Under 11 Match reports
Swaffham u11's Rugby
Swaffham travelled to the Norwich Festival for their final three games of the season. In one of the most difficult pools of the day against two of the best u11 squads in Norfolk, Swaffham knew they faced a daunting task. In their first game against North Walsham despite some good attacking play Swaffham lost 0-14. Ben Reynolds showing once again why he makes a great full back, fooling everyone with his size, which also goes for Kieran and Herbie.
In the second game against West Norfolk they played really well with a completely different line up Jasper and Thomas moving to the backs to show their awesome tackling and defending skills. Hayden, Jacob, Liam, Chris, Teddy and Jack showing just how strong the pack can be. Some concentrated determination with excellent teamwork by everyone gave the final score of 0-7 to West.
For the final game Swaffham gave it all they had wanting to win their last game ever with captain Kieran leading by example before his move to Ipswich. After a massive kick off from Jasper which he also charged down, the ball passed down to Ben Allen who had been waiting for his chance to dive over the line to score, Jasper converted. In the second half Swaffham came out strong and with tackles from Herbie, Ben, Kieran and Liam remained in front. An excellent pass down the line from Kieran to Jamie gave Karl the opportunity to run and score, Jasper converted giving the final score 14-0 to Swaffham. Thanks go to all the parents during a very long and exceeding hot day for their enthusiastic support and Cameron complete with injury showing vocal team spirit from the sidelines. Nationwide Player of the Match Ben Allen.
Swaffham Players: Ben Allen, Chris Babey, Herbie Brumby, Karl Cason, Liam Cooper, Teddy Crickitt, Hayden Daniells, Jamie Gregory, Jacob Harris, Thomas Kemp. Jasper Payne, Ben Reynolds, Jack Spencer, Cameron Wood, Kieran Wright.
Swaffham U11's have had excellent 2006/7 season playing 28 games of which 16 were won, including winning the first ever Norfolk Mini Festival, 7 lost and 5 drawn. Also not losing a match at home all season for the second year running and Jasper converting 41 out of 43 tries.… Thanks goes to Toby and all the coaches who turn up rain, snow or shine to keep the boys motivated and gets them to give 100% +. To all the boys who turn up week after week giving it their best.
Sadly we are saying Goodbye and Good Luck to Kieran Wright (captain, scrum half) who has been with the team since u7/8's and whose skills and amazing play over the years has enabled the team to win more than they lose, he has always been an excellent player and Andy Wright coach who always knows exactly what to say to make everyone feel good about themselves and has been a great coach. Everyone associated with the u11's will miss Kieran and Andy but we send them off with our Best Wishes, and the knowledgement that they both have a spectacular future connected to rugby.
We are looking for new players in September for the 2007/8 season if you are interested in playing for a friendly and dedicated u12 squad and will be in year 7 (born between 1 Sept. 95-31 Aug. 96) in Sept. 07, please contact Sharon at
michaeljpayne@aol.com for more information.
Swaffham 7-Bishop Stortford 0.
Swaffham u11's played a touring side from Stortford with several key players missing Swaffham knew it would be a tough game, especially when told that the opposition had not lost a game all season. The game seemed evenly matched with both teams playing superbly from the off with no silly mistakes. Cameron Wood and Jasper Payne in their new roles of scrum half and fly half respectively did some excellent work enabling the ball to be passed successfully from the scrum quickly to Karl Cason who ran over the line to score converted by Jasper. Ben Reynolds, Piers and Hayden Daniells tackles were stopping players in their tracks, with Liam trying to power through Stortford had a major job defending and were unable to make a dent in the score.
Nationwide Players of the match Liam Cooper and Piers Fountaine.
Swaffham from: Ben Allen, Chris Babey, Karl Cason, Liam Cooper, Teddy Crickitt, Hayden Daniells, Piers Fountaine, Jacob Harris, Thomas Kemp, Jasper Payne, Ben Reynolds, Jack Spencer, Cameron Wood.
Swaffham 7-Cheshunt 7.
Swaffham u11's played a touring side from Cheshunt in the scorching sun and with only nine of their usual team members, borrowed 3 players. The game was played as four quarters. It was a very exciting game to watch, but very hard to play especially with the ground being so hard. The boys felt every tackle and Cheshunt had lots of injuries, Swaffham due to their lack of numbers had no choice but to carry on despite Cameron having a nasty tumble. In the second quarter a superb pass along the line and back gave Kieran the opportunity to score,Jasper converting to put Swaffham ahead. In the third quarter Cheshunt levelled the score, and this gave the final result.
Swaffham from:Chris Babey, Karl Cason, Liam Cooper, Thomas Kemp, Jasper Payne, Ben Reynolds, Jack Spencer, Cameron Wood, Kieran Wright, Tom from u12's, with Chris, Danny, Arthur, sam and Sean from Cheshunt.
Swaffham Rugby u11's Match Report at North Walsham Festival.
Swaffham 0-West 26.
In their first game Swaffham were not playing to the best of their ability which resulted in the final score.
Swaffham 12-Wymondham 7.
In the second game Swaffham came out fighting and were quickly ahead with a superb try from Jamie Gregory, which boosted the whole team morale. Wymondham responded quickly with a try, converted. Karl Cason then replied with a second try following a penalty from yet another infringement of the rules by the opposition, Jasper Payne converted to give the final score.
Swaffham 7-Norwich 7.
An early opportunity by Swaffham was disallowed. Unfortunately, just into the second half the oppositions dropped ball was deemed a try. Swaffham quickly responded with a determined Hayden Daniells powering over the line from a ruck, converted by Jasper. A draw meant both teams were level to go into the plate final but as Norwich scored first they went through.
Nationwide Player of the Match the whole team for staying composed despite extreme provocation.
Swaffham: Ben Allen, Chris Babey, Herbie Brumby, Karl Cason, Liam Cooper, Teddy Crickitt, Hayden Daniells, Jamie Gregory, Jacob Harris, Jasper Payne, Ben Reynolds, Jack Spencer, Cameron Wood, Kieran Wright.
Swaffham Under 11’s Win Norfolk Mini Rugby Tournament.
On a cold blustery Sunday morning at Holt, Swaffham U11’s won the first Norfolk Mini rugby tournament.
Swaffham 14 Holt 0
Swaffham’s first match was against the hosts and playing with the elements in their favour Swaffham opened a 14 point interval lead through 2 tries by Jamie Gregory both of which were converted by Jasper Payne.
Swaffhams defence then held strong to keep out a Holt side that spent all of the second period in Swaffhams half.
Swaffham 35 Wymondham 0
Most of the second game was played in sleet and snow, Swaffham playing against the wind took the game to their opponents and scored four first half tries, Kieran Wright opened the scoring, followed by Jamie Gregory who powered his way through the opposition to score. Karl Cason showed his strong running skills to add 2 more tries before the interval. The scoring was completed in the second half when Jamie scored his second try of the match. As usual Jasper Payne converted all the tries.
Swaffham 14 Fakenham 0.
Swaffham playing with the wind behind them knew that they needed to get points on the board in the first half and tried to keep the ball moving through hands and away from the larger Fakenham forwards. This they did to good effect and were rewarded with tries by Jamie and Karl, Jasper again adding the conversions in difficult conditions.
The second half saw Fakenham on the attack for long periods but the Swaffham defence again held firm.
Swaffham 7 Holt 0.
The final saw a repeat of Swaffhams first game and the game started in the best weather of the morning. A very even first half ended all square with both teams looking to run the ball when in possession and defending well when in defence.
By the start of the second half the weather had turned and Swaffham kicked off into the face of a strong wind and sleet. Deciding that the best form of defence was attack Swaffham took the game to Holt and were rewarded with a try by Jasper Payne who rounded off a good passing movement by powering over in the corner, he then added the conversion. The rest of the game was played out with Holt in attack but yet again the Swaffham defence held firm to complete the tournament without conceding a try.
This was an excellent mornings work by the Swaffham team in terrible conditions. Every one of the 12 man squad played every minute of the tournament. The team work in both attack and defence was first rate with some great drives by the forwards coupled with hard tackling and strong running by the backs.
Squad: Chris Babey, Herbie Brumby, Karl Cason, Liam Cooper, Hayden Daniels, Jamie Gregory, Thomas Kemp, Jasper Payne, Ben Reynolds, Jack Spencer, Cameron Wood, Kieran Wright.
Swaffham 21 North Walsham 0
Swaffham were under pressure to hold their 100% home record against a strong North Walsham team. Following a quick penalty by Kieran the ball was moved down the line. Strong running resulted in the first try of the game scored by Carl in the corner. Swaffham defended well from the expected Walsham fight back. Ben Reynolds cleared the lines well and gained valuable territory. Following good movement of the ball down the line by the backs Jamie & Thomas, Carl was again over for his second try. The second half saw more possession for Swaffham and good play by the forwards Liam, Teddy & Jacob. From the lineout Carl was again over for the third try of the match. All conversions were kicked faultlessly by Jasper. This was another strong performance by the team against one of the county's best squads, and showed on their day they are a match for anyone.
Swaffham 14 Fakenham 14
A Much bigger physical side from Fakenham did not deter the Swaffham forwards, with Hayden, Jasper and Thomas being a strong match. Play was even but Swaffham were first to score through Jasper following prolonged pressure near the try line. Good passing saw Herbie score the second in the corner following the restart. Again Jasper converted all tries. In the second half Fakenham upped their game and showed they had a strong physical advantage, they forced two tries despite strong defending from Swaffham. With honours even the team mainatined their 100% home record of not losing and demonstarted that technically they were the better side. This is a result of their dedication and commitment plus the support from the coaching and backup team.
Nationwide MOM: The whole team for holding their home record
Swaffham from: Jacob Harris, Ben Allen, Teddy Cricket, Chris Babey, Herbie Brumby, Karl Cason, Liam Cooper, Hayden Daniells, Jamie Gregory, Thomas Kemp, Jasper Payne, Ben Reynolds, Jack Spencer, Cameron Wood, Kieran Wright
18 Feb 2007 - Home against Norwich
Swaffham 7 Norwich 5.
Swaffham knew they faced a tough opposition, but were determine to keep up their unbeaten at home record, which they did by winning all three games. In the first game they got off to a flying start with most of the possession in the first half but being unable to score. After half time Jamie Gregory scored in the corner from a very closely contested maul, Jasper Payne converting. Swaffham then took their eye of the ball and allowed Norwich to respond with a try, not converted. Cameron and Thomas did some exceptional attacking/ripping out throughout the morning giving Swaffham an advantage. The added bulk of Hayden and Liam pushing through players gained those few extra inches of ground required for Teddy to push over the line and score, unfortunately for Swaffham it was not given as he was deemed to have dropped the ball. This was an extremely hard fought but very exciting game to participate in and observe and this was reflected in the final score 7-5.
Nationwide Player of the Match Cameron Wood for his excellent defensive play.
Swaffham 7 Norwich 0.
For the second game Swaffham had some position changes due to injuries and no reserves but continued to remain strong in the scrum despite novice Karl changing from a back to forward. From the start a dangerous period by Norwich on the Swaffham goal line was ended when Jasper kicked and found touch the length of the pitch, enabling Karl Cason from the resulting line out to dive over the line to score the winning try, Jasper converted. After half time they came out focused, and immediately attempted to score with Kieran Wright grabbing the ball and attempting to break through the Norwich defence on numerous occasions throughout the game. A mistake from Swaffham kept the adrenaline flowing as Norwich very nearly scored, but they encountered Thomas Kemp, a man on a mission who held up the ball preventing it from being grounded. From the restart Chris received the ball from Herbie Brumby and made an unexpected breakaway move, running for the line and being tackled, not once but twice, causing Norwich to remain vigilant in their defence, seconds before the end of the game.
Nationwide Player of the Match Chris Babey for his ongoing skills and development in the final two games.
Swaffham 7 Norwich 0.
For the final game Norwich brought back their larger players hoping to win the final game, a tired but tenacious Swaffham were equally minded. The first half saw possession in the centre of the pitch with neither side gaining much ground. From the beginning of the last half it seemed like ages before Kieran, Piers and Ben all broke from the pack and whilst battling to keep control Jamie captured the ball and ran over the line, Jasper converted giving Swaffham the victory they richly deserved. The whole team deserve a special mention for working as one unit and standing strong together, passing the ball down the line, shouting for the ball and playing their best so far this season. Swaffham u11's after a superb morning of rugby would like to thank Toby for his excellent refereeing, the coaches and all the parents who contributed in the kitchen enabling the squad to finance some special purchases.
Swaffham players: Ben Allen, Chris Babey, Herbie Brumby, Karl Cason, Liam Cooper, Teddy Crickitt, Hayden Daniells, Piers Fountaine, Jamie Gregory, Thomas Kemp, Jasper Payne, Ben Reynolds, Jack Spencer, Cameron Wood and Kieran Wright.
Swaffham 28-Bury 0
On a frosty, foggy morning Swaffham travelled with 13 players to play two matches against a 30 strong Bury side. Within seconds of the kick off Liam Cooper ran into the corner and scored with Jasper Payne converting. Seconds later another try set up by Hayden Daniells for Liam was disallowed when he was deemed to be in touch. Recovering quickly Swaffham continued to attack and Karl Cason raced across the line to score, again converted by Jasper. Although having a newly formed pack after having two key players out due to illness Swaffham managed to dominate the scrums and push back Bury at every turn. Karl then went over the line again after some nifty ballwork from Thomas Kemp, with Jasper converting, giving the half time score of 21-0. After the break Swaffham came out determine to keep their lead and continued to dominate the game, with the backs receiving and using the ball with great skill. Herbie Brumby grabbed the ball from Jamie Gregory after he was tackled to the ground to speed along the touchline to score, Jasper converted. Chris Babey again showed how much he has improved the last few games by catching the ball and running the line.
Nationwide Player of the Match Jack Spencer.
Swaffham 0-Bury 5
In their second twenty minute game after only a three minute break Swaffham came out weary but determined against a fresh and rowdy Bury side. In a very closely fought game Swaffham were at the end of some very questionable refereeing decisions and were unlucky not to score at least once. Ben Allen made a magnificent effort but was unfortunate to be pushed into touch, and a further opportunity to score just eluded Cameron Wood inches from the line. Swaffham put up a great defence and neither side appeared to be making much leeway, with most of the action taking part in the middle of the pitch. Full back Ben Reynolds yet again showing the opposition that he should not be underestimated due to his diminutive size. Then with seconds to spare a massive ruck resulted in Bury running to the try line only to drop the ball after a flying tackle, unfortunately for Swaffham this was missed by the referee who gave the try just before the final play of the game. Swaffham played an excellent morning of rugby and the final score did not do them justice or reflect the skill and effort they put into the game. Well done to all the Swaffham players who kept their cool when all around were losing theirs, making their coaches and parents extremely proud.
Nationwide Player of the Match Ben Reynolds.
Swaffham: Ben Allen, Chris Babey, Herbie Brumby, Karl Cason, Liam Cooper, Hayden Daniells, Jamie Gregory, Thomas Kemp, Jasper Payne, Ben Reynolds, Jack Spencer, Cameron Wood, Kieran Wright.
Home on 21 January 2007
Swaffham 10-Wymondham 5
In the first of three games against a strong Wymondham side, Swaffham were determine to win all games and continue their unbeaten tally at home for the second season running. Due to the cold and wind it was decided not to kick for conversions, but to keep the game up and running with no standing around. The game got off to an excellent start with Karl Cason scoring with thanks due to scrum half Kieran Wright for his superb quick ball passing. Thomas Kemp, Ben Allen and Cameron Wood were stopping the opposition from leaving their half and ensuring the ball was recycled back giving Jamie Gregory the perfect opportunity to score the second try just before half time. Wymondham came out strong in the second half and were unlucky not to score more than once, being prevented by Jasper Payne tackling two players into touch just on the corner flags. Liam Cooper and Ben Reynolds also came very close to scoring but were tackled into touch one metre out. Both sides played an excellent clean game of rugby and could feel very proud of themselves.
Swaffham 10-Wymondham 5
For the second game Wymondham came out and scored fairly quickly against a restructured Swaffham squad with Jack Spencer now playing hooker. Some lively play resulted in Jamie going off with a head injury. From the restart Swaffham had the ball in their possession for most of the remainder of the game and Karl took advantage of some excellent passes to score twice. Keeping up a strong defence Jasper again came very close to but was pushed into the corner flag. Diminutive Herbie Brumby proved as he usually does that size is not a factor when it comes to tackling, and continues to go for everyone in his path.
Swaffham 5-Wymondham 0
The third game was fourteen players a side until Swaffham went a man down after injury but it continued to be a closely fought contest. Wymondham ran down the wing and were ready to score first when a crushing tackle from Jasper stopped them in their tracks. Some excellent breaks, out of the back of the scrum were unlucky not to give Kieran at least two tries. Despite all of the opportunities the score remained zero each at half time. When play recommenced from the scrum Karl was passed the ball and ran into the corner through a gap in the oppositions defence to score the only try of the game. Swaffham looked ready to score their second try but unfortunately the whistle signalling full time was blown before it could happen. Special mention goes to Chris Babey for playing his best game of the season with some lovely catches and runs.
Nationwide Players of the Match Teddy Crickitt and Karl Cason.
Swaffham players Ben Allen, Chris Babey, Herbie Brumby, Karl Cason, Liam Cooper, Teddy Crickitt, Hayden Daniells, Jamie Gregory, Jacob Harris, Thomas Kemp, Jasper Payne, Ben Reynolds, Jack Spencer, Cameron Wood and Kieran Wright.
Away to Holt / Walsham on 7 January 2007
Swaffham 14-North Walsham 22
Swaffham were seemingly not awake and not playing to their usual standard, being down by 22 points (4 tries, 1 conversion) at half time. After a team talk by head coach Toby, Swaffham came out determined to impress. Liam Cooper ploughed through to be tackled and from the resulting ruck Jasper Payne grabbed the ball to score and convert. After a penalty restart Kieran Wright quickly passed to Jasper who again ran over to score and convert. Excellent tackles from Thomas Kemp and Piers Fountaine prevented Walsham from scoring, with further support from Ben, Jack, Karl, Teddy and Cameron.
Swaffham 19-Holt 14
From the start Jamie Gregory ran down the wing darting around players to score, Jasper converted. A repeat performance was stopped just seconds later when Jamie was pushed into touch. Swaffham continued to dominate the ball and Kieran Wright ran across the pitch dodging an array of players to score, converted by Jasper. Hayden Daniells then ploughed down the pitch to score under the posts giving the score 19-0 at half time. Herbie Brumby continued to tackle superbly before being injured (blood) by an elbow to the nose. Holt managed to score and convert twice after a lapse in the Swaffham defence. Hayden then scored again but this was unfortunately disallowed, resulting in the end score. Thanks to all of the players for trying their best and continuing to battle on.
Nationwide Player of the Match Jasper Payne.
Swaffham squad: Ben Allen, Chris Babey, Herbie Brumby, Karl Cason, Liam Cooper, Teddy Crickitt, Hayden Daniells, Jamie Gregory, Jacob Harris, Thomas Kemp, Jasper Payne, Ben Reynolds, Jack Spencer, Cameron Wood, Kieran Wright, Piers Fountaine.
Swaffham 14-North Walsham 31
In their first game Swaffham defended well against a very fast Walsham side and despite great tackles from Herbie, Kieran and Jasper went into half time 0-19 down (3 tries, 2 converted). Swaffham came out fighting during the second half and Ben Allen took advantage of a ball from the ruck to dart over the line to score, converted by Jasper. Walsham responded with another 2 tries one not converted. Swaffham then responded with Kieran quickly passing the ball to Jamie who ran around dodging defenders to score, again converted by Jasper. Both sides continued to fight for possession of the ball with Jamie stopping a few players in their tracks, but the final score remained at 19-31.
Nationwide Player of the Match went to Liam Cooper for an awesome game.
Swaffham 7-North Walsham 0
Swaffham came to the second game determine to continue with the superb form they had shown all morning. From the scrum Kieran (scrum half) grabbed the ball and ran through players for over half the pitch length only to be tackled near the try line, but managed to pass the ball to Hayden who ploughed through players to get over the line and score. Jasper again converted. This remained the score for the rest of the game with a really excellent game closely fought by both sides with both coming close to scoring again. Ben Reynolds played an excellent game in his new position of full back. All Swaffham players should be very proud of themselves for playing the best morning of rugby so far this season, Well Done!
Nationwide Player of the Match Thomas Kemp for all round outstanding play.
Swaffham from; Ben Allen, Ben Reynolds, Liam Cooper, Karl Cason, Hayden Daniells, Jamie Gregory, Herbie Brumby, Jasper Payne, Chris Babey, Jack Spencer, Kieran Wright, Jacob Harris, Thomas Kemp.
12 November - AWAY against West Norfolk
Swaffham 0-West Norfolk 35.
Swaffham travelled with a depleted squad due to injury, illness and prior commitments and would like to Thank the 5 players borrowed from West, who all played an exceptional game.
In the first half of the match Swaffham went three tries down despite their best efforts and seemed to come awake more in the second half. The awesome combined effect of Cooper, Payne and Kemp went a long way towards making West work hard for their final score and halting further tries. Nationwide Player of the Match Herbie Brumby.
Swaffham 0-West Norfolk 17.
For the second game Swaffham tried a different line up due to injury and seemed to be more motivated. This game saw some nice attacking play by Cason, Spencer and Allen. Tiny Ben Reynolds did a brave flying tackle only to be brushed aside by a huge West player on the try line, which caused everyone to smile. Nationwide Player of the Match Hayden Daniells.
Swaffham team: Ben Allen, Herbie Brumby, Karl Cason, Liam Cooper, Hayden Daniells, Jacob Harris, Sam Howard, Thomas Kemp, Jasper Payne, Ben Reynolds, Jack Spencer.
29 October - AWAY against Holt
Swaffham 5 Holt 5.
A very close game of two evenly matched sides as Swaffham played their best so far this season, with many of the players finding their form from the previous season.… Holt scored early in the second half from a mistake by Swaffham. Swaffham fought back and responded with a try by Cason. Holt made the decision not to have any conversions during the matches.
Swaffham 0 Holt 5.
The score again remained tied at half time for the second game, with two Swaffham players retired due to injury from the first game. Swaffham came out the break determine to succeed, but despite some close attempts were unable to score or equalise after Holt did. Nationwide Player of the Match Kieran Wright.
Swaffham from: Liam Cooper, Piers Fountaine, Jamie Gregory, Karl Cason, Cameron Wood, Sam Howard, Jack Spencer, Hayden Daniells, Ben Allen, Thomas Kemp, Jacob Harris, Ben Reynolds, Kieran Wright and Jasper Payne.
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