Ashfield U9's
.
Sunday 9 November 2008.
Man of the Morning |
Lucy Payne (for that tackle) |
Weather Conditions |
Bright start but then cold, wet and extremely muddy. |
Number of Players |
8 |
Injuries |
Knock to the knee Knock to the collarbone Knock to the knee Sore neck Knock to the ribs |
Duration |
15mins |
Coach |
Alan Close |
NLD Under 9’s Festival 2008-9.
Nottinghamshire Qualifying Round.
Paviours v Ashfield 7-1
Newark B v Ashfield 4-1
Keyworth v Ashfield 4-0
Nottingham A v Ashfield 6-0
Captains (in match order): Cellan Shacklock, Callum Close, Kai Poxon and Lucy Payne.
This was always going to be a difficult morning facing some of the best teams in Nottinghamshire. Despite the scores, the Under 9’s put on a spirited performance and improved match by match.
Team included: Guest player (9,Wing), Jay Scott (8, Wing), Laura Elliott (7, Outside centre), Keeleigh Daykin (6, Inside centre), Cellan Shacklock (5, Fly half), Callum Close (4, Scrum Half), Lucy Payne (3 Tight head prop), Kai Poxon (2, Hooker) and Luke Severn (1, loose Head prop).
Ashfield Under 9’s could only field a team of 8 as Zac Walker was injured (hope you are back in action soon Zac) so we borrowed various players from other clubs to make up the 9.
Our team talk centred around the importance of good tackling and defence. We knew we were playing some really good teams. There were some really good tackles going in but many many tackles were not taken or only half taken so the opposition could break free, hence the scores. On the other hand all four of the opposing teams were strong in defence and kept Ashfield back from the try line. I must say that some of the tackling in the first game was high to say the least and the referee penalised Paviours on a number of occasions. Well done Ashfield for at least trying to tackle correctly.
Special mention has to go to Lucy Payne for that tackle.
Newark B had broken away and were heading towards Ashfield’s try line when Lucy came in like a bird of prey, took flight (literally) and smashed the ball carrier into touch. Lucy was back in position for the throw in before the poor chap had got himself back to his feet. Even the referee commented that it was the best tackle he had seen that morning. I hope you enjoy the Minstrels!!
I asked all the players to do the best and that is what I got. There were several injuries during the morning and it showed a lot of commitment to carry on playing. I changed Jay Scott from wing after he had a nasty knock to his knee so he wouldn’t have to run as much and he promptly received the ball and ran half the length of the pitch and scored a try!!
There was also some good interlinking play between Laura, Keeleigh and Luke but the opposition’s defence stopped them in their tracks.
There were some strong runs from Kai, Lucy, Cellan and Callum but again the defence was very strong and Cellan could only really use his strength and speed once to score a try.
These are the teams we need to aspire to and I am sure that as the season progresses the Ashfield Under 9’s will grow from strength to strength.
Thank you for trying your hardest, you did all that I asked of you.
Report by Alan Close.