Rugby - Rugby Lions Match Reports

Silhillians Festival - 14/10/07 – Rugby Lions U8s

Rugby Lions U8s eagerly attended the Silhillians Mini and Junior Festival on Sunday 14^th October. The previous week’s home festival had shown that Lions could play strong, skilful and committed rugby. The Silhillians festival is always a slick affair at which the opposing teams are equally slick. Many of the attending teams are able to draw upon a pool of players 2, 3 or even 4 times the size of that available to Rugby Lions. The challenge would be tough, but Lions stepped out with courage and determination. In the face of tough opposition, Lions managed a creditable 3^rd place.

Rugby v Silhillians

1 : 2

Rugby always knew that this would be a tough game against the home team who had won the U7 competition the season before. Rugby exerted pressure from the first whistle, but Sils defended strongly and took the first try, so giving them a psychological advantage. Lions fought hard and were rewarded by an equaliser scored by Tom Partridge ably supported by Ben Downing. Strong tagging support was provided by all the team, in particular Sophie Harris and Vinnie Deery. Despite this, Sils were able to draw ahead and Lions were unable to catch up in the time available.

Rugby v Stratford

5 : 4

Rugby won the toss and capitalised on this by quickly making the first try of the game. Stratford played well in what was a fast paced, evenly matched game, in which both teams fought hard to pull ahead of the other. The start of the second half was less focused and Lions quickly conceded a try. Nails were bitten, but Lions managed to keep the advantage. Tries were provided by Jack Wooliscroft; William Gregory (2); Ben Downing and Oliver Goodsir. Thank you to the Stratford scorer who showed great integrity by agreeing with our scorer when the referee thought the score was 4 all.

Rugby v Bromsgrove

3 : 5

Lions flagged somewhat in this pre-lunch match, causing the coaches to consider enforcing 3 shredded wheat for breakfast! Bromsgrove were very strong in attack and managed to squeeze through the gaps when Lion’s defensive line became fragmented. Bromsgrove played a tighter game and were rewarded with victory. Rugby tries came from Jack Wooliscroft; Ben Downing and a superb final effort from Tom Partridge.

Rugby v Birmingham & Solihull

5 : 4

Energy levels restored by lunch, a rest and good old fashioned larking about, Lions re-discovered their roar. Birmingham & Solihull fielded a strong team and this turned out to be another fast exciting close match. Rugby produced some brilliant tagging, in particular by Sam Wright, Callum Hopkin, Louis Mitchell and Elliott Marshall whose efforts ensured that play was turned over several times under the 7 tag rule. This strong defence enabled Lions to finish strongly with tries from Ben Downing; Oliver Goodsir; Aidan Wardle and Tom Partridge(2).

Rugby v Lichfield

5 : 3

Rugby played a fine intelligent game, successfully incorporating strategies practiced during coaching sessions. In particular they used a switch move on several occasions to great effect. Thank you coaches for all that hard work and thank you players for listening! Lichfield were brave opponents, but Lions used better strategies and showed a faster pace and so justifiably deserved their win. Well done to the try scorers: Aidan Wardle(2); Tome Partridge(2) and Oliver Goodsir.

Rugby Lions U13s – 21/10/07

Rugby maintained their 100% record with a comfortable win over a strong Stoke side at Webb Ellis Road. Stoke struck first from a loose defensive line-out but Rugby responded with a try each from their flying wingers Sean Smith and Jonny Ure.  Zac Baldwin converted the second try for a 12 points to 5 half-time lead.  Rugby rotated their squad to good effect to score further tries from Kyle Webster, Jonny Ure and a brace from Tom Swindell.  Zac Baldwin and Harry Parsons shared the kicking duties to add the conversions.  Stoke remained competitive throughout and ended the match with a well deserved forwards try but every member of Rugby’s squad played well in their well deserved victory.  Rugby’s improving forwards worked hard to win a steady supply of good ball, their backs were a revelation and Ben Warman was deservedly voted man of the match.