19/04 U12B at Newbury Mini Festival
April 21, 2009
Newbury Bs 5 Bracknell 5
As often has been the case this season, Newbury Bs started slowly and missed their tackles early on. Consequently the had to soak up a lot of Bracknell pressure, and it was not surprising that the visitors scored first. Just before half time it looked as if Bracknell would extend their lead as one of their big forwards charged toward the corner. However William Read put in a try-saving tackle to force the player out of play.
Newbury won the subsequent line out and James Lewis put in great kick to the halfway line to clear the danger.
In the second half Newbury come out with much more determination and early on scored a great try through Chris Nilsson who powered over the line from short range. After this, both sides fought hard for the winner but the defences held firm and a draw was a fair result. In all it was a good start for Newbury, with a good all-round performance powered by some great rucking from Izzy Butcher and Will Read.
Newbury Bs 5 Maidenhead 5
Yet another draw, but this time Newbury were the first to score, and went into the break in the lead.
Newbury dominated the first half. the result of good tackling and good forward running. Connor Segre’s distribution was excellent.
Early in the second half Newbury pressure continued with the scrum dominating in the loose. However a missed tackle led to Maidenhead’s equalising try. Newbury continued to fight strongly with their rucking showing a strong improvement, and good teamwork throughout.
Newbury Bs 0 Winchester 15
This was always going to be Newbury’s toughest game. As usual Winchester fielded a powerful side (which eventually went on to win the B tournament).
The first few minutes were dominated by set pieces - from the kick off four consecutive scrums were awarded just inside the Newbury half. Finally Winchester managed to get the ball to their threequarters and broke through the Newbury line for the first score of the game. Unfortunately the Newbury restart kick failed to go 10 metres and another scrum was awarded to Winchester. - once again they won the ball and once again they scored with an overlap past some slack tackling. Therefore Newbury went into interval two tries down.
In the second half Newbury started to put their game together and competed well. The Newbury scrum, led by Izzy, started to dominate and a number of heavy tackles managed to push Winchester back into their own half.
Unfortunately a great clearing kick from the visitors led to their third try. After this Newbury fought hard, particularly in the loose and at the breakdown, but failed to breach the Winchester line.
Newbury Bs 5 Cheltenham 0
This was a must-win game for Newbury if they wanted to get through to the final of the B tournament. Cheltenham were also fighting hard for their first win - therefore it was no surprise that the first half was a tight affair with hard tackling rucking and mauling from both teams. The whole half was spend within 20 metres of the halfway line with neither team breeching the other’s 22.
In the second half Newbury attacked from the start and only 10 metres from the Cheltenham line were awarded a penalty following a high tackle. The penalty was taken quickly and George Starr charged over the line. From the restart Cheltenham fought back well and almost scored the equaliser - only a terrific tackle from Connor Segre stopped them, and the ball was kicked back into the opposition half. Cheltenham pushed forward again and an overlap on the left - however sturdy Newbury tackling stopped the bal from being sent wide. Almost immediately there was another overlap on the right - this time there was a great saving tackle from James Lewis which took the attacker out of play. From the lineout Newbury won the ball allowing James to relieve the pressure once again with a splendid kick to touch in the opposition half. There was no more time for Cheltenham to respond, and Newbury won a well-deserved victory.
Unfortunately despite the win Newbury lost out on a place in the final on try difference. Therefore their reward was a 3rd and 4th place final, and a return match against Cheltenham….
3rd and 4th Place Final
Newbury Bs 5 Cheltenham 10
Cheltenham started the game and Newbury faced up well, driving the ball back into Cheltenham’s half. For the first couple of minutes Newbury played with the confidence they had showed in the previous game. Cheltenham drove forward again, but there was some great cover tackling and the ball was forced out for a lineout which was once again won by Newbury, with James Lewis punching the ball back downfield. However the Cheltenham back line looked threatening and were passing the ball with confidence. In the end their tenacity paid off and they went through a couple of weak tackles and over the line for a 5-nil lead. This took the wind out of Newbury’s sails and they succumbed to another try within minutes and went into the break losing 10-nil.
There were wholesale changes in the second half, and this appeared to galvanize Newbury - their commitment and energy returned and after a great run George Bicknell scored a great and well-deserved try. Unfortunately it was too late to change the result and Newbury had to be content with 4th place in the tournament.
However there was much to be admired in the B-team’s performance in this final game. In the words of Coach Mark Foster:
“After five hard-fought games, the team showed the potential it has always demonstrated and it deserves rich rewards in future seasons.”
19/04 U12A at Newbury Mini Festival
April 21, 2009
Newbury A v Windsor A
Final Score: Newbury 5 Windsor 0
Scorer: Theo Brophy Clews
Newbury were awake from the beginning, putting Windsor immediately under pressure. Windsor were given a turnover and kicked it clear to relieve themselves for a short while from the pressure exerted by Newbury but the Newbury defence held well. Just before half time a fantastic run from Josh Lawrence, followed by the ball going along the line, ended with Theo Brophy Clews scoring on the right wing. In the second half there was lots of pressure from Windsor who pushed on nearly to the line before Zach Stancombe turned over the ball and Jordan Ruddock kicked it clear to touch just before the whistle was blown.
Newbury A v Pencoed A
Final Score: Newbury 0 Pencoed 0
The match started with Pencoed kicking off only for Luke Hornblow to catch. Newbury were soon under pressure but put in a lot of hefty tackles. A turnover in Newbury’s favour and soon the ball had passed the half way line, with a strong maul to carry it forwards. Attacking play continued with some good runs from the backs and as the ball was carried deep into Pencoed’s half the whistle for half time was blown. The second half started with a great kick from Theo. Lots of tight play resulted with Josh Lawrence catching a Pencoed kick and belting forwards, unfortunately not reaching the try line. A highly contested match in which Newbury were unlucky not to score.
Newbury A v Topsham A
Final score: Newbury 0 Topsham 0
Newbury kicked off play to their third match for the ball to be caught by Topsham. Newbury turned over the ball but knocked it on and Topsham won the scrum. They were soon knocked into touch and Newbury won the lineout, but gave away a penalty. It was thankfully caught by Josh Lawrence who ran it forwards over the half way line. Topsham turned up the pressure and soon had the ball back, rumbling x towards the Newbury line. The Newbury defence held up and the ball was soon back at the half way line. Topsham kicked off the second half but Newbury were soon in control. After lots of attacking play Jack Davis was ruled as knocked into touch on the try line. The lineout was won by Newbury and passed along the line before a penalty was awarded to Topsham. They ran the ball deep into Newbury’s half when Zach Stancombe turned it over and as Newbury ran forwards the whistle blew.
A Tournament 2nd Place Final
Newbury A v Maidenhead A
Final Score: Newbury 10 Maidenhead 5
Scorers: Josh Lawrence, Finn Connor
Newbury As battled to second place in their group and were rewarded with a match against Maidenhead As. They started confidently and took the game to Maidenhead. The opposition counter-attacked but their move broke down and a period of pressure was eased by the kicking of Theo Brophy Clews.
There was then a very tense period around the halfway line, and although Maidenhead looked dangerous Newbury had more of the ball. Then Maidenhead pushed forward again and got within 10 metres of the Newbury line. However Newbury were awarded a scrum and the ball was passed to Josh Lawrence whose acceleration was too much for the opposition backs. Josh ran wide and then surged sensationally down the left wing and the length of the field to score the only try of the half.
Maidenhead began the second half. The kick was taken by William Allman but lost in the loose. However Newbury pressed forward through another run from Josh. This time he passed the ball on James O’Connor who couldn’t find a gap in the defence and Maidenhead were awarded a penalty. The kick was gathered by Louis Lyne who surged forward and passed the ball to Luke Hornblow. With defenders closing in Luke chipped deftly into open space and Theo chased toward the line. Although he was beaten to the ball by a Maidenhead defender they failed to maintain control of the ball and Finn Connor drove the ball over the line.
The second try appeared to reinvigorate Maidenhead who now took the game to Newbury. Only two terrific tackles by James O’Connor stopped the opposition from scoring when they looked to have breached the Newbury back line.
However their pressure finally paid and the Newbury were pegged back to 10-5 with around two minutes to go.
From the kick off, pressure by Newbury led to a knock on by Maidenhead but the opposition managed to regain the ball and a dangerous last minute run was halted by some fine tackling by Adam Foster. Soon after this the whistle blew and Newbury had completed a well-deserved victory to cap a fine tournament.
03/03 U12’s v Bournemouth
March 3, 2009
28th February 2009
Score: 7:7
Scorers: Try - Josh Lawrence, Conversion - Theo Brophy Clews
On tour Bournemouth, all wearing a No12 shirt, came up against a Newbury side drawn from across the squad. In the first half the powerful visitors attacked Newbury but tenacious tackling by Newbury and a good team spirit limited Bournemouth to a 0-7 lead at half-time.
The second half witnessed a Newbury revival, with Charlie Tillett making sniping runs and Charles Forson showing up well in the loose. Quick tap penalties and lineouts kept Newbury going forward and with the final whistle looming Bournemouth cleared down field. Josh Lawrence took the ball and flew back at the Bournemouth to score in the corner. The whistle blew as Theo Brophy Clews slotted the conversion, 7-7 the final score.
22/02 Newbury U12’s v Chipping Norton
February 24, 2009
Newbury U12 A’s v Chipping Norton
Score: 40 -0
Scorers: Josh Lawrence, Theo Brophy Clews, Louis Lyne (2), James O’Connor (2), Zach Stancombe (2)
Newbury immediately were on the offensive but lost the ball on the line. The clearance kick fell into the arms of Josh Lawrence who skated down the left wing to score Newbury’s first try. The second try fell to Louis Lyne, who enjoying his new found freedom at centre jinked his way over the line. The third was again inspired by Josh Lawrence who got close to the line before popping it up to James O’Connor. The next score again went to Louis Lyne which brought half time with Newbury four scores to the good.
The second half started as the first ended with Newbury pressing for more. Tries were scored by Zach Stancombe and James O’Connor who finished off periods of concerted pressure. Not to be outdone, Theo Brophy Clews, got his hands on a ball as it bobbled free close to the Chipping Norton line and fell over the line to score. The match finished with Zach Stancombe scoring his second and Newbury’s eighth try following yet another break from Josh Lawrence.
A cracking all round performance from Newbury with a final score of 40-0.
Newbury U12 B’s v Chipping Norton
Score: 10 - 10
Scorers: George Bicknell, Ciaren Ffrench
Chipping Norton kicked off and 5 minutes of sustained pressure saw them maul the ball over the line for their first try. After the restart, promising play by Newbury got the ball well into Chipping half but we were let down by poor passing. Despite good rucking play by Newbury, the 10 minute mark came with another Chipping try. Newbury were not downhearted and excellent running and passing play saw George Bicknell get a try back. Just before half time some excellent passing saw a Chipping winger fast approaching our line but he was excellently tackled out of play by Alex Gallo.
The second half started with rather poor discipline that led to Newbury giving away the restart kick. At the 5 minute mark a scrum was followed by a excellent running and passing by Will Rupp and George Bicknell. Newbury had their heads up now and a second try from Ciaren Ffrench came quickly and saw us level the score sheet. The teams were clearly well matched and in the dying moments Newbury almost got a winning try but were defeated at the line.
30/11 U12’s v Wootton Bassett
November 30, 2008
Newbury U12 A’s Vs Wootton Bassett (0-0)
On a second consecutive Sunday of atrocious weather the U12 squad took on a well organised Bassett side at a neutral ground in Hungerford.
Playing down the slope but against the freezing rain, it was never going to be a free flowing running game and it was the forwards who took the battle to the opposition. Newbury won some great lineout and loose ball and spent the first quarter of the game pressurising the Bassett line. However, Bassett put up some solid defence and Newbury failed to score on a number of occasions due to a loose pass or lack of support for the player with the ball. Newbury’s scrum was solid but lost the ball on a number of occasions when the ball failed to channel back to the scrum half as quickly as it should have done.
With the rain unrelenting, Bassett found another gear and started to attack the Newbury line with some great forward running and fine support play. Newbury’s defence wasn’t pretty and a number of first time tackles were missed but they didn’t panic and managed to keep the now marauding Bassett team at bay.
The last few minutes saw some great running and tackling from both sides spoilt by the occasional poor selection of attacking option and the odd cold hand unable to hang on to a wet and slippery ball.
When the early final whistle went (a very good decision considering the conditions) the honours were even at 0-0. Credit must go to both teams for an entertaining game in difficult conditions. Newbury forwards will have to work on their scrummaging and be a bit more aggressive in the ruck, while the backs should note that they really only made advances when they ran at the opposition with plenty of players in support!
A final word of thanks to the supporters who maintained their touchline position despite the attractions of a warm and dry clubhouse!
Newbury U12B’s Vs Wootton Bassett (0-20)
Another ‘fine’ cold rainy day at Hungerford as the Wootton Bassett pitches were water logged saw the team start well with some good forward play that almost led to a try for the forwards but they were held up over the line.
Bassett started quickly winning a scrum on the right side of the pitch and with some quick passing down the line they scored on the far left for the try. Newbury applied good pressure after a good restart with George Bicknell and Conor Segre making excellent runs down the line breaking a few tackles on the way. Newbury kept pressing in Wootton’s half of the pitch but Wootton eventually cleared their lines with a long kick. Newbury won the lineout and again made progress up the pitch with some good rucking from the forwards. Wootton again cleared the line with a good kick which lead to them again scoring a try in the corner despite some desperate tackling by Newbury.
The second half was always going to be more difficult than the first with the cold and wet really starting kick in. Despite this the boys from both sides showed great spirit and enthusiasm! Newbury dominated much of the possession and field position with some tough battling in the forwards. Wootton defended well and twice Wootton put together excellent breaks through the line to score. Newbury had a couple of chances but were unable to break the well organized Wootton defence down. George Bicknell had an excellent game making one fantastic run through the middle breaking 4 or 5 tackles. Wootton pressed strongly at the end but some last ditch tackling prevented Wootton scoring again before the end. A well deserved win went to Wootton for some good defending and quick breaks.
16/11 U12’s v Wallingford
November 17, 2008
Newbury A v Wallingford A
Score - Newbury 14 Wallingford 21
Scorers: Charlie Tillett; Finn Connor
This was a very competitive match against the Newbury “bogey” team, Wallingford -against which we have failed to win, or even score, in numerous previous encounters.
Newbury were extremely motivated and got off to a great start with Charlie Tillett scoring into the corner following a free-flowing passing move in the backs. The game was very physical, especially up-front with some extended rucking and mauling play. Wallingford scored after a period of forward pressure, going over from the back of a ruck from 5 yards. Charlie Tillett was again unlucky being forced into touch just short of the line, following strong midfield running by Theo Brophy Clews. The half closed with Wallingford rucking towards the line but being held up by a stout Newbury defence.
Newbury started the second-half strongly with a good run from Jordan Ruddock, linking well with the backs, but again Wallingford forced the touch. Wallingford then applied more forward pressure, and following a Newbury offside from a defensive kick, the Wallingford fly-half took a quick penalty and ran through to score from 10 yards. The game was still very competitive however, with some strong Newbury tackling, especially from Theo Brophy Clews, keeping Wallingford in check. Eventually another try for Wallingford, following a 5 yard scrum and back-row charge-over seemed to have the game won, however Newbury managed to close the score to seven points with a quick tap penalty taken by Finn Connor and a lovely run to the corner.
Overall this was a performance Newbury could be very proud of, despite just losing out once again to a strong Wallingford outfit.
Newbury B vs Wallingford B
Score - Newbury 0 Wallingford 21
Another good morning for rugby saw Newbury up against our old friends and adversaries Wallingford. We can always expect a competitive game and today was no exception, with Wallingford finally coming away winners by three converted tries to nil.
However, Wallingford didn’t get it all their own way, and at half-time the score was nil-nil, following some stout defending by Newbury. It was only in the second half that Wallingford’s pressure finally paid off, and then only after Newbury were forced to make changes after injuries to William Read and Luke Hornblow.
Newbury came close to scoring a couple of times, but failed to cross the line. Nevertheless, there were some notable performances from the team. James Hudson had a great first game for Newbury and we look forward to more equally determined performances in the weeks to come. There was some superb tacking from Callum O’Neill, Conor Segre, Joe Dixon, Jack Soanes, James Nolan and Luke Hornblow. George Anderson and his front row worked hard against tough opposition, and George’s throwing at the line outs was very accurate. But Man of the Match was James Lewis who played a commanding game at fly half. He led by example, was usually first to the tackle and his kicking game relieve a lot of pressure. Congratulations the James and the rest of the B team for some entertaining rugby - here’s hoping for better results next time!
02/11 U12’s v Reading and Alton
November 2, 2008
Newbury A v Reading A
Score - 60-0 win for Newbury
Scorers - Louis Lyne (6); Finn Connor (3); James O’Connor (1); Lee Cowan (1); Theo Brophy-Clews (1)
This was a fine win for Newbury against a very average Reading outfit, with lots of open running, some excellent ball winning in the forwards and good interchange of passes. The scoring was started early by Finn Connor who received an off-load from Lee Cowan and broke two tackles to score. It was quickly followed by two tries from Louis Lyne - the first a strong 20 yd run down the left wing and the second a five-yard crash-over following a jinking run from Lee. James O’Connor then scored showing good acceleration following a dummy passing move orchestrated by Theo Brophy-Clews. Finn scored two further tries in the first half, the best following good mauling from Issy Butcher, a strong run from Theo and an off-load for Finn to score from five yards.
The second half continued in much the same vein and Jordan Ruddock was prominent up-front. Louis scored three more tries - a 20 yard jinking run and a charge-down and score from five yards were highlights. Reading were now demoralised and their tackling was pretty ineffective. Lee Cowan scored from 10 yards pouncing on good rucked ball from the forwards, and Theo finished the scoring with a 40 yard run to the corner following another dummy back move.
Newbury A v Alton A
Score 20-0 win for Newbury
Scorers: Louis Lyne (2); Jordan Ruddock (1); Finn Connor (1)
This was a very different game to the Reading match with not nearly as much possession for Newbury and a much more intensive forward battle with some long rucking and mauling passages. Louis Lyne broke the deadlock following an Alton offside, with a quickly taken penalty and run-in from five yards. Josh Lawrence was unlucky not to score with a fast run down the line which was deemed to be in-touch by the referee, however is was not long before Jordan Ruddock scored with a strong run from 20 yards following an effective up and under kick from Theo. The half was rounded off with another try from Louis from 20 yards following a shuddering shoulder charge to break the Alton tackle.
In the second half Luke Hornblow was unlucky when pushed into touch following a strong run down the line. Finn Connor finished the scoring after breaking a tackle and running in all the way from inside the Newbury half to score.
Newbury B v Alton A
Score Alton 20 Newbury 0
A good start to the match for Newbury saw determined early runs from Jack Soanes and George Bicknell but as Alton came into the game some strong tackling was required from Connor Segre and Lizzie Harris. Despite some good defending Alton scored two quick tries due to missed tackles across the pitch. The closest Newbury came to scoring was from a pick-up by Oliver Norman but he was held up 2 meters from the try-line.
The second half continued in the same vein - good early Newbury pressure but missed tackles cost dear as Alton scored two further tries. Adam Foster nearly reduced the deficit but was held up in the corner by Alton’s strong pack.
Newbury man of the match - jointly Connor Segre & Jack Soanes.
Newbury B v Reading A
Score Reading 30 Newbury 0
Having missed a number of tackles in the Alton game the hope was that Newbury would learn from this. Unfortunately in the first half missed tackling became something of an epidemic and by half time Reading had scored four tries without reply. The only highlight in this period came from a couple of strong runs from Connor Segre.
After a “constructive” half-time team talk Newbury began to make their tackles more but the majority of play still came from Reading which resulted in their adding two further tries. A final flurry saw some good pressure from Newbury but without crossing over for a score.
Newbury man of the match - Connor Segre
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.
13/10 U12’s Match Reports
October 13, 2008
Newbury U12A’s at Maidenhead Tournament 12th October 2008
Newbury v Tring
Newbury A’s U12 first match saw them play Tring in a hard fought game dominated by forward play. Newbury had the better of a scoreless first half but they were on the back foot for much of the second. The whole team tackled and hustled tremendously, and one defensive play saw Newbury drive Tring back off their try line in a 20 metre push. The match finished 0-0.
Newbury v Oxford Harlequins
Newbury A beat Oxford Harlequins in their second match running away easy winners 5-1. The first two tries, scored by Jordan Ruddock and Josh Lawrence, were both breakaways from their own 10 metre line. Powerful burst runs saw tries for Louis Lyne (2) and Finn Connor.
Newbury v Aylesbury
The third match saw Newbury A start with a loss of concentration to go 0-1 down in the first half against Aylesbury. Despite a second half recovery two notable refereeing decisions went against Newbury and they were not able to make up the deficit. The match finished 0-1.
Newbury v Maidenhead
In the fourth match Newbury A again started slowly against the hosts Maidenhead. Newbury conceded a try to go 0-1 at half time, then had more bad luck as they lost their forceful number 8 Louis Lyne to injury just after the restart. Newbury were without a substitute and carried on one person down. The pack resolutely dug deep and proceeded to win every scrum and ball in the loose. This set up superb backline efforts from James O’Connor and Finn Connor to finish 2-1 winners.
Newbury v Henley
In the final match Newbury A took on the as yet unbeaten Henley team in a battle to earn a second place tournament position. The match was an open running game for backs and forwards alike. Although an even match Newbury went 0-2 down in the first half to fast cross-field runs from Henley. Again Newbury dug deep for a big second half performance. Newbury were dominant and rewarded with an excellent leap across the line from prop forward Zach Stancombe. Newbury were now pushing hard for the equaliser but lost Zach Stancombe to a serious knee injury. The match had one minute remaining and had to restart on another pitch. Unfortunately Newbury had lost their momentum and in the battle to win conceded a third try in the final play of the game to lose 1-3.
Newbury finished the high standard tournament in equal runner-up position.
Newbury U12B’s Maidenhead Tournament Sunday 12th October
Newbury v Oxford Harlequins
The tournament began through a misty morning with a match against Oxford Harlequins. Decisive play from Luke Hornblow and a stronger Newbury Pack soon had the Quins on the back feet and it wasn’t long before Jack Soanes made the first try. This was followed by an excellent dummy from James Lewis who was quickly through for the second try. Excellent contributions to a Newbury victory were made by Thomas Teece, George Bicknell, Callum O’Neill and Joe Peppiatt.
Newbury v Henley
The second match against Henley was probably the most well contended. Both team cancelled each other out with some excellent scrumming and with driving runs from Adam Foster. Jack Soanes made some fearless tackles which kept Newbury in the game. The final score a scoreless draw.
Newbury v Aylesbury
Aylesbury were next up and Newbury pressed up early with Adam Foster and George Bicknell both making good runs to finally release Will Read to score the only try of the match. The Newbury Pack dominated this match and it was a truly hard fought Newbury victory with particular mention for the efforts of George Anderson .
Newbury v Tring
On to the match against a strong Tring team and under blazing October sunshine Newbury appeared to be beginning to tire. Despite strong resilience and some determined efforts from Conor Segre, Adam Foster, Callum O’Neill and Jack Norris Tring went on to score two tries to secure victory.
Newbury v Maidenhead
Finally on to Maidenhead which again was a closely contended and evenly matched game. Despite some great handling from Luke Hornblow and super play from James Lewis there was no score by half time. It was an exciting final few minutes whereby Newbury were forced to defend stoutly but eventually managed to wear Maidenhead down and finally triumphed with an excellent try from Jack Davis.
Overall it was a great team performance for which everyone involved can be proud.
Final Results B Team Competition
Tring 17 points
Henley 16 points
Newbury 15 points
Oxford H 12 points
Aylesbury 6 points
Maidenhead 6 points
07/10 Newbury U12s As & Bs v Overton
October 7, 2008
5th October 2008
Overton 0 - Newbury U12 A’s 7
Overton 31 - Newbury U12 B’s 0
Under heavy skies and relentless rain the season got underway at Overton last Sunday for Newbury U12s. The expected “tournament” unfortunately did not materialise but good game time was had by both Newbury sides against the hosts of Overton.
The A’s kicked off proceedings against a strong and direct running Overton team. Excellent tackling and determined defence kept Overton at bay and gradually Newbury made headway. A break by Theo Brophy Clews led to concerted pressure in the Overton half. From a subsequent scrum the ball was spun to the left and Josh Lawrence squeezed in at the corner. The conversion took the score to 7-0 at half time. The 2nd half was characterised by resilient Newbury defence against a determined Overton side. An attack down the left by Newbury’s Douglas Woolfenden came to a halt with a crunching tackle by the hosts. At the final whistle Newbury finished the victors and look well set up for subsequent fixtures.
The B’s then played against Overton and put up a spirited performance against the powerful home outfit. Strong tackling and resilient spirit kept Newbury going. Issy Butcher was strong running forward and a try saving tackle by Connor Segre was outstanding. The 2nd half continued in a similar fashion with Overton scoring 2 more tries but direct running from Jack Davies with George Anderson in support raised the team and the soggy crowd. At the final whistle Overton were the deserved winners 31-0.