Newark U9’s v Stamford U9’s

Newark arrived at Stamford on a fresh, crisp and clear blue skied morning with two teams, Newark Whites and Newark Blues. Stamford turned out four teams and organised a joint fixture with Market Harborough to enable all teams to play 3 different matches.

The match preparation focused on putting the opposition under pressure as a defensive line to gain possession and then move the ball into space.

Newark Blues (Freddie, Joshi, Dom, Rufus, James, Alex G, Joe R, Alexander, and Alex F) put their opposition under pressure throughout in all 3 matches. Blues played very intensively on the front foot with well committed tackles and through many phases of attack scored well earned tries in all three games. There were times when we lost our defensive line which enabled Stamford to move the ball and counter attack scoring after they turned the ball over during Blues attack. Despite the cold and muddy conditions the ball handling was excellent, the boys persevered throughout and played three intensive matches back to back enjoying all three against very competitive well-structured Stamford teams.

Joe R was awarded the Blues Player of the Week, putting in fantastic tackles during the three matches.

The Newark Whites (Noah, Luke, Ted, Oscar, Ethan, Harley, Reuben, Alex T and Harry) also played three different teams all whom had some good pace which caused some challenges. In attack they pressed well and the boys did some great off loads. The lads listened to the coaches and as a team the defensive line moved forward quickly, put the Stamford teams under continued pressure creating some great turnover ball. At times when their defensive line was broken the lads lacked confidence in making the cover tackle which allowed Stamford time and space to attack and score some excellent tries. When driving forward there was fantastic support play with great communication shouting for the ball and looking for space to pass into, still work to do with knowing when to release the ball into space or take into the tackle.

Noah was awarded the Whites Player of the Week, putting in a number of last man tackles and some excellent support running.

All in all both teams put in a great display both in attack and most impressively as a defensive line working as a team, forcing the opposition to make mistakes and creating turnovers.

Stamford Rugby Club have asked to pass on their thanks to all of our players, parents and coaches for joining them today for a great morning of rugby.

Their coaches have nothing but praise regarding the quality of the rugby, structure and organisation of both Newark teams and how the games were played by all and look forward to playing us again soon.

Training next week at Kelham Road. 

Author: Neil Walker/Richard Marshall
Verified: Alan Staines