Westcombe Park Festival
The sun was out and the ground was hard this weekend when MRFC U10's took to the pitches for the last festival of the season at Westcombe Park. First they played against Westcombe Park white's it was action from the start. With a scrum down Daly took possession of the ball and passed to Beard who returned it to Daly to score. A tackle from Bullock lead to a ruck where Med's forwards Beard, Settle and Connell cleared the opposition away and secured the ball, a pass from Bullock to Parmenter, who sprinted to score. A joint tackle from Beville and Bullock brought their man down and Beard dived on the Ball. Daly, Bullock, Potter and Beville showed their skill in passing, keeping the whites at bay. Kelsey and Bullock pushed to touch. At half time the score was 2-0 to Medway. With substitutions made it was still all to play for. Ward flew into tackles from the start. The ball traveled from Bullock, Daly, Potter and back to Bullock and then into the hands of the powerful Thompson who put his shoulder down and drove straight into the White's defenses, with Horsey and Kirwan on his back the Maul motored down the pitch towards the try line for Thompson to score. Daly's put the "Cullen Crusher" into action. Bullock seized the ball pop passed to Ward who scored. One last tackle from Ward and the final whistle blew for a 4-0 win to Medway.
Next the Med's Played Tonbridge Juddians for what they knew would be a tough game. Defence was high with tackles from the off. Kelsey clung to his man. Connell gained the ball to pass to Bullock who returned it to Connell. Bullock chased down a Judd's played and took him to ground. Potter steamed into defend the ball. Kelsey and Bullock pushed to touch. With a rebound from the line out, Connell intercepted the ball. Settle won the next line out and charged into action. Plows marked his man. At half time it was 2-0 to the Judd's. A pep talk from the coaches and a group "squeeze", substitutions were made and the second half began. The Med's never gave up! A tackle from Daly brought on a ruck where Thomspon and Horsey stomped over safe guarding the ball. The tackles were high and the action came from both teams. Final score was 4-0 to the Judd's.
The U10's upped their game when they took on The Old Colfeians. Passing was the key as the ball traveled from player to player throughout the team. Bullock ran and passed to Potter with Plows showing good supportive play. The Colfes fumbled with the ball leaving Bullock to dive onto it for a ruck from Settle and Beard to secure their position. A run from Kelsey. A strong tackle from Connell followed by and interception brought the ball into Medway's hands. A perfect line out call took the ball into Settle's safe hands. Potter got the ball out from a ruck and at half time a win was still in the air. Straight from the whistle Bullock scored. Followed by a second try from Beard. A drive from Kirwan, Connell and Beard led to a combined try which was even hard for the players to decide who had put it down. A last tackle from Daly and the whistle sounded and cheers rung out for a 3-1 win to the red and gold's!
With the last match to play against Heathfield Hurricanes a win meant a place in the plate final and a loose would take them home. The players could smell victory in the air. Kelsey attacked the defenses. Connell pushed the Hurricanes back and Bullock took the ball to score. Parmenter and Bullock took them to touch and Connell gained the ball from the line out. A switch round at half time due to an ankle injury whilst going to the toilet for Horsey and a finger injury for Settle. Beard gained ground then took the ball to ground for Connell to clear out. Daly took the ball from the scrum and passed to Bullock to score. Connell scored the third leaving a 3-1 win and a place in the quarter final.
A change of pitch brought them to play Cranbrook Connell scored and Daly took out Cranbrook's Fly half with ease. Plows took one to touch and defence was high and the ball was their prized possession as Beard scored. The ground was hard and the going tough as Bullock scored again. The supporters where on their toes as Kirwan stormed to touch down on the line, giving a victory salute to the corner post. . Ward gave us tackle after tackle and Bullock scored again. A place in the final was secured with a 5-2 win.
The last match was against Old Elthamians, who were known to be a strong team with skilled passes. With Settle and Horsey out of the game they supported their team with passion. Beard gave a good run. Bullock tackled hard. "Sonic" (Plow) sped into tackle mode. Bullock drove to touch and Connell put the pressure on against a well conditioned side. Ward showed his tackling power and Bullock scored. It was a nail biting match where Medway's U10's left the pitch as Runner's up to the plate with a 6-1 defeat.
The Under 10's have progressed so much this year leaving their Manager, coaches and supporters very proud of them. Other Coaches passed on their respect for the team who's skills have grown during this season. As the Captain Max Bullock recieved the plate for the team the cheers of "Medway" were enormous. A message from their Manager: "Well done U10's its been a fantastic season and we are proud of each and every one of you. A fantastic team!"
Kent Finals Day
While the rest of the 10's were at home, training and trying out the new "Ultimate Speed Agility Kit" Medway's U10's went to Tonbridge Juddians for the Final of the Kent Festival.
They took to the pitch for the first game against The Old Alleynians with their winning heads on and full on action from the start. A cracking pass from Kelsey to Beard, Robertson was quick to take down his man, from the scrum in true Scrum Half style, Daly took his man to the ground, Potter defended hard. Every player was getting involved in the action. In the second half it was all to play for. With a tap down from Horsey Robertson caught the ball. Daly passed to Beard who scored the first try of the day. Strong Mauls, Scrums and Rucks from Kirwan, Thompson and Horsey were won every time. Horsey never missed a line out. Final score was a 2-1 defeat. Scorer Beard. Coaches were that Medway had played their best game this season.
With a move of pitch Medway took on their friends Gravesend for a hard hitting game. A tackle from Ward, push through from Daly, Schmoeger took down his man and Connell scored her first try. By half time Medway were 3-1 down. In the second half the team showed their versatility as the ground was hard and the they took plenty of knocks, resulting in forwards playing back positions and every player working together. Beard scored Thompson and Kirwan drove over and protected the ball. End result was 7-2 to Gravesend.
Parents, Supporters, Coaches and the Manager are very proud of the team who were Conal Thompson, Ciar Connell, Cameron Settle, Angus Robertson, Josh Kelsey, Cullen Daly, Matthew Beard, Aiden Ward, Leon Ward, William Schmoeger, Rhys Potter, Ethan Kirwan and Ben Horsey.
Kent Preliminaries
MRFC's U10's A and B team took part in the Kent Festival Qualifying Event at Black Heath RFC this weekend
The effect of the time changed showed on the U10's A team when they took to the pitch against Aylesford. Tackles from Daly and Kelsey and a drive from Horsey and Settle didn't prevent Aylesford from winning 3-0. Next they took on Canterbury, with improvement in defence the team had obviously woken up. Bullock took his man to ground, Daly flew taking a player into touch, Robertson took out the oppositions FH with skill. End result 1-0 to Canterbury. With no rest and for their last match in the main competition the team took on Westcombe Park B for their best match so far. This was a team game with all hands on the ball and plenty of action throughout which led to a 4-0 win for Medway. All their efforts took them through to the Quarter final to play for the Bowl against New Ash Green. With a win under their belt the team spirit was high. Thompson drove the ball to the try line. Defence was high and good runs from Kelsey, Beard and Bullock led the team to qualify for the finals next week with a 6-1 win. Scorer's were Thompson, Beard (2), Kelsey and Bullock (2). All finished for today they sprinted to the side lines to watch the "B's" finish their quarter final game. As always Medway's U10 "A" team had "pulled it out of the bag" in the end. The "A" team was Cameron Settle, Ciar Connell, Conal Thompson, Ben Horsey, Ethan Kirwan, Angus Robertson, Max Bullock, Cullen Daly, Matthew Beard, Josh Kelsey, Aiden Ward, William Schmoeger and Leon Ward.
After moving up into the Main Competition, from the B Team Round Robin Competition within the last fortnight the B team took to the pitch for their first game against Tonbridge Wells. Medway showed the true grit and determination whilst defending hard against a strong team. Every player got involved in the game which ended in a 6-0 win for Tonbridge. Next they were up against Old Colfeians. A good Maul was set up by Rea, Harris and Parmenter. A try saver from Cordingley. Beville and Plows teamed up to tackle their man. This team were showing massive signs of improvement against a strong side. End result 6-0 to Old Colfeians. For the last game of the round the "B" team took New Ash Green. It was full on action from the start with lots of rucking and mauling defence was high. The opposition were pushed to touch at every opportunity. In the second half Beville passed to Graham who scored the first try of the day for the team! Moral was very high for the players and supporters and the game ended in a 6-1 win to New Ash Green. This qualified them to play in the quarter finals for the Shield against Westcombe park B. Defence was at its best with all players keeping the opposition on their toes. with "good hands" from Graham and Beville the teams efforts were shown in the 3-0 win to Westcombe Park B. Comments from other coaches and referees were that this team were showing the true spirit of the game by competing with their heads held high despite the scores and that they had the potential to be a very strong side. The "B" team was Thomas Beal, Kinlan Harris, Danny Rea, Toby Graham, Joseph Parmenter, Matthew Beville, Henry Broome, Henry Cordingley, Kynan Plows and George Bailey.
The Manager, coaches, parents and Supporters are very proud of Both Teams!
Old Colfeians Festival
After four months without playing at a Festival, Medway U10s Gold and Red Teams attended the Old Colfeians festival. This festival was to prove a very tough contest and our players showed great pride and determination in the face of some tough competition.
First game of the day, for the Gold team was Medway Gold V Westcombe Park. Our opponents started strongly, scoring tries in quick succession, leaving Medway 6-0 down at half time. After a quick pep talk from coach, a more confident Medway ran out with better defending and some tough tackles by Leon Ward and making ground with straight running by Beard - Medway finally gained a consolation try by Kelsey. The game finished 8-1 to Westcombe Park.
Next up, Medway played the home side. Medway went 2 down early on, but with some great passing shown by Harris and Graham and a sprint by Beard saw him fire his way through the Old Colfeian defence to score a try before half time. The second half saw the Medway defence tire and the home side ran in three more tries to secure a 5-1 victory.
In the third round Medway were up against Bromley. After winning the toss, Medway showed some early promise with their attacking game, but they were no match for Bromley's determined side, the ensuing defensive tackles made were countless - particularly from Schmoeger and Beville, the Meds battled to successfully hold up the ball over the try line just before half time. The second half brought some good rucking and mauling and some inventive play by Settle and Kirwan saw Medway at times, look dangerous, but further tries by Bromley saw them win 8 nil.
With three games down, Medway's last game was against Tonbridge Judd’s. No one could fault the relentless effort and determination shown by every Medway player, they battled on and defended bravely, with ever-improving play from Beal and Thomas and a superb tackle at the close of play by new lad Cordingley, Medway finally succumbed to a 4 nil defeat. Yet despite this, they have taken some positives from this day - learning new skills, creating opportunities and communicating with other team members. Every player could go home with their heads held high.
The Gold squad were: Cameron Settle (Captain), Ethan Kirwan, Matthew Beard, Kinlan Harris, William Schmoeger, Josh Kelsey, Toby Graham, Matthew Beville, Thomas Beal, Leon Ward, Iwan Thomas, Henry Cordingley
Meanwhile the Reds took on Sidcup for their first match of the day. Potter hit the opposition hard with his first tackle of the day. Sidcup were proving to be a strong side as Thompson and Horsey executed a ruck using their combined force to attempt a break through. Connell ripped the ball and Bullock made a good run leading Thompson to score the first try of the day. Half time brought the team to be down by 1 so it was all to play for the in second half. Connell snatched the ball from her opponent and Robertson ran for the line to score. Sidcup snuck a win just in time with the final score at 3-2.
Next the Reds took on Tonbridge Wells, a much bigger side. Ward and Potter teamed up and were joined by Horsey to take a mightier player down. Forward's Connell, Thompson and Horsey proved they could drive over. Bullock made an impressive run to score. First half, 2-1 to Wells. For the second half the long legs of Parmenter took him down the pitch, Potter and Broome tackled together, Thompson and Bullock made good runs. Bullock to score. Final result: 2-4 to Tonbridge Wells.
With no rest they took to the pitch against the Dartfordians, tired but relentless. Blythe tackled his man, Connell took hers down and high speed tackles were made by Ward and Potter. Ward to score, despite their efforts the reds were 3-1 down at half time. Rea ran for the line but was stopped in his tracks, Potter claimed the ball, passed and Bullock received it with style and scored. A good drive from Connell. Final score 2-6 to Dartfordians.
Tired but hoping to change the fortunes of the day Medway took to the field against the home side for the semi final of the bowl. Alas it was not to be and the final whistle brought with it a score of 5-2 in favour of Old Colfs. It was a score line that failed to do Medway justice thou, inspired runs by both Bullock and Connell pushed Colf's back into their own territory. A stalwart defence by the whole team made their opponents work hard for every foot of ground gained. (Bullock 2)
The Red squad were: Rhys Potter (Cpt), Ben Horsey, Ciar Connell, Conal Thompson, Angus Robertson, Max Bullock, Joseph Parmenter, Henry Broome, Aiden Ward, Danny Rea and Bailey Blyth
As the sun set on the Old Colfeian Festival Medway had lost every match but not one player walked away that day a loser. Both squads of players showed maturity beyond their years, congratulating their opponents at the end of every match and never looking down hearted or down trodden and proving yet again that rugby is truly the sport played by gentlemen.
Charity Match
On Saturday some of MRFC's U10s joined forces with some of the U9s 
to play an uncompetitive charity match in aid of Help for Heroes before the 1st XV main match. They demonstrated their skills whilst playing the teaching match to the spectators. All players were happy to do their bit to raise money for such a worthy cause. Then on Sunday they went to Sevenoaks for a training session and joined them to play some mixed team matches. It was a fantastic weekend of Rugby for them all.
Upminster Festival
During a roller coaster of games played at Upminster’s Festival this weekend Medway’s U10's played some of their best games in the true sport of Rugby and left their spectators feeling very proud of the team. First they 
took to the pitch against Sevenoaks, with drive overs, rucks and mauls and the execution of the “Cullen Crusher”. Beard, Potter and Bullock all tried to plow through the mighty oaks. Kelsey clung on to the opposition’s ankles with determination that brought his man down. The second half brought good defensive play from Kelsey, Potter, Daly and Beard and with a pop pass from Bullock and a run down the pitch from Beard to score for the team. End result 3-1 to Sevenoaks. Scorer Beard.
Next came Dagenham to take on the Med’s. This proved to be a very physical game Start of play brought great passing between Bullock, Beard and Kelsey. Forwards Harris and Thompson plowed into the defense and Scrum Half Robertson claimed the ball. Daly and Beard worked together with tackling defensive play and Bullock scored. In the second half the Beard used his “Matty Munch” in defense. Horsey and Kelsey powered their man to the floor and a team effort to defend drove Dagenham into touch. Parmenter had good hands to receive from Potter and Robertson seized the ball from the powerful scrum. Final score 3-2 to Dagenham. Tries from Bullock and Daly.
Medway’s U10's third game was against Thames with strong passing to start and a fantastic scrum it was all to play for. Beard won the line out and claimed the ball for the team and a great run took Bullock to the try line to score. Then came a drive from Horsey and Connell, Robertson claimed the ball and passed to Bullock and onto Kelsey. With the other team winning the ball Bullock pushed them into touch. Fantastic set up play and team support led Bullock to score again. A combination of tackles from Beard, Daly and Graham kept the opposition on their toes. With the second half underway Medway claimed the ball and Beard powered through to score. Beard won the ball again leading to Bullock to complete his hat trick of the game. Thomspon drove over and Bullock pushed to touch, a scrum down gave Kelsey the opportunity to switch the ball to Bullock. A flying tackle from Blyth and Daly taking the ball to ground set a strong platform to start the attack again. Schmoeger pop passed to Bullock and a ruck was formed. Thompson got the ball out to score his first try for the team. 6-0 to Medway. Scorer’s Bullock (3), Beard, Daly and Thompson.
With the last game in the pool against Wanstead it was all to play for. Soon into the game Beard won the ball for Bullock to score. Graham pushed through Wanstead’s defenses leading to a Medway Maul. Connell took her man to ground. A pass from Parmenter, good team supportive play and Daly powered to the try line. Perfectly timed tackles from Beard kept the opposition on the back foot . During the second half Kelsey passed to Schmoeger, who set the ball up for Bullock to score. Beard and Bullock teamed up to defend and Harris, Thompson and Beard scrumed down to win the ball. A volley of tackles from Bullock, Schmoeger and Blyth and the game ended with a 3-0 win for Medway’s U10's. Tries from Bullock(2) and Daly.
The Coaches, Manager and spectators alike said that every player had played fantastically and the team walked away third in their pool. Meanwhile at home the rest of the U10's worked productively on all the core skills of Rugby at the home ground. Well Done Medway U10's!!!
Medway Festival
Medway Rugby Football club held the first festival of the season this weekend at the home ground. MRFC’s U10's fielded two teams of varied ability.
The U10's Reds took on the Mighty Sevenoaks for their first match of the day. The pressure was so with a hard hitting defense from every player and tackles flying in every direction Josh Kelsey’s good hands received the ball from Matthew Beard with accuracy. Cullen Daly brought his crusher tackle into play when he took to the pitch for the second half and with a display of passes as the team traveled down the pitch Daly made the final run to put the ball over the line. Hard hitting Aiden Ward flew into tackle. Final Score 3-1 to Sevenoaks.
Next they played Upminster. A good push from Rhys Potter and a hard hit from Max Bullock. Scrum Half Angus Roberston flew round the scrum to take out the opposition’s fly half A tackle took Potter down who offloaded the ball with precision to Bullock who passed to Kelsey and tackles from Beard, Ciar Connell, Ethan Kirwan and Leon Ward the end result was a 2 all draw. Scorer Bullock.
The teams spirits held high they took on Sittingbourne it was an even match for the first half with the score sitting at 0-0. The second half brought a drive by Medway to the 10m line, Scrum down and a penalty awarded to the home team with a try by Daly. Penalty half way resulted in a try by Bullock. A messy scrum brought William Schmoeger (FH) to pick the ball up and deliver it to Bullock to score again. Full time result 3-0 to the Reds!
With the final game of the pool against Whitstable. Defence was high a well executed drive from Cameron Settle, Beard and Connell provided a strong front row. A good run from Kelsey. Daly romped the ball home. Kelsey tackled hard and Bullock took the ball for a run to score. With every hand touching the ball and the final effort from Aiden Ward to score. End result 5-1 to the Reds.
Next was the final for third place against Maidstone. Every player gave it their all and the defense was high with a hard hitting game from both sides who each made several attacks for their own try line. A break from Bullock led to a try. Great team play from the Reds brought Medway’s U10's their first trophy of the season with a one all draw. Once again this experienced team had shown their skills.
Meanwhile the U10's Yellow’s took on Aylesford. With this team playing together for the first time and some new players to the sport there were great team passes from Kinlan Harris, Joseph Parmenter and Matthew Beville. A good drive from Ben Horsey and a strong tackle from Jack Aldred the yellow’s showed good passing. Final score 6-0 to Aylesford.
The second match was against Maidstone brought a solo drive from Harris, a well executed offload from Beville to Aldred. Henry Broome proved to have a strong tackle and Toby Graham took the ball to ground. Runs from Aldred, Harris Parmenter and Graham and a strong tackles from Horsey, Danny Rea and George Bailey. End result 4-0 to Maidstone.
Next was Gravesend. Hard hitting tackles from Broome, Bailey Blyth and the powerful Conal Thompson pushed up the defence. A pass from Belville led to Aldred to run and pass to Harris who ran some more. Aldred pushed the opposition to touch and Graham tackled hard. With the score reaching 6-0 to Gravesend their coach agreed to play to time to give what he called “the promising” Yellow’s some extra experience.. Using this to its all Bailey and Blyth brought their man down.
For the last game in the pool the yellow’s took to the pitch against Cranbrook. With a strong push driving the scrum to start as a good start every player was switched on for this match. Graham’s legs took him down the pitch. The power of Thompson and Horsey drove the scrum from the half way mark to the 10m line with the ball released to Parmenter who took it to the corner to score. This was a recipe for success as the team repeated it for Thompson to score his first try. With all attempts from Harris, Beville and Graham to run Aldred took the ball from the scrum and headed for the line to score.. A fantastic game for the team who won 3-1!
Medway Yellow met Whitstable in the final for the bowl. They started with a strong tackle from Broome. Whitstable then had the ball and with a strong attack scored a try. Yellow’s came back with a fantastic run Aldred who passed to Blyth but unfortunately he was tackled at the last moment - a near miss for Medway. A strong charge from Whitstable resulted in another try. Half time score 0-2. Second half brought a strong defense from Medway but Whitstable proved to be too strong and scored their third try. Beville secured the ball and passed to Thompson who charged into attack with a push from Horsey and Rea for a huge Maul. Medway lost the ball but regained it again for Thomspon to attack once more. Pentalty led Beville to restart the game, pass to Parmenter and back to Beville and then to Thompson, Aldred, a turn over ball and pentalty against Whitstable. Beville passed to Aldred who ran forward but Whitstable stopped play. Beville to Aldred to Thompson. The match ended in a 0-3 win for Whitstable. The Yellow’s had never given up and held their heads high.