Worthing Festival
The Under 9's ended their season on a high on Sunday having just narrowly missed out on the Plate at Worthing.
In a very competitive event Medway stuck to a simple game plan. First up Medway took on the unknown quantity of Pulborough but Alex Belsey calmed any nerves with a score in the first 20 seconds of play. Medway continued to dominate possession and the match ended 5-1 with scores also coming in from Ed Holland (3), Harry Bloomfield and another from Alex. Next up were near local rivals Tunbridge Wells. A composed Medway side took to the field and totally starved the opponents of any possession or space. Tries rained in from Ed Holland (2), Ethan Anderson, James Robertson and Sam Jefferies. Tunbridge managed a single reply but the game ended 5-1 to Medway. By the time of the next match the skies had opened. Medways opponents Kings School Wimbledon adapted better to the changing conditions and carved their way through the defence three times in the first half. Medway composed themselves in the second half and denied them any further scoring opportunities and the match ended 0-3 to Kings. The final game of the pool stage was against a very physically strong Staines. Medways defence yet again held strong and turned over possession after possession and exploited its backs to find holes in the Staines defence. Ed Holland again scored a hat-trick with Alex Belsey getting two tries and Sam Jefferies get one try from a trademark interception in his own quarter of the field. 6-0 was the final scored of the game and Medway were through to the plate final.
Medways opponents in the final were their old nemesis and Essex champions Upminster. Medway were determined not to go down without a fight and the first half was a stalemate with neither sides conceding ground. Both sides continued with the same determination in the second half however with one minute to go Upminster stretched the defence just enough to score in the corner and the match ended 0-1 to Upminster.
All the players gave their parents and coaches plenty to be proud about and really gave everything during the event. Player of the day was Steph Brooks for her determination not to let anyone past her on the wing.
The squad for Worthing was Harry Bloomfield (Prop), Oliver Bell (Prop), Aaron Mathe & Alfie Lawson (Hooker), James Robertson (Scrum Half), Sam Jefferies (Fly Half), Ed Holland (Centre), Alex Belsey (Centre), Ethan Anderston (Wing) and Steph Brooks (Wing)
Westcombe Park Festival
On Sunday the Medway U9 Blue Sharks travelled to Orpington for the Westcombe Park Mini's Festival and was drawn in a very tough group. First up home team Westcombe Parks A's who looked more like an U12's team due to their size & power, Medway didn't back down, they fronted up and gave a great account of themselves but even with great defencive displays from James Downard & Billy Young, Medway went down 0-4.
Up next was Old Colfeians, looking for a win Medway started well but went down a try just before half time but the inclusion of prop James 'Jimbo' Robertson saw unrelenting tackles and the pressure told on the Colfs with fly half Josh Bruin scoring 2 tries, Medway looked to be cruising but Colfs brought it back to a draw. Time was ticking away then the best passage of play came from Medway, they moved up the field with great passing & pace till Aengus Daly finished the game off with a great try and victory of 3-2 win.
The 3rd game was against Beckenham and Medway were looking to build on their performance but Bec's started quick and scored early on. Medway tried & tried but could not break their defence. In the second half Medway fought hard with some great play from Joshua Wright, Lachlan Wardle & Max Willis and was rewarded with a try which unfortunately got turned around and disallowed which took their focus of the game and allowed Bec's to slip a last minute try in ending with Medway losing 0-2.
This made the last pool game against Canterbury even more important for Medway to progress. The game started in killer mode with Aengus Daly putting in 2 of the biggest hits of the day, with work from Max Poynter also, pushing Medway to run at the opposition at every opportunity resulting in tries from scrum half Callum Germany, centre James Bullock and 2 from fly half Josh Bruin leading to a 4-0 win.
Medway then had to wait for the results from the last game between Canterbury & Old Colfs, the gods were smiling and with the Colfs losing resulted in Medway going through to the Plate Semi Final where Medway would play Tunbridge Wells. Medway started off with more hard hitting tackles and it was one of those from Jimbo Robertson that jared the ball loose for his fellow prop Ross Carter to gather the ball putting a wonderfully quick flat pass out to fly half Josh Bruin who raced down the sideline to open scoring 1-0, Tunbridge Wells restarted & put the pressure on and were rewarded with a dubious try just before the half time whistle. The second half was a see saw battle with tackles flying in from both sides but Tunbridge Wells found a gap in the otherwise watertight defence just before the last whistle for the winning try ending the game 1-2.
Unhappy but heads still hanging high the Blue Sharks put in 110% and on the last games of the season made the coaches & parents very proud. The Blue Sharks Squad were Josh Bruin, James Bullock, Ross Carter (c), Aengus Daly, James Downard, Callum Germany, Max Poynter, James Robertson, Lachlan Wardle, Max Willis, Joshua Wright and Billy Young.
Kent Festival
9 March 2008
Medway got off to the best possible start in this countywide event having comfortably won their pool. First up was a very determined Dartford A team. Medway scored the first try of the day through Ed Holland but Dartford quickly hit back. The second half was again stalemate with both sides scoring and desperately looking for the winner. In the end the game ended 2-2 with Callum Germany getting the second Medway try.
Next up was Cranbrook, a side Medway had failed to get the better of in any previous meetings however Medway stuck to a simply but effective game plan and piled on wave after wave of pressure to disrupt the Cranbrook players. Medway had the edge in the first half through a Callum Germany try and in the second half Josh Bruin scored two others to make the result 3-0 with a heroic display of defending by Medway to deny the opposition any tries.
The final group game was against Dartford B and this was all one-way traffic for Medway. Alex Belsey and Aengus Daly both scored two tries with Josh Bruin, Ed Holland, Sam Jefferies and Harry Bloomfield also all getting one try each. The match ended 8-0 to Medway and they were through as group winners to the cup quarterfinals.
In the quarterfinals Medway were simply outclassed on the morning by a very well organised Sevenoaks and struggled to retain possession. The match ended 4-0 to Sevenoaks although the score really didn’t reflect the amount of effort Medway put in to the game.
Also representing Medway A were James Robertson, Oliver Bell, Max Poynter, James Bullock and Billy Young.
Upminster B Festival
2 March 2008
The less experienced Under 9s took part in the Upminster B festival on Sunday and although were unsuccessful in their scores, they showed tremendous grit and determination. They played first against Old Elthamians, with the longest first half in history after some confusion with the referee, Medway battled on but went down 3-0. In the second match against Westcombe Park, the score didn’t do justice to the spirit the team showed, again going down 4-0. Third match of the day was against Blackheath, Medway were outclassed but managed to break through the Blackheath defense to score, Lachlan Wardle putting the ball over the line to much applause and a great boost to the Medway team. Final match of the day was against Colchester, Medway tackled hard and fought over every play but unfortunately due to the strength of the other side lost 4-0. There were some fantastic tackles from the Medway side of Sam White, Ross Carter, Lachlan Wardle, Aaron Mathe, Alfie Lawson, Michael Parmenter, Owen Baldwin, Stephanie Brook, Cameron Bassingdale, Max Willis, Seamus Callaghan-Kells and Joshua Wright.
Medway v Tunbridge Wells and Sidcup
Another mixed morning of rugby with both Medway sides struggling to get out of the blocks and missing a number of key players.
The Blue Sharks had three matches. The first match of the day was against the home side and this was a tight affair, which finally ended 3-2 to Tunbridge Wells. Josh Burin bagged both tries. Next up was a very physically able Sidcup. Medway failed to make a dent in a very well organised defence and the match ended 3-0 to Sidcup. The final match of the morning was a much more composed performance with the Blues taking on another Tunbridge Wells team. This time the match result went in Medway favour and the match ended 5-3 to the Blues. Josh Bruin got a hat trick with James Bullock and Callum Germany also getting on the score sheet. Also representing Medway were Max Poynter, Billy Young, Joshua Wright, Lauchlan Wardle, Harry Pattenden and making his debut for Medway Cameron Foster.
The Red Sharks first game of the morning was against Sidcup and the game ended 4-1 to the other visitors. Harry Bloomfield scored the lone Medway try. The Reds remaining game of the day was against Tunbridge Wells and both sides gave as good as they got and the match ended 3-3. Ed Holland, Sam Jefferies and player of the day Sam White all scored for the Reds. Also representing Medway were Oliver Bell, Stephanie Brook, Owen Baldwin and making their debut for Medway Alfie Lawson and Michael Parmenter.
Medway away at Sevenoaks
27 January 2008
Another mixed and frustrating day of rugby for the Under 9’s but there were plenty of positives and lessons learnt from the morning.
The home side fielded two A squads and two B squads for the morning against Medway mixed ability Blue and Red squads.
First up the Blue Sharks took on Sevenoaks A. It was a scrappy affair on a very tight pitch, which ended in a 4-1 win to the home side. Centre Josh Bruin scored the only try of the game. In the second match Medway faced a home B side and this time had a complete stranglehold on possession. The forwards outmuscle the home side to secure possession and the match ended 6-0 to Medway. Josh Bruin who had switched to flyhalf ran in five or the tries with centre James Bullock getting one. The final match was a rematch of the fist game against the A side and alas the result was the same. Medway failed to break down a very well organised defence and the match ended 4-1 to Sevenoaks. Josh Bruin who had now switched to prop ran in the only try for Medway.
Also representing Medway were Callum Germany, Ethan Anderson, Lachlan Wardle, Joshua Wright, Harry Pattenden, Cameron Bassingdale, Max Wilis, Billy Young and Ross Carter.
The Reds also got off to a poor start loosing 6-2 to Sevenoaks A. Medway’s lack of focus and organisation was their downfall however centre Ed Holland and flyhalf Sam Jefferies did manage to breach a very strong defence to score. The second game was against a home B side and once again it was a one sided affair. Medway scored four tries without conceding; the forwards thwarted every Sevenoaks attack and the backs exploiting every opportunity. Centre Angus Daly ran in two tries with flyhalf Ed Holland and prop Sam Jefferies (both of whom had switched positions) also getting one try each. The Reds final game was their rematch against the A side however this time it was a much more even affair. The reshuffled Medway side gave as good as they got and at half time had their noses ahead by one try. The sides matched tackle for tackle and at the final whilst the game ended a well dererved 3-3 and a great game of rugby. Ed Holland grabbed two tries and Sam Jefferies got the other.
Also representing Medway were Oliver Bell, Seamus Callaghan Jarvis, Harry Bloomfield, James Robertson, Stephanie Brooks and Aaron Mathe.
Medway v Old Elthamians and Maidstone
20 January 2008
The Red and Blue Sharks had mixed fortunes on Sunday morning in very challenging conditions. The hosts Old Elthamians fielded A and B teams whilst Maidstone fielded one team.
The Blues first match of the morning was against the home A side but despite some outstanding defence Elthamians managed to grab two tries and the game ended 2-0. The Blues then resumed normal service against Maidstone and totally dominated possession. The game ended 7-0 to Medway with Josh Bruin scoring 5 tries and Billy Young and Callum Germany getting one each. Maidstone struggled to cope with a very determined Medway side. The final match of the morning was a rematch of the first game and this time it was a totally different game with Medway competing more aggressively and distributing the ball. In the end the game ended 2-2 much to the relief of the home side. Josh Bruin scored both tries for Medway. Also competing for the Blues was player of the week James Downard also Ross Carter, Harry Pattenden, Ethan Anderson, Max Willis and Lachlan Wardle.
The Reds also had mixed fortunes. Their first match of the day was against Maidstone and apart from one brief lapse in defence it was all one-way traffic. The game ended 5-1 to Medway with hooker Sam Jefferies getting three tries with player of the week prop Harry Bloomfield and fly half Alexander Belsey getting one a piece. The next match against the home A side was totally dominated by Elthamians in the first half with Medway almost reluctant to complete at the break down. By half time it was 3-0 to the home side and not looking good. However in the second half the Reds forwards started to hold their own and neither side scored in the second half. The game ended 3-0 to Elthamians A. The Reds final game of the day was against the home B side and Medway came flying out of the blocks with two quick tries from wing Aengus Daly and Alexander Belsey. In the second half Medway kept the home side camped in their own half. When Elthamians did finally managed to make some progress they knocked on and scrum half James Robertson spotted a gap in the defence and ran in a 30 meter try. Medway finished the game off with an intercepted pass and try by Sam Jefferies. The game ended 4-0 to Medway. Also involved for the Reds were Owen Baldwin, Max Poynter, Joshua Wright and Oliver Bell.
Medway v Sheppey and Gravesend
13 January 2008
Total domination was the theme for the day as Medway Sharks racked up 23 tries against Sheppey and Gravesend without conceding a single try in very difficult conditions.
First up the Red Sharks took on the home side. Medway piled on the pressure from the start and managed turnover after turnover virtually starving the opposition of any possession. By half time they were already five tries in front. During the second half the home side started to compete a bit for the ball but at the final whistle Medway had racked up eight tries. Alexander Belsey ran in four with Ed Holland and Sam Jefferies getting two each.
Next up was Gravesend. The first half was somewhat scrappy affair but by the early second half Medway once again began to dominate. Ed Holland grabbed two tries with Sam Jefferies, Alexander Belsey and Angus Daly also getting one try each. Final score 5-0 to Medway.
The final match of the day was the usual grudge match against the Medway Blue Sharks. In a match which could have swung either way the Blues just edged out the Reds 2-1. Callum Germany and Josh Bruin scored for the Blues with Alexander Belsey getting the Reds single try.
The Blues also put on an equally confident display. In their first game Medway took a little while to get going against Gravesend due to the conditions. However, just before half time they had started to put the squeeze on and by the final whistle it was 4-0 to Medway with Josh Bruin running in all four tries.
Next up the Blues took on Sheppey and once again showed no signs of conceding a try. The home side didn’t even managed to get out of their own half as Medway battled for every ounce of possession. In the end the match ended a comfortable 6-0 win for Medway with Callum Germany getting three tries and Josh Bruin, Max Poynter and James Bullock also getting one each.
All in all a great morning's rugby for the Medway Under 9s.
New Year Cup
6 January 2008
The Under 9’s got off to a positive start to the New Year at Beckenham. Medway entered an A & B Team for the annual New Years Cup with Blackheath and Beckenham.
In their first match and despite the odds against them Medway B held Blackheath B to a 3-4 score line with a fine display of defence including a try saving tackle from Ethan Anderson. Medways tries came from Max Poynter, James Bullock and Ross Carter. Next up 
Medway came away the right side of a 5-4 score line against the home B team. James Bullock grabbed 2 tries from quick turnover and Max Poynter carved up the opposition to also score two tries. Ethan Anderson also got his name on the score sheet.
Also representing Medway B were Harry Pattenden, Stephanie Brook, Joshua Wright, Owen Baldwin, Cameron Bassingdale, Seamus Callaghan Jarvis and Aaron Mathe.
Medway A also lost by just one try in their first match against Blackheath A. This was a thrilling game, which ended 3-2 in favour of Blackheath. Josh Bruin and Edward Holland scored Medways tries. Next up was the home A team and Medway showed no mercy. Josh Bruin scored two tries before halftime and whilst the second half was a bit of a scrappy affair Medway scored two further tries through Angus Daly and Sam Jefferies. The match ended 4-0 to Medway.
Also representing Medway A were Alexander Belsey, James Robertson, James Downard, Billy Young, Callum Germany, Harry Bloomfield and Oliver Bell.
Medway v Aylesford
Medway Under 9's again outnumbered their opposition 2-1 and fielded two teams at Aylesford on a chilly Sunday morning. Having had two weeks off due to poor weather the Medway youngsters were chomping at the bit to have a game. First up a reshuffled Medway Blue Sharks played Aylesford. The game was a very open affair however with the cold conditions there were numerous knock-on's and some scrappy play however the game ended 4-4 thanks to some blistering runs from Josh Bruin and vital tackles from James Downard and Billy Young.
Also involved for the Blues were Lachlan Wardle, Harry Pattenden, Callum Germany, Max Poynter, Ross Carter, Cameron Bassingdale and Max Wllis
Next up Medway Red Sharks took on Aylesford and the effect of the first match began to show on the home side as Medway carved up the defence with only one lapse in their own defense allowing Aylesford to score in the dying minutes of the first half. The second half was all one way traffic with Medway ending the game 6-1 winners. Ed Holland again enjoyed the bulk of the tries however the forward combination of Sam Jefferies, Harry Bloomfield and Oliver Bell dominated the second half of the game. Centre Aengus Daly also scored a try from a blistering run.
Also involved for the Reds were Jimbo Robertson, Seamus Callaghan-Jarvis, Sam White, Alexander Belsey, Owen Baldwin and Ethan Anderson.
The final match of the day was a head to head against the Medway sides, which ended in an honourable 2-2 draw.
Medway U9s at Blackheath Festival Sunday 25th November
Medway entered the fiercely competitive Blackheath festival and ddd themselves proud. First up Medway B who were playing together for the first time this season faced the home side. At half time Medway completely against the odds were holding Blackheath 2-2 in a free flowing game. What followed was a ding-dong affair however finally Blackheath got their nose ahead and the match ended 5-4 in favour of Blackheath. Next up Medway faced Upminster but struggled to get out of the blocks. Medway had lost their composure and the match ended 3-0 in favour of Upminster. Medway then faced London Welsh and were just edged out in a very tight affair. This is particularly ironic as Medway had to lend Welsh a player who demonstrated a fantastic display of tackling even against his own side. Medway continued in the same vein against Richmond but just couldn’t find the winning try. The match ended 3-2 in favour or Richmond. In their final match Medway refused to go down without a fight and held the group favourites to a 2-2 draw with a fierce display of tackling. Medway B were out but had shown that they were no pushover.
Representing Medway were Lachlan Wardle, Oliver Bell, Ethan Anderson, Aaron Mathe, James Downard, Cameron Bassingdale, Owen Baldwin, Max Willis, Seamus Callaghan-Jarvis and Joshua Wright. Each and every player put up a gallant display.
Medway A also had a tough day and faced their nemesis Westcombe Park, Blackheath and Upminster in their first three games. Dispite some off the ball incidents Medway kept their heads and were just edged out 1-0 against Westcombe Park. This was a tight affair with a scoreline that flattered Westombe Park. Next up was a massive game against eventual winners Blackheath and neither side wanted to concede possession. In the end just one try for the home side settled the affair. Next up was the well known and respected Essex side of Upminster. This was a much more open game and however Upminster showed a bit more creativity and ended the game 4-2winners. With just pride to play for Medway faced one of West Londons strongest sides Richmond. Medway 
finally found some form. The forwards started to dominate possession and starved Richmond of the ball. The game ended 3-0 to Medway. In their final match Medway faced London Welsh and despite some questionable officiating decisions Medway remained calm and edged out this massive club with a 4-1 win and ended the day with back to back wins.
Representing Medway A were Josh Bruin, Max Poynter, Billy Young, Ed Holland, Sam Jefferies, Alex Belsey, Jimbo Robertson, Aengus Daly, Ross Carter, James Bullock and Callum Germany.
A great days rugby at a great event. In the end Medway finished in joint 3rd placed behind Blackheath and Upminster and received a commendation for their sportsmanship.
U9 v Vigo and Thurrock
18 November 2007
On a cold windy day at the Medway ground, saw Medway Blues entertain Vigo and Thurrock, for a morning of running rugby.
First up was Vigo and the game was very evenly matched with strong driving runs from the forwards with, Cameron Bassindale keeping Medway on the front foot, this helped break the dead lock as the ball was shipped out to Outside centre Josh Bruin who took a great offload from his Centre partner James Bullock, stepped inside the last defender to race to the try line. Medway went too half time 1-0 to the good. The second half saw Flyhalf Alex Belsey make break after break and unleashing the backs which saw 3 more tries scored by Josh Bruin. Unfortunately all this attacking Rugby saw a few hole for the Virgo team to score 3 tries of their own. Medway finished winners 4-3.
Next came Thurrock who from the start took the game to the blues with strong running from their scrum half and centre. Winger Max Poynter played a major factor in steaming the Attacks down his left wing with some great defence and strong running out of his own half. Medway had to shuffle there team around with a bout of illness that struck. But with young James Downard throwing his body into every tackle he made and spearheading 3 or 4 mauls with Hooker Billy Young Medway kept the game close. From a lineout Medway struck to open the scoring , only for Thurrock to hit back with a bludgeoning run from the man beast centre. Half time came and the scores were even at 1-1. Thurrock steam rolled over the home defence to open the scoring for the second half, but Medway hit back with a well work moved that saw Max Willis stealing ball at the ruck then he offloaded to scrumhalf Lachlan Wardle who released the backs for another score. But Thurrock was not done and scored 3 more tries to win this encounter. The final score was 5-2 to Thurrock
The last game of the day was against Medway reds, which saw more committed play from both sides, with the advantage going to the Blues with outstanding work from Joshua Wright which helped the Blues on their way too a 2-0 victory. The first of these was scored by Alex Besley and the second by the human canon ball Billy Young A big thanks goes to Oliver Bell and Aaron Mathe for helping out when the Blues who were short handed.
U9 Red Sharks v Old Alleynians and Blackheath
4 November 2007
Medway Under 9 travelled to Old Alleynians to play Blackheath and two
home sides.
The Red Sharks had a reasonably successful morning of rugby at Dulwich. First up was the home Panthers “C” team and despite a reshuffled side the Medway youngsters quickly scored two tries from Ed Holland. A third try following a blistering run from Harry Bloomfield early in the second half for Medway sealed the fate of the home side, again Holland made touchdown. Final score 3-0
Next up Medway took on the might of Blackheath. This was a tight affair and both sides held their ground in the first half. The second half was much the same. Blackheath were starting to assert some pressure and almost scored but for joint a try saving tackle from Ed Holland and Sam Jefferies however with just a minute on the clock Blackheath finally broke the deadlock and scored in the corner. This was a cracking game with both sides turning over possession. Final score 0-1. Every Medway player gave 100% and tackled their hearts out however in particular Alex Belsey and Jimbo Robertson defensive capabilities stood out in this game.
The final match of the day was against the Old Alleyians Tigers “A” team and Medway were desperate to bounce back from their disappointment of the previous game. Yet again this was another tight game but certainly entertaining for the neutrals with both sides locked in a battle for possession. At half time it was 0-0 however Medway came out the more determined after half time. A confidently display of ball retention and continuity finally resulted in Medway crossing the line, Sam Jefferies touching down. Final score 1-0. New kid Seamus Callaghan Jarvis was outstanding during this game with a couple of key tackles.
Try scorers in a tough morning’s rugby were Ed Holland (3) and Sam Jefferies (1). Player of the day was Oliver Bell with an awesome display of tackling from the tyro. Also heavily involved in the action were Aaron Mathe, Harry Bloomfield , Sam White, James Robertson, Ethan Anderson, Seamus Callaghan Jarvis, Alex Belsey, Owen Baldwin and Aengus Daly.
Medway Blue Sharks took on the Old Alleynians Lions who had some pay back on their minds for Medway after the way the Blue Sharks destroyed them at the Bromley Festival a few weeks ago. The home team started strongly but the blues defence held out, the lions took the lead when they moved the ball out wide and the Blues cover run out. At half time the Blues were still in the game at one nil down with all the effort the blues put in they just could not find away to cross the try line. Just as the final whistle was about to sound the home team scored another to end the game 0-2
Next up was the Old Alleynian Cougars, with no break for the blues to regroup the boys took to the field and tried to get back playing their usual in your face kind of rugby but the cougars matched the blues and took the lead in the first half. Medway again tried to get on the scoreboard but could not break the cougars defence, the home team took advantage of this, scored another 2 tries and ended the game 0-3.
The last game of the day was against Blackheath, the blues switched some players into new positions but Blackheath showed a more physical side to their game & stunned the blues with 4 tries in the first half. Second half blues tightened up and tried their hardest to get back in the game but with all the efforts a try eluded them and luck wasn’t going their way that the game ended a lost of 0-5.
The Blues left Old Alleynians very disappointed but with their determination & spirit they look forward to their next opponents. The Blues on the day were Billy Young, Callum Germany, Cameron Bassindale, James Bullock, James Downard, Josh Bruin, Joshua Wright, Lachlan Wardle, Lewis Skinner, Max Poynter & Ross Carter.
Business as Usual
Medway Under 9’s v Gravesend and Sittingbourne
With the skies opening up Medway turned up at Gravesend for the first “friendly” fixture of the season with a Structured Development Day at Gravesend.
Following some joint training Medway got down the serious business of taking on Gravesend and Sittingbourne with the Medway youngsters outnumbering the home side and visitors 2-1
First up a reshuffled Medway Blue Sharks took on Sittingbourne and this was a tight affair with the only try coming in the last minute from a breakaway move by Sittingbourne.
The Blues then took on the home side and with a point to prove finished the game the right side of a 2-1 result.
The final game of the morning was against the Medway Reds and what followed was a ding-dong game with neither side wanting to concede however two dazzling breakaway tries settled the game in favour of the Reds.
The Reds started the day with a convincing 2-0 win over the home side. This was followed by a 3-1 win over Sittingbourne and was followed shortly by a 2-1 win over their fellow Medway Blue squad mates.
Player of the week for the Reds was Harry and for the Blues “new kid on the block” Cameron
All in all a good morning, dispite the conditions for the Medway youngsters!
Tick, Tackle, On Your Toes
The Medway Blue Sharks U9s went to the Bromley RFC festival this
week, to face some of the bigger and unknown teams in the south. In the
pool stages, like the day we started like the fog but went from strength
to strength like the blazing sun of the day. First up Old Alleynians with
Medway winning 2-0 with outstanding rucking performances from Captain of
the day Max “Mad Dog” Willis and big hits from Billy “Hitman” Young
. Next up was the home team Bromley, with massive tackles from Ross “Storming” Carter
and James “Baby Face” Downard winning us the game 2-0. Up next
were the first of the unknown teams, Bishops Stortford which Medway beat
by a score of 2-1. With superb passing from Callum “Snake Hips” Germany
and tackles from Hell from Ed “Enforcer” Holland.
Then onto Crowborough B who became the Blue Sharks next victims with 3 tries scored in the first half, silky handling from Lachlan “Oz” Wardle and Josh “Trouble Jnr” Bruin racking up a hat trick we sealed the game at 6-0. Our last game was against Brighton who like Medway were unbeaten in the pool stage so this game was to see who finished top. This was by far Medway’s toughest test of the day, but with monster hits from Max “Twinkle Toes” Poynter and Lewis “Sonic” Skinner this led the way to a hard fought 1-0 victory and securing first place in the pool and top seed in the semi final. By this time Medway had racked up 13 tries and only conceded 1 in the pool games.
Medway had to face Beccehamians in the Semi Finals of the cup, what a game it turn out to be the Blues played their hearts out and at half time were 1-0 up. Beccehamians hit straight back from the whistle to level the scores 1-1 leading up to extra time and golden try. Tired but proud Medway fought on with only 2 minutes gone in extra time the Medway supporters thought that Billy ”Hitman” Young had sneaked in to the corner only for the referee to disallow the try. So Medway picked up their game, tackling anything that moved and launched wave after wave of attacks and it was Scrum half Callum “Snake Hips” Germany to score the golden try to send the Medway blue Sharks to the Cup Final.
On wards and upwards Medway had to face Brighton again in the cup final.
The game was a hard fought contest with both sides making tackle after
tackle. It was evenly matched until Brighton scored the first try just
before the half time whistle. During half time Brighton brought on fresh
legs which was just too much for the heroic Blues to withstand on their
tired legs. Brighton scored 4 more tries which gave the Medway Blues there
first lost of the day. So no cup for the blues but they all gave 110% and
walked away proud and each received a medal. With great performances from
so many and in the process of racking up 670 tackles as a team the Man
of the Match decision was an impossible decision.
Medway Under 9s Upminster Festival Sunday 14th October 2007
Medway’s Red Sharks had a tough day of rugby on Sunday at
the very competitive Upminster festival. The Medway youngsters got off
to the best possible start notching up a 4-0 win against the home B team.
Next up was eventual cup finalists Westcombe Park A and what followed was
a brutal battle however the strength in depth of Westcombe saw them overcome
Medway 3-0. Medway recomposed themselves for their next game against Chelmsford
and ended the game the right side of a 4-2 result in a great game of flowing
rugby. Medway then faced Braintree in a winner take all game. Unfortunately
by this stage the Reds were starting to tire and the game ended 2-0 to
Braintree in a scoreline which really didn’t reflect the flow of
the game with both sides giving 100%.
Try scorers for the day were Alex Belsey, James Bullock, Aengus Daly getting
2 each and Ethan Anderson and Sam Jefferies getting 1 each. Also involved
in the action were James Robertson, Seamus Callaghan Keller, Harry Bloomfield,
Alfie Blackwell, Josh Kirwan and last but not least Aaron Mathe. Well done
lads on a great effort.
Medway Festival Sunday 7th October 2007 Under 9's Red & Blue Sharks
The Medway festival saw the start of a new contact season for the Under
9's Blue Sharks. Medway started extremely well with numerous tackles
from Ed Holland, Billy Young and Josh Bruin making it extremely hard
for anyone to score against them. The home crowd witnessed outstanding
play and committed tackling with some great runs coming from the whole
team. In the pool stages the Blue sharks won three games against Sittingbourne
who they beat 5-1, they then moved onto Gravesend beating them 3-0 and
Upminster C 4-0 . Their final game in the pool was against old adversary's
Sevenoaks. The game could have gone either way but resulted in a final
score to Sevenoaks 4-1. The Blues were runners- up in their pool and
went onto the Cup Competition semi final against the Upminster A. The
semi was a hard fought game with each team battling to try and get over
the line, great defensive moves from Medway came with some minor injuries
but they still battled on regardless, Upminster finally managed to get
through and scored a try, the only one of the match. Medway were out
but showed everyone great strength making all the parents and coaches
extremely proud.
Every single player in the Blue Sharks Squad gave a 110% and tackled
like demons. The Squad was Max Poynter, Billy Young, Josh Bruin, Ed Holland,
Joshua Wright, Lachlan Wardle, James Downard, Callum Germany, Max Willis,
Ross Carter and Lewis Skinner.
Medway Red Sharks had a mixed day of rugby but ended the day sharing the spoils in a very competitive plate final.
First up were Sevenoaks B and as it was both teams first competitive game
of contact rugby it was a nervous affair and ended in a 1-1 draw. Angus
Daly opened Medways account with a blistering run the length of the pitch
to score. Over the course of the next two matches the Reds lost their composure
and suffered back to back defeats to Aylesford 2-1 and eventual Cup Winners
Upminster 3-0. Finally the team managed to get their act together and started
the final pool game against Barking with a clear point to prove. At half
time they had already notched up 4 tries and ended they game 7-0 in a solid
team performance. Medway had booked themselves, against the early odds
into the plate semi finals.
The scrumhalf, flyhalf and inside centre partnership of James Robertson,
Sam Jefferies and Alex Belsey then kicked into overdrive for a tough draw
against Gravesend. In a tight game the first try of the match was scored
by a clever turnover by Medway who pressurised and ripped the ball from
Gravesend over their own try line. All Medway then had to do having secured
the ball was to drop to the ground and score the try. The rest of the game
continued in the same tight vein until James Bullock ran a perfect line
from a set move to secure the win.
In the final Medway once again faced Sevenoaks B and got off to a flying
start racking up two tries in two minutes. One of the tries came yet again
from Medway pressuring the ball with a fantastic turnover within 5m of
the tryline which resulting in a rolling maul and try. Sevenoaks used a
change of personnel to get themselves back into the game and with two minutes
left it was all square at 2-2. Jefferies then exposed an overlap created
by Medway to get the home side in front once again however Sevenoaks struck
with the last play to even the game.
In the end the game ended in a 3-3 draw and as per festival rules both sides shared the result and awards. Medway turned around a very nervous start to a very confident team performance.
Try scorers for the day were Centres Alex Belsey and James Bullock (4), Flyhalf Sam Jefferies (3), Wing Aengus Daly (2) Scrumhalf James "Jimbo" Robertson (1) however this was a massive team performance with Aaron Mathe, Sam White, Owen Baldwin, Harry Bloomfield and Ethan Anderson also contributing to an eventual very confident team performance.