U10s Newark v. Notts Casuals

Today’s matches with Casuals were a perfect opportunity to gauge the progress of our White squad. In the reverse fixture earlier in the season we were over-matched and the team’s lack of experience really showed.

Since then the squad have been focusing on the basics – doing the simple things well is often enough to win matches. The previous week the team had really worked hard on support play, passing, tacking and the importance of getting to the breakdown quickly. And how well they applied it in a real game!

Newark conceded an early try in the first game. That can break some teams but not the whites. They re-group, encouraged each other and quickly established some real momentum. The tackling in particular was first class and we slowly worked our way back into the game.

Some changes of faces at half time added some fresh legs and huge enthusiasm. Carrying on the great work already shown we increasing controlled the game. Our defence so strong that Casuals had few scoring chances.

At final whistle the players were elated with the result they had achieved. It’s a moment we think they’ll all remember for a long time.

The second game showed how quickly things can go backwards. Casuals got the upper hand and pulled clear thanks to some excellent rucking and strong running. Half time came at just the right moment.

The half time team talk showed just how far this squad has come. We asked the players what had gone wrong and they knew. “We just aren’t tackling” and “we aren’t getting to the ruck” summed it up perfectly. All the coaches needed to do was boost their confidence and send them back out to do themselves justice.

And that’s exactly what they did. The intensity of the game picked up and we slowly but steadily took hold of the game. Eventually producing a fine performance that properly reflected the squad’s ability.

Every player in the squad - Josh, Lewis, Jonah, Tommy, Finn, Keegan, Alfie, Henry M, Calum, Tom, Harry and Harvey – had at least one “magic moment” in the two games. Whether that was a great pass, a brilliant tackle or an amazing run didn’t matter. As always in rugby it’s about the teamwork not individual glory.

We didn’t have a player of the week award but had we done so it would definitely have gone to Henry who was outstanding in defence and attack.

Refereeing mini games is always a tough job. A big thank you for Nigel for a flowing, safe and fair game. The quality of refereeing being mentioned by both sides as a huge factor in a very enjoyable morning.

The whites have come a long way since September. Many are still short on pitch time but the improvement is there for all to see. Bravo!

Training at Kelham Road for all U10 players next Sunday.

Written by Ian Gooden
Verified by Andy Rush