foray into Guildfordian's half, Wimbledon managed to cross the whitewash despite some fierce tackling, with Dylan Bailey in particular putting his body on the line to try and hold Wimbledon out. Stephen Couglan then put in some strong runs of his own to take Guildfordians to within sight of the try line where a quick pass from Piers Bowden released Bo Beynon for his hat trick. Final score 4 - 1
Match two saw the Greens facing a much fancied Brighton team who had always shown well in previous festivals, and so it was to prove again. Brighton taking the lead with their forwards retaining possession and recyling the ball to score in the corner. The Greens restarted and Alasdair Bulman again punched holes in the Brighton defence to force his way over the line to restore parity. With the match drawn at half time the Greens went on the attack again with the ball being passed down the back line to Ollie Bliss on the wing where he turned on the after burners to race past his opposite number and score in the corner. Brighton didn't give up however and from a short penalty their forwards again forced their way over the line to tie the score. However Guildfordians were not finished yet and straight from the restart Dominc Ascough broke through the covering tackles to score and win the game 3 - 2.
Old Reigations were up next and Guildfordians relaxed as Reigations had lost all their previous matches at the festival. Big mistake as Reigations started much the livelier and were rewarded with an early try. It was to prove a false dawn for them as Luke Alexander and Cameron Cawsey combined well to release Ollie Bliss for his third try in as many matches. Further tries by Dominic Ascough and Alasdair Bulman followed by an injury time effort by Oliver Cashmore, just reward for his sterling work in the scrum left the score at 4 - 1.
So, win the last match and the Greens were through, however Pulborough had also beaten all the other teams - so it was a winner takes all game to decide the pool winners. Pulborough had some strong and quick runners and struck first, but neither team was willing to give an inch and Guildfordian Greens were determined not to be beaten and Alasdair Bulman again broke free to tie the scores. Guildford then applied the pressure and with Freddy Esplen marshelling his forwards a rolling maul set off up the slope with the majority of both sides involved Guildfordians drove Pulborough back yard after yard until they were over the try line, but despite their efforts just couldn't touch the ball down before the ref blew for half time. The second half was much the same as the first with Pulborough weathering the storm of Guildfordian attacks, and rewarded with a penalty managed to race over for a try of their own. With time for just one last attack, and the Greens camped near their own try line the game looked over, but Thomas Eves capped a great debut for the club by breaking free and releasing Bo Beynon for a last gasp try to level the scores. However it wasn't enough as Pulborough progressed having scored more tries earlier in the competition, however an undefeated Green team were able to leave the festival with their heads held high after a terrific team performance.
Rob Ascough - U9 Coach
U9 Guildfordian Reds Rage On!
A fantastic day for the under 9s with all 3 teams unbeaten! Two (the Reds and the Yellows) got through to the final to play against eachother in a wonderful match between two evenly balanced sides. The Greens were also unbeaten and failed to progress to the 3&4th play-off only due to a lower try score than Pulborough who they drew against in a truly great match of thunderous tackling and lightening running (see separate report).
The Reds started off the day against Effingham - a side with a good reputation and the lads were a little nervy before their first ever competative game of contact rugby. The only ones looking more nervous were the parents! Neither group should have worried as the kids carried on where they left-off last season with great running rugby. Tom Perceval bagged himself a hatrick of tries and some crunching tackles as well. Ben Sambrook added another and Nick Thorn stormed into the corner with great speed in what was to be a very productive afternoon for him. The defence wasn't quite right and Effingham stole a try but it was the only one to be conceded in the group stages and the Reds ran out 5 v 1.
The next match followed soon after against Weybridge Vandals. The opposition was simply ransacked! With the Reds winning 6 v 0. Matthew Robertson Captain for the Day and enjoying his scrum-half role, ran in two terrific tries scampering beyond the opposition defence and using the blind-side well. Tom added another two and combined well with Nick for young Master Thorn to grab another. Ben rounded off the scoring with another in the corner. Nelson Pryer was organising the forwards well and Dan Woodriffe and Harry Twine put in some storming runs. It was begining to come together and the defensive line was looking much better with William Preston now ripping the ball from opposition forwards and William Shepherd looking dominant in midfield with some great tacking and strong running.
Next up was Farnham another good side who really made it difficult for us, but the Reds stayed calm and delivered an assured 3 v 0 victory. Daniel Sumner came alive in this match combining excellent tackling with speedy running from deep to score two great tries. Archie Stevens another who was bossing-it in midfield also scored a well deserved try to top a good afternoon's work. Oliver Evans in his first tournament also played really well coming in as hooker before having to leave and play what must be one of the last Cricket games of the Summer. Autumn may be here but the sunshine rugby just kept on getting better!
Winchester were next up and we knew that a good win would probably put us into the final. The start could not have gone any better with Ben getting the ball from the kick-off and running right through the Winchester defence to score and steady the nerves. Ben with another and Nick (2) helped the cruising Reds to a 4 v 0 halftime lead. All over surely. But Winchester must have had a Ferguson-like hairdryer at half time because they camped on our line for all of the second half. It was a real pleasure to see the boys put in tackle after tackle - the Reds' thin line would not be breached. And as Winchester tired Daniel Sumner burst free and scored a stunning break away try. The score ended 5 v 0 and we were through to the Final!
In fact the Final was against our own Guildfordian Yellows. The first time that that has happened in our age group and it only goes to show how strong this squad is. It would be a match that would let the winners have bragging-rights at the next training session! But if people thought this would be a nice draw to share the prize then they don't know how passionate these kids are about rugby! Both sides were bursting to win and no quarter was given! Crunching tackles ensued as the two teams tested each other in all parts of the park. For the Yellows Angus Lovatt impressed with powerful runs, David Meerson also ran strongly but it wasn't until Connor Jones found a bit of space in the second half that he showed the Reds a clean pair of heels scoring in the corner! It was so close that that could have been it, but the Reds really wanted this one and came back strongly. The fast running of Tom was snuffed out by quality Yellows defence but then Matthew wriggled through a gap and with an arcing burst crossed the line for the equaliser. Time was running out - at 1v1 the Yellows were on for victory as they scored first. The Reds probed here and probed there but there was no way through. Then Ben went on a weavy run and kept going - somehow he managed to get through the wall-like defence to snatch a 2 v 1 victory!
This was a real team performance and to a man the Reds played their hearts out; and although the Yellows slumped to the ground with heads in hands there were no losers here! The winners are Guildfordian Under 9s who have a fantastic group of players who have learnt so much already this season. They still of course have loads more things to get right but they showed that they have hearts of lions! They also tackle like rhinos and run like gazelles - which is quite a combination!
Thank you as ever to all the wonderful parents and siblings who supported the teams so well and really pulled together in helping out with the running of the tournament. Without your help it doesn't happen - so a great big thanks again!
The great Guildfordian Reds were: Tom Perceval, William Preston, Nelson Pryer, Matthew Robertson, Ben Sambrook, William Shepherd, Archie Stevens, Daniel Sumner, Nicholas Thorn, Harry Twine, Dan Woodriffe, Oliver Evans.
Lee Sambrook - U9 Coach
A beautiful day on Stoke Park, and the portents were good for the Guildfordians Yellows making full use of home advantage and their natural slope play.
Yellows played Farnborough first up the hill and were initially taken aback by the opposition's rucking, with the touchline denying Farnborough on a couple of occasions. After a scoreless first-half, a different Yellows team turned up for the second half with a full range of individual and team skills on display. Great back play, quick recycling, smart passing and running around the Farnborough defence gave the first score to David Meerson. Yellows were dominant in the ruck and maul, resulting in a pushover try which, when all bodies had been disentangled, found Connor Jones applying the pressure on the ball into the in-goal grass. Finally Angus Lovatt well inside the Yellows half, ripped the ball from a Farnborough player and set out his stall for the afternoon by running straight down the middle to score. An exemplary Yellows display resulting in a 3-0 victory in their first competitive game of contact rugby.
Yellows had been warned about Farnham for the second game. Again there was a slow start, but some great passages of play from the rucks fed the ball out to the waiting fringe players. Edward James and Georgia Newman each went over, and following a turnover close to the line Dan Michell ran the length of the right wing to score. David Meerson weaved his way through the Farnham defence for his second running try of the day. Farnham were unable to stop Angus Lovatt on many of his strong runs, and the team were able to set up a platform again for some delightful rugby both through the hands and with exceptional breaks. Strong defence by all and especially the consistent Georgia Newman and Connor Jones, neither of whom seemed to miss a tackle all day, made Farnham's task very hard indeed, and the game finished a 4-0 lock-out for Yellows.
The third game against Battersea started with both teams defending very well. The game was playing itself out in the tight, but the Yellows players did not over-commit to many rucks and mauls, giving them the ability to use the overlap. Thomas Naisby was ever-present at the breakdown and executed some impressive rucking. More strong running from Angus Lovatt supported by Charlie Hubbard, Nathan Jones and Henry Miguda and the quick passage of play allowed David Meerson (x2) and Angus Lovatt to score. Another fine performance from all members of the team with some fantastic communication; the 3-0 final score was, if anything, flattering to Battersea.
Going into the final pool game against Twickenham, both sides were on 10 tries and maximum points, making this a must-win game. The Yellows' scouts had identified Twickenham's star runners, who had waltzed through the Battersea defence in the previous game. However Yellows were more resolute, committed and organised in the tackle, employing what at times looked suspiciously like a drift defence. The twinkle-toed Twickenham attack was nullified with some outstanding team defending, with Yellow players doubling up to bring down the main red-and-black threats. With Luke Stokes, Edward James, and Nathan Jones all taking on their share of the attacking forward play, hard yards were gained from line-outs. It didn't take long for the first try, and Connor Jones and Charlie Hubbard each bundled over in short succession to make Twickenham chase the game. From a breakdown on the left, Henry Miguda ran round the Twickenham defence and grounded the ball on the right. Angus Lovatt bowled through almost the entire Twickenh am side down the centre of the park to score, capping his outstanding display on the day. The 4-0 win meant that Yellows finished top of their pool without conceding a single try.
Even by topping our group with such great performances (maximum points; 14 points for and none against), we had to wait for the result of the final group stage game (Pullborough against Guildfordians Greens) to see whether we had reached the final. If either side won 4 or more tries we would be in the 3rd / 4th final. In the event their game was very closely fought, eventually ending in a draw. This allowed the Yellows in to the final.
In the final with much excitement about playing another of our teams (Guildfordian Reds) the game started with great enthusiasm. Again with some excellent ruck plays and Thomas Naisby showing us how to ruck over and secure ball for quick passages of play, the Yellows scored the first try which meant that we just needed to hold on for a draw. With great runs from Daniel Michell but tough defence from Guildford Reds it was a testing time for the Yellows. Time to batten down the hatches as we had successfully done in previous games. However, the Reds came back strongly unleashing all of their runners; tiredness set in and we let in our first 2 tries of the tournament finishing a very respectable 2nd.
One thing I would like to say is that as a team there was great communication and team spirit and that was shown by the passion of the players after such a great performance throughout the day and after their valiant display in the final.
Well done the yellows you have a lot to be proud of.
Brian Stokes, Neil Jones - U9 Coaches
It was a beautiful day on Stoke Park for the teams first competitive outing of the season. We have had a few short weeks to learn a lot of rule changes and get used to increased numbers on the field. One thing was for sure, we wouldn't be short of determination.
Our first game was against Effingham & Leatherhead. A really tough battle ensued as we fought to try and dominate the opposition and it was some great persistence in defence that led to our first try. We pressed and pressured and slowly pushed them towards their own try line where Jack Lillistone made a great tackle and stole the ball and ran over to score a try. The second try came from a powerful run from Toby Howarth who cleared the way for Henry Stevens in support to skip tackles and score the second try. In the second half we continued to dominate and the pressure finally paid off as Tom Nicole ran from within our half to score. A 3-0 victory.
The second game was against Weybridge. A fantastic tussle ensued as both sets of forwards fought for possession but neither pack able to dominate. Jack Lillistone opened the scoring with a great charge over the line, but Weybridge quickly equalised after some very poor tackling from our defence. The second half was much the same with both teams struggling to impose themselves until Morgan Holden received the ball from the back of a ruck and kicked a delicate grubber kick to the corner, where an ever aware Jack Lillistone touched the ball down for the winning try. A 2-1 victory.
The third game was against Newbury and we were able to dominate from the start in a much more relaxing game for the parents and coaches! Our first try was scored by Matt Wells after one of his many charging runs and this was followed by an opportunists try from Tom Nicole who intercepted a pass to score. Matt Wells then scored his second and third tries with some great deceptive running and richly deserved his hat-trick. Our fifth try came from good line out ball and a short pass to Joe Sambrook who carved his way down the blindside for a try. The sixth and final try of the game came from a scrum on the halfway line where a high quality pass from Tom Nicole enabled Morgan Holden to run in and score. A 6-0 victory.
Our fourth game was a 'must win' match if we were to get to the final. We started well and soon imposed ourselves on the opposition and the pressure resulted in a 7m line out. Toby Hatton won the ball and charged over the line, an impressive score from someone who was playing in his first competition for the club. The coaches breathed easier when, yet again, Jack 'munch' Lillistone stepped up and went on a great run to score. The third and final try resulted from an untidy ruck where Henry Stevens had the presence of mind to take the ball and deceive three defenders before scoring. A 3-0 victory and a place in the final guaranteed.
The final against Old Alleynians was a great game of rugby which saw some fantastic handling and quality forward play. Both teams had chances to score but the determination of the defence kept the attackers from crossing the line and by the time the final whistle was blown both teams were exhausted and honours were even. The result; the teams share the victory which was a fitting result for two determined teams.
A great way for the U11's to start the season with an impressive victory at the first festival of the campaign.
The whole squad were fantastic and showed great determination to overcome such tough opposition.
The team was Toby Howarth, Toby Marsh, Toby Hatton, Miles Crates, Jack Lillistone, Henry Stevens, Peter Marney, Tom Nicole, Morgan Holden, Matthew Wells, Jack Beynon, Harry Kitchener, Harry Critchley, Kezia Winter, Joe Sambrook, Jack Baldwin, Adam Rutledge and Jovian Pllinger.
Michael Holden - U11 Head Coach