North Walsham Festival
25 March 2007.
Swaffham travelled to North Walsham for their second festival in a week, this time however the sun was shiny and the weather was great. The opposition however were very much the polished items as opposed to the development squads from last weeks Norfolk festival.
Swaffham were drawn in a pool against West Norfolk, Wymondham and Norwich. With West Norfolk’s development squad having won the festival the week before we knew their ‘A’ team would be a huge challenge and they were up first.
Match one
Swaffham V West Norfolk
It’s fair to say Swaffham competed well against the West Norfolk squad in scrums and rucks but the organisation and speed of the opposition showed against a squad who for a majority were still only in single numbers of games played.
Hudson made a nuisance of himself at scrum half and O’Brien set down a marker with his work in the maul. However, the odd gap or well created overlap was exploited with ruthless efficiency by West Norfolk who had run in a number of scores before half time.
Credit must go to the Swaffham team who in the face of this onslaught didn’t drop their heads and raised their game for the second half. There were some strong runs in the centres with Katie Parke & Emily Davis opting for crash balls on a number of occasions and providing a target for the forwards. Perks, Sayer Potter and Thompson all rucked well.
The wings were all tested with Jones, Clark and full back McBeth all called in to make desperate tackles to stem the flow. Both Taylors also made a number of double hits but West ran out comfortable winners on their way to the final. They are a joy to watch except when you are the opposing coach!!
Final score Swaffham 0 – West Norfolk 33
Match two
Swaffham V Wymondham
Having had time to reflect on the defeat by West Norfolk Swaffham took to the pitch against a Wymondham team. Having beaten their development counterparts the previous week Swaffham could have brought some confidence to this match. The writer would suggest the manner and scale of the defeat in the previous match had dented this.
Swaffham didn’t do much wrong, Hudson’s distrubition was good and the runs from centre where useful. Milligan’s clearance kicks and tackles were dependable and Parke organised her backs very well. The forwards of Potter, Manley, O’Brien, Sayer, Thompson and J Taylor all worked hard. Scrummages were solid and line outs well contested. Unfortunately the odd tackle was missed and the odd decision went against them, all of which Wymondham exploited and ran out comfortable winners.
Match three
Swaffham V Norwich
Having travelled with 16 players Swaffham stuck to their policy of rotating the squad and ensuring all squad members are used. This meant a few positional chances as the squad took to the pitch for their final match of the morning. They were playing for nothing other than pride in this game and it showed.
From the first scrum Norwich knew they weren’t going to get a walkover. The pack of Potter, Manley, O’Brien, Thompson, Perks and J Taylor blew Norwich off the ball. Hudson made use of the turnover ball and shot off down the blind side making excellent distance. Sayer and Milligan secured the ball and Hudson who had managed to get out of the bottom of the heap popped up the ball to Parke on the crash again. She offloaded the Davis who drove for the line and secured Swaffham’s first try of the morning (and her first ever try). Milligan converted.
All was even at the turnaround and Swaffham took extra confidence into the final half. Norwich were equally keen to secure the victory as they had an eye on the plate final. They secured the first try of the half, so Swaffham had to raise their game again, which considering how the morning had gone for these young players was a huge ask. They threw everything into getting a try. Shelby Davis on with her cousin pinched a ball from a ruck and with some good passing brought Clark, A Taylor and Jones into attack. However it was forward power which inched Swaffham towards the line. Both E Davis and Parke looked like they had crossed but fine defence from Norwich stopped the ball from getting to or over the line. Rather than panic Swaffham worked hard on the ground and secured the ball for Hudson to pop to O’Brien on the burst who crashed over in the corner. Milligan’s conversion levelled the score.
With 30 seconds on the clock and a draw looking like a fair result Swaffham were penalised inches from their line which Norwich took as a tap and fell over to score. Sadly Swaffham were more concerned for Potter who was down with a head injury at the time. This was a cruel result but sometimes the breaks just don’t go your way.
Final score Swaffham 14 – Norwich 21
Swaffham from; O’Brien, Manley, Potter, Sayer, Perks, Thompson, J Taylor, Hudson, Milligan, Parke, E Davis, S Davis, A Taylor, A Clark, E Jones, M McBeth
Huge credit to this squad for the effort and commitment they put in this morning, with most of the team still playing in their first few games they put everything into the final match playing for pride and their team-mates. They never gave up and their coaches, parents and supporter remain massively proud of them.
The squad were the only one field any girls in this age group and remain committed to running an Under 15 girls squad next season, which can cover school years 8, 9 and 10. If anyone is interested in playing for this squad or the Under 13 boys team please contact Spike at ian.milligan@virgin.net
18 March 2007 - Norfolk Festival (at Holt)
Swaffham Under 12’s travelled to Holt to play in the first Norfolk festival. The festival was designed to give players in the larger clubs who don’t normally get to play in the other regional festivals the chance to play, together with offering a chance to develop their skills.
Swaffham were drawn in a pool with Norwich and Wymondham on the most exposed of the pitches at Holt RUFC.
Having watched Wymondham and Norwich play in the first game and endured the first of what would be numerous hail showers Swaffham took to the pitch against Wymondham for our first game.
Having won the toss Swaffham decided to play into the very strong wind in the first half. With the conditions dictating the style of play Swaffham kept things tight with excellent work in the pack in rucks and mauls, driving hard into Wymondham half.
In the face of an ever increasing wind and at times horizontal hail Swaffham battered Wymondham’s line before crossing from a well worked move. Potter coming away with the score. Milligan converted.
Wymondham did well in defence but Swaffham were relentless with powerful direct runs from Emily Davis playing her first ever match and numerous pick and drives as they looked to shut the game up before half time.
After the break and with the wind now at their backs Swaffham delivered more of the same in the second half. Potter, O’Brien, Manley and Sayer all made telling holes in the red and black defence and Katie Parke, Hudson and Milligan in the line all kept the opinions going forward. Even when Wymondham cleared the ball McBeth, Jones and Clarke were all on hand to run it back with interest. From a Swaffham scrum 5 metres out the ball was moved left then right before Potter crashed over again. Milligan converted.
As the game came to an end Wymondham grabbed a try to finish Swaffham 14 – Wymondham 7.
Game two.
Following a quick turnaround Swaffham took to the pitch to play Norwich. Again choosing to play into the wind Swaffham took the game up to Norwich as they had done in the previous game.
Taylor burst a number of tackles and Davies again displayed some natural talent on direct running with good offloads. Perks and Sayer drove on in contact and the Gold and Black marched towards the try line. The first try of this game came from O’Brien from good ball at a line out which Hudson ran onto a set up. Potter cleared well and O’Brien picked up and smashed over in the corner. Milligan converted.
From the restart McBeth drove deep into the opposition half on a mazy run before offloading to Davis and onto Parke who combined well to drive closer to the Norwich line. Hudson again controlled his pack well and set up a ruck close to the line. Milligan spotted a hole in the defence picked the ball up and tunnelled over from close range. He converted his own try.
As the second half started the hail again went side ways by Swaffham only had one direction in mind, straight forward. Phase after phase were patiently constructed as Swaffham inched ever closer. This time Hudson chose the speed route with a quick dart and off-load to Parke who hit the line at pace and with a deft step rounded the last defender to score in the corner. Milligan converted to complete a 100% success on the morning from the boot.
The game finished Swaffham 21 – Norwich 0
This result set up a semi final against North Walsham as they had finished second in their pool.
After a huge delay whilst Walsham decided which of the 30 odd development players they would field the match started. Roughly at the same time the hail storm decided to unleash tons of the white stuff on the pitch.
It was a shame the match offered nothing the two previous matches had to the other development players.
Major credit goes to the 13 young players from Swaffham; A Potter, J Manley, J O’Brien, T Sayer, H Perks, J Taylor, J Hudson, J Milligan, E Davis, K Parkes, E Jones, A Clarke, M McBeth who all played every minute of each game in the spirit it was intended and put up with everything the elements threw at them.
Also major thanks go to all the parents and supporters who gave those players massive support.
Special mention to Emily Davis who played a blinder in her first ever match for the team.
18 Feb 2007 – Swaffham (HOME) v Norwich
Swaffham welcomed Norwich to North Pickenham Road for this morning’s rugby and were treated to a pleasant warm morning of glorious sunshine as a bonus.
With Christopher George making a welcome return from injury this morning following a broken nose Swaffham had a decent turn out and being ever the good hosts allowed Norwich to take the kick off.
This was gathered in by Potter who with front row partner O’Brien in tandem decided to have a go at route one. Swaffham had a period of good possession with the pack all rucking well. Manley, at Hooker, doing some excellent work in the loose to ensure Hudson, at Scrum Half, had time to ship the ball out.
As the first half progressed both teams did their best to fluff opportunities with a series of knock-ons littering the play.
This however brought the spectacle of scrummaging at its best for the gathered support. In an area under observation at present within the game the Swaffham pack of Potter, Manley, O’Brien, Sayer, Thompson and J Taylor threw down a marker against a physically larger opposition. This was an awesome confrontation which continued all morning with no quarter asked or given.
From an attacking scrum Norwich slipped through a missed tackle to open their account. Converted to lead 7-0.
The restart was taken by Milligan deep into Norwich territory with a committed chase. The ensuing maul was turned to Swaffham’s favour and Sayer showed immense strength to drive towards the Norwich line. The delay in support and good work from Norwich denied him this time and a scrum resulted.
Again from deep Norwich exploited a missed tackle to score a run away try which was converted to lead 14-0 at half time.
With Potter having to leave the pitch with a muscle injury Shelby Davis took to the pitch. The resulting restructure saw Thompson move to Prop and Milligan packing down at lock with Sayer. Parke moved from her normal position of centre to fly half.
This seemed to light a fire for Swaffham and the kick off was chased with the lack of personal safety which unsettles those receiving the ball. Clarke and MacBeth led the charge and Clarke used his pace and technique to smash the Norwich receiver and turn up the ball. With MacBeth providing close support Swaffham set about keeping the ball and worked it through a number of phases with Sayer and Thompson rucking well and Hudson sniping and releasing Milligan, Parke and George to inch closer to Norwich’s try line.
From 5 metres out Sayer took a pick and drive, looked up to see he’d sucking in three defenders and popped the ball into O’Brien’s hands just off to the left. From 2 metres out this was unstoppable and he smashed over to score. Milligan converted to make the score 14-7.
Norwich started well again and were denied by an excellent cover tackle by A Taylor who has nailed down the role of full back.
The scrums came again in number and Thompson did well against much more experienced opposition. Manley took a couple against the head which Hudson employed to blaze up the pitch. Swaffham rucked well and progressed well but in the maul Norwich nicked the ball and with quick hands released their fast winger to go over in the corner. Coverted to lead 21-7.
Swaffham had the last word of this match with a well worked backs move from a ruck on the right touch line. Hudson passed to Milligan who switched with MacBeth and moved the ball to Davis who could have scored herself but popped the ball to Parke who touched down. Milligan converted on the final whistle to finish the game Swaffham 14 – Norwich 21.
Match two
For the second game Potter returned following some running repairs and Thompson took a break.
Swaffham were gifted a penalty from the kick off with most of Norwich’s pack off-side. Milligan drilled the ball into touch 10 metres out. Manley’s throw was taken by Potter who smashed through the line and set up the ruck which was cleared well by O’Brien and Sayer for Hudson who popped the ball to Milligan. Unfortunately the grubber kick was just a bit heavy for George to run on to and Norwich relived the pressure with a 22 drop out.
This half was mostly Swaffham’s with good displays of kicking by Milligan, excellent line out work by the pack and stunning tackles by Clarke, J Taylor and Davis. Hudson was unlucky to be hauled down inches short of the line and with Norwich piling over Swaffham looked like they’d blown the chance. However the drive came on from the pack and Sayer in the driving seat managed to crash over for his first club try. Milligan converted to take the lead 7-0.
From the restart the defence slipped and gifted Norwich field position which they exploited and despite excellent tackles from O’Brien, Sayer and Potter they managed to get a try of their own, which converted levelled the score at half time at 7-7.
Thompson returned to the pack at the break with George making way. Davis made an excellent tackle again giving the opposition reason to question running at a girl. Something this team is very good at as Parke, not to be outdone smashed the next runner and nicked the ball. At this point Swaffham’s pack kicked up a gear and driving and recycling worked through a number of phases. Hudson lofted a clever box kick which ran into touch near the Norwich line. Potter stole this and set up a good maul which O’Brien reached out an arm from and placed the ball over the line. Milligan converted to take the score to 14-7.
Norwich threw everything at the game and Swaffham’s defence held firm with Hudson and A Clarke denying good effort from Norwich’s pack. A five metre scrum was won against the head and cleared only for the ball to be run back on a mazy seemingly harmless run to score in the corner. The conversion bounced of the cross bar and the final whistle signalled a Swaffham win of 14-12.
Over the last few match reports the writer has seen this squad rebuilding following a number of players moving on but this morning showed the new order has set its mark down.
Manley, at Hooker nicked more than his fair share of balls against an experienced pack.
Thompson worked hard in both front and second row in the pack and was a force to behold in the loose.
Sayer showed a whole new level of power and control in the tight and was key to a number of good Swaffham attacks.
J Clarke was solid on the back of the scrum and made a nuisance of himself in contact areas.
MacBeth’s hard running style in the centres kept the defence rooted on a number of occasions.
Davis was strong in contact and unselfish in attack ensuring the team scored a try.
With the back three of George, Clarke and A Taylor the speed has returned to the squad but with an edge. All three are aggressive tacklers and control the defensive line well.
The older heads of Prop’s Potter and O’Brien are combining to smash opposition and at times are relentless on the way to the try line.
Milligan has maintained his 100% kicking record for the season but added some controlled aggression to his game.
Hudson has made the role of scrum half his and delivered terrier like performances around the scrum with deft sniping and offloading.
Parke continues to show the reasons she is playing for Eastern Counties and Eastern Region 2 years up enjoying jinxing runs and straight up crash routes together with a sledge hammer strength tackle.
More than anything these young players are coming together as a team, working for each other and making those observing very proud of them.
Swaffham U12 – 4 February 2007 AWAY to Bury St Edmunds
Swaffham found themselves on the road again this weekend, in the fog and frost, to Bury St Edmunds for a couple of very tough games.
Game One – Bury St Edmunds V Swaffham
Having watched our hosts dissect the other guests (Ipswich) in the opening match of the morning Swaffham took to the pitch knowing they were in for a stern test.
The team started aggressively recycling the ball and maintaining good pressure on the physical and larger opposition. During this half not a single player took a backwards step.
With the coach, finally, having decided which positions players should start in after a couple of weeks of what is referred to in the round ball sport as tinkering the team clicked and began to play for each other and display the sort of heads up rugby which is a joy to watch.
Milligan having moved back to fly half made excellent distance on a clearing kick following an early period of Bury pressure.
With the throw going astray on the Bury line out Swaffham opted for a scrum and the pack set down a marker for the morning producing a strong, stable platform for the backs. Hudson was abrasive and lively at scrum half and made a nuisance of himself all morning as he sniped and harried his opposite number.
MacBeth stole a ball from one of the Bury players and shot off towards the try line on a crashing, direct run. As he was hauled down the pack of Thompson, J Taylor, Manley, O’Brien, Sayer and Potter all combined in a series of well controlled rucks and drives to again set up decent ball for Hudson. This time the box kick was the weapon of choice and well delivered to turn the rush defence. As they gathered O’Brien blasted passed ripping the ball in a single motion and powered towards the line sucking in 3 or 4 defenders before popping the ball to Potter who returned to his favourite pastime of human skittles as he smashed through the remains of the defence for the first try of the morning.
Our hosts had requested no conversions so Milligan was unable to demonstrate his normally metronomic kicking style. However, he caught the restart and drilled the ball into the far corner across the pitch as the whistle went for half time.
The second half saw Bury chasing the game and bringing numerous fresh players into the fray. They threw everything at Swaffham in the opening exchanges but the team stood firm with some outstanding tackles from A Taylor and Sayer, who seemed to settle well into their roles as full back and second row respectively.
A Taylor bossed the defence well and orchestrated his team mates around him to withstand Bury’s onslaught. Bury continued to push for a try and were held up twice over the line by brave tackles from Clarke and Jones.
As the pressure continued Parke underlined her selection for the Eastern Region squad with a couple of monstrous tackles in the centre which in both instances created turn over ball for her team mates and left the Bury runners in the mud contemplating what just hit them.
Had Swaffham’s flying wingers of Jones and Clarke backed themselves they could have had a couple of tries in this half as the team stretched Bury’s defence to the limit. However this ruthless streak will come.
As the game moved into the last minute Bury crashed over to draw the game with a final score of Bury St Edmunds 5 – Swaffham 5.
Credit to both teams for a hard, well controlled game played in a brilliant spirit.
Game Two – Ipswich V Swaffham
Following a quick turn around Swaffham took to the pitch against Ipswich. Having never played this team before it was a leap into the unknown for the squad and coaches alike. In the first half Swaffham cut loose with some of the best rugby they have produced so far. The props of Potter and O’Brien combined excellently to destroy Ipswich’s defence and allow O’Brien to crash through for the first try of the game. Again no conversions in this match so the advantage couldn’t be extended.
From the restart Ipswich piled through and crossed Swaffham’s line. However, MacBeth and Thompson were there holding them up.
Swaffham’s scrum was awesome in this match and dealt will with a bigger pack who wanted to muscle them off the ball. They time and again secured a steady platform to give Hudson time on the ball to release his backs. The forwards were awesome all half and Potter and MacBeth combined to enable O’Brien to crash over for another try.
With another such move out of contact from the restart to Parke Swaffham stormed up the pitch. Manley and Sayer doing the ‘dog’ on the floor secured the ball again. Swaffham set about building phases and pulled the defence from one side of the pitch to the other.
From a quick snipe A Taylor cut a line back to score Swaffham’s third try of the half.
Following the restart Milligan again took the catch and launched a huge up and under which was well chased by J Taylor and Parke causing a worried looking Ipswich player to knock on.
The final passage of play started with MacBeth fielding a kick on half way and switching with A Taylor who straightened and passed the ball out to Parke who crashed into the defence and set up a well presented ruck. Sayer and Thompson secured and Hudson moved the ball to Manley and on to Potter who crashed through for the fourth try of the half. The half time whistle went and Swaffham had a 20 – 0 lead.
The second half started after a delay whilst Ipswich recalled and strengthened their team and organised all their players. Unfortunately for Swaffham this extended delay was more than a bit off putting and the display of the first half stuttered and whilst the team all worked hard the odd missed tackle and slightest mistake was punished and Ipswich dragged themselves back into the game.
Having only travelled with a squad of 13 players and having played over an hours solid rugby Swaffham began to tire as the game drew to a close. Unfortunately following the display in the first half Ipswich ran in 5 ties to take the game with a final score of Swaffham 20 – Ipswich 25.
Your reporter would point out that both oppositions squads had over 30 players in number and the ability to use these substitutes wisely was the telling different in the last game.
To a player Swaffham give it their all with a number of players physically exhausted at the end of the game.
The pack of O’Brien, Manley, Potter, Sayer, Thompson and J Taylor bossed the scrums and rucked and mauled all morning. The work they do in these areas of the game often goes unnoticed but was crucial to Swaffham’s game today. Hudson and Milligan combined well in the half backs with both displaying and aggression normally reserved for the training pitch. In the centres Parke and MacBeth provide a direct and physical strike force both in attack and most importantly in defence both turning over ball from the opposition seemingly at will and delivering the sort of smashing tackles normally only seen at a much higher level in the sport. The back three of Jones, Clarke and A Taylor held their positions, delivered searing speed backed up with a ruthless approach to contact which saw all of them tackling much larger opponents.
All in all it was a good day in the office, the team score 6 tries and played some stunning rugby, whilst the results didn’t go our way everyone of the travelling support stood and applauded this young team as they left the pitch. Makes an old coach very proud……….
Swaffham were; O’Brien, Manley, Potter, Sayer, Thompson, J Taylor, Hudson, Milligan, Parke, MacBeth, Jones, Clarke and A Taylor.
21 Jan 07
Swaffham welcomed both Wymondham and Beccles to North Pickenham road for what seems to be the first home match in an age.
Match one Swaffham V Wymondham
In a match between to equally physical teams the scrums, rucks and mauls were all approached with a level of commitment and intensity which saw the large numbers in support wincing on more than one occasion.
As has been mentioned before Swaffham have rebuild this team this year and have the foundations of a decent squad. Some of the newer players set down markers in this match. Tom Sayer and James Manley in particular were outstanding in contact both going forward and in defence. With the ‘older’ heads organising a few things Potter and O’Brien mauled well to give room to Alex Taylor playing at 10 to stretch his legs. Wymondham however stood firm against the initial waves of Swaffham attack.
Your correspondent would suggest that this game was settled by the odd error from this squad who are still feeling their way into the game and having to deal with a coach who is still experimenting with positional play. That said they played well and offered a stern test for one of the more accomplished teams in the region. Wymondham ran out winners 12 – 0
Match two Swaffham V Beccles
Having watched Wymondham dissect Beccles and monster the first scrum, Swaffham took to the park with the decision to play this match with un-contested scrums to allow Beccles’ pack to compete safely. This lead to Swaffham making wholesale changes around the park. Potter and O’Brien switched from props to centres, with Aza and Manley moving up to their normal positions. Milligan moved to 10 and started the match with a good hanging kick which was well chased by Katie Parke and Ed Jones. The initial signs were good, Swaffham regained the ball and with Hudson moving it out to the centres the rumbles started to build. First Potter steamed on and turned to present to O’Brien who took route one as far as possible and again turned to see Potter back on his shoulder. A little pop pass was given and Potter crashed over with a couple of defenders in tow. Milligan converted safely.
From the restart Christopher George raced onto a loose ball and moved up the park. From a couple of quick passes Swaffham crossed the line again but where well held up from some brave defence from Beccles.
Following the break Swaffham again pushed hard to secure more points. From a scrum 5 metres out Hudson shipped the ball to Parke who tore round the last defender to score in the corner. Milligan rushed the kick and saw the ball bounce of the upright.
The match finished 12 – 0 to Swaffham.
Much praise goes to the whole squad as they continue to develop into team. Special mention to Aza who played his first game and made a number of huge tackles and some excellent work at ruck time.
Swaffham from : A Potter, H Perks, J O’Brien, J Manley, Aza, J Taylor, J Hudson, J Milligan, A Taylor, C George, S Davies, K Parke, Ed Jones, A Clarke, M Thompson, T Sayer.
Apologies for the report but the correspondents memory isn’t what it was………..
Swaffham (AWAY) to Holt and Walsham - 7 Jan 2007
Swaffham travelled across to Holt for the first fixture of 2007.
With three teams in attendance Swaffham took the opportunity to get Christmas out of their systems whilst Holt took on Walsham.
Swaffham took to the pitch for their first game against Walsham. This being the fourth encounter already this season the teams know each other reasonable well.
Walsham took the starting kick and Milligan gathered the kick and set up the ruck. Swaffham initially looked solid at this point and controlled this very well with Potter and Thompson providing a decent platform for A Taylor to work with from Scrum Half. Unfortunately, this was short lived as a loose ball was pounced on by Walsham and with Swaffham seeming to have forgotten how to tackle allowed a inconspicuous run to turn into a try under the sticks.
Walsham seemed to play with two main attackers and a large number of spectators on the pitch as the rest of the players moved the ball to either their number 8 or fly half and then watched as they tried to score a try on there own. This gave Swaffham chance to practice tackling and some good hits were made by Jones, George and Parke. Parke was unfortunate to give away a penalty with a high tackle on Walsham’s No 8 as he made yet another run.
After the break Walsham scored a quick try and Swaffham settled in to a better performance with the re-organised scrum functioning very well and the line-out winning their ball and getting amongst Walsham on their throws.
As the game came to a close a sloppy pass was intercepted and Walsham finished the game with a final score to make the result Swaffham 0 – Walsham 19
Game Two.
Following a frank team talk Swaffham started well against hosts Holt and played out the first half with no score from either team. Swaffham made good tackles with special mention to J Taylor and George both of whom made text book hits on much larger players. Parke also got in on the tackles with a monster to take out the quick winger.
The second half was much the same as the team began to find their gear. From a lovely clearance kick from A Taylor Milligan was unlucky to be called off-side as he stripped the full back of the ball and was away under the posts.
Seemingly more concerned with what might have been Swaffham’s defence allowed Holt to run to their 5 metre line before making a tackle. From the recycle Holt scored in the corner to win the match Swaffham 0 – Holt 7.
Whilst Swaffham are fielding what is basically a new team with only 5 remaining players from last season and were on the morning missing a few of the squad this wasn’t a bad performance against two very well organised and larger squads. Work is needed on both fitness and skills and training starts again Thursday evening from 7 until 8 at the club on North Pickenham Road. Any new comers would be very welcome.
Swaffham : James O’Brien, James Manley, Adam Potter, Joseph Milligan, Max Thompson, Josh Taylor, Alex Taylor, Katie Parke, Marcus MacBeth, Tom Sayer, Christopher George, Ed Jones, Shelby Davies
Swaffham Under 12 AWAY to North Walsham 11 Dec 2006.
Swaffham travelled to North Walsham with the first frost of the season making a notoriously cold venue bitter for the team.
Game One.
With the journey still in their legs and a number of new members bedding into the team Swaffham gifted Walsham three tries in the first half. These came from an odd missed tackle or loose pass rather than any major difference in the teams abilities.
Following the break Swaffham switched on with the scrum and line out both functioning well. Perks and Potter combined well in the loose giving Hudson the chance for a snipe or two. Following a penalty for another high tackle A Taylor drilled the ball into the corner and from a pre-planned line out move Potter crashed through the defence from 5 metres out to get Swaffham on the scoreboard. With Taylor leaving the conversion to Milligan the extras were added as his 100% hit rate of the season continues.
As the half continued Potter again went close to doubling his try count and both Parke and O’Brien also went close.
Final score: Walsham 21 – Swaffham 7
Game Two.
Walsham rang the changes with a wholesale swap of squad for this match. The scrum proved difficult for Swaffham in this match with an unstable platform being constantly generated due to early pushing and breaking for the more experienced Walsham pack.
The high points of the game from Swaffham’s point of view came from A Taylor’s solo run through the heart of the Walsham defence and a trade mark crunching tackle from Katie.
The match ended sourly with Walsham having achieved a victory without the level of sportsmanship this sport is renowned for.
Final score : Walsham 21 – Swaffham 0
Credit to Shelby Davies who played in her first competitive match. This team is having to rebuild following losing players to boarding school and of the 14 players who turned out only 6 played last season and to be able to hold a team of this depth and experience to these scores is a credit to all the players.
Thanks again go to the travelling support for their positive influence and to the players for behaving like sportsmen & women.
Swaffham from : Adam Potter, Henry Perks, James O’Brien, Max Thompson, James Manley, Joseph Milligan, Joe Hudson, Alex Taylor, Katie Parke, Shelby Davies, Josh Taylor, Alex Clarke, Ed Jones, Christopher George.
Swaffham Under 12 AWAY at Norwich 26 Nov 2006.
Swaffham V Norwich
The under 12 squad travelled to Norwich with the luxury of 15 available players which meant for the first time the coaching staff had the dilemma of picking a starting 13.
The opening exchanges showed an aggression from Swaffham with A Taylor launching into the first of a number of crunching tackles. Manley set the bar for the forwards high with a powerful initial drive from the ensuing maul. Norwich opened the scoring with a well worked try (converted).
From the restart Swaffham powered forward again and moved the ball through hands to Macbeth who surged towards the try line. As Norwich went off their feet Hudson set up a pre-planned penalty move to unleash Potter at the Norwich defence. With a quick rampage he sucked in most of the defence and with quick support from Thompson and Sayer securing the ball Hudson picked up and darted over to score for Swaffham. Milligan back from an enforced 6 week absence coolly kicked the extras.
Swaffham cranked up the pressure again from the restart with some awesome tacking from J Taylor in particular and excellent mauling from O’Brien giving Swaffham time on the ball. However, from a break in the line Norwich scored to take the lead just before half time.
Due to some injuries Swaffham changed both personnel and positions in the second half. As the game progressed Parke swooped on a loose ball and drove hard into the Norwich line with Clarke in support. With a penalty awarded for a high tackle ten metres out Hudson took the quick tap to Potter who smashed the defence in front of him and his pack hot on his heels barrelled over to score. Milligan converted. The game finished with both team unable to move out of the middle ground.
Final score Norwich 14 – Swaffham 14
Match two – Swaffham V Southwold
Following a quick turnaround Swaffham took to the field against a large Southwold team.
Again the high restart kick from Milligan was chased well by the squad with Jones and George getting up well. Southwold pushed up and knocked on to give Swaffham a scrum. The pack of Potter, Perks, O’Brien, Manley, Thompson and Milligan held firm all morning with a strong performance against a much larger opposition. However, a mistake at the base of the scrum gifted Southwold a turnover which lead to a turn (converted).
The second half saw a number of extra injuries from Swaffham’s point of view which impacted on the balance of the team.
A series of line outs gave Perks an opportunity to go through his range of throws hitting his jumpers well and setting good ball up for the backs. Parke showed again why she is playing for Eastern Counties Girls with a series of tackles leaving Southwold players in her wake.
The result of the match was Southwold 14 – Swaffham 0 which did little to reflect the possession and effort displayed by the team.
The new squad is beginning to find their feet with some excellent tackling, rucking and mauling. The scrum and line out functioned well and the difference in the final results was nothing more than a lack of experience in key decisions. The team can be very proud of their display.
Thanks again to the ever growing band of travelling support.
Swaffham from: Adam Potter, Henry Perks, James O’Brien, James Manley, Max Thompson, Joseph Milligan, Joe Hudson, Alex Taylor, Alex Clarke, Chris George, Tom Sayer, Josh Taylor, Katie Parke, Ed Jones and Marcus Macbeth.
Swaffham U12 away to West Norfolk 12 Nov 2006.
Swaffham travelled to West Norfolk for their third away game in a row. With only a handful of players remaining from last season this trip was always going to be a test for any squad in the midst of a restrucutre.
Previous discussion with our hosts enabled a more coaching based encounter of four 10 minute quarters which allowed both teams to experiment with players in new positions. West Norfolk utilised their superior squad size to rotate numerous players whilst kindly lending Swaffham a player to replace the injured Sayer.
From the outset West Norfolk took an early lead with a quick try before the Swaffham players had got the drive out of their systems.
Joe Hudson in at number 9 put in a very abrasive performance over the whole game and from the outset was all over his opposite number like a bad shirt.
The tackling by Swaffham was intense but West Norfolk’s well drilled backs created space to exploit their wingers who took their opportunities well. Swaffham mauled well at times with quick ball being turned and recycled well. O’Brien and Potter were especially busy in this area. MacBeth worked hard combing with Parke to on a series of pick up and drives.
Alec Clarke, Josh & Alec Taylor were all in the thick of things with some excellent tackles as West Norfolk swept forward.
Swaffham’s scrum, playing for the first time as a unit, displayed the power and control previously delivered by this team was still available with a number of new faces in the pack. As the rugby continued Swaffham won a lot of possession from penalties, scrums and lineouts, with Perks working well at this area. The contact area was well contested from both sides.
Manley and Jones, in his first ever game, combined well with good offloads to let George have a run at the defence on a number of occasions.
Not once did the Swaffham players heads drop on a morning where all opportunities were clinically finished. As the four quarters came to an end West Norfolk won the encounter 42-0. The difference on the morning were opportunities taken where spaces were created.
Swaffham would like to thank our hosts for lending us a player per quarter, together with our as ever excellent support from the travelling parents.
Swaffham: Adam Potter, Henry Perks, James O’Brien, James Manley, Marcus Macbeth, Alex Clarke, Joe Hudson, Alec Taylor, Josh Taylor, Katie Parke, Ed Jones, Christopher George
Training on Thursday from 7:00pm and Sunday from 10:00am. Any new players are very welcome.
Swaffham Under 12 – 29 Oct 06 AWAY to Holt
With illness, injury and loss of players impacting on Swaffham’s Under 12 squad the prospect of facing Holt was a tall order.
The teams had last met at the West Norfolk festival where Holt had craved out a solid victory. Swaffham however were set to compete hard and strongly in the first of the morning’s matches.
With the team missing the kicking skills of regular players a re-organisation of positions allowed the kick off to be quickly re-gathered. The pack were quick to the breakdown and drove forward and drove forward as a unit. However a quick steal and fast hands by Holt hit Swaffham with a sucker punch to race in for the first try (converted).
The game restarted with a display of aggressive tackling by Hudson and excellent work at line out time by both Perks and Macbeth especially.
With both teams wishing to use a 5 man scrum Swaffham’s pack of Potter, Perks, O’Brien, Manley and Macbeth were in the ascendancy holding the larger Holt pack and at times driving them off the ball.
Katie Parke and Alex Taylor were awesome in defence displaying a number of crunching tackles. Just before half time Holt secured another break away try against the run of play (converted).
The second half saw Swaffham throw everything at Holt as they chased the game. Hudson, Potter and Parke all put their bodies on the line trying to get to the Holt try line. With the game stopped for injuries to both Potter and Parke both teams regrouped and Holt restarted with a drop out.
Alex Taylor and Alec Clarke tackled like demons to hold waves of Holt attackers.
Christopher George and Josh Taylor stepped up in the tackle count too, both making try saving tackles.
Swaffham power game was awesome and defence solid in the second half and if the last pass had been received or made the score would have been very different.
Holt 14 – Swaffham 0
With a number of further injuries to deal with Swaffham reshuffled the positions and brought debutant Tom Sayer into the centre for this match. Alex Taylor, off the pitch for the initial exchanges stepped back into the fray with Holt camped on the Swaffham line.
With Holt penalised Swaffham took the tap and go option with Hudson running hard at the Holt line. Swaffham were aggressive going forward in this half.
The second half saw one of the best driving mauls the team has produced. Tom Sayer took the ball forward and marched 10 metres almost on his own before the pack latched on and drove close to the Holt line. A fumble lead to a Holt scrum and the pressure with removed.
Whilst the game was lost the squad played for each other and displayed awesome skills in rucks, mauls and tackling with just the last killer finish eluding them.
Special mention to those players making their first competitive appearance for the team, Tom Sayer who’s display of direct running raised the game in the final match and Josh Taylor who made some excellent tackles. Also thanks to Sam Sayer who stepped up to help the team out due to the issue of available numbers. This saw the team field two sets of brothers in an under 12 squad.
Swaffham: Adam Potter, Henry Perks, James O’Brien, Marcus Macbeth, James Manley, Joe Hudson, Alex Taylor, Tom Sayer, Sam Sayer, Alec Clarke, Katie Parke, Christopher George and Josh Taylor.
Training is at North Pickenham Road on Sunday from 10:30 and the squad would welcome any new players.
West Norfolk Festival 15 Oct 06
Having arrived at the festival with a team containing a number of players who up until this morning had not played rugby, Swaffham took to the pitch against Diss for the first of three matches.
However, the inexperienced players all stepped up to the mark and led by some of their hardened team-mates camped out in the Diss half.
Katie Parke, demonstrated the tackling skills which are bringing her to the notice of county level by smashing Diss runners and turning the ball over at will. The props, Potter and O’Brien, also worked hard at the breakdown to secure good ball for Hudson at scrum half. He released George on a probing run which set Swaffham up deep into Diss territory. Half time came with Diss never having been in Swaffham’s half.
The second half was much the same with powerful runs from Rimmer and Hudson into the heart of the Diss defence.
When Diss did get the ball they were met with strong tackles from Potter, Milligan and Macbeth.
With seconds left on the clock Diss managed to break the line and showing some real pace raced away to score against the run of play.
Diss 5 – Swaffham 0
With the festival organisation and programme impacted by traffic problems Swaffham were forced into a quick turnaround for the second game against Holt.
The inexperienced but keen Swaffham players again made excellent commitment to the contact area.
O’Brien stole the ball ay maul time and working well with Hudson gave some time to the runners. As Holt pushed on Clarke worked well in the ruck and got the ball to Milligan who let fly with a massive clearance kick. Swaffham were held up over the line from the following line-out following good work from Macbeth, Manley and Farrell who combined well.
After half time Clarke was injured and had to leave the pitch. With Swaffham now down to 12 players Holt piled on the pressure and whilst Swaffham fought bravely the numbers told and Holt scored twice in quick succession. Chloe Bissell in her first every morning’s rugby delivered one of the tackles of the morning to one of Holt’s runners who got up and double checked that it was a girl who had just put him on his back. Unfortunately for him less than a minute later Katie met him with a tackle which raised the bar again and was felt on the other side of the pitch.
As the clock ticked down Swaffham threw everything at the game and camped on the Holt line but couldn’t cross.
Holt 10 – Swaffham 0
North Walsham had come to win the festival and set about their task with an aggressive focus.
Tackles crashed in and the referee was kept busy with a number of instances. After one such moment Milligan was forced off the pitch to get medical assistance. Again down a player and in the face of a new level of competitive play Swaffham bravely tried to stem attacks.
Great tackles were made from Rimmer, Perks, George, Katie and Clarke (who had returned from his earlier injury).
In a match marred by the rivalry displayed, which was not friendly and more suited to a different type of game, Swaffham played to the end for each other and should be very proud of the manner they contacted themselves in.
North Walsham 15 Swaffham 0
Thanks and praise go to all Swaffham players;
Adam Potter, Henry Perks, James O’Brien, James Manley, Marcus Macbeth, Jack Farrell, Joe Hudson, Joseph Milligan, Katie Parke, Chloe Bissell, Christopher George, Alex Clarke and Jake Rimmer.
Also thanks to all the travelling support and special mention to Mrs P for the team treats!
Swaffham Under 12 team would welcome any year 7 children to join the team. Contact ian.milligan@virgin.net for information.
RFU.com 
Search
