U8s at Aylesford and Edenbridge
This week Medway U8's attended two festivals, the first at Aylesford and the second at Edenbridge. At Aylesford the Under 8's took on Gravesend A for their first match, with Cameron Settle as captain and a strict ref and 3 tries disallowed, they kept their spirits up with Cullen Daly and Angus Robertson showing excellent teamwork - crucially at the try line, they passionately fought back, only to be defeated 7-6 with tries from Angus Robertson and Cullen Daly (5).
Jake Ray lead out the team for their second match against Sittingbourne, this was a fast-moving game, with an unprovoked pass by George Bailey, who also showed exceptional play by making ground and running straight, and good supportive play all-round the final score was 7-7 draw with tries from Schmoeger, Daly (2) Beville (2) and Kirwan (2).
Beville captained the team for their third match against Cranbrook A and despite excellent defence and turn over ball the final score was 7-1 defeat. The scorer was Daly.
Daly lead out the team for the final match against Cranbrook B, which proved to be the most nail-biting of all, with cracking defence by the team as a whole and a superbly executed try by Beville at the close of the game, the final score was a 6-8 defeat with tries by Kirwan, Daly (2) and Beville (3).
The coach commended Medway for their excellent teamwork. Player of the week was Matty Beville.
Team picture attached. Players were: George Bailey, Matty Beville, Cullen Daly, Ethan Kirwan, Jake Ray, Angus Robertson, William Schmoeger, Cameron Settle.
Meanwhile at Edenbridge the Medway U8's "Mud busters" took on Edenbridge A for the first match of the day. The support play was fantastic with unprovoked passes from Josh Kelsey, and Beard. Half time score was 4-2 to the strong sided Edenbridge. Matthew Beard executed a wondrous tag and tries were from Kelsey, Beard and Max Bullock (2) the final score was a 7-4 defeat.
Beaten but not out the Mud busters took on Beckenham C for their second match. Defence and team play were high on the team's agenda and with tries from Bullock (4), Beard and Isaac Milham the team won 6-5.
Their third match brought Beckenham B as their opponent. This was a fast match. The Mud Busters took the ball across the pitch at high speed throughout the game. The score was 4 all by half time and the pressure was on to secure a place in the final. Milham showed his tagging skill at the highest level during the second half and the place was secured by a 9-6 win to Medway's Mud busters. Tries from Rhys Potter (2), Bullock (3), Beard (2), Kelsey and Milham.
Now it was time to play for the plate against the Old Guildfordians. Ben Horsey made a good run and pass to Bullock to start the scoring. Milham committed a good pick up from Bullock to score the second try. The fourth was great passing between Milham, Potter, Beard and Bullock. Beard and Bullock were said to have "Good hands" for the 8th try. The ninth was a team try with all hand on the ball moving it down the pitch. After full time both teams were level and the decider was a "Golden Try", first team to score wins. Captain Bullock stepped up and won the toss for the team. The coach said that every member played their last and best game of the season but a turn over ball brought a 10-9 win to Guildfordians. Tries from Milham (3), Beard (3), and Bullock (3). Three hat tricks in one match.
The team was Max Bullock, Matthew Beard, Isaac Milham, Rhys Potter, Kinlan Harris, Ben Horsey, Josh Kelsey and Bailey Blythe.
Medway's Under 8's have had a great season this year and are a great team. They have fun when playing their loved sport and their parents and supporters cant wait to see them move up an age group and play contact next year. Good luck to them all they have done us proud!!!
Westcombe Park Festival
After recovering over Easter from their mini's tour weekend Medway's U8's attended Wescombe Park's festival. For their first match and with Kinlan Harris as the captain, they played Sevenoaks. This was a tough match from the start and with tries from Angus Robertson (2) and Cullen Daly (2) the final score was a 7-4 defeat to the team. Leading the team against the Beckenham side was Ben Horsey. Medway's defence was high which showed in the end result being a 5-3 win. Tries from Oliver Faux (2) and Daly (3). Ethan Kirwan, who got awarded player of the week for his skills whilst being captain, kept the team in high spirits for their match against Canterbury. This was a fast game and ended in a 8-6 defeat. Scorers were Mathew Beville (2), Faux (3) and Roberston. With Beville at the helm and their spirits high they took on Blackheath. The oposition was strong and dispite Medway's improved passing skills the final score was 9-1 to Blackheath. The scorer was Daly. Despite the results Medway left the field with smiles on their faces and said they enjoyed the day.
Upminster B Festival
This weekend Medway U8's attended Upminster's B festival. After a long wait they took on Hertford C. With an unprovoked pass from George Bailey, a weave from Angus Roberston, a good run from Cullen Daly and Matthew Beville as Captain they left the field with a 6-4 win. Tries from Daly (2), Oliver Faux and Max Bullock (3). Bullock captained the team for the second match against Romford. Displaying good team work and a cracking defence, turning the ball over time and time again, Romford proved they were a strong side and the end result was 6-5 to Medway. Scorers were Daly and Bullock (5). Ben Horsey lead the team for their third match which was against Chelmsford. The two teams were evenly matched. End result a 4 all draw. Tries from Daly (2) and Bullock (2). It was all to play for when Angus Roberston captained for the last pool match which was against Blackheath. Spectators were amazed at the speed of Daly as he scored. The team's place in the final for the cup was secured with a final score of 7-2. Scorers were Daly, Faux (2) and Bullock (4). With their defence high, good team work and a substitution for the referee Medway played their hearts out. With tries from Bullock and Daly (4) full time bought a 4 all draw. As they had played the maximum amount of time it was decided to share first place. Well done Medway!
Picture's attached are of the team with the cup. Players were Angus Roberston, Cullen Daly, Max Bullock, George Bailey, Bailey Blyth, Matthew Beville, Oliver Faux and Ben Horsey. Action shot is of Oliver Faux.
Kent Festival
This weekend Medway Under 8's played at the Kent Festival. The team was Max Bullock (Captain), Matthew Beard (Vice), Rhys Potter, William Schmoeger, Cullen Daly, Cameron Settle, Isaac Milham, Josh Kelsey, Ethan Kirwan and Ben Horsey. They started the festival against Whitstable. With Bullock passing to Beard, Daly tagging on the run and the whole teams defence at a high level they won the match 7-3. Scorers were Bullock, Beard (4), Potter and Milham. After a short break they played Gravesend. Again the defence was good and unprovoked passes were brought into play by Daly and Beard. The final score was a 5-4 victory to Medway. There was a long wait to play again, this time against Old Elthamians. Gravesend supplied a hard referee as it was a place in the 1st place quarter final to play for. A hard opposition brought a 6-3 defeat to the team. Tries from Bullock (3) and Milham. The team took on Wescombe for a chance to play in the quarter finals for second place. This was a very hard game. Despite the team's good defence the match ended in a 4-1 defeat. Beard was the scorer. The coach told the team it had been a good day and they had played their hearts out and were passionate about their game.
Medway v Dartfordians and Old Colfeians
Medway U8's welcomed The Old Colfeians and The Dartfordians to their home ground this weekend for some training and friendly matches. Each club fielded two teams.
Medway 1 took on Dartfordians 1, with tags a plenty, and Cullen Daly running the full length of the pitch to score the match ended in a 4-3 win to the home team. Scorers were Daly and Matthew Beard (3). Second they took on Old Colfeians 1. With the score at 3-1 by half time the standard of play continued and the match ended in a 4-2 win for the lads. Tries from Beard (2), Milham and Ethan Kirwan. Next up to face the team were Old Colfeians 2. Half time bought a 1 all draw so it was all to play for. Stepping up a gear and tries from Potter (2), Kirwan and Milham, the boys were triumphant in a 4-3 win. Against Dartfordians 2 and a 3 all draw at half time, Beard ran the full length of the pitch to score. Team play was displayed with a passing combination between Milham, Josh Kelsey, Daly and Beard leading to a 6-5 win. Scorers; Beard (3), Milham, Kirwan and Beville.
Meanwhile Medway 2 took on Dartfordians 2. With William Schmoeger showing good supportive play and Cameron Settle intercepting a pass from the other team the end result was 5-3 to the home team. All tries by Max Bullock. Match 2 was against Old Colfeians 2. At half time it was 4-1. Again there was good supportive play and many passes lead to a 6-5 win. Scorers were Schmoeger. Bullock (4) and Bailey Blyth. Dartfordians 1 took on the team next. With Schmoeger and Angus Robertson supporting their fellow players and an interception from Bullock it was no surprise when they were triumphant with a 6-4 win with all tries from Bullock. Again, during the last match against Old Colfeians 1 there were interceptions from Roberston and Blyth and good supportive play from Schmoeger. By half time the score was 3-2 but full time brought an end score of 5-6 to Old Colfeians 1. All tries from Bullock.
Special thanks went to Kinlan Harris who made up numbers for one of the visiting teams. He defended well, passed and scored a try during one of his matches
Old Colfeians' Festival
Medway U8's B Team attended Old Colfeians Festival this weekend. First they faced up to the Beckenham 1 team. The first half ended with the score at a 2 all draw. The opposition were very disciplined and won 4-7 by the end of the match. Tries were from Josh Kelsey (3) and Matthew Beard (1).
Their next match was against the very tough Blackheath 1 who seemed to be tagging, very heavily, all the time. Unfortunately Medway could not get into the game which resulted in a rather heavy 2-7 defeat against a more experienced team. Tries from Isaac Milham and Cullen Daly.
With a quick team chat the boys stepped up their defence and better team playing they took on a more evenly matched opposition in Westcombe Park 1. This was a much more entertaining game and with the second hat trick of the day from Beard and two tries from Milham the match ended in a 5 all draw.
A more focused Medway took the pitch to play Dartfordians. Displaying great defence Medway showed team combinations. A good pick up from Daly, a pass to Kelsey, who ran down the wing, passing to Beard to score the try. It was no surprise that this match ended in a 5-4 win with tries from Beard (4) and Bailey Blyth (1).
The chance to play for the shield rested on their match against Beckenham 2. The teams spirit was high. After strings of 4 passes and executing team tries, as the end of the match loomed it was a draw until Beard scored the winning try resulting in a final score of 7-6. Tries from Milham (2), Kelsey (1), Beard (2) and Daly (2).
Adrenalin pumping the team took on Westcombe Park. As they had improved throughout the tournament and sequences like Kelsey, Angus Robertson, Beard and Milham they won the trophy with a final score of 9-7. The scorers were Milham (4), Blyth (1), Beard (2) and Daly (2).
Well done guys you have learnt to pass and done us proud!
Meanwhile the rest of the team stayed at home and learnt how to bring down a 17 stone man. After they mixed up with the U7's and 6's for a friendly match where they showed respect and encouragement for younger players. The match ended in a 3 all draw with tries from Ben Horsey (2), Ethan Kirwan, Rhys Potter (2) and one of the younger players. Many thanks to those who joined us.
Medway v Old Alleynians
This weekend Medway's U8s travelled to Dulwich to train with the Old Alleynians. After a hard training session it was time for a couple of friendly matches.
Team 1 took on the first home team displaying some great team passes including their up-provoked pass. With a massive improvement in their defence and dispite 2 disallowed tries for a dropped ball and the player being out of touch, it was no shock when they achieved a 4-2 win. Tries were from Matthew Beard (2), Rhys Potter and Issac Milham. Matthew Beville took home the man of the match trophey for his improved play.
Team 2 took on the second home team with a vast improvement in their passes and being in the lead by the end of the first half it all looked good for them. The Old Alleynians stepped up a gear in the second half and end of play brought a 7-5 defeat to the Medway players. Ethan Kirwan scored his first hat trick of the season and other tries were from Kinlan Harris and Josh Kelsey. The team play from them during this match was noted as the referee spoke to each player individually about their strenghts during the game. Josh Kelsey was awarded man of the match. Overall player of the week went to Angus Roberston who displayed excellent support play and was listening all the time.
Medway v Canterbury
After the last few weeks of cancelled training sessions with other teams, due to bad weather, it was good to see Medway's U8's at Canterbury's home ground this weekend. After some hefty training with the home team and coaches it was time for the boys to split into two teams.
Once they had moved and set up a new pitch Medway Blues took on Canterbury Reds. It was a hard match and play was stopped numerous times. The blues tagging was of its usual strength and Matthew Beard scored a hat-trick of tries. The team gave its all but in the end were defeated 6-3. After a short break and a change of pitch the Blue's took on Canterbury Black's. With the whole team getting tags and Matthew Beard executing the unprovoked pass the end result was a 7 all draw. Tries were from Beard, Issac Milham (2) and visiting player Louis (4).
Meanwhile, for their first match, Medway Red's played Canterbury Blacks. Angus Robertson made a terrific run until he was tagged just before the touch line and brought the unprovoked pass into play. There was good passing between all players. The end result was a 8-5 win with tries from Max Bullock (5) and Cullen Daly (3). There was time for some passing practice before they changed pitches and took on Canterbury Red's. This was a stressful match which lead to the team being down hearted towards the end of play. With tries from Bullock (3) and Daly (4) the match finished with a 7-5 win to Medway.
Medway v Bexley and Sittingbourne
This weekend Medway's U8's, travelled to Bexley's home ground. After an hour of training the boys got down to what they really wanted, turning out two teams to play some friendly matches against the home team and the visiting Sittingbourne team. For their first match Medway 1 played Medway 2. There was tagging all round for both teams but Medway 2 were triumphant with a 6-4 win. Tries for the 1's were from Cullen Daley (2) William Schmoeger and Bailey Blythe. The 2's scorers were Max Bullock (3), Rhys Potter (2) and Ethan Kirwan.
Next Medway 2 took on home team Bexley. The team put up a good defence but alas the final score was 8-3 to the home team. Tries came from Issac Milham (2) and Ben Horsey. After a quick drink it was time to take on Sittingbourne. Milham reached double figures for tags and scored a try, Schmoeger brought home another 2 and Daley delivered the 4th, bringing the end result to 6-4 to Sittingbourne.
Meanwhile Medway 2 took on Sittingbourne for their second match. Their tagging was phenomenal throughout the match and with Matthew Beville and Rhys Potter setting up two tries each the team delivered an end result of a 8-4 win. Tries were from Bullock (5), Oliver Faux and Josh Kelsey(2). Then to play the home team, Bexley. Ethan Kirwan executed some precise tags and the end result was again a win 5-2 with tries from Bullock (4) and Kelsey.
Player of the weeks awards went to Rhys Potter, William Schmoeger, Josh Kelsey, and Cullen Daley.
Medway v Cranbrook
Cranbrook came to the Medway home ground. The Under 8's welcomed them with some intense, yet fun, training and then a match. Taking to the field for the first time was new member Kinlen who played well. Bullock executed the new switch manoeuvre and avoided being tagged. With some impressive tagging from all the players and a muddy pitch the end score was 6-3 to the home team with a hat trick each from Bullock and Beard.
The remainder of the team mixed up with the rest of Cranbrook U8's to play a teaching match. It was an interesting learning curve for the under 8's for each time the referee stopped play the players were asked to explain what the offence was. William Schmoeger, Ben Horsey and Bailey Blyth showed their skill in "Unprovoked" passes and tries were scored by Schmoeger, Cameron Settle (2) and Kirwan. The boys were left on the field with just the referee but with no coaches for the last five minutes of play to test their ability to organise themselves quickly and to remember not to discuss things too long as play may and did continue!
Feedback from Medway parents and Cranbrook parents and coaches alike was very positive and Medway U8s certainly look forward to playing Cranbrook again.
Medway v Thurrock
Despite the snow this weekend Medway's U8's travelled to Thurrock RFC to take to the field in very difficult conditions and put up some good performances. The boys first took on the home team. Ethan Kirwan, who was later awarded man of the match, scored a tremendous try after a magnificent run almost the full length of the pitch. Max Bullock managed to tag to double figures and scored a great try. Isaac Milham tagged to true form and scored a try. Josh Kelsey touched down for a fourth in the game. And it was nice for the Under 8's to see an old team mate Morgan Clark take to the pitch with them and who also scored. All in all this led to a 5-3 win for the team and not a snow ball in sight.
In the second match Medway loaned 3 players to Rochford RFC to play against Thurrock RFC. Medway players Matthew Beard, Rhys Potter and Ben Horsey provided strong support and good attack play in equal measure.
Further games were abandoned as the weather continued to deteriorate.
Medway v Upminster
Medway Under 8's visited the Upminster home ground this weekend for some friendly matches. After a short warm up the Commando's and the Paratroopers mixed up to take on the home teams in a new light.
Medway One took on Upminster One on a very sloped pitch. Despite multiple tags the boys were defeated 7-2 with tries from Isaac Milham and Josh Kelsey. After a quick drink the boys took to the same pitch again to play Upminster Two. Playing with unfamiliar team members showed as even though Beard got three tries the end score was 8-3 to the home team. Heads dropped and shoulders got heavy as the boys took a break. After several pep talks the U8's took on Upminster Three. As the rain set in the drenched team beat the home team with an impressive 7-3 win and a multitude of tags. Tries by Matthew Beard (5), William Schmoeger and Bailey Blyth.
Meanwhile Medway Two took on Upminster Two on a not so sloped pitch. Max Bullock racked up 23 tags. Matthew Beville and Ethan Kirwan made fantastic runs across half the pitch to be tagged just short of the line and pass to a team mate to execute the try. All of which took the team to a 7-5 win. Tries from Bullock (3) and Cullen Daley (4). Next up against the team were Upminster One. As the game continued and Upminster got ahead a black cloud descended over the team, with hearts flagging the end result was 5-3 to Upminster. Tries from Bullock (2) and Daley. After a five minute break and some words from the coach the boys took to a new sloped pitch to take on Upminster Three. Triumphantly they won 5-2 with tries from Kirwan and Bullock (3).
Team One’s Men of the match trophies went to Isaac Milham as the up and coming new member for great overall play and Matthew Beard for his numerous tags and tries and consistent good play. Team Two's trophies went to Oliver Faux for his concentration and listening to his coach and Ethan Kirwan for stepping up his game and improved play. As always the Under 8's played vey well.
Medway v Gravesend and Sidcup
2 November 2008
Medway's under 8s battled against the mist to play Sidcup and Gravesend at Gravesend's home ground this weekend. After some heavy training the Commandos and Paratroopers mixed up and played some friendly matches.
Team one took on Sidcup for their first match. After an epic battle and numerous tags from Jake Ray, Ben Horsey, and new member Isaac Milham the team were defeated 4-1, with the try from Ray. Next they took on the first Gravesend Team. Despite tries from Ethan Kirwan, Oliver Faux (2) and Matthew Beville the match ended 7-4 to the home team. Not ready to give up the team lined up against Gravesend's second team, with tries from Kirwan, Faux (2) and Ray this match resulted in 7-4 to Gravesend.
First against team two was Sidcup. After a fast match Medway romped home a 4-1 victory with tries from Matthew Beard, Max Bullock and Angus Roberston (2). For their last match the boys took on the home team. With the teams evenly matched the end score was 3 all. Tries were from Beard and Bullock and a memorable tag from Beard.
Upminster Festival
Medway U8's Commando team played their first festival played at Upminster last weekend. Captain Cullen Daly lead the team to a 4-2 victory against Stanford, with tries from Max Bullock (2), Matthew Beard and Rhys Potter. Next they played Chelmsford. Bullock lead the team and even with tries from Beard and Potter. They left the pitch with a 2-4 defeat and with their heads dropping and spirits flagging time for a team chat. A re-newed team took to the pitch against Upminster's 2nd team. Brandon Fulford captained the team to a cracking 4-0 win with tries from Bullock, Beard, Daly and Josh Kelsey and the introduction of the 'unprovoked pass' executed well by Bullock. The fourth match against Bishop Stanford was lead by Rhys Potter. With play cut short and two tries from Bullock, the end result was a 2 all draw. Not a total defeat for the Commando's as they left the field third in their pool and half a point from the plate! Numerous comments were over heard, from others supporters, about how promising this team's future is. The attached photo shows Josh Kelsey in possession storming down the wing supported by Rhys Potter (side) and Max Bullock (behind).
Medway U8's Paratroopers remained at home to practice core skills showing great focus and commitment. Of note during the subsequent practice games against another age group was excellent ball passing skills and in particular a terrific try by Jake Ray.
Medway vs. Tonbridge Juddians
12 October 2008
Medway's U8's fielded two teams at Tonbridge Juddians home ground this weekend for some training and the first few friendly matches.
The first team, the Commandos, started the season in true style with a 7-3 win. Cullen Daly and Matthew Beard brought home two tries each, leaving Max Bullock, Rhys Potter and William Schmoeger to score the remaining three. After a quick break the Commando's took on Juddians second team. By half time the boys were leading 3-1. In the second half they brought home a 8-1 victory and smiles all round. Scorers were Cullen Daly, Matthew Beville and Max Bullock, who along with Matthew Beard achieved double figure's on tags. The boys were clearly looking to spaces and passing before they were out of room and playing well as a team, using all its members. What victory for the commando's!
The second team, the Paratroopers, also played well drawing 5-5 against the Juddians second team. Josh Kelsey and Oliver Faux scored twice each and Brandon Fulford touched down for the remainder. Next they took on the first team and victory with a 3-1 win with two tries from Brandon and one from Josh. The boys showed really good support play and team work. What a great achievement for the teams first outing.
Still with time left the U8's mixed up for two further matches. The first mixed team achieved a 6-5 win with Matthew Beard scoring an impressive hat-trick and Ben Horsey, Rhys Potter and Josh Kelsey thundered home for the other three tries. The second mixed team achieved an 8-2 win with mighty Max Bullock scoring the majority of tries