Medway Under 9's Rugby triumph in Bowl Final at Aylesford
Following mixed results in the preliminary rounds of the under 9's tournament at Aylesford, Medway R.F.C progressed to the Bowl Final. In their first evenly contested match with Sidcup there were contributions from many in the squad. There was a try from a 5m scrum and blindside dart from Max Bullock followed by a break from their 10m line by Cullen Daly who passed to Matthew Beard to score. William Schmoeger made good breaks at scrum half with Rhys Potter putting in a try saving tackle towards the end.
In a tightly fought contest with Gravesend they slipped to a 4-3 loss. The Ward twins (Aiden and Leon) again tackled courageously with the team scoring from a penalty following a high tackle on Leon.
Against Maidstone, they posted 3 tries in a topsy turvy match, but lost. They beat the hosts 4-0 in the final first round match, the trio of Bullock, Daly and Beard on the score sheet.
In the Bowl Final the whole squad including Matthew Beville, Ciar Connell, Brandon Fulford, Josh Kelsey, Isac Milham, Cameron Settle and Angus Rodertson performed heroically trouncing the opposition (Aylesford 2) 6-0 with the referee calling an early end to the game saving the hosts from further embarrassment.
Congratultions to all involved and we look forward to Under 10's rugby next year.
Westcliff Festival
This weekend Medway U9's took two teams to Westcliffe's Festival. Squad 1 took on Southend for the first match of the day. With Isaac Milham setting the ball up when tackled the game looked to be a good one from the start. A break away from Southend led Rhys Potter to chase and pushed his man into touch. The trio of forwards Connell, Beard and Settle worked together on the first ruck for the team gaining possession of the ball.Seeing her team mate tackled Ciar Connell protected the ball for a drive over from the team. Matthew Beard pushed through to score the first try of the day. The second half brought the Cullen crusher into play with a tackle to touch. With a joint effort from Beard and Daly Medway gained the ball and took it down the pitch through Beard, Daly, Connell, back to Beard, Ward and Harris, each getting hard hitting tackles from Southend who gained the ball to score their first try. Harris and Kelsey worked together to get their man to touch. Final result 1-1 Scorer Beard.
After a short break the team took on Rochford. Potter was tackled and went down protecting the ball Settle gained possession and drove forward with force. With the opposition gaining the ball Milham pushed into touch for a line throw for Medway where Connell threw to Settle leaving Beard to take the ball up the pitch where a tackle brought Kelsey and Settle in for a drive over. There was a good pass from Harris and Parmenter and Settle passed to Connell who showed a one handed catch bringing the ball into safety. The end result was a 2-0 win for the team. Scorers were Milham and Beard.
Their 3rd pool match of the day saw Medway take on Thames. After a few clashes the ball popped out of a ruck to be picked up by Beard, a driving run took him over the try line for the first of the match. A pick up and drive from Connell saw a maul form and MEDWAY loose possession, a rip and a break away by Beard brought MEDWAY's 2nd try. What followed was possibly MEDWAY's best piece of team play of the day; a hard hitting tackle by Ward saw the ball pop loose, it was picked up and passed by Daly to Beard, a last second pass by Beard drew in the last few defenders to put Kelsey over the line. A drive from Settle moved the ball down the pitch before taking a hard tackle, a perfect turn and set thou allowed the ball to be passed out to Milham, who side stepped his way to the try line. The second half brought more of the same from MEDWAY; a team try with Daly putting the ball over the line, and a rip and drive from a rolling maul by Beard. Final result 6-0.
A tot up of points saw MEDWAY in the final against Barking. This was a hard fought and physical match. Driving tackles into touch by Potter, inspired runs by Milham and Daly, solid defense by Settle, Kelsey and Ward, 2 trys by Beard, and Ciar Connell seeming to be everywhere at once couldn't quite over come Barking's speed. Final score 4-2 to Barking.
Squad 2's first match was against Basildon. The start of the match saw many of MEDWAY's players putting in hard tackles to stop Basildon's opening attack but they were unable to secure the ball. Then a joint effort by Schmoeger and Gray saw the ball in open ground. A pick up and off load by Kirwan saw Faux free to get MEDWAY's 1st try of the match. Then came a sustained attack by Basildon which carried into the second half. Strong tackles by all the team stopped many a try scoring opportunity. A final tackle by Faux saw him able to put the ball over the line for his 2nd of the day. Final result Basildon 5-2 Medway
Next they took on a strong home side in Westcliff. Ward put in some try saving "tap" tackles down the side lines to slow the home sides advance. Spirited runs by Beville, Faux and Robertson saw them hit a solid wall of Westcliff players. As play slowed a static maul formed in the centre of the pitch involving most of the players, a combined drive by Horsey and Kirwan saw the maul driven back into Westcliff's half, with the ball appearing on the Medway side in the hands of Bailey, a quick pass to Faux gave him all he needed to get Medway a consolation try. 6-1 Westcliff.
There last match was against Barking. Here the team show great poise and sportsmanship. Despite great team play, hard tackles and inspired runs from the whole team they couldn't find a way through the Barking defense. When Barking gained the ball all effort was made to contain them and shut them down. Final result 7-0 Barking.
Bs at the Upminster Festival
Medway U9’s B team were at the Upminster B Festival on Sunday 28th March.
With a mix of experienced and new players, and some playing their first ever contact game, the team faced their challenge with true grit and determination.
First up for Medway was Upminster and despite a good start, it was the hosts who broke away and went half way up the pitch to score. Shortly after the restart, a pass down the line from Harris led Medway to bounce back and quickly level with a great try by Faux.
Upminster scored 2 tries in quick succession at the start of the 2nd half, which spurred Medway to step up with some relentless defence and big tackles by Beal and Beville, causing Upminster to knock on the ball. Blyth got stuck into the ruck and Milham set up a maul, then the Ward twins made a joint effort to bring their man tumbling down – Medway were holding their own.
A break by Parmenter was cut short by the hosts, which was then intercepted by Beville, but that still didn’t stop Upminster scoring the last try of the match to make the final score 4-1 to the hosts.
Scorer Faux (1)
Next up was Southend, the game saw direct and inventive running from Milham and a push to touch by Faux but Southend ran in 4 early tries. Medway then dug in and defended well seeing Aiden Ward and Milham putting in excellent tackles and Beville showing good rucking and mauling in the first half.
A quick team talk from coach at half time, then Kirwan barged into the tackle and after a little step-to the Southend defence, came out still standing! As the second half wore on the Medway defence tired and Southend ran in 5 more tries to secure a 9-0 victory.
The last match of the pool saw Medway take on Westcliffe. Quick scores by the Westcliffe early on in the game built them a comfortable lead, but Medway broke through their defence, Faux putting the ball over the line to much applause and a great boost for the Medway team. Then a try saving tackle by Milham was followed by yet another try by Faux, Medway went into half time 4-2 down.
The start of the 2nd half saw great defensive moves from Medway, this unfortunately came with some minor injuries, but they battled on regardless. Then a good pass out from the scrum to Milham then back to scrum half saw new player Fulford score his first ever try! Well done Brandon.
Medway tried to keep the Westcliffe attack down, but 2 further tries from them meant Westcliffe won 6-3.
Scorers: Faux (2) Fulford (1)
Medway were out but showed great strength, making coaches and parents so very proud!
Medway Under 9’s: Matty Beville, Joseph Parmenter, Oliver Faux, Ethan Kirwan, Brandon Fulford, Kinlan Harris, Issac Milham, Tom Gray, Thomas Beal, Aiden Ward, Bailey Blyth, Leon Ward
Kent Bowl
This weekend took Medway's Under 9's to the final of the Kent Festival and a chance to win the bowl. First they played the Dartfordians with Matthew Beard scoring the first try of the match. Cullen Daly moved in with his "Crusher" tackle, William Schmoeger, Ciar Connel and Beard droved over to protect the ball. Max Bullock slid to take the feet from his man. Daly drove the oposition into touch. A great catch from Toby Graham and a presise tackle from Beard showed a great effort from the team but the Dartfodians proved to be a stronger side beating the U9's with a final result of 4-1. Scorer Beard.
Next they got to play Beckenham. Josh Kelsey pushed the oposition into touch. Ciar Connel tackled with style. Kelsey executed a try saver. Despite all their efforts they were defeated 6-1. (Try by Bullock)
Kent Qualifying Tournament
Medway's Under 9's A team travelled to Sidcup RFC to play in the first leg of the Kent Festival this weekend. They kicked off the festival against Bromely, a large and strong side. Matthew Beard took down his man, Max Bullock dived to secure the ball, Rhys Potter took a hard tackle and then returned the favour, Ciar Connel and Matthew Beard delivered a strong drive to keep the ball with Bullock. William Schmoeger set the ball up when tackled to the ground. By half time it was 3-0 to Bromely but Medway kept their heads up and with two substitutions took the field again and upped their defence. Josh Kelsey, Beard, Potter, Bullock, Angus Robertson, Beard again, Cullen Daly, Ethan Kirwan, Potter again and a second from Bullock displayed a relay of tackles. Toby Graham was in the centre of a good drive started by Cameron Settle and joined by most of the team. Every player had kept the defence high during the game but the mighty Bromley won the match 5-0. Medway were awarded 3 points for fair play. The referee said that they should be very proud of themselves and kept the game to a high standard.
With a rest and a team talk from the coaches they took on Thanet Wanderers which was a fast game from the start. Potter took his man to touch, Bullock flew at his man to take him down, a fast tackle from Schmoeger, a line throw and good team passing led Beard to score the first try of the day for the team. Strong tackles from Beard and Bullock. With good set ups from Connell, Schmoeger, Potter and Graham. The second half brought scrum half Robertson putting pressure on the oppositions fly half to execute a text book defensive play. Ben Horsey stood his ground while the team pushed hard against him and Daly got the ball out and the second try was scored by Bullock. A drive into touch took the game to full time and a win for Medway.
The last game of their group matches was against Old Alleynians. Graham tackled hard. The team drove together. Connel and Schmoeger tackled together to bring down a bigger player. Kelsey flew to take his man down. Connel, Settle and Horsey put their heads down for many scrums. Kirwan powered his man to the floor. Rips from Bullock and Beard. George Bailey took the legs away in true style. Strong tackles from Bullock, Beard Kirwan and Potter and a try from Beard took the game to full time and a final score of 2-1 to old Alleyians.
Through to the quarter finals and to play for a chance at the Bowl there was everything to play for against Whitstable. A drive from Settle and a tackle from Schmoeger claimed the ball for the team. A run from Daly to Beard scored the first for the match. A hard and tight drive from the team and a run from several players let Beard score the second. Bullock tackled hard along with Potter, Settle and Connell to get the ball to Daly who weaved for the third try. With many trys not counted in previous matches and his head held high Bullock executed the fourth. Connell started the line out to Settle then to Robertson and out to Beard took him down the full length of the pitch for the fifth and his hat trick for the day. With the match finished Medway's U9's had secured their place in the semi final with a resounding 5-0 win.
The team and the coaches left the pitch proud knowing that despite every knock they took no player left the field during a match unless it was for an organised substitution. Well done Medway's Under 9's you did your team and the spectators proud saving the best match till last.
Old Alleynians
This weekend Medway U9's visited the old Alleyians for a training session and some friendly matches. They split into two teams (A and B) and due to numbers the B team were helped out by the home team.
First the A team took on the home side's A team and it was action all the way as a team they drove the opposition into touch, a great try saving cover tackle to touch from Matthew Beard. Matthew Beville and Angus Roberston set up the ball well when going into contact and secured it in their own half. A great break away from Max Bullock after the team secured the ball. Isaac Milham showed his fast running. In the second half Ciar Connel and Beard executed great drives and set up play. Great tackles from Connel and a try saver from Bullock after a great break away. Fast running from Rhys Potter and Aiden Ward provided good wing cover and fast running. Great line out work from William Schmoeger and a try saver covering tackle from Beard. Final score 1-1 try from Max Bullock.
Second match against the home's B team. Great solo try from Bullock followed by a rollling maul, Isaac broke from defence passed to Potter who took it down the wing. Beard tackled and turned his man for a turn over. Milham will strong straight running. A drive from Bullock in open play lead to a great pick up from Beville. Good tackle from the scrum from Robertson. A "jinking" run from Bullock to take the lead. End result 1-2 to medway scorer Bullock and Potter.
Meanwhile the B team took on the home side's B team with some borrowed members. Despite a great flying tackle from Leon Ward and a drive over from Ethan Kirwan, Bailey Blythe took out his man's legs for a superb tackle, Ward never gave up chasing his man and a scrum into touch the end result was 5-1 to the home team. Medway's try was scored by a borrowed player.
Next to take on the home side's A team brought a fantastic drive from props Kirwan and Ben Horsey, a team scrum into touch, flying tackles from Ward and Blythe, a good set up from Kirwan to Joseph Parmenter for a good run. A greatly impoved game with the team had learning along the way brought a 2-0 win to the home team.
Well done Medway under 9's!
New Year Cup
This weekend Medway's U9's played at Eltham for the "New Year Cup". The U'9's formed an "A" team" and the remaining players helped out on two "Barbar" teams.
First the "A team" played Blackheath. There were a high numbers of tackles from Cullen Daly, team tackles from Max Bullock and Matthew Beard, and a fantastic one from Leon Ward. They were said to be "very powerful up front" which was shown by their 5-1 win. Tries from bullock (4) and Beard.
Next they played the "Barbars" team. Leon ward executed a superb flying tackle to take down his man. Daly pulled the "Cullen Crusher" tackle, Bullock took the legs to gain the ball and Beard used his skill in his tackles. This was a true team game as shown by the score 6-1 to Medway. Scorers Isaac Milham, Oliver Faux, Josh Kelsey, Bullock, Daly and Beard.
Now it was straight back onto the pitch against Beckenham, with their eyes on winning their age group. Every player tackled hard which was shown as they never missed a tackle or allowed the other side to keep the ball. They demonstrated a stationary line throw. Daly's supportive play was fantastic. Bullock ripped the ball with vengeance. Beard's drive protected possession of the ball. their best game of the day resulted in a 7-0 win to the team.
Medway's Under 9's had won their age group and done their bit to help Medway win the New Year Cup. Fantastic start to the new year.
The overall result of the day was Blackheath won the Cup. Their results were won 7, drew 2, lost 2. Medway came a very close second as they won 6, drew 2 and lost 3.
Bromley and Tonbridge Juddians
This weekend Medway Rugby club's U9's went to Bromely for a training session and some friendly matches with the home team and the Juddians.
They spilt into two teams. The Mudmonsters played teams from Bromely for all of their matches first of which was an excellent 3-2 victory scorers were Max Bullock (2) and Cullen Daly. They were rucking well and William Schmeoger executed a great tackle. During their second match Bullock made a fantastic interception that lead to a try. The team showed good spirited tackling, Daly also made a try saver tackle. The end result was a two one defeat. In their third match they played as hard as possible proving that they have worked on their rucking and mauling skills showing that they have picked up the new skills over the season. Dispite all their hard work the score at the end of play was 2-1 to the home team but said to be a close match.
Meanwhile the mudbusters took on Bromely who showed very good line outs and defensive play. Medway were passing the ball between players and showed great awareness in the mauls. End result 5-0 to the home team. Next they took on another of Bromely's teams Matthew Beville put in a flooring tackle and Oliver Faux good try's for a final score of 5-2 to the home team. Faux scoring both trys. Then Medway took on the Juddians. Jake Ray put in some bone jarring tackles. All showed good team play for a 6-5 win. Faux scored all. With time to spare and all in agreeance they took on the Juddians again. With a good mall and drive over's. Ray showed determination after 3 try's were disallowed to score again.
Ben Horsey set up a good try for Oliver Faux. Final score at the end of play was 4-3 to Medway Scorers were Faux (2) and Ray (2).
Well done Medway you are really showing a good understanding of the game and we look forward to seeing more action from you this year.
Aylesford
22 November 2009
This weekend Medway's Under 9's visited Aylesford Bulls for some training and friendly matches. The U9s split into 2 teams for the matches, aptly named "The Mud Monsters" and the "Mud Busters".
The Mud Busters first match was against the home's A side and ended in a 9-1 victory to the home team. Their second match against Aylesford B resulted in a 4-0 victory to the home team.
Meanwhile the Mud Monsters played the home's B team for a 3-2 win to Medway and then the a team for a 2-4 defeat.
Comments from the coaches, well executed tackles from Aiden and Leon Ward and Joseph Parmenter. It was nice to see the U9's play after 2 wks of cancellations due to bad weather. The team enjoys good competition.
Thanks to Aylesford who agreed to have Medway's U9's after the original fixture fell through. Their U9's showed solid attack and defence.
Medway U9's showed a spirited performance.
Upminster Festival
11 October 2009
This weekend the U9's Medway Rugby team played at the Upminster A festival. As they had left tagg rugby behind them last season the team, Max Bullock, Matthew Beard, Cullen Daly, Angus Roberston, Rhys Potter, Ethan Kirwan, Matthew Beville, Oliver Faux, William Schmoeger, Kinlan Harris, Isaac Milham, Cameron Settle, Josh Kelsey and Ben Horsey changed positions thoughout the Festival proving that team play is what they are all about.
First they played Hertford. Beard displayed a superb tackle, leading to a tag team of Roberston and Faux for the next showing good defence. With the combination of passes between Beard, Kelsey and Settle, Bullock scored the first try of the day for the team. A good drive from Milham and team passes from Horsey, Bullock, Potter, Beville, Schmoeger, Milham, Harris, Beard and Settle showed their team spirit. Despite their hard efforts the end result was a 3-1 win to Hertford.
Next they played Aylesford. They won the toss and the ball travelled accross the pitch via Bullock, Beard and back to Bullock to score again. Med's were 1 up by half time. Beville made headway to pass to Potter who saw his gap and touched down for the second. Another gap sent Bullock for the third. A strong tackle from Kirwan ment Daly showed speed and skill for the fourth. End result 4-0 to Medway.
A quick rest and it was time to play Romford. Beard showed his skill to drive over his player and the ball. Harris made a good grab for the ball and Schmoeger and Potter had good passing skills. Horsey used his weight in a tackle. Team passes from Beard, Kelsey and Faux led to a try from Bullock. Spectators gave Daly's tackle the name of "The Cullen Crunch" as he raced from the right wing to the left to take down the much larger opposition just shy of their try line. Final score 2-1 to Romford.
After the biggest team change around of the Festival Medway's U9's took the pitch to play Upminster. Beville showed a good pass to Bullock which lead to a try from Potter. A good tackle from Horsey and a drive over from Bullock. By half time this was already their best match of the festival. Fantastic cover tackles lead to a "Cullen Crunch". Beville executed a tackle to touch resulting in superb linking play between Bullock, Beard, Potter and Daly to score. Final score Medway 2 Upminster 1.
The team showed the true spirit of the game and how to play as a team. Well done U9's.
Medway Festival
4 October 2009
Medways Under 9's played their A and B teams at the first festival of the season, at their home ground this weekend.
First up against Medway's B team were the Old Colfenians. With well executed tries from Ethan Kirwan and Josh Kelsey and a high rate of tackles the end result was a 5-2 win to the Old Colfenians. Next they played Barking and showed true team work and skilled passes. Result was 4-0 to the visiting team. During their next match with Maidstone their was a high rate of passes with Kelsey and Matthew Beville stomping tries home. Despite their strong efforts Maidstone won 3-2. For the last match of the heat they took on Upminster. Spectators were heard complementing their team spirit high pass rate and strong tackles against a strong side. Beville scored a confident try. Final score 5-1 to Upminster. With their heads held high they took to the pitch to play the final for the vase against Sittingbourne. Despite numerous tackles and a try from Kelsey they were defeated 5-1 to Sittingbourne. Scorer was Kelsey. The U9's showed true team spirit throughout the day and played well.
Meanwhile the Medway's A team took on Sevenoaks for their first match. They held a strong defence and the team making hard tackles the end result was 2-0 to the home team. Tries from Max Bullock and Matthew Beard. Next they took on Aylesford. Bullock and Beard matched each other with two tries each and a high defence from all. End result was a 4-0 win. Next to take the pitch against the team were Sittingbourne. A solid wall of red and gold kept sittingbourne out of Medway's half of the pitch. This match resulted in a 6-0 win to the Med'sTries from Bullock (4), Beard and Daly. The final match of the pool proved to be their hardest. Against Gravesend and a final to play for it was try for try all the way to time. Final score 2-1 to the Home's A team. Scorer was Bullock (2). Playing for the Cup in the final a tired team took the pitch against Barking. Despite their good defence and skilled team play the end result was a 2-1 win to Barking. One of the other teams coaches stated that this team showed true skill and he would look out for them in the future.
Well done to all the Under 9's they played well and did us proud!