Westcombe Park Festival
The Knights fielded all available players for their final fixtures of the season which were played out in the sunshine on Sunday, at the Westcombe Park Festival.
In a tough group there would be no easy fixture for Medway's U11 and there first opponents Beccehamians, applied the pressure from the off. Their strong pack dominated the scrum and when the ball came out their back line kept Medway pinned back for the majority of the first half, culminating in 2 tries and the lead at half time. Beccehamians added a third try mid-way through the second half and it was only then that Medway dug in and started to get a grip on the game, big hits in the middle from Lewis Hollidge and centre Mattias Carden, along with try saving work from both wings Christopher Jarvis and Alfie Pattenden, followed by swift rucking, gave Joshua Lamb and Joshua Butler time and space to utilise their direct and determined running, which then put Becc's on the back foot for the final 5 minutes of the game. Result 0-15.
The Knights carried the momentum from the end of that first game into their next match brilliantly, putting in a strong performance throughout against Maidstone. The forwards were strong in the scrum, winning more than their fair share of ball, whilst great work at the breakdowns with quick rucking ensured plenty of ball for their back line which they used well pressuring the Maidstone defence with incisive runs from full back Josh Butler and wing William Milham. Medway’s pressure finally told via a scrum 5 yards out, when scrum half Harry Meadows took possession from the back of the scrum and rolled off the back, to go over. In the second half Medway continued their fine defensive work and the Knights soon extended their lead with a fine move through the backs, rounded off with an excellent run by wing Christopher Jarvis, who's dynamic running outpaced the Maidstone defence before going over in the corner. Medway kept pressing forward with a powerful run from Joshua Lamb who was held up just short of the Maidstone line, then through Jack Bloomfield with a trademark mazy 20 yard run, which was once again halted 5 yards short of the Maidstone line, Medway were quick to the breakdown and second row Tom Narborough ripped the ball free, before rolling off the back of the maul, to go over in the corner. Result 15-0.
Next up were Cranbrook, who took the game to Medway early on pinning them back for much of the first half, winning the majority of the breakdowns, added to this pressure sloppy defensive work from the Knights lead to Cranbrook finally scoring just before half time. After a few choice words from their coach at half time, Medway came out for the second half in determined mood and put in a solid display, Cristopher Jarvis at full back put in several big hits stifling Craberook attacks, while the forward line won good possession from the scums and breakdowns, while it was a far more even half, Medway were unable to break through Cranbrook's defence and the game finished 0-5.
Prior to the final match of the season. Medway's coach asked each of his players to give him a big performance against a very well organised Brentwood side. In a well contested and tight match of few chances, both sides battled gamely throughout for possession in order to build momentum, but neither side gave any ground, until just before half time when Medway gave away three penalties in succession for coming in from the side of the ruck, on the third attempt Brentwood took the chance and punched through the Knights defence to score. To their credit, Medway came out in determined mood matching their opponents in all departments, towards the middle of the second half another fine run from Christopher Jarvis was stopped just short of the Brentwood line and when the resulting maul collapsed, the ball spilled out to prop Oscar Wells who gratefully except the gift and powered over to level the match. Result 5-5
Medway played four matches, winning one, with one draw and two losses; they scored 4 tries and conceded 5.
Medway Knights squad was: Jack Bloomfield, Josh Butler, Jean Luc Carden, Jean Pascal Carden, Mathias Carden, Jacob Clayton, Alex Harris, Lewis Hollidge, Christopher Jarvis, Josh Lamb, Harry Meadows, William Milham, Reuben Murdoch-North, Tom Narborough, Karl O’Grady, Alfie Pattenden, Oliver Rees, Joseph Van Vilsteren and Oscar Wells.
Another very good season over, only one squad this year due to numbers, meaning all players had the chance to play for the A squad and in doing so many of them gaining valuable experience.
Honours this season included:
Undefeated Plate Winners at Medway Fest, Cup Runners Up at Upminster Festival, 3rd Place in the Plate at Kent Festival, Runners Up in the Bowl at Old Colfeians Fest and Plate Runners Up on tour at the Kingswood Festival Norfolk.
Stats for this season are (including festival and tour matches):
Played 49 Won 25 Lost 14 Drew 10
Tries Scored 106 (530 points)
Tries conceded 50 (250 points).
Medway RFC U11’s The Knights on the Wild Ducks Tour to Norfolk 2011
On an Army themed mini section tour with 400 people, the 17 U11 Knights were in their element. It was guns, camouflage, face paint and general mayhem from the minute they arrived Friday afternoon to the Monday morning departure (apart from the Narbs who are still listed as missing in action),
The mini’s had been entered into the Kingswood Festival hosted by Holt RFC. The U11 comp consisted of two pools of 5 teams with the winner of each playing for the cup and runners up playing for the plate.
So after 2 nights of partying and all day Saturday at an outward bounds centre (my fall from the climbing wall was to demonstrate to the boys that even a 16 stone lump like me could be saved by a young lady and a bit of rope. It doesn’t matter that all the lads had already done the climb safely it needed demonstrating!), it was the shell shocked Knights that looked like they were nursing the hangovers not their (very grey looking) parents on the side line when they took to the pitch for their first match on the Sunday Morning.
Well not all the Knights made it to the pitch for the first game, unfortunately Josh Butler had been wounded in action some time the previous night. Some say he had a crick neck from sleeping awkward, some say his neck went like it as soon as he saw Ade Bullock in a skin tight all in one camouflage body suit and some say he was sabotaged by Karl (stealth) Bloomfield (not seen since the Punk tour to Somerset 2 years ago when he first went into camouflage stealth mode). Josh did bravely make the shortest appearance of the year in the second match when he came on caught the ball, ran 25m up the touch line, got tackled and cricked his neck.
Another casualty was Karl O’Grady who had also sustained a war wound the day before. Some say he cut his hand fighting off the mad machete man in the caravan park, some say the cut appeared as soon as he saw Ade Bullock in a skin tight all in one camouflage body suit and some say he was reversed into by Nikki Minter (more later on this one). Karl once again bravely came on as sub in a couple of games before the cut got to uncomfortable.
Back to the rugby and the shell shocked Knights went 5 nil down in the first half against Kesteven before waking up and bravely pulling the game back through hooker Sam Crean and winning the game with centre Rueben Murdock-North scoring on the last play. Final score was 10 – 5 to Medway.
The second match against Maldon with the Knights now awake was a different affair. 15 - 5 up at half time with tries from fly half Lewis Hollidge, hooker Crean and prop Oscar Wells. The Knights were hitting the tackles hard winning quick ruck ball and throwing it around. Further tries from prop Wells and winger William Milham in the second half completed a 25 -5 victory for Medway.
The third pool game was against the hosts Holt. The Knights were now at their very best and were 20 – 0 up at half time. Tries came from fullback Josh Lamb, winger Milham and both second rows Joseph Van Visteren and Tom Narborough. Tom’s try was scored after the ball went down to the winger back to the fly half and back again to the wing position were Tom popped up to finish the move started in their own half. Another 5 points were added by centre Adam Sleiman after a strong individual run in the second half. Final score was 25 – 0 to Medway.
The final pool game was against the eventual cup winners Tring and there was nothing between the teams, both teams had chances, the Knights thought they had scored twice but the ref was unsighted. The game ended in a 0 – 0 draw. Tring topped the group on try count back so the Knights had earned themselves a place in the plate final.
By this time the coaches had lost the ability to walk so why they watched Amanda Hollidge and Karen Narborough eat chocolate bars (what goes on tour stays on tour) the boys were entertained and warmed up by watching then following Nikki Minter doing laps of the pitch with a silver car strapped to her waist (please see picture). The reason for the car will also stay on tour (banker, expenses, hire car, crash, more expenses).
So the tired and battle weary Knights had the final of the plate to play against Bedford Blues. Once again a very close game, this time decided by one mistake when the ball was spilt by the Knights behind their try line. After the try neither team looked like scoring again and the match became very scrappy with both sets of forwards battling it out in the centre of the pitch. Not a great game to watch with a lot of injury stoppages and no real flowing rugby.
No silverware but leading up to the final some fantastic rugby was played by the Knights. Some say if you look really close in the background of the photos you can see Karl Bloomfield. Some say Karl has taken the Narbs hostage. Some say Karl will appear as soon as he sees Ade Bullock in a skin tight all in one camouflage body suit and Nikki says Karl sabotaged her hire car.
Medway Knights squad was:
Oscar Wells, Sam Crean, Tom Narborough, Josh Butler,Harry Meadows, Lewis Hollidge, William Milham, Mattias Carden, Josh Lamb, Jack Bloomfield, Jen Pascal Carden, Karl O’Grady, Adam Sleiman, Jen Luc Carden, Joseph Van Visteren, Alfie Pattenden and Reuben Murdock-North.
Kent Finals Day
Already knowing their semi final opponents were Sidcup and the possibility of meeting either Blackheath or Dartfordians depending on the semi results, the Knights knew they were in for a hard morning’s rugby. Only playing the semi plus a 3rd/ 4th place playoff or the final meant the games could be extended to 15mins each way.
What you see is what you get with Sidcup. A very big side who use their size to good advantage. To give an idea of what the Knights were up against both of Sidcup’s centres were taller and stockier than the Knights biggest forward, you can imagine what the forwards were up against. That said the Knights took the game to Sidcup right from the start and for the majority of the first 15mins had more territory and possession. Every time Sidcup did get the ball the Knights, to a man, went in brave and low with the tackle and rucked well to win the ball back. Although the Knights had the better chances defences ruled the day and the half ended scoreless.
Unfortunately after all the great work in the first half two uncharacteristic handling errors deep in their own half cost the Knights dearly, both leading to a try for the opposition. From 10 nil down there was no coming back. The Knights continued to battle but as they threw caution to the wind got caught on two more occasions. Final score was 20 nil to Sidcup, a thoroughly deserved win but a flattering score line for a hard fought and close game.
Disappointed by the result, but lifted by their performance the boys raised themselves again to take on Dartfordians in the 3rd and 4th place play off. Dartfordians took the game to the Knights and scored first after a long spell of pressure. Without the brave defence from all, great scrum and loose work from the forwards the Knights could have been more down. Not until the last 5mins did the Knights get out of their half but once they did they looked like another team. Quick turnovers, fast rucks and strong driving in the mauls allowed the backs the space they needed to make ground with the equalising try from full back Josh Lamb the end result.
The second half was a total reversal of the first with the Knights having all the possession and using it brilliantly 4 more tries were added by the Knights without reply. All the second half scores came from flowing moves with strong running and great finishing. The scorers were: wing Christopher Jarvis with 2, scrumhalf Sam Crean and fullback Lamb with his second. The Knights were really enjoying themselves and could have scored on a number of other occasions including one disallowed try and the spilling of the ball in the tackle when over the line. All 18 players got on for both games and all would deserve a mention but I must pick out Sam Crean for a brilliantly timed pass to put Chris Jarvis away for his first score, fly half Lewis Hollidge not for the great break that nearly lead to another Jarvis score but the way he dummied to an invisible winger outside him and got the opposition to buy it and last but by no means least prop Oscar Wells who decided with true forward mentality that enough was enough of this throwing the ball out wide. Receiving a pass on the half way line he headed straight for the whole of the opposition pack and with the help of his own forwards drove the maul all the way to and over the try line. It looked like a great try but the ref was unsighted so a scrum was awarded instead much to Oscar’s delight (if it’s in the scrum those backs won’t be shipping it wide again). Final score was 25 – 5 to the Knights.
A great way to end the Kent Cup for the Knights who over the 2 festivals only lost 1 game, drawing 2 and winning 3.They scored 13 tries while only conceding 6.
Medway Knights squad was:
Oscar Wells, Oliver Rees, Sam Crean, Tom Narborough, Josh Butler,Harry Meadows, Lewis Hollidge, William Milham, Mattias Carden, Christopher Jarvis, Jacob Clayton, Josh Lamb, Jack Bloomfield, Jen Pascal Carden, Aidan Wolfe, Karl O’Grady, Alex Harris and Adam Sleiman.
Kent Festival - preliminaries
Despite being at home it was an early start for the lads and their parents as Medway hosted the qualifying rounds and quarter finals of the U11 Kent Cup.
The Knights were drawn in a tough group consisting of Cranbrook, Old Alleynians A’s, Dover / Ash and themselves.
First up were Old Alleynians, both sides play a similar style of rugby, quick rucking and then trying to get the ball wide. Had it not been for the excellent defence on both sides the try a piece score line could have been much higher. Old A’s took the lead early in the second half but the Knights replied quickly through winger Christopher Jarvis after two fast rucks and quick hands gave him the space break through the defence and score. Final score was 5 – 5.
In their second match against Dover / Ash the Knights had a lot more possession. Dover / Ash were brave in defence and held out until halfway through the half when after a sustained spell of pressure the Knights finally broke through the defence to score with centre Adam Sleiman finishing the move. The first try was quickly followed by another two, fullback Josh Lamb made good ground before feeding Jarvis who went over for his second of the day and after a fine run from centre Jack Bloomfield he was able to feed winger William Milham who went over in the corner. The second half followed in the same vein with the Knights really able to open up and run in 3 more tries with scores coming from prop Oscar Wells and two more from wing Jarvis. Final score was 30 – 0 to Medway.
The final game was the group decider against Cranbrook. Medway needed the win but Cranbrook could get away with draw after winning both their previous matches. In a very even game both teams had chances but great defence from both kept the score 0-0 throughout the game. Despite being a no score draw the game was a fantastic example of open, hard fought but fair rugby with a draw the right result.
This meant the Knights finished second in their group earning a plate quarter final place against Old Alleynians B squad. In a tight first half the Knights had the territory and majority of possession but just could not find the last pass to get the score they deserved. The second half was much the same and even when the last past did put the winger away great cover defence in the corner saved the try. Eventually the good handling did pay off with winger Milham going over in the corner to finish a great team move. The Knights did cross the try line on two more occasions but just couldn’t apply the finish. Final score was 5 – 0 to Medway.
So once again the brave Knights have gone through a festival undefeated and this time gained the reward of a trip to Tonbridge next week to take part in the finals.
Medway Knights squad was:
Oscar Wells, Oliver Rees, Sam Crean, Tom Narborough, Josh Butler,Harry Meadows, Lewis Hollidge, William Milham, Mattias Carden, Christopher Jarvis, Jacob Clayton, Josh Lamb, Jack Bloomfield, Jen Pascal Carden, Aidan Wolfe, Karl O’Grady and Adam Sleiman.
Old Colfeians Festival
With no size limit to the squads at the Old Colfeians Festival the Knights took all 19 fit and available players with them. It did mean using 7 subs per game but it gave an opportunity to play some players who wouldn’t always be first choice for an A festival, gaining them valuable experience.
The first group game was against Blackheath, despite a good warm up beforehand the Knights looked cold and just didn’t get going in the first half. Tackles were missed, possession given away cheaply and before they knew it the Knights were 3 tries to nil down. Losing scrum half Ethan Green with back injury which ruled him out for the day capped a bad half. To their credit the Knights were much improved second half and only conceded 1 more try again at a cost though losing their other scrum half Harry Meadows who was also ruled out for the rest of the day this time with a knee injury. Final score was 20 – 0 to Blackheath.
Not the greatest of starts but the knights took heart from their second half performance and were back to their best against a very large Sidcup side in the second match. Sidcup had most of the territory and possession throughout the match but the Knights were excellent in defence and looked dangerous on the counter attack. Both sides scored once in the first half and held each other out in the second. The final score was 5 – 5 with winger Christopher Jarvis scoring the Knights try.
The third match was against Bromley who were on a high after defeating Blackheath in their previous game. The Knights were also on a high after the Sidcup performance so both teams were up for this game. The difference for the Knights this time was that the forwards were able to secure good quick ball and give the backs a chance to attack as well as defend. The Knights are always at their best when given the chance to run and proved it by outscoring Bromley 4 tries to 1 in the first half with 1 a piece for Scrum half Sam Crean and fullback Josh Lamb plus a brace from winger Jarvis. The second half was more even with only 1 more try for the Knights from scrum half Crean. Final score 25 – 5 to Medway.
The final group game was against the hosts Old Colfeians who once again were a much bigger side than the Knights, although unlike the Sidcup game the Knights were able to secure good ball early on by being quicker to the breakdowns and rucking superbly. This allowed Jarvis to once again show his pace for the first score beating his opposite number in a race to the corner and his strength with the second braking numerous tackles before going over. The quick scores gave the Knights the breathing space they needed and they manly defended it for the rest of the match. The final score was 10 – 0 to Medway.
The group results earned the Knights a Bowl final place against Tunbridge Wells. Tunbridge started the better with 2 early scores although once again Jarvis scored in the corner to keep the Knights in the game just before half time, unfortunately getting a knock to the hip in the process which stopped him returning for the second half. To be honest the 4 previous games, in the whole against much bigger opposition, was really taking its toll on the forwards and without the ball it was all defence. Tunbridge did score again in the second half but without the brave tackling of the whole team it could have been much more. In a 14 min game the Knights made nearly 50 tackles with fly half Lewis Hollidge and inside centre Mattias Carden accounting for half of them but the outstanding tackle was made by fullback Josh Lamb. The Tunbridge winger had broken away and was in the process of diving to score in the corner when Lamb tackled him hard enough to take both himself and the player into touch in goal saving what looked to be a certain try. The final score was 15 – 5 to Tunbridge Wells.
Overall a very good day for the Knights with some valuable experience learnt for some players and some great individual and more importantly team performances.
The Knights Squad Was: Josh Butler, Jean Pascal Carden, Jean Luc Carden, Mattias Carden, Jacob Clayton, Sam Crean, Ethan Green, Lewis Hollidge, Christopher Jarvis, Josh Lamb, Harry Meadows, Tom Narborough, Karl O’Grady, Alfie Pattenden, James Queay, Oliver Rees, Adam Sleiman, Joseph Van Vilsteren and Oscar Wells.
Medway RFC U11’s The Knights away at The London Wasps Land Rover Cup Sun 6th March 2011
A very early start for the 18 players, coaches and supports as the Knights headed to RAF Halton in Buckinghamshire to take part in the London Wasps Land Rover Premiership Rugby Cup. The festival was run as 2 pools of 5 teams with the winner from each pool contesting a final.
The Knights pool included Winsor, Brighton, Upminster and Henley Rugby Clubs. Unluckily for the Knights they drew the short straw by being rested for the first round which meant their 4 games all came in a row.
First up for the Knights were Windsor RFC who had just warmed up by playing their first round game. Any fears about the Knights starting cold were alleviated when the first big tackles went in after the kick off and the ball was turned over in the resulting ruck, two phases later and the ball was out to winger Christopher Jarvis who used his pace to go outside his opposite number and score in the corner. From the restart fullback Josh Lamb took the catch and ran the ball back to deep in the Windsor half. Great work followed form the forwards winning two quick rucks allowing fly half Lewis Hollidge to break down the blind side and beat the first line of defence before putting winger Jarvis away in space. This time the cover was there but Jarvis was able to step in and break the tackle to score his second. The score remained ten nil until half time. Second half Windsor came back with a score themselves but the Knights always looked on top despite not adding to the score sheet. Final score was 10 – 5 to Medway.
The Knights second match was against Henley RFC and was a much more pack orientated match which didn’t suit the Knights. Henley had nearly all the possession for both halves but the Knights defence was outstanding the coaches could only remember 1 missed tackle all match and you guessed it, it led to the only try of the match. Final score was 5 – 0 to Henley.
After two hard games the Knights met the eventual winners in Brighton RFC. Brighton played fast open rugby but also had a big strong and mobile pack who rucked superbly. Before they knew it the Knights were 2 tries down and shell shocked enough to start missing tackles and conceding another 2 before half time. To their credit the Knights made a good fight of it second half and only conceded one more try and this was against the slope. Final score was 25 – 0 to Brighton.
The Knights final game was against another very strong side in Upminster RFC. Being the 4th game in a row for the Knights it was really starting to tell and once again the Knights conceded heavily very early in the first half shipping 3 tries. Although 15 to 0 down the effort in defence was awesome and by the end of the half Upminster really knew they were in a match. The knights continued the second half with the same determination and it actually ended one all. The Knights consolation try coming from hooker / scrum half Sam Crean after he broke 2 tackles to score from 15m out after a good period of pressure from the Knights. Final score was 20 - 5 to Upminster.
Not the results the boys wanted but a great day out and plenty learnt and taken away from the festival. Any disappointment felt by the lads was soon forgotten as they watched Wasps defeat Sale in the Premiership game that afternoon at Adams Park.
The Knights Squad was: Oscar Wells, Sam Crean, Alex Harris, Tom Narborough, Oliver Rees, Harry Meadows, Lewis Hollidge, Jack Bloomfield, Mattias Carden, Christopher Jarvis, William Milham, Jacob Clayton, Josh Lamb, Josh Butler, Jean Pascal Carden, Jean Luc Carden, Adam Sleiman and Aidan Wolfe.
Aylesford v Medway
The Knights made the very short trip down Bluebell Hill to take on local rivals Aylesford Bulls. After a thorough warm up there was time for 3 matches.
For the first match both clubs sent out their A teams. Medway are not renowned for their fast starts but got of to an absolute fly-er in this match. Aylesford took the kick off and hit it deep into the Medway half where fullback Josh Lamb caught it only 5 meters from his own line. Given the length of kick Josh had time to make 10 yards before encountering the first of Aylesfords defense which he duly side stepped before heading out wide to out pace the rest of the defense coming across. By this time he was past half way and it was a sprint to the line which he won to score the first try and put the Knights 5 points up. Aylesford came back well and despite kicking straight to Josh again their strong tackling stopped Medway from getting the ball wide or making many more breaks. Aylesford had long periods of possession with their large pack making good ground but the Medway defense and fine counter rucking held Aylesford out. After the rest for half time Medway again started strong and for the first few minutes were able to create quick ball from the forwards and give the backs the chance to get it wide. This step up in pace allowed winger William Milham the bit of space he needed and after rounding his opposite number on the half way line, he had the pace to finish and take the score to 10 nil. Both teams again canceled each other out for the rest of the match and the score remain 10 - 0 to Medway.
The second and third matches were played by a mixture of A and B team players with the Medway players swapping forwards for backs in the third game. Aylesford dominated the first half of the second game and came in at the break deservedly 10 - 0 up. Had Prop Josh Butler not made a try saving on the stroke of half time it could have been 15 - 0. Medway did respond second half but despite intense pressure could not break the Aylesford defense until the very last play of the match when hooker Sam Crean powered over from close range.
The final match ended scoreless despite the best efforts from both sides. With the Medway backs swapping with the forwards they soon realized how much hard work the boys up front do! That said the forwards also realized how many tackles the backs put in and how frustrating it can be when the ball doesn't get out to the backs! Lessons well learned we hope.
Medway U11's The Knights: Josh Butler, Josh Lamb, Oscar Wells, Aidan Wolfe, Tom Narborough, Lewis Hollidge, Harry Meadows, Oliver Rees, Jack Bloomfield, Mathias Carden, Adam Sleiman, Will Milham, James Queay, Jacob, Clayton, Toby Robson, Jean-Luc Carden, Karl O'Grady, Sam Crean.
New Year's Cup
Sunday 2nd Jan 2011, Medway’s U11’s The Knights blew off all the cob webs, put down the Quality Street tin and took to the field for their first competitive fixtures in 42 days. Their opposition as always at this annual tri club event were Blackheath and this year’s New Year Cup hosts, Beckenham.
The first half against Beckenham A saw Medway on the front foot for long periods but it was not until just before half time that they made that pressure tell, when good work from hooker Sam Crean and prop Oscar Wells sent wing Jacob Clayton free to go over in the corner. The second half was much the same with Medway having a lot of the ball but not managing to create too many clear chances, apart from two excellent break away tries, from Christopher Jarvis who's pace was simply too hot for the Beckenham defence to handle. result 15-0.
Medway had to work very hard and soak up a lot of pressure in their encounter with Blackheath A, a very phyiscal and organised pack gave Medways forwards plenty to think about. Midway through the first half Blackheaths scrum half managed to get a hand to the ball at the back of Medways pack and as the ball spun free another Blackheath player was on hand to pick up the loose ball and carry it over. Just before half time Blackheath doubled there lead when a loose pass from Medway was intercepted. In the second half it was all hands to the pump once again as Medway soaked up a lot of pressure from Blackheath and defended superbly well to keep the score to 0-10.
After the cup matches, Medway had an A/B fixture with Blackheath. Medway moved the ball around far better in this fixture and openned the scoring though a fine score from Josh Butler, soon after a mazy run from Reuben Murdoch-North doubled the lead before half time, Blackheath had their moments too and Lewis Hollidge at full back put in three try saving tackles to stop their flying winger. In the second half Blackheath hit back with two tries in close succession, before Oscar Wells at centre regained the lead for Medway. Once again Blackheath hit back to level things and as the game looked to be heading for a draw, Josh Lamb broke away deep into the Blackheath half, although his run was stopped, he popped a timely pass for centre Tom Narborough to go over in the corner. Final score 20-15
Medway U11 Knights – Lewis Hollidge, Tom Narborough, Oscar Wells, Chris Jarvis, Josh Lamb, Josh Butler, Jacob Clayton, Jack Bloomfield, William Milham, Reuben Murdoch-North, Jean-Luc Carden, Jean-Pascal Carden, Mathias Carden, James Queay, Joseph Van Vilsteren, Sam Crean, Alex Harris, Harry Meadows.
Medway v Whitstable, Thanet, Folkestone
The Knights made the short trip down the A2 to Whitstable to play in a 5 team fixture. As well as facing Whitstable they took on Thanet A, Thanet B and Folkstone. Not only did the Knights win every match they did it without conceding a single try.
Having an even mixture of A and B players in the 22 man squad the Knights were able to field an A team to take on Thanet A and a B team to take on Thanet B. For Whitstable and Folkstone the Knights played a mixed A / B team making 10 subs at half time in each game.
Results were:
Medway A – 25, Thanet A – 0
Try scorers: Jacob Clayton, Christopher Jarvis, Josh Lamb, Harry Meadows and William Milham.
Medway B – 30, Thanet B - 0
Try scorers: Joseph Van Vilsteren, Reuben Murdock-North 2, Oscar Wells 2 and Toby Robson.
Medway A/B – 30, Whitstable – 0
Try scorers: Josh Lamb, Toby Robson, Jack Bloomfield 2, Josh Butler and William Milham.
Medway A/B – 25, Folkestone – 0
Try scorers: Ethan Green 2, Jack Bloomfield, Jacob Clayton and Adam Sleiman.
Medway forwards were dominant in all four games winning real quality ball for the backs to use and use it they did. Of the 22 tries scored 19 came from the backs and only 3 from the forwards. The Knights as a whole were dominant in all four games, hardly any missed tackles all day and a great rucking game allowed them to play the fast running rugby they love. Off loading in but more importantly before the tackle was superb and got better as the day went on. By the time it came to the last game of the day against Folkestone all of the players, backs and forwards alike were looking to off load and keep the ball alive. All five tries against Folkestone were great examples running rugby no more so than the last try scored just before half time. The forwards won a scrum against the head, scrum half Ethan Green was quick to react feeding fly half Lewis Hollidge who made the break and drew in the last defender before passing to centre Jack Bloomfield who raced the last quarter of the pitch unopposed to score in the corner, all this from inside their own 22 metres. Unfortunately that turned out to be the last play of the game due to a neck injury to a Folkestone forward which required an Ambulance to attend. We hope the player has a full and quick recovery.
In summary a great morning's rugby. All the boys played their part and it was a joy to watch.
Medway v Aylesford
The Knights played host to Aylesford Sunday morning and played 3 intense games. The order of play was the A’s v A’s, B’s v B’s and a mixed A/B to finish. Just like last week the conditions were far from ideal for the fast flowing open rugby the Knights love to play.
Medway and Aylesford A’s have already shared the spoils in a 5 all draw when they met at the Medway Festival at the start of the season and this match proved to be just as tight.
Downhill in the first half the Knights had most of the possession and went close to scoring on a number of occasions. The forwards were playing really well against a bigger pack, securing good quick ball for the backs to try and break the Aylesford defence. After a number of attempts quick ball was won again at the breakdown and two quick passes saw wing Christopher Jarvis outpace his opposite number to go over in the corner. The conversion was taken successfully by Lewis Hollidge.
The second half saw the Knights going uphill and with the added hindrance of driving rain making the already muddy pitch even more hard going, it was going to be a backs to the wall job. Aylesford had all the territory and possession and would have scored twice but for two great tackles. The first came after the Aylesford scrum half broke down the blindside after a scrum 10 metres out. He avoided the tackle from the winger and looked to certain to score until a great smother tackle from fly half Hollidge held the ball up over the line. The second great tackle came from full back Josh Lamb when an Aylesford forward drove straight through the ruck from 5m out and was in the process of diving for the try when Josh hit and drove him back into play allowing the forwards to win the ruck and clear the ball.
Eventually the pressure and territory told and the bulls deservedly got their equalizing try which was converted. The Knights did have a short spell of pressure at the end of the game but it ended quite fairly in a draw as it did earlier in the season.
A’ team: Props; Oscar Wells and Oliver Rees. Hooker; Sam Crean. Second rows; Tom Narborough and Josh Butler. Srum Half; Harry Meadows. Fly Half; Lewis Hollidge. Centres; William Milham and Mattias Carden. Wings; Christopher Jarvis and Jacob Clayton. Fullback; Josh Lamb.
The B’s started their match against the slope and rain and soon found themselves on the back foot just like the A team did in their second half. Again like the A team two certain tries were saved by great last man tackles, both from one player this time; winger Jen Luc Carden. Unfortunately for Jen Luc the resulting ruck was lost after the second of his tackles and Aylesford managed to score from it. The conversion was missed but that was soon forgotten by the Bulls when poor tackling from the Knights allowed them to get within 10m of the try line which they were then able to drive over from, conversion was successful.
The second half was a very even encounter with Knights making the tackles count and nearly scoring after a fine individual run from Prop Rhys Johnson saw him go from his own half only to be tackled into touch right on the try line. Another try saving tackle from Centre Adam Sleiman just a metre out saw the second half finish all level.
B’s Squad: Props; Rhys Johnson and James Queay. Hooker; Jen Pascal Carden. Second rows; Josh Butler and Joseph Van Vilsteren. Srum Half; Ethan Green. Fly Half; Harry Meadows. Centres; Adam Sleiman and Aidan Wolfe. Wings; Jen Luc Carden and Alfie Pattenden. Fullback; Toby Robson.
The final mixed game again ended 12 nil to Aylesford with Medway running out of steam against the larger forwards and conceding too much possession.
Despite the conditions some great rugby was played by both sides, although not getting the results they wanted the Knights performed well.
Dover v Medway
1 Knights made the trip down the A2 to Dover for a mornings rugby in some very demanding conditions. The morning started with a thorough warm up followed by coaching sessions for backs and forwards. Despite being soaked through and covered in the mud from the already cut up pitch , all the lads were up for the game.
Athough they knocked on from the kick off, the knights won the scrum against the head and after a good chase from the clearence kick, took back possesion in the Dover half. From this point on the Knights dominated the first half and soon turned the good ball secured by the forwards into points. After a brief spell of pressure good ruck ball was won deep in Dover’s half, quick hands out to centre William Milham gave him chance to break the tackle and power over. A good catch and return from run from the kick off saw the Knight back in the Dover half, quick ball again and Milham made it 10 nil with his and Medays second try after another aggressive run breaking tackles. Full back Christopher Jarvis made it 15 nil after joining the line between the centres his own half, having the strength to break the first tackle and the pace to go round the fullback to score in the corner. The Knights ended the first half with another well taken try after flyhalf Lewis Hollidge threw a dummy from close range to make the gap to power over.
First half team: Props; Oscar Wells and Alex Harris. Hooker; Jean Pascal Carden. Second rows; Joseph van Vilsteren and Josh Butler. Srum Half; Ethan Green. Fly Half; Lewis Hollidge. Centres; William Milham and Adam Sleiman. Wings; Aidan Wolfe and Jean Luc Pascal. Fullback; Christopher Jarvis.
The second half was a much closer encounter with Dover dominating possesion and teritory for long periods and the Knights struggling to get out of their half. The defence was fantastic and other than a disallowed try for flyhacking the line was never crossed. The turning point was a try saving tackle on the Knights line followed by a break away finally getting into the opposition half. With only minutes left the Knights were again able to turn pressure into points. Scrum Half Harry Meadows diving onto the ball to score after it spun loose from the ruck being driven towards the Dover line and on the last play of the game Hollidge got his second after the ball went loose in the tackle and he was first to dive on it over the line.
Second Half Squad: Props; Oscar Wells and Alex Harris. Hooker; James Queay. Second rows; Oliver Rees and Tom Narborough. Srum Half; Harry Meadows. Fly Half; Jack Bloomfield. Centres; Lewis Hollidge and Toby Robson. Wings; Mattias Carden and Alfie Pattenden. Fullback; Josh Lamb.
Some great handling and defensive rugby played very well in really tough conditions. Final Score Medway 30 Dover 0.
Sevenoaks v Medway
Medway had a good mornings rugby at Sevenoaks last Sunday.The day began with a rugby netball warm up, followed by skills training for an hour or so, especially working on receiving the ball at pace and attacking the space created between the defenders. The session finished with a fine match.
In the first half Medway were in great form from the kick off, keeping the Sevenoaks side penned back for the majority of the half. Medway's forward line were in dominant mood in the scrum, driving Sevenoaks back, and with every player using speed and controlled aggression in the loose. This ensured that Harry Meadows at scrum half had plenty of ball to distribute out to his back line who in turn were took full advantage of their possession, stretching the Sevenoaks defence and making good ground at every opportunity. Winger Reuben Murdoch-North looked to have opened the scoring early on, after a fine solo run,which was cancelled out for a foot in touch. Medway were soon back on the attack and after a typically evasive run from Jack Bloomfield saw him get held up over the Sevenoaks line, Tom Narborough was on hand to rip out the ball and haul himself to the ground to edge Medway ahead. Medway were soon on the attack once again recycling the ball well before the contact and making good ground. After several breakdowns Medway finally got the ball out wide to William Milham who drew his man and popped a great pass off to the looping Tom Narborough who stepped the last defender and went over in the corner. Medway were not done yet in this half, after halting another Sevenoaks attack, Jack Bloomfield took the ball into the Sevenoaks half before releasing Adam Sleiman who powered his way through two tackles and offloading a pin point pass to Reuben Murdoch-North who went over in the other corner.
When playing good sides like Sevenoaks, it very difficult to dominate both halves of a match, such was the case in this game. Sevenoaks came out strongly in the second half and Medway had to dig in hard to keep hold of their lead. An early try gave Sevenoaks heart and they pressured the ball well. Medway stayed strong however and cleared their lines well on several occasions, with excellent handling and good support play. A host of well timed defensive tackles from the Medway defence in particular from Oscar Wells and Lewis Hollidge, halted several attacks and although Sevenoaks managed to score another try before the finish, Medway came away with a well earned 15-10 victory.
Medway Knights : Lewis Hollidge, Sam Crean, Oscar Wells, Karl O'Grady, Oliver Rees, Josh Butler, Tom Narborough, Ethan Green, Jack Bloomfield, Christopher Jarvis, Aiden Wolfe, Alex Harris, Adam Sleiman, Reuben Murdoch-North, William Milham, Harry Meadows, Joseph Van Vilsteren
Groundhog Day once again for The Knights!!!
For the 4th succesive season, Medways plucky U11 team came away from the Upminster Festival, after a great day's rugby as Cup Final runners up. Medway battled hard all morning and at times played some sensational free flowing running rugby to the delight of their coaches and supporters to earn their place in the Cup Final without having conceded a try. Before being narrowly outpointed by Upminster's fluid and well drilled A string in the Final.
The Knights weakest performance of the day came in their first match, against Sevenoaks. Although Medway had a lot of the play and one a lot of ball at the breakdowns, a combination of slow recycling, handling errors, poor decision making and sloppy passing (from both teams!), made for a very scrappy match of few real chances for either team culminating in a predictable and fair 0-0 scoreline at the final whistle.
Having blown off all the cobweb's, Medway were a different proposition in game two. With their forward line bossing the scrum and giving very little away at the breakdowns, scrum half Harry Meadows ensured the backs had plenty of ammunition to test the Daggenham defence. Medway used the ball well and when they finally managed to get the ball down the line to Christopher Jarvis he used his devastating pace to round the last defender and open the scoring. Soon after it was inside centre Toby Robsons turn to show a clean pair of heals after great work not only to keep his balance under pressure but also to deliver a perfectly time pass for Toby Robson to break free of his tackler and go over in the corner. Just before half time Jacob Clayton broke free with a great run and released Chris Jarvis to once again expoit the pace out wide and add a third. The second half was a similar story, hard tackling and great work in the loose, ensured Medway had a lot of the ball once again Chris Jarvis was on hand to take full advantage adding to his and Medways tally with two more great running tries, before Jack Bloomfield was given too much time to show his skills with a trademark hip swivelling run to round off a fine 6-0 win.
Upminster B, were Medways next opponents, like their A string they were well drilled, quick to the breakdowns and looked to get the ball down the line at every opportunity. Medway themselves were equally determined, and tested the Upminster defence with strong first half runs from Josh Butler, Jacob Clayton and hooker Sam Crean. It was from one such run from Sam Crean which led to the first try, having been brought down, full back Josh Lamb picked up the loose ball to run free and go over before half time. Roles were reversed for arguably the try of the day, early in the second half. A fine aggressive run from Joshua Lamb took him into Upminsters half, before being stopped by a fine tackle, before going to ground he delivered a perfectly weighted pop to Sam Crean who received the ball at full tilt, still with plenty to do he jinked his way round three defenders before powering over the line for the second. Fine tackling and hard work continued to keep Upminsters attacks at bay, before a fine solo effort from full back Josh Lamb saw him run in his second and secure a well earned 3-0 win.
Medways final group game was against Wansted, who's big pack were hard to contain in the early stages, as the half wore on Medway managed to get the ball out wide and a fine run from Rhys Johnson took him to within a few metres of the line, as the ball spilled back in the tackle Josh Lamb was once again on hand to take advantage of the loose ball and open the scoring. From the resulting restart Josh Lamb took a fine catch at full back, then showed his pace and vision, splitting the Wansted defence before side stepping the last defender to score a great individual try. A fine piece of play between Rhys Johnson and Josh Lamb brought about Medways third, another powerful run and well timed pass from Josh Lamb set Rhys Johnson away, Josh Lamb continued his run and as the tackle came in from Wansted, Josh Lamb was there to receive the ball and go over for his hat-trick. The second half saw Medway move the ball well and run in another two fine tries, the first after a great dummy from fly half Lewis Hollidge took him to within 5 metres of the line and another well timed run from Sam Crean and perfectly timed pass saw him go over. The final try of the game came from a sweeping move along the backs culminating in Christopher Jarvis being given too much space to run into and he raced home for the fifth.
So to the 4th Cup Final in as many years at the Upminster Festival. This one was in many ways a game of two halves, Upminster with the slight slope were in fine form and started the sharper, their forwards were very well organised and swift to every breakdown, while their backs moved the ball around confidently probing for an opening in the Medway defence. On one such attack in the middle of the first half they managed to get the ball out wide to their winger who skipped his way through three Medway players to open the scoring. Soon after Upminster doubled their lead in similar fashion with the ball coming out wide and missed tackles once again from Medway allowed them to go over before half time. A call from the coaches to take advantage of the slope and win the second half, saw a great response from Medway as they put in a determined performance, wight from the first kick to the final whistle the lads battled gamely for every ball, put in big hits and contested every breakdown gamely. This meant they had much more of the ball and their impresseive back line were able to show their own skills and pressurise the Upminster defence, which held firm for a while, before Medways relentless pressure finally created an overlap out wide and the ball went down the line for Sammy Crean to go over in the corner for a fine team try. Unfortunatley for Medway in spite of a brilliant second half team performance, they were unable to get that all important second try and Upminster were once again victorious.
The gap between the two sides however was marginal and Medway to a man could hold their heads high and feel very proud of there efforts, well done to all!
Medways U11's: Joshua Lamb, Oscar Wells, Rhys Johnson, Sam Crean, Jean-Luc Carden, Jacob Clayton, Toby Robson, Ethan Geen, Tom Narborough, Oliver Rees, Adam Sleiman, Karl O'Grady, Harry Meadows, Lewis Hollidge, Jack Bloomfield, Mattias Carden, Christopher Jarvis, James Queay and Josh Butler.
Upminster Festival - Tale of the tape: Played 5, Won 3, Drew 1, Lost 1, 15 tries for and 2 against.
Medway U11's (The Knights), Plate Winners at the Medway Festival 03/10/2010
The Knights made a great start to the 2010/11 season by not only winning the plate at their own festival but doing so while remaining undefeated. Not only were they undefeated in the 5 games they played, they only conceded 2 tries and managed to score 9 themselves. But for a few handling errors in the driving rain the tally would've been even higher.
The first match was a tough encounter with eventual cup runners up Sevenoaks A. Sevenoaks were very well drilled up front and won the majority of the early ball. The Knights came back into it towards the end of the half winning more of the rucks themselves and giving the backs a chance to run with the ball. The deadlock was broken just before half time when Fullback Christopher Jarvis powered through a couple of tackles after a great run to score. The two teams cancelled each other out with their defences but only after Sevenoaks levelled the match straight after the break. Result 5 - 5 draw.
Next up were Gravesend who despite not winning a lot of ball battled well first half and kept the score down to 1 try to nil, Jarvis with his second of the day. Second half the pressure began to tell, good quick ball was being won by the forwards and the backs took full advantage with tries from outside centre Mattias Carden, winger William Milham and fullback Jarvis for his 3rd of the day. A special mention and thanks to Rhys Johnson and Jean Pascal Carden who both played for Gravesend for the day to help them out. Result 20 - 0 win.
The 3rd group game was a hard earned draw against Aylesford, again both defences cancelling each other out until hooker Sam Crean broke the deadlock late in the second half after a sustained period of pressure from the Knights. Unfortunately for the Knights but to Aylesford's credit they came back hard and after their own period of pressure saw them camped on the Knights try line for the last 2 mins of the game, they went over to score with the very last play. Result 5 - 5 draw.
The final group game was against Upminster B. The Knights were one of 3 teams still in with a chance of winning the group but only if they could beat Upminster. They were not going to be an easy team to beat though with their A squad eventually winning the cup and their B side performing well. The forwards found ball hard to come by and a lot of good tackles were needed from the backs and forwards alike to stop Upminster cashing in on the possession they had. What was really good to see though was when the Knights did get the ball the backs used it well and eventually scored two great tries. The first was outside centre Carden's second of the day just before half time. The forwards won good fast ball from a ruck about 15m from Upminster's line and quick hands to Carden saw him race over. The second came just into the second half and was winger Milham's second of the day. It was virtually an exact replica of the first try, the ruck won 15m out but instead of the quick hands it was a well timed pass after drawing the last defender in that let Milham sprint to the corner to score.
The teams to go through to the cup, plate or bowl were decided on tries scored count back. This was because they had the same amount of points and the results between the three teams were all draws. Sevenoaks had scored 9 tries to Medway's 8 and Aylesford's 6, meaning the Knights were 2nd in the group and into the plate final against Maidstone.
Maidstone and Medway have been very evenly matched over the last few years. With the heavy rain in their faces and going up the slight slope in the first half it was a backs to the wall defencive display that was needed. Not only was it needed but it was delivered, Maidstone camped in the Knights half and had a number of attacks repelled by brave defending including the ball being held up over the line. Second half saw the teams reverse roles and it looked as if Maidstone would also hold out until Chris Jarvis finally broke through for his 4th of the day and what would prove to be the winning try. The Knights nearly doubled their lead after sustained pressure saw them go over in the corner but the ball was knocked on in the tackle before being grounded.
In summery a great start to the season, playing fast attractive rugby in some very demanding weather.
Well done to all the lads in the below squad, they all played their part:
Oscar Wells, Sam Crean, Alex Harris, Tom Narborough, Oliver Rees, Adam Sleiman, Karl O'Grady, Harry Meadows, Aidan Wolfe, Lewis Hollidge, Jack Bloomfield, Mattias Carden, William Milham, Christopher Jarvis, Alfie Pattenden and Josh Butler.