U10 B at Edenbridge
Medway’s u10 B side attended the Edenbridge festival and were entered in a ‘B’ pool contest. This festival proved to be very tough contest and our players showed great pride and determination in the face of some very strong competition. Team spirit remained strong and determination even as we lost players through injury.
The day started badly with Adam ‘the speedster’ Clark not making the first game through an ankle injury. This did not stop the team rallying around and Adam then provided great support for his team mates.
First game of the days was against Bromley and this proved to be a very physical contest with a very large opposition. The game finished with Bromley successful through some very strong busting runs from their big guys and won the game 5-0.
This game proved costly to Medway with Reese being taken from the field with a suspected dislocated finger (fractured), up to this point Reese was playing well and was driving the opposition back with some tough tackling so it was a blow to the team. Again the squad rallied around and kept their heads high.
Second game was against our hosts Edenbridge. Medway played well with a special mention to Seamus who did well in his first game as scrum half. This proved to be a very level contest with Edenbridge delivering a deserved victory 1-0. The Scrum half for Edenbridge was definetly the player of the match and was instrumental in our loss. Our squad did well and showed improvement from the first game.
Our second and third games were both very tough affairs against very well drilled sides from big clubs. Medway lost 6-0 back to back to Tunbridge Juddians and then Worthing. It was obvious these two teams were strong and would give our own A team a very strong contest. Although throughout these games our players never once dropped their heads continuing to run the ball back to the middle for the restart and offering support for each other at all times. After the Tonbridge game there was some serious concerns with injuries to Steph (Ribs), James Clack and Regan (head), all of these though showed great spirit to return to the field in the following games.
The last game of the day was the highlight with Medway losing a very close contest losing 3-0 to Hove who were the eventual winners of the day being undefeated.
There was no single player who could be isolated as special as they all gave 110% on the day and left the field exhausted and triumphant in spirit even with no try to show for their efforts.
Team was; Owen Baldwin, Cameron Bassindale, Regan Blyth, Reese Brady, Stephanie Brook, Seamus Callaghan-Kells, Ross Carter, James Clack, Adam Clark, James Hudson, Michael Parmenter, Harry Pattenden, Lachlan Wardle, Max Willis, Sam White.
U10 A at Aylesford
Medway 10s made the short trip to Aylesford intent on finishing their year on a high by playing the stylish rugby that had brought them success back at the very start of the season.
In the opening game Medway laid down a significant marker by playing with a pace and width that Romford just could not live with. Despite conceding two tries, Medway ran in six of their own through Josh Bruin (2) Aengus Daly, Sam Jefferies Callum Germany and James Bullock.
Next up were were the plucky Aylesford 'B' squad who were unfortunate to run into Medway playing their best rugby of the year. The quality of handling and support play was exceptional and had coaches and parents purring with pride. Through slick passing and pace Medway time and again breach the home team's defence and the referee called the game early with Medway having racked up a 6-0 victory with tries from six different scorers which was a great indication of the teamwork on display. Tryscorers were Alex Russell, James Robertson, Billy Young, Callum Germany, Alex Belsey and Aengus Daly.
Medway carried over the winning formula against Cranbrook 'B' and were rewarded with a hat-trick of tries by Sam Jefferies a brace by Josh Bruin and a typically determined effort from James Robertson.
Medway's final group game pitched them againts a Sittingbourne side who were also unbeaten to this point. With a place in the final at stake no quarter was asked and none given as Medway were forced to roll up their sleeves and take on a 'bourne side keen to restrict the game to a tight mauling contest. Medway managed to keep their noses in front throughout preferring to utilise their rapier pace out wide as evidenced by a hat-trick from speedy winger Aengus Daly. They also proved they can 'mix it' when skipper Harry Bloomfield rampaged over with a trail of tacklers in his wake. 4-3 to the side from Priestfield and the final beckoned.
Medway were pitched against Sidcup for the day's finale. Medway put up a gutsy performance against larger opposition but struggled to impose their free running style against a side who were happy to trundle the ball forwards through their larger pack. Fatigue and injury played a part in Medway not fulfilling their true potential but a double from Josh Bruin ensured the boys played a full part despite going down 4-2 at the final whistle.
An excellent festival performance ensured that Medway finished their season on a high. This performance was encouraging for players, parents and coaches alike and with the spirit, flair and determination that these boys have, next season can't come soon enough.
Sqaud: Harry Bloomfield (captain), Olver Bell, Alex Belsey, Joshua Bruin, James Bullock, Aengus Daly, James Downard, Callum Germany, Sam Jefferies, Max Poynter, James Robertson, ALex Russell and Billy Young.
Tour Report
Medway U10’s travelled to Wells RFC as part of their tour and enjoyed a game against their host and additional visitor Chew Valley RFC.
Medway started the day playing Chew Valley in what could only be described as a gruelling and physical contest. Chew valley were definitely a strong physical side and our Medway boys showed in the first minutes that they were up to the challenge with strong tackling and all players contesting the break down with strength especially Ollie, Harry B and Regan who had the rub of the scrums in the first half. Medway continued to fight strongly and stopped many attempts with Max, Aengus and Joshua Wright all providing try saving tackles to push their opponents into touch. Near half time Chew finally struck with a pure physical push to finally open the scoring. At this point the boys normally would have dropped their heads a little but instead struck back immediately with an absolute barnstorming run from Harry Bloomfield from the restart breaking through several tackles, finally near the line while being held turned looking for support to off-load but managing a few more steps with three Chew players holding on finally reached over the line for a well deserved try.
Second half saw a lot of changes in the Medway side to ensure all players got their taste for the day. Second half did not slow up with Chew showing they wanted to maintain the physical attack with wave after wave of attempts to punch up the middle. Even though their was some spirited play and many attempts at stealing the ball with Sam, Ollie and Lachlan, Medway were worn down and Chew put a try over the line just inside the flag. Chew continued the pressure but was denied on two further occasions with players delivering try saving tackles and in what is becoming a true mark of our U10 squad holding Chew up over the line denying them again. By this time Medway was becoming battle bruised and was losing players through injury. Aengus was struck in the eye giving Josh Bruin a second chance as outside centre. Two minutes later and through some very spirited rugby the Medway team provided some quick ball and through efficient hands gave Josh plenty of space to dance his way to the line for a try. Chew did not give up and Sam and Harry Pattenden combined to prevent a try in the dying minutes Harry demonstrating that although fresh back to rugby he showed no loss of spirit. The game ended with Chew winning a very bruising and physical game of rugby 3 -2.
After a few minutes rest the boys were up again playing our hosts Wells. Wells showed they were also wanting a piece of Medway and started with a very physical ‘head on’ charge from the off. Medway continued the spirit they showed in the first game and continued to fight possession at every opportunity and kept attacking the wings with good passing and strong runs. As in the first game our opponents struck first through a well deserved try in the corner. Medway continued the fight but started to loose players from attrition with Aengus again being struck a severe blow giving Ollie a chance on the wing. Finally from a scrum at half way, which was won against the feed, James R spied a weekly defended wing and attacked with Nathan in support. His pace allowed him to reach the line and regardless of the attempts by Wells to deny him Medway was on the scoreboard. Many more attempts by Medway and finally a chance opened with Lachlan grabbing a loose ball but only to be denied over the line with the ref calling held up. So again at Half time scores were level.
The second half did not relent with the fresher Wells team bashing at the Medway defence at all points of the field. Every Medway player continued to put their bodies in front from forwards to wing all our players were tackling strong. Medway tried many times with some very spirited runs from James Clack, Regan, Josh B, Ollie, Sam and Adam being denied through some fantastic tackling by our opponents. Wells started to exploit our exhausted lads and put together two tries unanswered. With the attrition rate escalating in the second half and the loss of Adam and Regan, who were just physically exhausted demonstrating the pure spirit all had shown on the day. Within two seconds of coming on James R again darted through a hole to produce another try for Medway. Medway however were unable to hit back again with Wells striking immediately with another try to finish the game victorious 4-2.
Chew Valley was the winners for the day having beaten Wells in their first match and Medway players presented them with their trophy in the clubhouse.
Medway had lost but did not go home defeated with everyone feeling we had witnessed some of the best rugby this squad had played all season, not a single player had let the team down all working hard together. A special thanks also to James Bullock who did not play through injury but was a strong supporter and worked tirelessly on maintaining his mate’s motivation.
Pride of Medway U10’s were; Oliver Bell, Harry Bloomfield (1), Regan Blyth, Joshua Bruin (1), James Bullock, James Clack, Adam Clark, Aengus Daly, Nathan Goodall, Sam Jefferies, Harry Pattenden, Max Poynter, James Robertson (2), Lachlan Wardle, Joshua Wright.
Kent Plate Finals Day
Medway U10s travelled to Tonbridge on Sunday for the knockout stages of the Kent Plate, intent on improving on their performance from the previous weeks’ qualifying games.
They faced tough opposition in the semi finals in the shape of Blackheath. Undaunted, they set about their opponents right from the whistle, with some bone-jarring tackles, with both sides refusing to yield territory. Medway’s plan of an expansive game went out of the window as both sides resorted to battering ram tactics, but both defences held firm and it was 0-0 at the break.
Medway surrendered territorial advantage early in the second half and it allowed Blackheath to open the scoring. For the remainder of the game, Medway persisted in trying to smash through the opposition defence but no avail. This energy-sapping approach took its toll and Medway conceded a late try to finish with a 2-0 defeat.
Next up were Aylesford in the runners-up play off. This proved to be a real nail biter, with Medway dominating territorial advantage but struggling to cope with Aylesford’s slick handling in the backs. Aylesford opened the scoring with a well worked try by before being pegged back by a try from Callum Germany, 1-1 at the break with all to play for. The second half mirrored the first with Medway eschewing their proven handling game, preferring instead to try and sledgehammer their way through a sea of tacklers. Sure enough, quick hands by the opposition gave them back the lead but a charge up the blindside resulted in Ed Holland levelling 2-2 . Aylesford once again used quick ball from ruck to good effect and managed to get in front with a try in the corner. Despite their best efforts time was against them and Medway ended their day winless.
If a trophy was to be awarded for effort and intensity then Medway would have triumphed. Fearless defence and total commitment were shown by each and every member of the squad.
Squad: Oliver Bell (Captain), Alex Belsey, Harry Bloomfield, Josh Bruin, James Bullock, Aengus Daley, James Downard, Callum Germany, Ed Holland, Sam Jeffries, Max Poynter, James Robertson, Billy Young.
Medway v Sheppey
Medway U10’s travelled to the Sheppey RFC for some much needed match time.
Medway A started the day strong with a very good display of rugby at the breakdown to control and secure a hard fought victory 6 – 0 over the home side. The scoring was shared between many due to impressive running and selfless passing. Try scorers were Ed Holland, Billy Young, Joshua Bruin, Aengus Daly, James Bullock and Max Poynter.
In the second match of the day Medway B took on Sheppey. Medway B started very strongly leading 2 -1 at half time after impressive tries from Alex Russell and Adam Clark. In the second half though some poor tackling and very impressive performances from one Sheppey player providing a hat trick of tries, Medway B eventually lost the game 2 – 5.
Next game was to be the test of character with Medway A playing Medway B. Medway B startled Medway A in the first half containing them to only a 2-0 lead. Medway A continued to prove to be too strong up front, even with the very tough refereeing, taking the victory 5 -0 over a gallant Medway B side. Try scorers for Medway A were Billy Young (2), Aengus Daly, Sam Jefferies (2) and Harry Bloomfield.
Last game of the day saw a shortened match between Medway A and the hosts Sheppey again. This match was not to be as expansive as the first with little action for the outside backs due to significant individual running. The game was still won convincingly by Medway in a strong display 5-0 over Sheppey. Try scorers were Ed Holland (2), Callum (1) and Alex Belsey (2).
Medway v Dartfordians and Old Colfeians
After a long spell without matches what a fantastic day for rugby, and our friends from Dartford and Old Colfeians came to Medway to help us enjoy it. Dartford brought two teams and Old Colfeians one along with our two teams a packed day of matches was guaranteed.
First up was Medway 1 versus Old Colfeians, Old Colfeians started well with superior rucking at the breakdown but in the end Medway came away victorous 2 to nil. On the other pitch Dartford 1 was in a hard fought battle with Medway 2 with Medway delivering a narrow victory 3 – 2.
In the second round Dartford 1 defeated Medway 1 (4 – 1) in what could only be described as a strong display of rugby. On the second pitch Old Colfeians were defeated 2-0 by Dartford 2 in a hard fought affair. In their next match Old Colfeians mustered a well deserved draw with Dartford 1 in a very tight match which was described by Phil Mathe as a superb display of rugby. In keeping with the theme of round three, Medway 2 also delivered a draw (0-0) with Dartford 2 in a game which saw fierce battle for possession and many try saving tackles.
Fourth and final round saw Medway 2 defeat Old Colfeians (1-0) in another very tight affair, while on the other pitch Medway 1 defeated Dartford 2 (2-1). These games rounded a very good day of rugby with some very good performances from all the teams. There is no doubt our teams started slowly but improved as the day progressed.
Our thanks to our visitors for helping us enjoy a much needed day of matches which was played in what could only be described as a fantastic spirit of rugby.
Medway 1; Edward Holland, Alex Russel, Callum Germany, James Bullock, James Downard, Max Poynter, Aengus Daly, Alex Belsey, Aaron Mathe, Max Willis, James Hudson, Nathan Goodall
Medway 2; Oliver Bell, James Clack, James Robertson, Sam Jefferies, Josh Bruin, Stephanie Brook, Adam Clark, Lachlan Wardle, Sam White, Owen Baldwin, Regan Blyth, Reese Brady, Jay Rattle, Joshua Wright.
Medway v Beccehamians
Medways Under 10s A lost their unbeaten record but is the B teams about to start? It was Medways less experienced players day to shine (ironic given the weather) and show how they are starting to form as a team.
In the best of three matches Medway A failed to win any of their games and were outmuscled and outclassed by their Becchamiams A counterparts. All the games were very tight in very difficult conditions but it was the home side which best adapted their game. The matches ended 1-0, 2-0 and 2-1 to the home side with Josh Bruin scoring the lone try of the day.
Medway A Team Sam Jefferies, James Downard, James Robertson, Aengus Daly, Oliver Bell, Billy Young, Harry Bloomfield, Josh Bruin, Callum Germany, Sam White and Alex Belsey.
In contrast Medway B won their three games against Becchamians B in style and confidence. Medways first result was 3-0 with tries coming from James Bullock (2) and Adam Clark. In the second game Medway struck from the kick off with Lachlan Wardle striking like a robbers dog. 1-0 with only seconds gone. The weather started to take a turn for the worst and both sides dug deep. James Bullock struck with the final play, 2-0. By the last game the weather had steadily gone from bad to worst but Medway had a clean sheet top keep and got stuck in from the very start. This time Becchamiams struck first however Medway composed and hit back 3 times through the hands of James Bullock.
All in all a great team effort with every player making the most of their game time.
Medway B Team Matthew Nelson, Alex Russel, James Bullock, Joe Silvey, Nathan Goodall, Michael Parmenter, Lachlan Wardle, Aaron Mathe, Ross Carter, Stephanie Brook, Regan Blyth and James Clack .
Medway v Gravesend and Sidcup
Medway fielded two teams at Gravesend, Medway A & B. A new and developing B-side had a tough morning’s rugby and first up were the home side Gravesend. Medway gave a great account of themselves and only just lost out with Gravesend taking the spoils in a 2-1 game. James Bullock bagging the only try of the day. Next up was a grudge match against the Medway A team and the B’s were determined not to yield to their more experienced colleagues. As expected the match was a tight affair but Medway A came through with 3-0 win. The final match of the morning was against a very strong and determined Sidcup side. Medway failed to get their hand on the ball and Sidcup contested each and every breakdown and ran away in a 6-0 win.
Team Cameron Bassingdale, Aaron Mathe, James Clack, James Robertson, Max Poynter, Max Willis, Adam Clark, James Bullock, Stephanie Brook, Regan Blyth, Nathan Goodall, Joshua Wright, Matthew Nelson and Seamus Callaghan-Jarvis.
Medway A managed to continue an unbeaten run. First up were a very well organised and physical Sidcup. This was a tight affair with Medway allowing Sidcup to control the breakdown. Inside Centre Josh Bruin opened Medway account but Sidcup quickly struck back. The second half continued in the same vein. Prop Edward Holland scored from the middle of the pitch only for Sidcup to do the same. With only a minute to go Medway were camped on Sidcups tryline, flyhalf Sam Jefferies exploited a gap created by hooker Billy Young and Holland to break through the Sidcup defence for the winning score. Next up was the clash of A & B and Medway A struggled to breakdown a very determined B display. In the end tries from Jefferies, Young and wing James Downard separated the two sides. The final match of the morning was against the home side. This was very much a one sided affair with the A team finally starting to play flowing rugby and putting on a very impressive defensive display. The match ended 5-0 in Medway’s favour with tries coming in from scrum half Callum Germany (2), Bruin, Holland and acting inside centre Alex Belsey.
Team Ed Holland, Sam Jefferies, Sam White, Harry Bloomfield, Oliver Bell, Aengus Daly, James Downard, Callum Germany, Alex Belsey and Billy Young.
Great display of rugby all round and despite the results the B team came away with some very valuable experience.
Upminster Festival
Medway RFC Under 10’s Upminster Champions 19th October 2008
Medway went to the home of Essex Champions and came away with the silverware in a very polished display of rugby. In the pool stages Medway opened their account with a very convincing 30-0 win against a stunned Stanford who failed to even get into Medways half of the pitch. The tries were scored by James Downward (wing), Alex Belsey (centre), Sam Jefferies (fly-half), Josh Bruin (centre) and two for Ed Holland (prop). Medways dominance continued in the second game against Chelmsford and the match ended 20-0 with a cheeky break from the scrum by Callum Germany (scrum half) for the opening try and then further tries followed by Billy Young (hooker), Josh Bruin and Oliver Bell (prop). The third match of the morning was a tighter affair with the Upminster B team fighting to stay in the competition. Despite some tactical changes Medway held strong and saw off the home side 10-0 with tries from Callum Germany and James Downard. The last pool game was to be the decider with both sides having a 100% record. Yet again Medway dominated possession and quickly smothered any attempt to attack and saw off Bishop Stortford 20-0 with tries from Aengus Daly (wing), Billy Young, Ed Holland and Callum Germany.
Without conceding a try all day Medway faced the reigning Essex Champions and a team they had never beaten in competitive matches, Upminster A. Medway quickly composed themselves and adjusted to their very tough and skilled opposition and grabbed the opening score through Alex Belsey. Upminster fought back and managed to get a try just before the half time whistle however Medway immediately responded with a try of their own through Sam Jefferies. The second half saw Medway dominating the breakdown and two further ties came from Callum Germany and Josh Bruin without reply, final score 20-5. Medway had picked up their first silverware of the season and put on an incredible display of defensive and counter attacking rugby. Each and every player played their part in the festival and also taking part and heavily involved in the action were James Robertson (wing), Alex Russell (prop), Harry Bloomfield (prop)
Medway Under 10’s Sevenoaks & Tonbridge
As a development weekend the Under 10’s split into two venues. The A squad went to Sevenoaks and the B squads went to Tonbridge.
At Sevenoaks the Medway side held a good account of themselves with both sides taking the opportunity to try different combinations and positions for the players. In the first match against Sevenoaks 2nd A Medway dominated the first half and held strong the second half to see the visitors off 4-0. Tries coming in from Josh Bruin, Alex Belsey and Aengus Daly. In the second game a combined Sevenoaks A/B side upped their game and both sides competed very strongly for possession. The home side scored the opening try but in the end the game ended in a very honourable 2-2 draw, tries being scored by Billy Young and Josh Bruin. The third game of the morning was a much tighter affair but ended 1-1, Edward Holland scoring the only try for Medway. Also involve in the action were James Downard, Sam Jefferies, Oliver Bell, Harry Bloomfield, Alex Russell, Callum Germany and Sam White.
At Tonbridge the Medway 2nd B team, many of who have never played a game of rugby, did very well at their first outing. In their games they went down 4-0 and 4-2 to Tonbridge sides who were very disciplined at the breakdown. Medway did extremely well on many occasions stealing the ball and winning turnover only to lose again from inexperience running forward presenting the ball back or offside penalties. Outstanding play by all with notable tackling from Joshua Wright, Seamus Callaghan-Jarvis, Adam Clark and Max Willis preventing many tries from Tonbridge. The two tries scored for the day came from strong forward work from James Clack(1) after a quick pick up from Nathan Goodall, Reagan Blyth (1) also scored after a rolling maul was pushed over the line by superior strength from a strong and organised Medway pack. Medway were unlucky not to score on several other occasions with excellent runs from Max Willis, Adam Clark, Matthew Nelson and Michael Parmenter.
Finally at Tonbridge the Medway 1st B team had a mixed bag of results. Centre Stephanie Brooks bagged a hat-trick of tries. Also involved were James Bullock, Aaron Mathe, Lachlan Wardle, Max Poynter, Michael Collin-Jones, Owen Baldwin, Cameron Foster, and Ross Carter.