SWAFFHAM U9s
WINNERS AT NORFOLK MINI RUGBY FESTIVAL
Congratulations to all the boys in the Swaffham U9s team who won the first Norfolk Mini Rugby Festival for their age group.
In atrocious weather conditions consisting of strong winds and interspersed with sun and hail/sleet the boys, despite the cold, played well in all their matches and the end result was well deserved.
The team consisted of Matthew Lewins, Jack Rae, Ben Sharman, Adin Sieley, Alex Herrmann, Jack Flory, Declan Davis, Marcus Lloyd, George Rupp and Jacob Dickinson.
The results were as follows:
Game 1
North Walsham 0 – Swaffham 20
Game 2
Fakenham 5 – Swaffham 5
Game 3
Holt 0 – Swaffham 35
Final
West Norfolk 5 – Swaffham 20
U9s – Match Reports – Sunday 11 March 2007
Swaffham 15 – North Walsham 20
In mild sunny conditions Swaffham got the game off to a swift start with Jack Flory flying over the try line moments after the starting whistle. Walsham were somewhat reeling from the first try and threw everyone they had behind the ball and proceeded up the field towards Swaffhams line. Ben Sharman produced a try stopping tackle leaving the ball loose and Adin Sieley was quick to pounce for Swaffham, running two thirds of the pitch before he was brought down, however Jack Rae was on hand to increase Swaffhams tally. Matthew Lewins and Alex Herrmann were in constant support of the Swaffham runners and were instrumental in moving the ball across the field of play. The half ended with the score tied.
The second half started at a similar pace to the first half with Jacob Dickinson forcing his way through the Walsham defence but was stopped short and Swaffham were penalised when the ball was turned over and Walsham scored. The deficit could have been much higher in Walshams favour had it not been for Ben producing another great tackle and George Rupp tackling one player after another. Marcus Lloyd was as steadfast in defence as usual and as a result Swaffham won the ball and this was capitalised by Declan Davis who put the ball over the line. A tied game would have been a fair result but Walsham sneaked the ball over the line in the last few seconds of the game.
The Gayton Crown Man of Match: This was a decision of the side-line parents and is split between Ben Sharman and George Rupp.
Swaffham 25 – Fakenham 10
Another game and another quick start to Swaffham meant that thanks to the speed of Jack Rae neither Fakenham nor his own team could keep up with him as he sprinted his way to the line to open the scoring in Swaffham favour. After a mid field battle with some challenging tackles and mauling from both teams, it was Fakenham who broke free and were rewarded with a try despite Matthew and Declans best efforts to bring their man down. Swaffhams second try came after Adin pounded his way through 3 defenders and despite attempted tackles, he stayed on his feet to place the ball. Jack R added a third for Swaffham after another solo run up the field.
Both teams came back to the field for the second half determined that this was going to be their game. Marcus won Swaffham several balls after ripping the ball from our opponents and Ben made a spirited run for the line. Alex and George continued tackling for all they were worth and Adin had relentless energy making several runs at the Fakenham line, twice leaving the way open for both Jack Rae and then Jack Flory to exploit Fakenhams tiring legs and score for Swaffham.
The Gayton Crown Man of Match: Adin Sieley
Our thanks must go to the two excellent Walsham referees who took the time to explain any decisions to both teams and because of this we had a brilliant morning of rugby.
18 Feb 07
Swaffham U-9 15 Norwich U-9 15
Following the slow start in Swaffhams previous fixture, coaches Angus and Nick called the squad in early for a 'wake and shake' session prior to kick off against Norwich on Sunday.
The benefits were evident from the first as Swaffham matched anything that Norwich threw at them and excellent support play allowed them to make repeated advances into the Norwich half. However a couple of knock-ons from tackles by the tenacious Norwich scrum half let the visitors back up the pitch and they eventually crossed for the first score.
In the second half Swaffham continued to play 'route one' rugby and this set up Jack Flory to run from the base of a ruck, through the Norwich defences to score his first try of the day. Norwich rallied and two quick tries,again following turnovers, allowed them to regain the lead. Swaffham forced their way back up the park and Aiden Sieley, realising that more and more Norwich players were being sucked in to the rucks and mauls found space round the outside for two tries of his own.
Gayton Crown man of the match - Alex Herrmann
Swaffham U-9 15 Norwich U-9 5
After a short break the teams retook the field and it was soon apparent that neither side was going to to take a backward step as they tried to batter each other into submission and despite good work in the tight from both sides Norwich finally smuggled the ball over to lead at half time.
Jack Rae, who seemed to be at the centre of everything Swaffham did, either in defence or attack, capitalised on more good support by his teammates and helped himself to a pair of tries. The 'flying' Flory scored Swaffhams third late on to put the game out of Norwich's reach.
Gayton Crown man of the match - Jack Rae
Swaffham U-9 10 Norwich U-9 10
The third 'short' game unfortunately saw the retirement,ill, of George Rupp who up til then had given his usual storming display of tackling.It seemed that Swaffham were missing him as they slipped to a ten point deficit ,however Aiden Sieley,on another of his mazy runs managed to close the gap at half time.
Swaffham held Norwich in the second half and Alex Herrmann, despite tiring legs,sprinted through for his first club try, leveling the scores at the same time.
Man of the Match - The Norwich Referee for an excellent display that kept play flowing all morning.
4 Feb 07
Bury U-9 50 vs Swaffham U-9 0
Swaffham traveled to Bury St Edmunds on a cold, frosty morning and their play mirrored the conditions with foggy thinking and limited vision. Bury, much sharper, crossed the line 7 times due to their willingness to pressure Swaffham and they always had numbers available if one of them happened to run into an opponent.
A stern talking to at half-time seemed to wake Swaffham up and, through Bury scored three more tries, they competed better as a whole.
Swaffham U-9 30 vs Bury U-9 0
Far from being dispirited by their earlier game Swaffham were up for this match from the start and superb support at the maul and the tackle by the whole team, suffocated Bury’s attempts to attack the Swaffham line. Several turnovers allowed Swaffham to score via Jack Flory and Declan Davis (twice) Swaffham continued in much the same vein in the second half, urged on by the crowd who were enjoying some of the best rugby this young team have ever produced. Bury contributed heartily to an exciting game of rugby but determined tackling, notably by George Rupp as well as the other players kept them at bay and Swaffham extended their lead with two tries by Jack Rae and a final flourish from Flory .
Gayton Crown Man of the match :- George Rupp
Swaffham U-9 5 vs Ipswich U-9 5
Swaffham’s final game of the day was against sterner opposition. However this
U-9 team were now flying and yet again superb mauling, with Marcus Lloyd and Declan Davis outstanding, support for the ball carrier in attack coming from Alex Herrmann, Matthew Lewins and Ben Sharman and more good defensive work coming from Rupp and Jacob Dickinson eventually saw Swaffham grind out five points when Flory scored.
The second half was virtually a repeat of the first. This time though Ipswich finally broke through Swaffham’s tiring defence to level the game in the last minute.
Gayton Crown Man of the match :- Jack Flory
U9s Match Report – 21 Jan 07
Game 1: Swaffham 15 – Wymondham 10
The game started with Swaffham immediately putting pressure on the Wymondham defence as Jacob Dickinson forced his way up the field, ably supported by Matthew Lewins and George Rupp. Ben Sharman picked up a loose and a quick pass to Harvey (Wymondham loan player) saw Swaffham march up the field towards the try line. Wymondham regained the ball from the scrum and after a tussle in the middle of the field, Jack Flory sprinted at the line and was rewarded with a try. The half ended on level terms.
The second half commenced at the same pace as the first and Adin Sieley was released by Marcus Lloyd to increase Swaffhams tally. Jack Flory was relentless as he continuous charged at the Wymondham defence, but he was unable to find an opening and it was left to Declan Davis to place the ball to increase the score. Wymondham scored a conciliation try moments before the final whistle.
The Gayton Crown Man of the Match: Jack Flory for his relentless running and numerous tackles
Game 2: Swaffham 30 – Beccles 25
Swaffham played this game knowing they were up against a stronger and more experienced mixed U9/U10 Beccles side and due to illness of our loan player, we played the majority of the game with a team of eight.
The first half was fiercely contested by both teams with neither side wanting to give an inch. A succession of mauls saw Swaffham advance up the field and Jacob used his strength to force the ball over the line. Beccles responded quickly on the break and the score was tied. Ben made a brave tackle, forcing his opponent into touch. From the restart Adin took advantage of a dropped Beccles pass to stretch his legs and raced for the line for a try which Beccles again replied to. Jack ran two-thirds the length of the pitch leaving the first half tied.
In a tit-for-tat game that saw plenty of hard tackling both by sides, the second half saw Beccles hurtling towards the Swaffham line before we’d had time to register that the whistle had blown. Not to be outdone, a sleek pass from Declan left Jack free to once again temporarily tie the game. Beccles’ quick sprinting players soon had the score back in their favour were brimming with confidence at the prospect of a win. Swaffham however kept their heads and after mauling as a pack forced Beccles back towards their own try line. Matthew was released with the ball and was unfortunate to be closed down by the Beccles defence. Adin took over and after side-stepping his opponents he flew across the line. With the score once again tied Swaffham applied the final pressure and seconds before the whistle, Jack hurled himself over the try line to win the game for Swaffham.
The Gayton Crown Man of the Match: Has to be awarded to the entire team for their grit and determination against stronger and more powerful opposition.
SWAFFHAM U9s MATCH REPORT
GAME 1 (7 Jan 2007)
Holt (Team A) 10 - Swaffham 10
In the absence of our coaches and fielding a team which contained a Holt loan player (many thanks to Kaleb for stepping in), the boys prepared themselves for what they thought would be an up-hill struggle against strong opposition. However Swaffham started quickly and piled on the pressure and were rewarded with a scrum. On release of the ball, Matthew Lewins was quick to get the ball away to Jack Flory who tore at the try line before being stopped short by the Holt defence. Swaffham continued to win a succession of scrums and line outs trouncing their way up the field towards the Holt line. Powerhouse Jacob Dickinson used his strength and forced the line back to get Swaffhams first try of the game. The half ended 5 points all square.
The second half started swiftly with Adin Sieley making a valiant run for the line but he was singled out and stopped before George Rupp collected the ball, passing to Declan Davis who unfortunately was man-handled into touch. In quick succession, Swaffham had 3 tries disallowed (scorers would have been Adin, Jacob and Jack) after straying across the dead ball line. With Holt on the break, Marcus Lloyd stood firm and snatched the ball from the hands of the Holt team, which again released Jacob for his second try. Despite some swift passes from Ben Sharman to Matthew and a switch to Kaleb, the game finished tied.
The Gayton Crown Man of the Match is awarded to the entire team for their mature attitude and fighting spirit.
GAME 2
North Walsham 5 - Swaffham 5
Swaffham got the game off to a quick start with loan player Jordan (Holt) pushing his way through Walshams defence and he was unlucky not to get the ball across the line. Some quick passes involving George, Ben and Declan released Jack who flew at the line to get the scoring underway. With much of the play in the centre of the field, neither team were making headway until a loose ball let Walsham through to tie the first half.
Swaffham lost another player early in the second half when Matthew became unwell and had to leave the game – our thanks to Ollie (Holt) for stepping in. Adin and Declan put in some staggering runs but we just couldn’t break through the Walsham defence. Both teams were well matched with tit-for-tat line outs and scrums being awarded, which consequently didn’t allow for a flowing game. Marcus persistently ripped the ball from our opponents arms but the deadlock couldn’t be broken and the half ended with no increase to the score.
Special thanks must go to Derek Lloyd who courageously stepped in to encourage and coach the team from the sidelines in the absence of our usual coaches. Thanks also to the Holt U9s coaching staff for their encouragement towards the Swaffham team.
GAME 1
North Walsham (Team A) 15 - Swaffham 10
In near freezing conditions both teams were eager to get off to a quick start. Both teams attacked well and after Jack Flory charged at our opponents defence, he slipped the ball to Jack Rae who opened the scoring in Swaffhams favour. On the restart Swaffham grouped well and relentlessly held Walsham short of the line, their continued pressure was rewarded with a line-out but we couldn’t take the advantage and a loose ball let Walsham through to score.
The second half started just as quickly with superb tackling by George Rupp, Adin Sieley and Jacob Dickinson holding Walsham in their own half of the field. After a succession of scrums, the majority of which went to Swaffham, the team banded together and drove the ball nearly two thirds of the way up the field before releasing Jack Flory to score. Against the run of play Walsham won the game.
The Gayton Crown Man of the Match is Jack Rae for his relentless running at the try line.
GAME 2
Lowestoft & Gt Yarmouth 5 - Swaffham 20
In a game somewhat marred by penalties and the unnecessary aggression showed by our opponents, Swaffham remained focused and determined to play in a way that should be championed, keeping their heads rather than rising to any bait.
As play got underway Matthew Lewins went straight into attack mode, ably supported by Declan Davis and Alex Herrmann, all three were unfortunate not to make the line after putting in some stunning runs and passes. Adin and Flory both made challenging runs at the Lowestoft & Gt Yarmouth defence and were unlucky not to break through. Honours were even in the first half with Rae scoring for Swaffham.
As play resumed, Marcus Lloyd stood his ground and our opponents found it hard to move him. Flory was twice released with the ball and twice rewarded for his dodging and weaving to put Swaffham convincingly ahead. Ben Sharman pulled off a brilliant first tackle to bring his man down to stop Lowestoft & Gt Yarmouth short of the line. With the ball now firmly back in Swaffham hands the whole team engaged in powering forward before Rae charged up the touch line, unable to be caught by either opposition or team mates to place the fourth for Swaffham.
The Gayton Crown Man of the Match is Ben Sharman for his brilliant tackle – we knew he had it in him!
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