18/4 U16s’ Berkshire Youth League Finalé
April 20, 2010
Seven Try Sunshine Finalé
Reading Abbey U16 A 7 – Newbury U16 A 43
Newbury U16 A finished off their final Berkshire youth league season in suitable fashion with a basketful of tries at Abbey on Sunday. Seven tries in the sunshine was a fitting climax to their BYL campaigns over recent years, even if the champagne style of some recent games eluded Newbury for most of the match.
Perhaps because of their eagerness to secure the result they wanted, Newbury didn’t achieve the stability up front or the slick distribution that would have given the control they needed early on. But Newbury opened the scoring after seven minutes when ball went wide on the right and Jonny Courtney sprinted into the corner less than a metre from touch. Ten minutes later Greg Heath chalked up Newbury’s second with a lovely break down the left wing round the defence for a run in under the posts. However, despite fierce breakdown and rucking play from Jonno Stancombe, Tom Simm, Will Frome, Tom Soanes and others, the untidy and frustrating pattern of play continued (as it did for most of the game) and errors left Newbury vulnerable to the determined and hopeful Abbey team. Muttering about some of the infringement calls and under pressure at being pushed back to their line by Abbey kicks, Newbury lost composure and suffered at the Ref’s whistle several times for ruck offences before he blew for a penalty try. But Newbury shrugged off the loss of points and, always looking dangerous in the Backs, took the next on slow ball moved to the right. Even though the final pass needed a stretch behind to catch it, Jonny Courtney rooted the defender, stepped round and went down the line, just in play, resisting tacklers, nudging the flag post but grounding safely. In fact, in spite of the continuing scrappy set piece and phase play, whenever ball moved out Newbury spectators held their breath. And the fourth try was a candidate for a master-class in offloading. Video would be needed to confirm all participants but ball went wide to the right again through quick hands, Jonny Courtney took a familiar dash down the wing before twisting to offload to Will Eversfield and a string of several more fingertip offloads in contact ended when Tom Simm touched down between the posts. A superb try. Then, just on half time, Newbury secured the fifth after good hands to the right and well timed passes saw Greg Heath slip through and behind the defence – under the posts again. Abbey 7, Newbury 31 at half time.
With the bonus secure, Newbury rested some players and refreshed from the bench soon after half time. Abbey fought hard and caused more disruption for Newbury but were themselves frustrated and indiscipline netted them a well deserved yellow card. Newbury took advantage just after 20 minutes in, when a counter attack by Jack Hibberd set Alex Huntsman off on a break down the left wing and a score under the posts. The visitors’ seventh and final try came ten minutes later, running from inside their own half. Joe Leadley to Jack Hibberd, then Alex Cima headed for the line wide on the right before hesitating, being caught short but offloading to Peter Allan to touch down with only three minutes to go. Final score Abbey 7 – Newbury 43.
So, game over, attention quickly shifted to the Maidenhead – Windsor match where Windsor had been leading at half time. But sadly that had gone to form and Windsor failed to provide the upset needed. This left Newbury a very comfortable second place in the final league standings behind Maidenhead – the unfortunate loss after conceding a two try lead at Maidenhead last month being the difference.
Tries: Jonny Courtney (2), Greg Heath (2), Tom Simm, Alex Huntsman, Peter Allan
Conversions: Peter Allan (2), Jonny Courtney, Joe Leadley
Squad Photo (Back) Ben Hicks, Jack Hibberd, Joe Leadley, Harry Fisher, Peter Allan, Jonny Courtney, Tom Simm, Ean Kershaw, Will Frome, Jake Newton, Sam Gutteridg (Front) George Read-Smith, Will Eversfield, Alex Huntsman, Greg Heath, Alex Cima, Tim Blake, Jonathan Stancombe (C), Tom Soanes, Jak Rossiter
28/3 U16 As – bonus point win over Redingensians
March 30, 2010
Newbury U16 As grind out bonus point win over Redingensians
Newbury U16 A 28 – Redingensians U16 A 3
Newbury continued their winning run-in to the end of the season, playing their last youth-rugby home league match on the first team pitch at Monks Lane on Sunday. Unavailability of several players was most keenly felt up front and left no forwards on the bench.
Redingensians disrupted Newbury’s scrum and took advantage of their underperforming lineout, preventing the home side from enjoying any meaningful set piece possession for much of the game and crucially in the first 15 minutes. Consequently Newbury struggled to exert the control and dominance they thought they might and this set the scene for a frustrating game for players and home spectators. After a scrappy and error strewn first period Newbury took the first points, sensibly opting to kick a penalty on the 22 which Jonny Courtney made comfortably. Sadly, the relief was temporary as the visitors matched it a few minutes later. Despite initiating promising running moves in the backs and occasional surges by the forwards the result was, all too often, dropped passes and lost offloads. Then Jonno Stancombe made the breakthrough with a powerful pick and charge inside the 22, rocketed forward by rare close support for the first try. Jonny Courtney converted, 10-3. Unfortunately, a shoulder knock for Tim Blake saw him leave the field soon after and, without a replacement, Tom Nield moved to the flank and did a good sound job for the rest of the game. Although their first score lifted Newbury spirits it didn’t prove to be the tonic it usually is. Newbury didn’t settle and the hasty, disjointed play continued. But persistence paid off. Lined up left at a scrum on the 22 just right of the posts, with a huge blind side, Jonno Stancombe picked, went right and popped to Joe Leadley on the break. Jonny Courtney targeted an inside gap, calling for a short give, but saw Joe Leadley winding up his pass so veered back out, took the longer ball and stepped round the winger and over for Newbury’s second. Half time, 15-3.
The second half developed in much the same way. At the set piece, Newbury hooked well but struggled to get the ball out, or get it out cleanly, and couldn’t rely on lineout ball which became a bit of a lottery. And the continuity of the last match was absent. Redingensians disrupted well but never really threatened to score or turn the game round. So, for Newbury, the game may have been safe but time had ticked by and, inside the last ten minutes, the bonus point was still two tries away. Then, a penalty just inside the 22. Go for the corner? No, the lineout wasn’t working. A scrum and give the backs a go? Maybe. Or power forward and go through the phases? Not this time. Go for points, was the decision, and Jonny Courtney slotted. But there was still the small matter of two tries. Finally, the momentum, support and offloading Newbury had displayed the previous week started to emerge with just over five minutes to go. Now constantly on the front foot, and perhaps realising the significance of the bonus point, Newbury piled on relentless pressure. Blitzing on defence, Newbury forced a dropped ball out of the visitors. Jonny Courtney scooped it up and dashed down the line from half way, into the corner for the third. Three minutes left. Straight back at them, and focused and urgent at last, Newbury launched an onslaught on Redingensians’ defence including two signature bulldozer breaks by Ean Kershaw and Jonno Stancombe and forced a series of penalties in Redingensians’ 22 – running each of them, pushing close but knocking on. That could have been it but a poor clearance from the scrum gifted possession back to Newbury. Seconds ticking away – Newbury going forward slowly – three phases moving to the left – a narrow blind side – a break by Harry Fisher – the fourth try – final whistle. Phew!
So, the door to league honours remains open, but only just ajar. If Newbury can win with a bonus point on April 18, then the top three positions will be decided by the outcome of the Windsor-Maidenhead game the same day.
Tries: Jonny Courtney (2), Jonno Stancombe, Harry Fisher
Penalties: Jonny Courtney (2) Conversion: Jonny Courtney
Squad: Peter Allan, Tim Blake, Alex Cima, Jonny Courtney, Harry Fisher, Sam Gutteridge, Greg Heath, Jack Hibberd, Ben Hicks, Ean Kershaw, Tom Lauder, Joe Leadley, Jake Newton, Tom Nield, George Read-Smith, Tom Simm, Jonathan Stancombe (capt)
21/3 U16 As celebrate Windsor win
March 22, 2010
U16 As celebrate outstanding team display and win over Windsor
Newbury U16 A 64 – Windsor U16 A 5
Last season, Newbury had gifted Windsor a draw at the death and was determined not to let Windsor and Maidenhead decide the top 3 league places between them this year. And the team certainly bounced back from the previous league fixture slump at Maidenhead by celebrating a thumping 64-5 victory over arch-rivals Windsor on Sunday with probably their best rugby – ever.
Both sides were missing players, and Windsor more-so, but this cannot detract from the quality of Newbury’s game, which showed maturity and real teamwork. What’s more, played as it was by both teams, fiercely but in sporting spirit and with exemplary behaviour, it was surely a model to follow.
The home side played beautiful rugby, controlling possession repeatedly with patience, momentum, support and multiple offloads before releasing wave after wave of confident onslaughts by the backs.
Newbury took the lead and added a second fairly early on but Windsor rallied and managed to stem the flow and steady the game before scoring what their spectators shouted was the start of their comeback.
And for a time mid way through the first half it did seem that Windsor might muscle their way back in, with a tense ten minute period in which the visitors stifled Newbury’s play and forced them to concede multiple penalties.
But this was the day that Newbury showed their real potential, when years of development in junior rugby and this season’s training all seemed, finally, to ‘click’.
Newbury notched a further 3 first half tries and added 5 more after the break – topped off by 7 conversions. With 10 tries, someone had to score them, but most were genuine ‘team tries’, simply finished off by the scorers. One of the tries was even dubbed “the best try I have ever seen in youth rugby” by the experienced society referee.
The whole squad should be very proud of the way they played and we hope the boys can carry forward the quality and execution to the remaining two league contests.
Other results would suggest that this match will decide second and third places in the end of season league-standings but should the remaining three fixtures all go perfectly in Newbury’s favour, it will have decided the top slot!
Apologies go to the players for the brevity of this report, which is due to the match reporter being so engrossed in the spectacle.
Tries: Alex Huntsman (3), Greg Heath (2), Jonny Courtney, Tom Simm, Ean Kershaw, Will Eversfield, Jak Rossiter
Conversions: Jonny Courtney (7)
Squad: Tim Blake, Alex Cima, Jonny Courtney, Will Eversfield, Harry Fisher, Will Frome, Sam Gutteridge, Greg Heath, Jack Hibberd, Ben Hicks, Alex Huntsman, Ean Kershaw, Tom Lauder, Joe Leadley, Jake Newton, Tom Nield, Jak Rossiter, George Read-Smith, Tom Simm, Tom Soanes, Jonathan Stancombe (capt)
7/3 U16 As stunned in Maidenhead late comeback shock
March 10, 2010
Maidenhead U16 A 24 – Newbury U16 A 14
In this critical league clash, Newbury was sitting on a decent lead, up 14 to nothing with 20 minutes remaining. But perhaps ‘sitting’ was the operative word because Newbury failed to deliver a killer blow, then collapsed under a determined Maidenhead comeback.
Newbury began well, staying tight upfront, working phases at the breakdown and containing the Maidenhead backs in midfield. But both sides clearly sensed it would be a close game. Maidenhead dominated the scrum but Newbury controlled the breakdown and just had the edge at the lineout. Newbury showed confidence and chose the right times to run ball in the backs, doing so ambitiously and effectively. Illustrating how close the game was expected to be, after 10 minutes Newbury opted to go for goal at a penalty on the 10metre line, left of the posts and into the wind. A good if bold decision but unfortunately despite height and distance the attempt went just wide. But as the half developed and the home side put on pressure, pushing into Newbury’s 22, first blood went to the visitors on 25 minutes. Outnumbered in defence, Jonny Courtney anticipated Maid’s final pass perfectly, coming in on the jam and stretching high to snatch the interception before outpacing all chasers for an 80 metre score under the posts. With lungs burning, kicking duty passed to Joe Leadley, who converted safely. Newbury kept up the pressure upfront, thanks to efforts in securing and winning ball at the breakdown in particular by Will Eversfield, Tom Simm, Will Frome and Jonno Stancombe. And when ball came out quickly and cleanly, the backs showed variety, confident handling and some incisive running by Greg Heath. As the allotted 35 minutes passed, and more than 5 more minutes strangely ticked by, Newbury started to ease off and the home side clearly had the upper hand. But, no more score. Newbury was up 7 to nothing at the half.
Maidenhead came out all guns blazing after the break, putting the visitors on the back foot repeatedly and pressurising their line. But the defence held, even if a few rash decisions did start to emerge. Then Newbury struck again 10 minutes into the second half after pushing up to Maid’s 22 and winning a lineout. Newbury’s backs ran a move, Maid’s outside centre targeted opposite number Greg Heath and as Sam Gutteridge feinted the pass he stepped through the defence instead, before shrugging off a tackler to score. Jonny Courtney converted. Maidenhead 0 – Newbury 14. Surely by staying tight, kicking deep to pin Maids back in their half and taking low risk chances when they came, this lead would be hard to lose. The trouble is, Newbury didn’t seem to try those things and lost composure. Maid’s first try 5 minutes later was well worked, luring Newbury’s defence into all the intended traps as their 15 ran a nice line through the Blues’ red sea defence to applause from both teams’ supporters. The score was now 7 -14, with 20 scheduled minutes to go. But the visitors were far from deterred at this stage. A grubber by Jack Hibberd was chased, contested and recovered by Will Eversfield, setting up Gregg Heath and Jonny Courtney to combine well on the outside and push up to Maid’s 22. Maids won the ball but Newbury charged down a hurried clearance and hacked the spilled ball forward. Greg Heath raced the retreating fullback to the line but the defender got the luck of the bounce and grounded first. Nothing is certain but had Newbury scored then, the game surely would have been over. Instead Newbury started making errors, taking strange options, burying hard-fought-for ball in the maul for turnovers and conceding penalties galore. Maidenhead levelled the score with barely a couple of minutes to go and that set off the momentum. Massive Maidenhead pressure followed, with Newbury defending resolutely inside their 22 for several minutes, expecting the final whistle at any moment and surviving two ‘held-up’ decisions. Quite how the game went on so long is a mystery (we can only think the ref was mistakenly playing 40 minutes per half and adding ‘injury’ time on) but already into ‘unofficial injury time’ Maids’ pressure yielded their third try. This seemed to take all life out of Newbury and was compounded by losing a key forward to the sin bin for repeated team infringements. Maids capitalised on the pressure and man-advantage and snatched their bonus-point fourth. The conversion was wide. The final whistle blew. 24-14 was the score. Newbury was wondering “how did that happen?” and Maidenhead could hardly believe their achievement.
Simply, Newbury let it slip away – the contest was much closer than the score but the result reflects a magnificent Maidenhead surge late in the game and a collapse by Newbury at the end of an exceptionally long second half. This was a major loss for Newbury given that the match – and perhaps more – had been there for the taking. But if there ever was a game that shows the awesome power of self-belief, ambition, passion and determination, then this was it. And if the boys learn that lesson it will (yes, really) have been worth it. Now, how the team bounces back and performs in the remaining key matches, will be the true test.
Tries: Jonny Courtney, Sam Gutteridge. Conversions: Joe Leadley, Jonny Courtney
Squad: Alex Cima, Jonny Courtney, Will Eversfield, Harry Fisher, Will Frome, Sam Gutteridge, Greg Heath, Jack Hibberd, Ben Hicks, Alex Huntsman, Ean Kershaw, Tom Lauder, Joe Leadley, Tom Nield, George Read-Smith, Tom Simm, Tom Soanes, Jonathan Stancombe (capt)
24/1 U16 “B” v Bracknell “A”
January 26, 2010
NEWBURY U16 B 15 – v – BRACKNELL U16 A 29
Newbury U16B playing their first league game gave a spirited performance in going down 29-15 to Bracknell’s A side.
Bracknell started the stronger and had scored a converted try within minutes without a Newbury player getting hands on the ball. But Newbury came straight back and after Huw Towey had nearly dummied his way over, from the ensuing scrum Alex Hamm and Cameron Mercer created the position for Henry Nash to dive over in the corner. Following a twice taken penalty Bracknell were presented with a try when an attempted quick 22 dropout went straight to the on-rushing player. Bracknell scored twice more in the first half to wrap up the bonus point and went in 24-5 up at the break.
The second half belonged to Newbury as they pinned Bracknell back for long periods and were rewarded with a second try for winger Nash and another from hard-working centre Richard West. Bracknell had the last word with a scrappy close range score to make the final result 29-15 in the visitors favour
24/1 U16 “As” Win against Tadley
January 26, 2010
Newbury U16 ‘As’ Win against Tadley
Newbury 48 - Tadley 0
After a weather-plagued six week gap, Newbury eagerly tackled their first league match of the season against Tadley on Sunday at Monks Lane.
The final score suggests Newbury dominance in all areas but that wasn’t the case, as the big Tadley pack was very competitive throughout and prevented Newbury from exerting any control or securing clean ball early on. In fact, Newbury conceded a string of penalties for infringements in rucks, which disrupted their continuity and halted promising possession. Early attacks by Newbury also suffered from some hesitant and rusty handling and good drift defence from Tadley.
After ten minutes Jonny Courtney crossed the line, grounding cleanly, but the referee was unable to see and properly awarded a scrum 5. But two minutes later at a scrum 15m out, Jonno Stancombe picked up at the back and went blind. He fed Jonny Courtney who dashed to the line and as tacklers came in, dived into the corner nudging the flag post but avoiding touch for the first score. Having secured these first points Newbury was more settled and managed to win percentage ball at the set piece and in the loose, with customary aggressive showings from Jonno Stancombe and Tom Simm. Joe Leadley distributed well for the Backs to use and one of these attacks saw Alex Cima slide into the corner on the other wing ten minutes later, for Newbury’s second. Then on the half hour, Will Frome powered through the middle and scored just wide of the posts, making the extra points considerably easier. Joe Leadley safely converted. Newbury’s first half scores were rounded off just ahead of the break when Jonny Courtney took an inside ball after a lineout on the 10m line and Alex Huntsman, in close support, took the offload, before running in close to the posts. Joe Leadley slotted his second conversion.
Having gained the four try bonus point Newbury rested several players in the second half and refreshed from the bench, including Will Eversfield returning from injury and newcomer Greg Heath. Unfortunately the momentum of the game had been frustrated by many interruptions for Tadley injuries at key times, and this continued to hamper the flow of Newbury attacks in the second half. But Newbury continued to score tries, including a second each for Will Frome and Alex Huntsman. Five minutes before the end, on Tadley’s 22, Sam Gutteridge made a lovely arcing line through a gap in Tadley’s Backs and ran in next to the posts before adding his second conversion. The final points came close to the whistle when Jack Hibberd made a long incisive run and offloaded for Tom Simm to run in and notch up Newbury’s eighth try.
Although Newbury had been able to run in tries comfortably during the game, the forward battle had been much tighter. In particular Tadley’s pack had been able to disrupt the Newbury lineout and was very effective at the breakdown. So, work to do but this was an excellent start to the season’s league campaign and a good way to get back into fixtures after the prolonged snow-disrupted break.
Tries: Jonny Courtney, Alex Cima, Will Frome (2), Alex Huntsman (2), Sam Gutteridge, Tom Simm. Conversions: Joe Leadley (2), Sam Gutteridge (2)
Squad: Tim Blake, Alex Cima, Jonny Courtney, Will Eversfield, Harry Fisher, Will Frome, Sam Gutteridge, Greg Heath, Jack Hibberd, Ben Hicks, Alex Huntsman, Tom Lauder, Ean Kershaw, Joe Leadley, Jake Newton, Tom Nield, George Read-Smith, Tom Simm, Tom Soanes, Jonathan Stancombe (capt)
13/12 U16s Win Away at Havant
December 17, 2009
U16s Win Away at Havant
Havant 12 – Newbury 24
Although the game was very tight early on and both sides seemed evenly matched, Newbury emerged as comfortable winners four tries to two.
Havant showed strength in the set piece, at the breakdown and signs of danger from their backs were apparent from the start, especially in the centre. Havant also had the luxury of large squad numbers, allowing them to refresh throughout the game. Newbury on the other hand suffered several injuries in the backs, losing Alex Cima in the first 10 minutes and Jonny Courtney not long into the second half.
Havant scored first when poor Newbury defence at a breakdown inside their 22 allowed a Havant Centre an inside line and a score under the posts. A great example of what we have been training to avoid! But Newbury was winning its fair share of possession and territory and threatened to score on several occasions. The first try came about ten minutes before the break when Josh Winfield, tackled just short, used every inch of his long arms to stretch and place the ball onto the line.
After the interval, Havant’s midfield continued to be very quick up in defence (perhaps too quick on occasion) and managed to close down Newbury’s attack time after time. But constant strong back row support from Jonno Stancombe and Tom Simm helped Newbury secure ball and begin to work the phases. On one such occasion at second phase on Havant’s ten metre line, and in off his wing at inside centre, Jonny Courtney found a nice line on the inside and weaved through to score by the posts. But he was forced to hand over kicking duties due to a foot injury and then left game shortly after. Season newcomer Sam Gutteridge took over the kicking and slotted the conversion comfortably. Newbury’s third score came after a strong break to the right by Alex Huntsman and his well timed pass to Jack Hibberd. Hibberd ran 20 metres to the line, looked sure to score but was tackled inches short. Richard West, in close support, picked up and placed the ball over the line for the try, amid loud protest from Havant for a knock-on at the initial tackle. Havant replied with another well worked try, helped again by inattentive defence at the fringe of the breakdown, before Newbury closed the scoring with their fourth. A well weighted kick and chase by Sam Gutteridge bounced perfectly instead for Joe Leadley, who ran down the left wing to score in the corner.
Despite some lapses in defence, this was an encouraging team performance in several respects. The forwards showed increasing aggression in loose play and the phase play is improving. The new players are playing with increasing confidence and people are settling in well to new positions.
Tries: Josh Winfield, Jonny Courtney, Richard West, Joe Leadley. Conversions: Sam Gutteridge (2)
Squad: Tim Blake, Alex Cima, Jonny Courtney, Harry Fisher, Will Frome, Sam Gutteridge, Jack Hibberd, Ben Hicks, Alex Huntsman, Tom Lauder, Joe Leadley, Jake Newton, Tom Nield, George Read-Smith,Tom Simm, Tom Soanes, Jonathan Stancombe (capt), Richard West, Josh Winfield
Congratulations – two U16s a step closer towards SW Division
December 4, 2009
Congratulations to two of our U16 County contingent who moved a step closer to SW Division, on being selected to attend a Divisional ‘performance day’ on December 13th. Jak Rossiter (full back) and Peter Allan (fly half) will join around 55 other boys from the South West for the day of assessment, after which 40 boys will move on to the SW Divisional trials. At the trials, the South West Division squad of 26 will be selected.
We wish Peter and Jak the very best of luck on the 13th!
Our other County players – Jonny Courtney (wing), Tom Simm (lock), Will Eversfiled (back row) and Alex Huntsman (wing) unfortunately didn’t progress further this year – but we now look forward to seeing them at the club again every week for the rest of the season!
8/11 Newbury U16 As win at Henley
November 13, 2009
Henley: 7 vs Newbury: 40
Newbury U16 As secured a comfortable win at Henley on Sunday, with both teams missing a few of their county players.
This Newbury team always seems to play better when settled by an early score and today was no exception, with the first coming in the first minute. After Newbury kicked off, Henley kicked it back from the first maul. Jonny Courtney fielded the ball close to touch on half way and used his strength and speed to beat the defence and score in the corner.
It was a close game up front but Newbury had a clear edge in the first half and managed to secure and provide some good ball, which the backs generally used well. It was in the backs where the big difference between the teams could be seen. Henley struggled to penetrate and was weak in defence, whereas Newbury was better organised and moved the ball wide with decent handling given the conditions. But it was not only the backs on the score sheet. Jonno Stancombe notched Newbury’s second after Tom Lauder took a quick tap penalty on five metres and offloaded to Stancombe, who powered over. And, as the half progressed, newcomer Will Frome scored his debut try for Newbury.
Henley’s only try followed a 10 minute period camped inside Newbury’s 22. Newbury was penalised inexplicably for not being back 5 metres at a scrum and Henley took a quick tap 15 metres from the line. Instead of retreating quickly and securing their defence, Newbury protested then failed to stop Henley crossing for an unlikely score. First half scoring was completed by Tom Smith, who went over in the left hand corner.
In the second half player changes resulted in a quiet first ten minutes and Newbury seemed to have more of a challenge in the scrum. Then Jonno Stancombe added another try and, after a further reshuffle of players, the backs resumed the scoring when Alex Huntsman ran one in. The next was the best worked try of the day and came after two phases of broken play. Sam Gutteridge broke to the right, passed to Tom Lauder then ran a loop before moving the ball on to Joe Leadley. Leadley’s quick hands gave Jonny Courtney a run down the outside channel towards the corner. He drew in the two covering defenders and before being bundled into touch with 5 metres to go, offloaded round the back of the tacklers to Joe Leadley who ran a nice line into the gap on the inside, over the line and under the posts. Newbury rounded off the scoring in the final minute when the ball went wide and Jonny Courtney scythed past the last few defenders before touching down. Eight tries to one, but no conversions from Newbury on a day when kicking duties were shared around.
Newbury is starting to put more learning from training into the game, and will be a better team for that this season, but there is still much room for development.
Scorers: Jonny Courtney (2), Jonathan Stancombe (2), Tom Smith, Will Frome, Alex Huntsman , Joe Leadley.
Squad: Tim Blake, Alex Cima, Harry Fisher, Will Frome, Sam Gutteridge, Jack Hibberd, Ben Hicks, Ean Kershaw, Tom Lauder, Tom Nield, George Read-Smith, Tom Smith, Tom Soanes, Richard West, Jonathan Stancombe (capt), Alex Huntsman, Jonny Courtney, Joe Leadley, Cameron Mercer, Jake Newton, Tom Smith
Welcome U16s
September 16, 2009
Welcome to all the new season’s U16s!
Remember to check our news items during the year on the main club site and in our age group pages. So that we don’t lose track of how things went last year, we have pasted last season’s match reports below.
This will be our last season together, so let’s go for it! We look forward to success and a great season in 2009-10.
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26/4 U15s Beat Bracknell in final league game of the season
May 3, 2009
Newbury U15s beat Bracknell in final league game of season
Bracknell 12 – Newbury 31
Newbury U15s completed their league season with a comfortable win at Bracknell in bright spring sunshine and in sandy desert-like conditions last Sunday. The higher league positions had already been decided and the U15s finished third for the second season in a row behind Maidenhead and Windsor.
Newbury, despite starting slowly and struggling to put their game together early on, were always in control. After around ten minutes of scrappy and disjointed play Newbury’s first try came after the ball was moved quickly to the left and Jonny Courtney darted 40metres down the touchline to score in the corner. With the first score, the team always seems to settle down and play more confidently, as they did today. A little over-confident perhaps, because a few players kept the ball instead of making a pass and let a few chances go begging. But Peter Allen’s trademark show and step worked well on Bracknell’s 22 and he dodged through for Newbury’s second. Bracknell tried all they could but their backs had difficulty penetrating Newbury’s defence and 5 minutes from half time as Bracknell attacked Jonny Courtney read the pass, snatched an interception on half way and out-ran the covering defenders to touch down wide on the left. Newbury led 0-17 at half time.
Newbury shuffled players at the break and seemed to loose their edge, allowing Bracknell to reply with two tries of their own in the second half. But after refreshing from the substituted players the visitors began to string phases together and added two more tries from Peter Allan and a Jonathan Stancombe. The boys are learning all the time but with such strength out wide it can be frustrating for onlookers to see opportunities squandered, and Newbury could have had more, but for some careless passing and a few unfortunate decisions.
All in all, a very satisfying team effort to end the season. Final score Bracknell 12 – Newbury 31.
Tries: Jonny Courtney (2), Peter Allan (2), Jonathan Stancombe. Conversions: Jonny Courtney (2) Peter Allan (1)
Squad: Peter Allan, Tim Blake, Alex Cima, Jonny Courtney, Will Eversfield, Jack Hibberd, Ben Hicks, Josh Hitchens, Alex Huntsman, Ean Kershaw, Joe Leadley, Cameron Mercer, Jamie Miles, Jake Newton, Tom Nield, Tom Simm, Tom Soanes, Jonathan Stancombe (Captain), Richard West, Gavin Williams, Tom Smith
8/03 U15s Record Abbey Road Win
March 10, 2009
Newbury U15s Record Abbey Road Win
Reading Abbey 0 – Newbury 24
Newbury U15s recorded a comfortable four-try bonus point win on the road at Reading Abbey without clicking fully into gear and left a score-line that was kind to the home side.
With bright sunshine and a firm pitch, conditions were excellent except for the strong wind. But contrary to their game plan, Newbury didn’t make proper use of the wind behind them in the first half and seemed determined to run ball out of pressure early on. This left Newbury battling to get out of their half and made a scoreless first 15 minutes more difficult than it needed to be.
Newbury’s forwards probably cursed decisions to keep ball in hand instead of punting a long ball to chase but they reliably kept Abbey at bay as the game settled down. Led by Jonno Stancombe, they competed well throughout the match against a much bigger and well organised opposition but unfortunately didn’t manage the flowing phase game of some recent weeks.
Once the penny dropped and Newbury began to kick behind Abbey as planned, the game opened up. After working their way up field after 20 minutes, Newbury ran a tap penalty up the middle on Abbey’s 22 and gained 15 metres before recycling efficiently after the tackle. Quick ball to the left and two popped passes gave Jonny Courtney the chance to power over from a few metres out. His conversion bobbled in the wind and hit the post, 0-5.
Five minutes later Abbey kicked ahead but Peter Allan countered with a good kick back into Abbey’s 22 which Alex Huntsman and Alex Cima chased, putting their full back under pressure. The resulting Abbey clearance beat the chasers but didn’t quite make touch. As it bounced over the touchline Jonny Courtney deftly gathered the ball back in field then ran it forward, dodging and weaving round the defence, before touching down under the posts and converting for 0-12.
Just before half time, Peter Allan put Abbey under pressure again with a long kick to their 10 metre line. Good chasing by Newbury and aggressive rucking by Will Eversfield won a turnover and quick ball. Joe Leadley distributed well all day and this time was no exception. The ball moved swiftly down the line from him through Peter Allan, Alex Huntsman and Jonny Courtney, who threatened to go for the line but correctly gave to George ‘Curly’ Thomas on the right wing. Thomas ran to the corner before confidently cutting back in-field to score in safe kicking territory by the posts. Courtney converted for 0-19 at half time.
Newbury might well have expected Abbey to surge after the break with the wind behind them, but instead it was they who continued to control the game comfortably. Despite the advantage of repeated hands-in-the-ruck infringements by Newbury, Abbey were unable to make any breakthrough and seldom made much ground, as their penalty kicks failed to find touch and were run back at them by Newbury. The Blues had their share of penalties too, all of which they sensibly chose to run but too many of which (for head coach stress levels at least!) they took hurriedly and chose to spin wide. Risky, but thankfully they executed well. Newbury squandered several clear scoring chances as the second half progressed, including one mysterious failure to ground the ball before running over the dead ball line.
Then 10 minutes from full time, from a breakdown on half way, Newbury moved the ball through the backs to the right. Jonny Courtney drew in the outside defender then fed to Richard West on the wing, who went for the line and dummied back inside to beat the covering full back, before touching down safely for the final score.
With the bonus point secure, Newbury made wholescale substitutions but this did not disrupt their control of the game. Abbey’s only real hint of scoring came very late on after several strong runs by their number 8. Newbury closed ranks, resisted the pressure close to their line and prevented any consolation points. Final score 0-24.
Tries: Jonny Courtney (2), George Munro-Thomas, Richard West. Conversions: Jonny Courtney (2).
Newbury squad: G Williams, T Soanes, J Newton, H Fisher, W Eversfield, T Blake, J Miles, B Hicks, T Simm, E Kershaw, J Stancombe (Capt), J Leadley, P Allan, A Huntsman, J Courtney, A Cima, G Munro-Thomas, J Hibberd, C Mercer, R West, T Smith.
15/2 U15s concede league draw to Windsor
February 18, 2009
Newbury U15s concede disappointing League draw to Windsor
Newbury 17 - Windsor 17
Newbury U15s outplayed League rivals Windsor but conceded a disappointing draw to the visitors in the final minutes. This was always expected to be a close contest but, with the performances on the day, Newbury felt they had thrown it away and Windsor went home relieved.
Newbury started strongly, with the forwards controlling the ball well in the loose and retaining possession effectively. This took them to Windsor’s 22 and forced a penalty in front of the posts. Unfortunately, the decision to run the ball in the forwards instead of to kick for 3 easy points in the first two minutes, proved crucial at the close. Newbury scored first on 10 minutes after moving the ball well in the backs just inside the 22. As the ball went down the line Jonny Courtney broke through to the line but, when held just short, gave a final offload to Alex Cima who touched down in the corner on the right. Windsor responded, taking advantage of Newbury’s less intense focus and repeated poor tackling around the fringes, and levelled the score half way through the first half. Newbury upped their play again and had several further opportunities from counter attacks before the second try, a creditable forwards’ effort. Following a few phases of pick and drive featuring Ean Kershaw, Tom Soanes and Tom Simm, captain Jonno Stancombe barged forward to touch down on the line. Newbury were 10-5 up at half time.
Windsor came back determinedly after the break, kicking with the wind for territory and keeping Newbury on the back foot. Their pressure in Newbury’s 22, quick ball from a ruck and quick hands by the Windsor backs sealed them a well worked and deserved try. 10-10 and tense.
Newbury rallied and played all the rugby from then on but struggled to finish. One flowing backs move to the left should have ended with points but the final pass unfortunately went to Alex Huntsman’s feet. Then, 5 minutes from time, Newbury pulled off an excellent counter attack. After a long Windsor clearance kick, Jak Rossiter ran it back from deep inside his half for about 25 metres through a tangle of players, as the backs regrouped. His spin pass bounced in line and was scooped up by Peter Allan who passed to Jonny Courtney 35 metres out. Jonny Courtney outflanked the drifting defence before stepping inside the full back, touching down by the posts and converting for 17-10. Four minutes to go and confident of the win, Newbury gathered the restart and moved up field, with the forwards offloading at close quarters. But one of these was a bit wayward, seeming to hang in the air for seconds, and it gifted an alert Windsor vulture easy pickings, a try under the posts and an un-missable conversion for 17-17 inside the last 2 minutes. An all out blitz by Newbury for the remainder of the game could not get them in range for a chance to win. Final score 17-17.
Newbury Tries: Alex Cima, Jonno Stancombe, Jonny Courtney. Conversions: Jonny Courtney (1)
Newbury squad: G Williams, T Soanes, J Hitchens, J Newton, H Fisher, J Miles, B Hicks, T Simm, E Kershaw, J Stancombe (Capt), C Mercer, J Leadley, P Allan, J Courtney, A Huntsman, A Cima, J Rossiter, J Hibberd, T Lauder, T Nield, R West, M Thompson.
January 29, 2009
Newbury U15s dominate Reading with impressive team performance
Reading 0 – Newbury 32
Newbury U15s overwhelmed Reading despite gusty winds and wet, muddy conditions with an impressive all-round team performance and six unanswered tries.
The game began with a disorganised period when the over-exuberant visitors made all the play but failed to score. Newbury kicked off and started strongly, winning possession, recycling well and pushing into Reading’s 22 straight away. The first chance came in the second minute but, having moved the ball wide, was not finished off. Several more opportunities followed in a frantic first 10 minutes before the backs settled down and made proper use of the ample possession.
The second stage of the match saw Newbury dominate all the way through until 10 minutes from the end. The blues’ forwards produced some superb phase play, secure scrums and stole several Reading lineouts. It was great to see the boys achieve such continuity and cooperation – months of training played out confidently on the field! All must have the credit, but notable individual performances came from Jonno Stancombe, always in the fray and leading by example, Tom Simm for stealing 3 lineouts and his powerful presence in the loose, and Tom Soanes for excellent hooking and tenacity at the breakdown. This all put Reading on the back foot and provided good ball for the backs, who notched a fistful of tries in a good display of handling and running despite the wet conditions.
Newbury’s first two tries came from Alex Cima, one just wide of the posts and the other in the corner, and both thanks to good skills and well timed passing in the backs. The third, five minutes before half time, followed several organised phases of pick and drive by the forwards ending when Gavin Williams picked and forced his way over the line from two metres. Reading stepped up its kicking game in an attempt to gain ground but Newbury countered well. One such kick in open play, from half way to Newbury’s 22, was returned with interest when Jak Rossiter’s quick thinking saw him grab the ball and spin a quick throw in 20 metres in field. Seconds later, after a short run and a kick, Reading was taking a throw in on its own 22. Gusty wind and a wet ball contrived to keep conversions just wide of the posts and leave the score 0-15 at the break.
In the second half Newbury kept up their dominance, maintaining control up front and stifling Reading incursions whenever the home side won possession. Five minutes into the half Newbury pressed again inside the 22 and as the ball moved along the line Jak Rossiter ran a stiletto straight line from full back out wide, took a pop ball and cut through the defence to score 5 metres from touch. Jonny Courtney overcame the conditions with a strong high kick and calmly floated in a lovely conversion. With around 10 minutes to go, Newbury’s fifth try was absolute class, must go down as the best team try of the season and epitomises the style of rugby we are looking for. A break on half way by back row Ean Kershaw made ten metres and ended with him going to ground as support arrived. The ball was picked up and run forward by Jonno Stancombe, with Tom Simm on his shoulder. There then followed three phases of controlled rucking by Newbury, each picked and peeled with two in support, which took them inside Reading’s 22, fifteen metres in field on the left. Quick ball then went right from Cameron Mercer to Peter Allan (now at fly half) and down the line through Tom Nield, missing the dummy run by Jak Rossiter, to Jonny Courtney who powered forward towards Reading’s line with Alex Cima on his outside and two defenders remaining. A timely swerve drew in the Reading winger and, as he took the tackle, Jonny Courtney reached round the back of the defender and offloaded one handed to Alex Cima, who slid into the corner for his hat trick.
With the game won, final substitutions were made. But, far from demoralised, Reading mounted a strong fight back in the last 10 minutes of the game, attacking the rucks and throwing everything at Newbury, including more switches to the blind side at attacking scrums in Newbury’s 22 which were defended securely. To their credit, Newbury seemed determined not to let Reading take even a consolation score and their only real chance of points in the game, had they opted to take them, would have been an in-range penalty in front of the posts. To cap the performance, Newbury finished the scoring with a touch down from Peter Allan, thanks to his nice cut inside from 10 metres out. Final score 0-32.
Scorers: Tries: Alex Cima (3), Gavin Williams, Peter Allan, Jak Rossiter. Conversion: Jonny Courtney.
Newbury squad: G Williams, T Soanes, J Hitchens, J Newton, H Fisher, T Blake, J Miles, B Hicks, T Simm, E Kershaw, J Stancombe (Capt), C Mercer, J Leadley, P Allan, J Courtney, A Huntsman, A Cima, J Rossiter, J Hibberd, T Nield, R West.
January 20, 2009
Newbury U15s are back in business
Newbury 51 – Tadley 0
Newbury U15s were back in business on Sunday, running in nine tries in emphatic style and restoring some confidence and pride after a dismal league start before Christmas. In what is far from their toughest fixture, the home team had probably underestimated the strength of the Tadley forwards – who were well-matched and kept possession balanced until well into the second half. The big difference between the sides was in the backs and Newbury’s had the run of the field. They showed good skills, teamwork and powerful running in an exciting display, including five tries from Jonny Courtney on his return from a two month injury absence, a hat-trick from Alex Huntsman and one by Jack Hibberd.
Newbury kicked off and built pressure straight away but despite moving up close to Tadley’s line in the first two minutes, failed to capitalise. Soon after, however, Newbury opened the scoring when Alex Huntsman broke down the left wing and dodged through the defence, not needing the available support, to touch down left of the posts. Jonny Courtney converted for a 7 point start within the first five minutes. The home side looked dangerous each time the ball was distributed, wherever they were on the pitch. The next score was beautifully worked from a scrum outside Tadley’s 22. Cameron Mercer put a perfect pass in front of Joe Leadley and two lovely timed passes by him and Peter Allan fed Jonny Courtney, who scythed past the hapless defenders to touch down in the right hand corner. Two more tries and another conversion from Jonny Courtney gave Newbury a 24 point lead at half time.
Having tried out some new forwards in the first half, Newbury brought on more regular players and began to win-out up front more frequently, although Tadley’s big forwards were competitive throughout. The hosts still didn’t seem to be able to string phases together or offload effectively after incisive forward breaks, despite the ever-present Jonno Stancombe being in support, and Newbury continued to struggle to retain and recycle ball at the breakdown. But when the ball came out, Newbury’s backs made good use of it. Their first points of the second period came from Jack Hibberd who received the ball 20 metres out and weaved his way round Tadley’s defence to score wide on the left side. Two more tries from Alex Huntsman gave him his personal hat-trick, and two more from Jonny Courtney gave him five on the day. Joe Leadley converted one, which took the score to 51-0 with ten minutes to go. An even higher score was only prevented by an exceptionally strong and gusting wind during the whole game and a nasty Tadley injury which caused the game to be concluded 7 minutes from time.
This was a comfortable win but Newbury seems unable routinely to execute the offloading and rucking game that it has trained for since last season. However, this was not critical to the result on the day and with set piece possession fairly even, Newbury distributed well, used it effectively and prevented Tadley from capitalising on theirs. It was also reassuring to see a strong team performance that enabled Newbury to play to its strengths and score tries.
Newbury Scorers:
Tries: Jonny Courtney (5), Alex Huntsman (3), Jack Hibberd
Conversions: Jonny Courtney (2), Joe Leadley (1)
Newbury squad: C Clements, T Soanes, J Hitchens, G Williams, J Newton, M Thompson, H Fisher, T Blake, J Miles, E Kershaw, J Stancombe (Capt), C Mercer, J Leadley, P Allan, J Courtney, A Huntsman, A Cima, J Hibberd, T Nield, G Thomas, R West.
14/12 U15s gift Maids early Christmas present
December 17, 2008
Maidenhead 31 – Newbury 12
Maidenhead must have thought Christmas had come early as the U15s handed them easy points in the critical league opener away on Sunday.
Not only did the game start in the worst possible way for Newbury but problems were revealed in the first two minutes that continued throughout the game and proved to be Newbury’s downfall. After fielding the kick-off and making ground, Newbury failed to clear out and secure, turning over to the home side. Maidenhead advanced immediately deep into Newbury’s 22, thanks to a shambles of half-hearted tackles. Then from the breakdown 15 metres out, Maidenhead popped two passes to outside centre amid timid Newbury defenders who all seemingly expected someone else to make the tackle. Maidenhead touched down unchallenged and converted for 7-0 with barely two minutes on the clock.
The visitors let Maidenhead breeze through more missed tackles to notch up two more tries in the first 20 minutes, putting them three-nil ahead. Then just as it looked like Maidenhead might be in again, Harry Fisher put in a crunching tackle from which the ball spilled and was scooped up to George ‘Curly’ Thomas, who took advantage of the space and the wrong-footed defence to run 70 metres and touch down by the posts. Joe Leadley converted. Three tries to one at half time.
Despite everything the visitors were not out of it, however, and the course of the game might have turned early in the second half if they had taken their chance. Newbury pressed but came away from a sustained barrage on Maidenhead’s line, including two penalties 5 metres out, with nothing. And whenever the visitors managed to create overlaps, which they did on several occasions, the ball carrier drifted wide instead of making the pass and the chances were squandered. The second half then went much the same way as the first and Maidenhead chalked two more tries, before Newbury added the footnote just before full time. An attacking scrum deep in Maidenhead’s 22 yielded good ball once more – but this time quick hands shipped it wide to Jak Rossiter on the outside and he slid into the corner for 5 points.
Newbury gifted this match to Maidenhead and, in comparing the two teams, the final score 31 – 12 flattered the winners. That said, Newbury’s recycling and phase play were poor and the tackling was shocking, so it only has itself to blame. But there were positives from the game. Newbury’s scrum was excellent, supplying quality ball repeatedly and the backs were reliable, making consistent and steady gains. Unfortunately these were far outweighed by the woeful tackling and the inability to retain or gain possession at the breakdown or string phases together. Perhaps it was a lack of commitment or belief but, given early season training and having shown recently that they can do these, it was puzzling why the boys did not come up with the goods in this critical game. Had they put in the tackles and managed to offload or recycle when in attack, the result may well have been reversed. Newbury has the skills and quality but commitment, aggression and determination were all missing in this match. It is hoped that the boys can find some fire in their hearts over the Christmas break, and that the full squad is available, so they can start again and give themselves something to be proud of in January.
Newbury squad: T MaCaulay, T Soanes, J Newton, T Blake, H Fisher, T Simm, E Kershaw, J Stancombe (Capt), T Lauder, J Leadley, P Allan, A Huntsman, G Thomas (R West), A Cima, J Rossiter. B Hicks, J Miles, G Read-Smith.
December 4, 2008
Newbury U15s vs Keynsham
Newbury 0 – Keynsham 26
Newbury hosted Keynsham on Sunday in a new fixture for the U15s. Having beaten Bristol St Mary’s this season, Keynsham was expected to be tough opposition and Newbury were again weakened before the start due to absence of key players to injury and other commitments.
It was a full five minutes before Newbury had any possession and so they struggled to exert any authority early on. Keynsham’s scrum gave them dependable ball and disrupted Newbury’s put in, taking a good share against the head. However, Newbury defended well for the first ten minutes until the visitors’ first score.
Newbury’s forwards found it difficult to string phases together throughout the game, resulting in infrequent distribution to the backs. But, when it did go, the attack remained fruitless due to some dropped critical passes and unfortunate decisions.
Keynsham was two tries to nil up at half time but Newbury was still very much in it and expected to notch some points after the break if phases could be worked and if finishing in the backs could be improved.
Sadly, although Newbury continued to win ball and show potential on counter attack, the second period went much the same as the first. Keynsham was comfortable and stole much of Newbury’s scrum ball until uncontested scrums became necessary late in the game because of Newbury injuries and lack of remaining options on the bench. So, although Newbury was by no means burdened with possession, it should have made more of what it had. Despite some good lines run in the centre, several promising breaks by the backs came to nothing due to lack of support for the ball carrier and failure to clear out and secure after the tackle. Too much was turned over too often. Newbury never seemed to gain any fluidity upfront and without stability there, it was always going to be difficult to compete. The backs looked a little disorganised, and were perhaps suffering the absence of some strike players, but in any event they were unable to capitalise once they penetrated Keynsham’s defence on several occasions.
Keynsham remained in control and added two tries in the second half.
It was an unfortunate performance overall, coming on the back of a strong showing against St Mary’s. Unfortunately we have not been able to field our first choice fifteen yet this year, so it is difficult to gauge how good the team can be this season.
Newbury squad: T MaCaulay, T Soanes (G Read-Smith), J Newton, B Hicks, H Fisher, T Simm, E Kershaw, J Stancombe (Capt), T Lauder, J Leadley, P Allan, A Huntsman, G Thomas (R West), A Cima, J Hibberd.
Posted by andycourtney | Filed Under Club News, U15′s | Leave a Comment
November 18, 2008
Newbury U15s go down to Bristol
Bristol St Mary’s 21 – Newbury 5
Newbury U15s travelled to Bristol on Sunday to play St Mary’s for the first time. As one of the strongest teams in the area and as last season’s Newbury 10s age group champions they carried a strong reputation. Newbury was also missing a few key players to injury, so this promised to be a tough team challenge.
Newbury started well with the forwards controlling possession in the loose and typically managing two or three phases before releasing to the backs. Distribution was reliable and good handling in the wet muddy conditions allowed the backs to run at Bristol early on and build their confidence. Bristol disrupted the first two Newbury scrums, prompting a warning from the referee and, when repeated at the third, a free kick. From then on, although they were pushed back, Newbury’s scrum was able to keep stable and give decent ball to the backs.
Newbury scored first after 15 minutes following a good build up. On the third phase after a scrum, Jak Rossiter took the ball in fly half position, breached the defence and broke to the right before moving the ball to Richard West, who fed quickly to Alex Cima with space on the outside. Cima charged to the line and narrowly avoided being bundled out as he touched down in the corner.
The remainder of the first half was evenly balanced with Newbury winning the territorial battle and stifling the Bristol attacks. However, when Bristol broke from a scrum on half way and Newbury missed a tackle in midfield, Bristol advanced and were halted only temporarily 5 metres out. They recycled to the left before Newbury could react and scored in the corner. The kick was successful, leaving Newbury down by two points as the half time whistle went.
The home side refreshed with several replacements at half time and began to cause Newbury problems as the second half developed. Newbury was so close to scoring again 10 minutes into the second half after Jak Rossiter took a crash ball 30 metres out and dashed for the line, only to have the ball knocked from his hands in the tackle as he lunged over.
Bristol steadily gained the upper hand and the game was increasingly played in Newbury’s half. With 15 minutes to go St Mary’s chipped over the defence and as the ball tumbled towards the try line, Newbury had little option other than to gather, carry over and ground for a 5 metre scrum, 15 metres infield. Newbury readied to defend the almost inevitable back row move but Bristol executed well. Their 8 picked up and fed to 7, who drifted infield and ran through fly half to score under the posts: 14 – 5.
As Newbury began to tire and pick up a few knocks, the two available forward replacements were brought on. The visitors continued to fight and, encouragingly, ran several penalties from inside their own half. Unfortunately on one of these, as the forward charge was halted, Jonno Stancombe turned his ankle, ending his game, forcing a re-shuffle in the scrum and a scrum half acting as scratch substitute flanker
In the final 10 minutes Newbury was less able to win scrums or give good ball and attacking options by the backs seemed to be limited to counter attacks returning Bristol’s kicks. Bristol was in control and scored the final try in the last minute, from a breakdown on Newbury’s 10 metre line. St Mary’s moved the ball right with an overlap and, as Newbury drifted out to cover, the fly half dummied, stepped inside and ran in under the posts. Again the kick was good. Final score 21 – 5.
This was certainly Newbury’s best team game of the season so far, with a strong showing from both forwards and backs. Perhaps with more depth available on the day and some slightly better finishing, Newbury might well have notched further points and made it a very close match. Despite the result, a very competitive and encouraging performance.
Newbury Try: Alex Cima.
Newbury squad: T MaCaulay (J Newton), T Soanes (G Read-Smith), G Williams, B Hicks, T Blake, T Simm, E Kershaw, J Stancombe (Capt), T Lauder (C Mercer), J Leadley, A Huntsman, R West, G Thomas, A Cima, J Rossiter, J Courtney (injured did not play).
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
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)