Fixture

Neither Chepstow RFC or U9 Coaching Staff confirm the accuracy of this match report.

Following in the wake of victory for both Wales and England in Autumn internationals, there was only one Sunday fixture worth a mention this weekend; Chepstow vs the Old Bristolians (OB’s) did not disappoint!

Having missed Wednesday training Chepstow met an hour early, to work on some of the development areas from last weeks Cinderford game.  A Pass-Catch drill to get ball in hand across the line showed that we were a bit rusty, and in need of some practice.  30 minutes later the team were passing across the line, offloading before hitting pads, and running with overlap and purpose.  That’ll do Pig! 

We followed it with some basic tackle drills – Walk through ‘cheek to cheek, ring of steel, and drive with the legs’ – showed that we still had some way to go to have a full tackling team…. The same can’t be said following the match though, it was a tacklefest!

Team - Flynn (c), Otis, Osian, Harry, Jonty, Kameli, James, Amelie, Zach, Tomos, Tomas, Owen, Xander, Will A

And so, we kicked off against the OB’s, a side who looked as if they had a bit about them…in the most part bigger in stature than Chepstow but as they say, ‘the bigger they are, the harder they hit you’…. Wait, that’s not right is it?

Anyway, with Flynn Wixey as captain this week the game started off with a whistle by Referee Ben Smith. – Ben had an aura about him, fresh off a splendid performance for Chepstow Vet’s in which he scored a try and made a game saving tackle.  (We shan’t mention the forward pass that Otis made us aware of Ben – it never happened!)

The game started, and Chepstow were on the back foot.  OB’s were spread across the pitch and moving with unified purpose towards our try line.  A few missed tackles from Chepstow resulted in a lot of ground being made, and an initial try.  1-0 came far too early.

Having regrouped, Chepstow then got a restart and put some pressure on the OB’s.  It was clear however that the OB’s were drilled to tackle! – there wasn’t a lot missed, and Chepstow struggled to find a path through a very impressive defence.  In a turn of momentum, OB’s put another try over and we were down 2-0.  A very good side indeed.

Chepstow heads did not drop though, and we pushed, prodded, and made our way about making ground against the OB’s solid defence. 6 tackle turnovers became a regular feature before Chepstow finally pulled one back with Osian going over for a Try before half time.

In the restart Chepstow had warmed up and found their feet, it was a closely run game with 6 tackle turnovers a plenty - Some blinding runs from both sides and narrowly missed Trys for both teams.  It was Otis who was to score before the end of the half in the corner to make it 2-2 in a typically tenacious display.  That’s how the game finished, hard fought and closely contested between two fantastic teams. 2-2… Bravo!!

As the crowd cheered ‘ More more ‘ the decision to run a third half was made, and the teams were back at it with more superb rugby with ball in hand.  A try from either side during the half equalled the score 3-3 with Otis sealing the deal with ideal positioning to receive the offload before going over.  Of all the games played by Chepstow this season, this made them look the most complete as a team.  A very positive contribution from all today kids, your coaches are very proud of you!

A Special mention to Jonty who took the player of the match trophy today.  A tireless individual performance from him, always moving and always in the right position at the breakdown, Keep it up Jonty.

Positive Takeaways:

• Tackle Tackle Tackle – Keep it up!!
• Direct running and supporting play
• Heads never went down, no in fighting, A whole team contribution.

Development areas:

• Stop crowding at the breakdown – We need to move the ball wider.
• First receiver needs to pass the ball
• Finding and using space.
• Slow it down, look for the pass – ‘no more crossed finger- blind flings’ please.

06.11.2018 UPDATE - Following a review between the referee and reporter it was remembered that Zach also scored a great try reaching over the line, in fairness to OB U9 the game was a close contest so the score will reflect this at 4 tries apiece.