Fixture

Newport HSOB RFC | Under 9s 40 - 45 Chepstow RFC | Under 9s

Match Report
06 January 2019 / Team News

U9 Match Report - Newport HSOB v Chepstow RFC

Newport HSOB RFC U9 v Chepstow RFC U9 Match Report

Team – Owen ©, Amelie (Scrum Half), Otis, Harry, Tomas, Tomos, Will D, Jonty, Zach, Flynn

Like the wisemen travelling from the East over two thousand years ago, Chepstow travelled to Newport HSOB on the Epiphany under the shadow of the Roman guard, all right Caerleon’s not quite Bethlehem….

Following the meeting of these 2 teams during the opening game of the season where Chepstow dominated the game, there were reports that NHSOB had been working hard in training and their game had improved significantly and there was a keen desire amongst the coaches to even the matches. A strong squad of 14 players would surely test a rusty Chepstow after the Christmas break

In the early exchanges there was little sign of any rustiness with some early strong tackles by Tomas and Otis. Owen picked the ball up after a knock-on by NHSOB and passed out to Amelie who brought Jonty into the game who made a run to put Otis in for the first try of the game. Chepstow continued with some good cover tackles but couldn’t keep the spread on the defence and allowed NHSOB in for an easy return try following a quick offload. Will went on one of his many barnstorming runs through the defence following a good tackle turnover to Chepstow. A lovely offload by Harry in the tackle was unfortunately knocked-on by Chepstow and a turnover to NHSOB who broke away following bunching in defence by Chepstow to score their second try.

The Christmas excess seemed to slip into Chepstow’s play as they provided another knock-on and subsequently bunched defence to allow NHSOB in for their third try to close the half 3 tries to 1 in the home teams favour!

The second phase of 10 minutes started as the previous phase had ended with a try to NHSOB. Something was needed from Chepstow when suddenly the old guard magic of Briley and Ramsey was reignited in the next generation with a smashing run by Tomas leading to a lovely try for Owen.

The wind was firmly in Chepstow’s sail now, a fumble following the restart by NHSOB gave Flynn a chance to open up along the touchline to score a great solo effort try bringing it back to a one score game. NHSOB were definitely taken aback as at the next break-down Tomos made a smashing tackle to force the turnover, the ball spilling forward and Otis doesn’t need a second invitation when presented with the ball and room to move, from half way making it almost to the try line, but for a rapidly closing defence he was encouraged to the pass onto Owen who was on a great supporting line. Owen looped back to the far corner to score and even up the scores at 4 tries each.

NHSOB took a great run down the wing cutting back infield scoring a try to regain the lead, Flynn had now got his speedy shoes on and made another great run following the restart to provide a second try for Otis. Chepstow dug deep to keep the scores level with some great cover tackling close to their touchline. Chepstow regained possession and Will made another smashing run up the middle to set-up a try for Jonty to give Chepstow the lead for the first time since their early try in the first half. NHSOB get the scores back to even following some slipped tackles by Chepstow. A great offload by Zach for Otis to score a try following another Will D smashing run through the NHSOB lines. Chepstow hold back the advances by NHSOB to finish the period of play in the lead at 7 tries to 6.

The last period of play sees a fired up NHSOB come back with a long run by their speedster to level the try count. Chepstow put in some great tackles to hold NHSOB back and regain control of the ball for Flynn to be tackled on the line, the ball spilled forward some thinking it was knocked on but it was clear to others and importantly the referee that the ball had been kicked out of his hands allowing the poacher Owen to score his third try of the game.

It was a scrappy third period, due to lots of tired bodies putting in an exceptional shift on both sides. Chepstow tried in vain but NHSOB got the scores back to level with the game coming to an end, however this wasn’t to be the final act and at the restart Jonty made a great run through the defence following another smashing run by Will through the NHSOB defence for a final try by Otis. With one last play NHSOB tried to get back into the game only for Chepstow to hold out and win a fantastic game of rugby 9 tries to 8.

Tries – Otis (4), Owen (3), Flynn, Jonty

Player of the Match – Will Davies

Positives

  • Game plan established by coaches Phil & Steve saw Chepstow gain front foot ball by using strike runners Tomos, Tomas and Will
  • Offloads were accurate, we took tackles as opposed to spilling the ball which we have done in previous games
  • Amelie as scrum half provided momentum to the team……..will she become a permanent fixture at 9?!?!

Negatives

  • Defensive line, still bunching around the middle and not creating that defensive wall.
  • Varying approach, learn to use the blind-side and left-hand side
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