Newark U11s v. Southwell & Yarnbury

Written by Vince Corley & Ian Gooden
Verified by Andy Rush

Blue Squad;
Coaches; Rushie and Vince
Players; Lewis, Henry B, Oscar, James, Alex, Alfie, Harley, Alexander, Calum, Harry and Dom

Blue Team v. Yarnbury

The game of rugby has a habit of throwing up a few surprises and on Sunday our boys were a little taken back when they viewed the size of their opposition. To say that a few of their boys would not look out of place in an under 14 game perhaps paints a perfect picture. Then add in their desire to kick the ball from anywhere (even 10 metres from our try line) and finally their very vocal desire to improve Rushie's referring skills, we may have found a few excuses to explain why our lads may have come second in this contest.

Now with last week’s poor training session still in our minds, what we witnessed from our boys made us feel very proud.

Our forwards worked tirelessly as a 3, both in the scrum and in loose play. Some of their tackling was simply outstanding and despite a few bruised and bloodied noses, their appetite for more contact meant that both Harley and Alfie were able to excel at scrum half. This allowed Oscar to operate with both time and space to bring in our strong runners. In doing this we saw several phases of play being completed on several occasions, many of which had been practiced the week before.

The game finished a draw with Oscar scoring a try in each half. A terrific result.

Blue Team v. Southwell

Prior to the game starting we simply asked the boys to continue doing what they had done in the game against Yarnbury. That was operating in PODs of 3, to win our own ball at the scrum, to disrupt their scrum and for our half backs to bring in our runners out wide.

At half time with a lead secured, we could only say that the boys had done everything that we had asked.

This structure and game management continued in the second half with Alex leading the way in the forwards with some very strong and direct running. The support given to him by Calum, Lewis and Harry was excellent. This meant that they allowed Oscar and James to dominate the play out wide. The final score in our favour did not perhaps confirm our dominance and what was without doubt the best all round team display we have seen this season. Well done boys.

Player of the week was Harry. We have never seen him tackle and be as involved as much.

White Squad;
Coaches; Ian and Richard
Players; Josh, Monty, Finn, Freddie, Ted, Elliot, Matthew G, Jack, Noah, Joe R and Matthew W

White Team v. Southwell:

At the end of a very disappointing training session last week by the whole squad the coaches decided not to award a “player of the week”. Today every member of the White team deserved one.

Slow, indifferent starts have been a weakness this season. Before our first game with Southwell, Coaches Richard and Ian stressed the need to turn up from the first whistle. As Elliot put it brilliantly “we need to build our confidence and dent theirs”.

Immediately the players made their presence felt. Freddie, Noah and Ted all putting in big tackles and competing fiercely at the breakdown. Newark dominated the first half and probably should have built an even more commanding lead at half time. The main coaching points at half time being to run straight and pass rather than take the ball back into contact.

If we gave a “most improved player” award it would have to go to Josh. His power at the breakdown helped Newark dominate both rucks and mauls. As his confidence rose so did that of the whole team. Combined with Finn, Jack and Ted we had a great forwards unit that consistently won the ball for the likes of Matthew W, Monty and Elliot to exploit.

Conceding only a single try was testament to a great display of Newark defence. Much credit goes to a spirited Southwell side who were a credit to their club and coaches.

White Team v. Yarnbury:

The team entered the second game with their confidence high. However the sheer physical presence of the Yarnbury team made it obvious this would be a highly competitive game. Before kick off the coaches stressed that work rate and technical skill, not size, would decide the outcome. And so it proved.

The early exchanges saw Yarnbury dominate. Within three minutes Newark had conceded two tries. It is then that mental strength decides what happens. You can give up or fight back. And how Newark fought back.

The energy levels were amazing. Speed, passing, fierce rucking and some impressive driving mauls saw Newark edge back into the game. Fighting back to level terms at half time.

All we asked the players at half time was to increase the work rate. Newark have impressed opposition sides with their fitness all season. Now we needed to make that count.

Yarnbury scored the first try of the second half and could easily have stretched the lead but for two huge try saving tackles from Matthew G playing at full back. Newark then struck back to level the game again.

Throughout the game Yarnbury’s passing game was impressive. And that led to them taking the lead again just three minutes from time. And yet again Newark responded. An excellent high kick creating the chance for Joe R to use his speed, take the ball in and drive over the line.

The last phases of play saw Newark’s fitness show. Powerful rucking created an opening for Elliot to run straight at the defence, draw the last defender and then pass for Freddie to score the winning try in the dying seconds of the game.

In over 40 years of playing and coaching I don't think I can recall a prouder moment. Without doubt our most impressive performance all season. Special mention goes to Jack who, as hooker, played every minute of both games. Player of the week went to Freddie for his sheer intensity. However this was ultimately a team performance of the highest calibre. I just wish our Head Coach had been there to see it!

Next Sunday we will be welcoming Notts Corsairs to Kelham Road. Team selection will be sent out this week, please keep an eye on your email. There will be training for all players not participating in the match.