Newark U10s dominate in their 1st Mansfield derby

Despite a very heavy pitch, the surprisingly warm and dry conditions allowed both the Red and Blue squads to continue their development against 2 visiting teams in their first encounter in a Mansfield derby.

Due to illness Lewis and Rudi stepped in at short notice to support the Red and Blue squads and were both rewarded with excellently worked and determined tries.

RED SQUAD;
Freddie, Oscar, Elliot, Ethan, Noah, Alexander, Joe R, Matthew W, Alfie, Jonah and Rudi

Game 1 saw an impressive display from the lads with a high tempo and commitment shown by the boys to dominate at the breakdown after being brave in the tackle. Time and time again, their big runners were knocked down and the boys showed good technique to secure the ball quickly. This allowed the ball to be passed out into the space and allow our runners the opportunity to cross the try line with relative ease and often supported by 2 or 3 lads.

Game 2 witnessed a more competitive Mansfield team, who were much more physical and direct in their play. This allowed Elliot and Freddie the opportunity to continue with their excellent tackling and for the rest of the boys to show their superior technique at the ruck. Impressive support running and some very unselfish passing by the boys, which bodes very well for the rest of the season. At the end of the game, Mansfield crossed our line for their only score after the boys had shown some really terrific defensive work and some real determination to keep them out.

Man of steel awarded to Freddie for his ferocious tackling and rucking.

BLUE SQUAD;
Henry B, Ted, James, Alex G, Matthew G, Harley, Reuben, Joshi, Dom and Lewis

The Blue squad faced their first Mansfield opposition in a feisty mood, having been reminded of the importance of any clash with our rivals and they were physical from the start. Not giving Mansfield any time or space with the ball and making turnovers as a result. This was perhaps the Blue teams’ best performance of the season and most pleasing was seeing recent weeks training focus well executed. With superb ball handling and drawing of defenders, but also recognising when to commit to contact. Newark could do this with confidence, knowing that their rucking skills were superior.

The second game didn't have the same tempo from the Blue squad, being slower in defence most noticeably and allowing Mansfield more time with the ball. The core strengths in attack remained the same though, with all 10 of the team scoring a try across the two games.

Player-of-the-week went to Dom for his superb work-rate, which was rewarded with excellent tries which showed great individual skill after team endeavour. Man-of-Steel went to Alex G for his intensity in the tight, mauling well, secure rucking and steeling ball constantly throughout both games.

Well done boys, excellent to see our game plan being executed so well in a “live” contested situation by both squads.

Training next week.

Written by Vince Corley & Andy Rush
Verified by Alan Staines