31/10 Blues team to play Coventry
October 31, 2008
1. Catt
2. Clark
3. Fidler
4. Griffiths
5. Brown
6. Lee (c)
7. Pennycook
8. Phillips
9. Gasson
10. Griffiths
11. Ridgers
12. Burns
13. Hylton
14. Nutt
15. Williams
Reps From:
Green
Fincken
Fox
Witcomb
Pendleton
Kessell
Henderson
Stevenson
Avery
Scott
31/10 Women 1st XV 25 - Rosslyn Park II 10
October 31, 2008
Rosslyn Park II 10 – Newbury 25 26th October 2008
Newbury Womens First XV out sized a smaller Rosslyn Park. Newbury’s forwards tested Rosslyn early on, with plenty of fringe play, punching holes through their stripy red defence, carrying well and making good ground in phases before spinning it out to the backs.
It was still a no score stale mate about 20 minutes in with Park absorbing the pressure well. Newbury were quilty of silly mistakes at breakdowns and gave away possession as the wet weather caused several knock-ons.
A penalty, pretty much on the centre spot started a move for Newbury that would get their first points on the board. With the kick to touch skipper Bryony Clow facing right noticed Winger Jo Hampton far left, a perfectly placed cross kick to the left hand corner was met by the winger on the move, great support play followed as tackles from Rosslyn went in, Newbury popped off time and time again until a ruck was formed on the 5 metre. Clow had followed the kick and was there to pick and barrel her way over the line for the first of Newbury’s five unconverted tries.
From the restart Newbury now rose in confidence, although Rosslyn almost equalised immediately. A scrum was awarded to Rosslyn, and with some quick hands they ran wide avoiding contact. From 22 to 22 their winger looked set to score, however, centre Emma Button closed down the break away opposition and was smartly supported by ‘fit as a butcher’s dog’ hooker Steph Clark. Together they slowed the game down enough for Newbury to reorganise. From then on Newbury spent the rest of the half camped in Rosslyn Park’s half. Everybody wanted a piece of the action, punching holes through the Rosslyn defence, securing quick ball from the ruck, the back line demonstrating good hands out wide. The second try came to Bonnie Hubbard on her debut, another pick and go on the line capitalised on ten minutes of solid attacking work from Newbury.
The second half started well for Rosslyn with an experienced fly half super-sub and they started to make ground rapidly. Under pressure some of Newbury’s novice players began to make forgivable mistakes. Newbury were repeatedly penalised for high tackles, not using the back door and dragging down mauls. After being warned new recruit and awesome tackler Kelly Sue Leitch’ took one for the team’ and sat out for 10 minutes. Rosslyn Park kept coming, one try attempt was held up but eventually Rosslyn barrelled over an unconverted try.
Shortly after the restart and a man down, good hands reached Emma Button on the left wing as she made a solo break just before the half way line to score Newbury’s third try. This was followed by some excellent team work with backs mauling and players that have just started playing rugby this season steeling ball in the lineout. In the last ten minutes, Newbury never stopped wanting, with the majority territory and possession, Jo Hampton took the score to 10-20 as a series of driving mauls sucked in the Rosslyn defence under the post and Hampton, fresh back from injury, went wide for her first of the season.
In the final five minutes, Rosslyn tired and gave away a succession of penalties in their half, quick thinking caught them not retired ten, twice, and easy ground was made towards Rosslyn’s try line with prop Kim Myers taking the third pick and go try of the afternoon just before the whistle.
The Bluebirds, with two wins from three are looking strong this season, but this doesn’t happen without the commitment from new players and the old timers. We’re still looking for women to join the fun. We train on Wednesdays and play on Sundays – there’s nothing quite like it.
Tries
Bryony Clow 1
Bonnie Hubbard 1
Emma Button 1
Kim Meyers 1
Jo Hampton 1
29/10 Match Report 2ndXV v Bristol University
October 29, 2008
Tuesday 28th October 2008
Newbury’s 2nd XV entertained a very accomplished, Bristol University team on Tuesday night.
Contrary to recent news of the demise of the club’s 2nd XV this fixture enabled the club to watch & give game time to players on the fringe of the 1st XV squad as well as young players whose development is so important to the club’s future plans.
On a very cold & wintry evening both sides showed a willingness to play entertaining rugby. It was Newbury that started the sharper with Marc Sweeney slicing through the University mid field. He found support from Alistair Widdop who made good ground before offloading to Gareth Williams to score by the posts. Charlie Perry added the conversion to give Newbury an early 7-0 lead. Newbury added to this score when Liam Perkins crashed over from close range. Bristol then forced their way into the game & enjoyed long passages of play but good defence by Newbury prevented them crossing for any points. Newbury finished the half well & Perkins found himself on the score sheet again when a University clearance kick was charged down & fell kindly for him. Half time 17-0 to Newbury.
The second half saw Newbury play into the icy wind that had been to their advantage in the first period. The University started well & soon got back into game with a well worked try out wide. They nearly scored straight from the kick off but scrambled defence by Newbury stopped the try. Chris Ridgers was given some space in mid field & showed clean pair of heels to score a fine try. With both side making changes some of the rhythm was lost from the game but not before the students scored another try to narrow the gap. Greg Price did make a storming run up field but the move broke down. Alex Swann also made a good break but was tackled by the University full back.
Final score Newbury 2nd XV 22 Bristol University 10.
This was an ideal opportunity for Newbury to check on the progress of many players against a side that gave them a tough test. The players were able to show the skills that they possess.
29/10 U15s Beat Oxfordshire visitors Chinnor
October 29, 2008
U15s Beat Oxfordshire Visitors Chinnor
Newbury U15 22 – Chinnor 12
Newbury U15s hosted Oxfordshire visitors Chinnor on Sunday in what has become a valued annual fixture.
The light rain made handling tricky early on but didn’t dampen either team’s energy. Both sides competed closely up front with good set piece play from both. Newbury had the edge in the loose and made the breakthrough after 6 minutes. Alex Huntsman made a good run just inside Chinnor’s 22 but was unable to offload in the tackle. In close support as the ball spilled, Jonny Courtney kicked forward, chased ahead of the scrambling defence and dived to ground the ball just before it rolled into touch in goal.
As usual, Newbury were buoyed up by their opening score and kept the upper hand. The Newbury forwards showed some excellent pick-and-drive phase play and always seemed to have a team mate in support - who frequently turned out to be Jonno Stancombe or Tom Simm! Against this trend, Chinnor’s useful backs managed to break through and were the next to score, briefly subduing Newbury.
But at 25 minutes, Newbury got their noses in front once more after a scrum inside Chinnor’s 22. As the ball came out, Jonny Courtney ran a lovely straight line, found a gap in midfield and stepped past the full back for his second try. Jonny Courtney converted.
Although Newbury thought they were well in control, Chinnor certainly didn’t believe it and piled on the pressure for the remaining 5 minutes of the first half. The last three were played well inside Newbury’s red zone but its defence held and the half ended two tries to one at 12 – 5.
The second half was equally closely fought although with more expansive play from both sets of backs. Newbury camped in Chinnor’s half for the first 10 minutes but despite some useful runs didn’t seem able to break the defence. Then Newbury attacked to the right and moved the ball quickly down the line to Alex Cima on the wing, who ran in strongly from 20 metres.
Again Chinnor’s determination was evident, perhaps helped by some complacency on Newbury’s part, and they struck back, scoring with a well worked team try 6 minutes from full time.
The final period was a battle and increasingly fractious in the loose, with Chinnor tempers becoming frayed. Newbury’s final score came right at the whistle, from a scrum just outside Chinnor’s 22. Joe Leadley distributed and Jonny Courtney stabbed a kick over the defence for Alex Huntsman to chase and ground scrappily just inside the dead ball line.
Overall this was a tough match between two evenly matched sides. Ball distribution in the backs improved from the previous week and although they still did not show their usual quality, the backs managed to make more from their chances than did Chinnor. A final score line without the last try would have been a fairer view of the game but it ended 4 tries to 2 at 22 – 12 to the home side Newbury.
Newbury Tries: Jonny Courtney (2), Alex Cima, Alex Huntsman.
Conversion: Jonny Courtney.
Newbury squad: T MaCaulay, T Soanes, J Newton, B Hicks, H Fisher, T Simm, E Kershaw, J Stancombe (Capt), T Lauder (C Mercer), J Leadley, J Courtney, A Huntsman, G Thomas, R West (A Cima), J Hibberd
27/10 Blues 2nd XV play Tuesday v Bristol Uni
October 27, 2008
Newbury 2nd XV v Bristol University will take place Tuesday (28/10/08) evening at Newbury.
Kick off will be 7.30.
Newbury’s side will be confirmed tomorrow. The Newbury 2nd XV consists a mixture of regular 1st XV players that need more game time and players that for part of our development group, plus some invited players who have been identified locally as potential 1st XV players of the future.
Entrance is free.
25/10 Blues 26 Otley 20
October 25, 2008
Newbury 26 (6) - 20 (8) Otley
Tries: M Williams, Catt Tries: Burrell, Kitching 2
Penalties: Griffiths 3 Penalties: Rhodes
Drop-goals: Griffiths
Conversions: Griffiths 2 Conversions:Rhodes
By Malcolm Howe/Ben Johnson, Reporters
Email: newsdesk@newburynews.co.uk
Phone: 01635 564529
Blues emerge victorious over Otley in bottom of league clash despite first half woes
A FRENETIC second half spell saw Blues turn around a game that appeared to be going nowhere to snatch a vital victory in the dogfight at the foot of National League One.
A rush of scores saw them come out on top - and they also came out on top of the yellow card score as well after scoring three of the five sin-binnings handed out by referee Rowan Kitt during a bizarre 13 minute second half spell.
It was 12 against 13 for a time and Blues had to see out the final 10 minutes two men short before hanging on to gain a massive confidence booster.
They needed it after a poor first half saw them trailing 8-6 to the Yorkshire side, who should have had more points in the bag.
Winger Robin Kitching should have put them ahead early on when he cut inside full back Matt Williams to leave the line at his mercy. But he gave Williams time to recover and get in his tackle, although Tom Rhodes did put Otley in front from a penalty that was cancelled out by Gareth Griffiths.
Otley did not take long to break through however, breaking away straight from the re-start for Luther Burrell to score and although another Griffiths penalty reduced the arrears, it was half-an-hour before Newbury got into the Otley 22, by which time Kitching should have punished them when he had space and Paul Williams outside him, but his loose pass left his lock with no chance.
Rhodes hit the woodwork with a penalty at the start of the second half before the game was turned upside down and back during a bizarre 15-minute spell.
A quick turnover saw Luke Burns and Ross Noonan break for Matt Williams to go through and score, only for Kitching to get it right for once straight from the re-start with Rhodes’ conversion putting Otley back in front.
Then it was back to the other end, where prop Nathan Catt showed his pursuers a clean pair of heels to go through, Griffiths giving Blues a five point gap before slotting over a drop goal and a penalty after Otley number eight Mike McComish became the first player to be yellow-carded.
Newbury scrum half Waylon Gasson and Otley skipper Dan Hyde soon followed after a flare-up, with Newbury captain Mark Lee and Chevvy Pennycook also seeing yellow as it looked as if the game would still get away from Blues, especially when Kitching was left as the widest of three men on an overlap against the numerically-challenged home side.
But Newbury survived the final examination to pick up the four points, although they remain in the bottom three.
Newbury: Williams; Henderson, Hylton, Burns, Nutt; G. Griffiths, Gasson; Catt, Clark, Fidler; A. Griffiths, Brown; Lee, Pennycook, Noonan. Subs: Witcomb, McGregor, Green, Fox, Kessell, Ridgers, Sweeney.
Otley: Shuttleworth; Dench , Burrell, Mooney , Kitching; Rhodes, McCormack; Trethewey, Steele, Wederell; Denton, P. Williams; Baldwin Hyde, McComish. Subs: Kay, Swainston, Wackett, Whittaker, Parr, Rowan, Andre.
Click on the View Video link at www.newburytoday.co.uk to watch the match highlights and hear coach, Ben Sturnham’s, thoughts.
25/10 Squad to play Otley
October 25, 2008
We have a couple of players playing EDF games last night for Bath & Bristol. Because of this we are not announcing a starting team until we know the full state of fitness of eveyone. Therefore we are announcing a squad for today.
Squad is:
N Catt
R Green
J Clark
C McGregor
T Fidler
J Burgess
J Brown
D Attwood
A Griffiths
M Lee
S Fox
S Witcomb
C Pennycook
R Noonan
W Gasson
T Kessell
G Griffiths
L Burns
J Hylton
A Henderson
M Nutt
M Williams
C Ridgers
C Perry
D Birtwhistle
19/10 U8’s Newbury v High Wycombe
October 22, 2008
Newbury U8 Stags(A) Versus High Wycombe
| Finlay Rossiter |
| Charlie Cardno |
| Freddie Fleck |
| Henry Javes |
| Gregor Lindsay |
| Nathan Moore-Mason |
| Victoria Osborn |
| Oliver Barnes |
| Fergus Walker |
First Match
Newbury fought hard against Wycombe’s A team with some excellent passing and tries from Finlay Rossiter, Henry Javes and Oliver. Unfortunately, Wycombe’s direct running approach breached Newbury’s tagging too many times which lead to a 3-6 defeat.
Second Match
Against Wycombe’s C team Newbury really shone through with 9 fantastic tries, some great solo efforts from Fergus and Nathan coupled with good support running and passing to avoid being tagged. Wycombe fought back well in the 2nd half which earnt them 2 tries, final score 9-2.
Tries for:
Fegus
Henry Javes
Nathan Moore-Mason
Finlay Rossiter (2)
Oliver (2)
Freddie (2)
Third Match
This was against Wycombe’s B team and was a very tense close game. Wycombe scored first then Newbury with some brilliant tagging turned over and this lead to Newbury’s first try. It was hard fought end to end stuff but with tagging done so well by both teams there were only 2 more tries for Newbury (scored by Freddie and Henry).
It was 3-3 with seconds to go when Wycombe managed one last attempt to clinch the win, final score 3-4.
Newbury U8 Harts(B) Versus High Wycombe
William Stephens
Harry Seymour
Kieron Cartledge
Mikey Bhatt
Andrew Charteris
Xavier Crossman
Nathaniel Braovac
Issac Fernandes
Henry McLuire-Brown
Joe Anidjah
Game 1
Score 6 - 2 to Newbury
Kieron scored the 1st and 2nd tries of the game. Followed by 1 try from Isaac, an excellent dodging try by Xavier and the final 2 tries of the game from Nathaniel.
Game 2
Newbury B (Harts) V High Wycombe A
Score 5 - 1 to High Wycombe
Good tagging from the Newbury players and excellent defending.
Newbury’s only try was scored by Nathaniel.
Newbury U8 Roebucks(C) Versus High Wycombe
| Oliver Barker |
| Oliver Davey |
| Harry Dean-Evans |
| Charlie Emmons |
| Drew Farwell |
| Tommy Harley |
| Harry Murphy |
| Jacob Palmer |
| Isobel Roberts |
| Jacob Smith |
| Charlie Williams
Kieran Peppiatt |
1st Match;
Newbury Roebucks played with sprit but were unfortunately beaten soundly 6 tries to 2 by a stronger team. The Roebucks were disallowed two tries, the first for not placing the ball firmly over the line and a second for the scoring player having both tags one side. This may sound harsh but the players need to start to understand the rules and a few shocks like this will drive it home better than any coach could. Without these two simple mistakes the score of 6 to 4 would have looked more respectable. Kieran Peppiatt was the hero for Newbury in scoring both of our tries and showed good game awareness. The rest of the team showed willing and they all supported each other and did not get down hearted.
2nd Match;
Your correspondent is pleased to report that this was a far more enjoyable game to watch with Newbury Roebucks winning 9 tries to 4. Again Kieran Peppiatt played a key role in this victory by scoring 3 tries and was complimented by William Stephens who scored an impressive 5 tries. Oliver Davey scored one try following a good piece of supporting play and finished a real team effort to place the ball over the line. Your correspondent does not know if the two High Wycombe teams were of different skill levels or the first defeat gave the Roebucks the determination to lift their game but it was fun to watch.
Player of the Day: Xavier Crossman
22/10 U15s Beat Bromsgrove
October 22, 2008
Newbury U15s Beat Bromsgrove
Bromsgrove 10 – Newbury 40
Newbury U15 As travelled to Bromsgrove for a return-match ‘friendly’ on Sunday, following the host’s tour visit to Monks Lane last season. Newbury won comfortably despite a frustrating below-par performance.
Newbury started well, applying pressure from the start, and should have been several tries up within the first 10 minutes. Unfortunately, poor distribution and wayward passing dogged the backs’ play and set the tone for the match. Newbury remained firmly in Bromsgrove’s half though and, noting the backs’ inability to use the ball, Jonno Stancombe picked up from a 5m Newbury scrum and barged over for what appeared to be the opening try. To everyone’s surprise, however, as the ball was being placed for conversion and Newbury were reforming for the restart, the referee changed his mind and brought players back to re-play the scrum, deciding it should have been a Bromsgrove put-in after all. The pick-and-go continued and it was not long before Jonno Stancombe touched down again, this time opening the scoring. Jonny Courtney converted.
Some excellent hooking by Tom Soanes and secure scrummaging continued to provide ample ball but Newbury still seemed unable to ship it to fly half or beyond. Newbury’s second score came from a Bromsgrove scrum close to their line. When the scrum half fumbled his pass Cameron Mercer hustled and then dived onto the ball as it spilled over the try line. Newbury scored again shortly before half time when Jak Rossiter broke through and ran in the third try. Jonny Courtney converted to leave Newbury 19-nil up at the half.
There was every expectation that the visitors could keep the home side scoreless in the second period and that the usually reliable and exciting Backs would emerge with a flourish. Neither transpired. Bromsgrove scored first in a break-away counter attack. Newbury had broken down the right but a casual off-load from the ground presented the ball to a surprised but grateful Bromsgrove winger, who dashed down Newbury’s exposed flank to score from half way. Newbury replied soon after, also from long range, after George ‘Curly’ Thomas dashed down the left and, when challenged close to the line, passed to Jack Hibberd to score.
Bromsgrove added a second try, followed by Newbury’s fifth, this time after sustained pressure and several phases of loose play. Tom Simm crossed for the score. From the restart, Jonny Courtney fielded the ball and stabbed a long kick over all the approaching Bromsgrove players. Alex Huntsman gave chase and after contesting for the ball, gave a pass to Richard West who scored.
An excellent place-kicking display by Jonny Courtney included two on a sharp angle close to touch on the right and he ended with 5 conversions from 6 attempts on the day.
Final score Bromsgrove 10 - Newbury 40.
In spite of the comfortable points margin and a reliable showing by the forwards, this was a frustratingly disjointed match against a Bromsgrove side busy rebuilding their team. Although Newbury was always in control, there were too many unforced errors and there should have been a handful more tries from the backs. On the positive side, a few tries were scored, this was an enjoyable trip north and the ‘over-nighters’ gained some valuable team bonding!
Newbury Tries: Jonno Stancombe, Cameron Mercer, Jak Rossiter, Jack Hibberd, Tom Simm, Richard West.
Conversions: Jonny Courtney (5).
Newbury squad: T MaCaulay, G Williams, T Soanes, J Newton, T Blake, B Hicks, J Miles, H Fisher, T Simm, J Stancombe (Capt), C Mercer, J Rossiter, J Courtney, A Huntsman, G Thomas, R West, J Hibberd, J Leadley (injured did not play)
19/10 Newbury U12 v High Wycombe U12
October 22, 2008
Newbury U12’s v High Wycombe
Newbury A v High Wycombe A: won 14 - 7
First half started with a very even play both sides were really fired up after the joint warm up. The character of the game was strong rucking and mauling from both sides. After some good forward play from High Wycombe the guests scored the first try which was converted. The game continued in similar fashion, Newbury pushing on with some noticeable strong runs from Jack Davis and Theo Brophy Clews. Josh Gilbert sprinted through scored a try after a time of good pressure from Newbury.
Second half opened up a bit more and we saw a 30m run from Josh Lawrence just stopped before the try line. Then, after the best passing play we have seen all season, Josh Lawrence scored the second try to finalise the result.
Newbury scorers: Josh Gilbert and Josh Lawrence. Conversions: Theo Brophy Clews (2)
Newbury B v High Wycombe A 0-21
The B’s had a tough task against High Wycombe A’s. Newbury showed some good spirit and good tackling and rucking, and kept the match even, but the guests found some space in the Newbury defence and managed to score three converted tries in the first half.
In the second half Newbury stepped up the game and didn’t give the guests any space, with some noticeable good tackling from Alex Gallo. The second half ended without further score.