Under 20 squad 2007/8
Other Photos can be viewed at http://www.flickr.com/photos/16649949@N02/sets/72157605192852559/
Match Reports Season 2007/8
Bath Combination U20s 3 v D&W U20s 7 Wednesday 23rd April 2008
There was major disappointment for both sides when they learnt only hours before the game that Bath RFC would not allow the game to go ahead at the Rec in case the pitch was damaged ahead of their Premiership game on Saturday. It added insult to injury that, when the teams assembled at Bath, they could see for themselves that the ground was in pristine condition. In spite of pleadings to the Bath Chief Executive Bob Calleja the teams and hundreds of spectators had to decamp to the Combe Down rugby club. Even with frantic use of hurriedly drawn up maps and satellite navigation many Dorset & Wilts players got lost and were late, making the pre-match preparation hurried and unsatisfactory.
The match itself? Probably due to both sides still coming to terms with the disappointment of not being at the Rec it was a bit of a damp squib with the two tenacious defences holding sway. Apart from the D&W front row totally demolishing their opposite numbers the match was very even, with Bath Combination very competitive at the breakdown and able to deny D&W any quality ball. Although D&W edged possession and territory it wasn’t until the last minute of the game that they were able get their noses in front, answering a penalty kicked by Bath Combination early in the game, with a fine try by Karim Lynch who stepped inside his defender to score near the posts which was duly converted by Olly Linton
Roy Farrant Manager of D&W U20s commented “I’m very sad that it was a hugely disappointing end to an otherwise excellent D&W under 20s campaign this season. Players had travelled from all corners of the Twin Counties and beyond, many taking time off work or university and bringing family and friends for the experience of playing at the Rec. It was frustrating that the D&W 20 coaching and management team, through no fault of their own, could not deliver their end of season promise to their players of playing at the Rec.”
Team 1 Nick Farrant Devizes RFC, 2 Ted Stagg Cleve RFC & Bath Academy, 3 Ashton Price Wimborne RFC, 4 Nick Morris Salisbury RFC, 5 Sam Pailor Swindon RFC, 6 James Fox North Dorset RFC, 7 Sean Barwick Salisbury RFC, 8 Jared Sharman Wimborne RFC, 9 Nick Hill Bridport RFC, 10 Cameron Brown Swindon RFC, 11 Charlie Parish Swanage & Wareham RFC, 12 Rob Collis Devizes RFC, 13 Ben Loosemore Swindon RFC, 14 Olly Linton Dauntseys School, 15 Karim Lynch Wimborne RFC. Replacements Dan Lock Devizes RFC, Tom Wilson Bournemouth RFC, Sean Murphey Wimborne RFC, Matt Pearce Blandford RFC, Mike Errington Bournemouth RFC, Gavin Smith Blandford RFC, Steve Rich Wootten Bassett RFC, Angus Hogg Salisbury RFC, Chris Lewis Devizes RFC
Match report taken from the Gloucestershire Website
GLOUCESTERSHIRE UNDER-20's 27pts DORSET & WILTSHIRE UNDER-20's 0pts April 13th 2008
Gloucestershire Under-20's secured a place in the semi finals of the National County Under-20's Championship with victory over Dorset and Wiltshire at Lydney RFC on Sunday and will now face Hampshire, also at Lydney, this Sunday 20th April (2.30pm kick off). Dorset and Wiltshire were formidable opponents and their pre-match confidence manifested itself right from the kick off as they collected their own kick and forced the hosts onto the defensive for nearly ten phases of play. However, Gloucestershire's competitiveness at the breakdown turned over possession and they soon settled into a rhythm as they worked their way up the field. Within ten minutes an excellent line out position was established in the scoreboard corner of the ground and a superbly controlled driving maul by the home forwards allowed hooker and captain Ashley Howells to claim the touchdown.
The conversion was missed and play proceeded at a frenetic pace with both sides attacking at will and delivering counter blows without severely wounding each other. Gloucesterhire always looked the more likely to deliver the knock out blows though and on the half hour fly half Tony Wicks kicked a penalty goal. With half time approaching and bolstered by the visitors' kicker's inability to land two penalty opportunities the Gloucestershire youngsters' scored a breathtaking try. Heroic defence by the younger Dorset and Wiltshire team kept the home side out as Gloucesterhire battered their try line through a passage of play involving more than twenty phases.
Eventually the ball was moved left to right and Gloucesterhire's full back Stefan Hawley threaded his way through a gap to score a second try wide out on the right. The conversion was missed but the home team had a grip of the scoreboard as the half time whistle sounded.
The first score of the second half was always going to be vital and despite some frantic attacks from deep by the visitors' the home side's defence both close in and wide out was always secure and composed. On fifty minutes Gloucestershire delivered a telling blow as after driving play up the left hand touch line and into the visitors' twenty two the ball was spun to Wicks' and his pin point cross kick was collected by right wing Chris Hawkins in the in goal area to record a third Gloucestershire try. Wicks magnificently converted from the grandstand touch line. The visitors' refused to lie down but their numerous attacks floundered on tremendous Gloucestershire tackling and an organised and disciplined defence. The Gloucesterhire bench was fully utilised and as normal the whole squad played its part on the march to victory. With ten minutes remaining Gloucesterhire pounded their opponents try line and second row John Hennessy, together with centre Rob Winchle the only player to have played every second of Gloucestershire's campaign so far, scored a deserved try. The talented Wicks made the conversion look easy and Gloucestershire stand just one win away from an appearance at Twickenham in the final on Saturday May 10th.
Gloucesterhire Under-20's team: Stefan Hawley (Dursley), Chris Hawkins (Hartpury), Rob Winchle (Dursley), Josh Lister (Stroud), Oli Winterbottom (Dursley), Tony Wicks (Lydney), Jimmy Williams (Lydney), George Porter (Matson), Ashley Howells (Lydney), Chris Bundy (Cinderford), John Hennessy (Matson), Jack Robson (Cinderford), Matt Hurdle (Old Patesians), Jack Preece (Pertemps Bees), Ben Morgan (Cinderford) Replacements: Richard Townsend (Hereford), John Cresswell (Dings Crusaders), Marcus Brown (Old Richians),
Will Foden (Hartpury), Sam Arnott (Lydney), Scott Morris (Stourbridge).
Gloucestershire Under 20s - 27 Dorset & Wiltshire Under 20s - 0
Dorset & Wiltshire travelled deep into the Forest of Dean to play Gloucestershire at Lydney RFC expecting a tough encounter and they were not disappointed.
The much fancied Gloucestershire side, with a high percentage of National Divisional clubs represented, were given much to think about from a young Dorset & Wiltshire side that competed on level terms throughout and played some outstanding rugby.
Straight from the kick off Dorset & Wiltshire dominated the early exchanges with a series of good driving mauls and solid scrums. However, a tenacious Gloucestershire defence eventually managed to turn the ball over to relieve the early pressure. Gloucestershire then started to put their own stamp on the game with some powerful forward surges and from a line out close to the Dorset & Wiltshire line expertly drove over for an unconverted try after 10 minutes.
From the restart, Dorset & Wiltshire regained possession and moved the ball wide to the right, but faced a solid midfield. From the resulting ruck 30 metres out, Gloucestershire were penalised, but the penalty attempt by Dorset & Wiltshire’s Olly Linton just failed.
Over the next 15 minutes Dorset & Wiltshire began to dominate the set pieces and broken play, but found the Gloucestershire defence hard to break down. Both sides were intent on moving the ball wide when possible making the game fast and enjoyable for both sets of supporters.
Gloucestershire No 8 John Hennessy then made the first of two telling breaks into the heart of the Dorset & Wiltshire defence who struggled to bring him down and from an infringement at the ruck Gloucestershire kicked a simple penalty. Shortly after from another passage of controlled forward play, Gloucestershire won a series of rucks to score their second unconverted try wide out.
Just before half time Dorset & Wiltshire were awarded another penalty opportunity which again went agonisingly just wide.
Half time score Gloucestershire 13 – Dorset & Wiltshire 0
The second half went much the same way as the first. Gloucestershire were able to deny Dorset & Wiltshire regular quick ball making attacking options difficult. Fly half Cameron Brown launched a series of attacks bringing in the centres and full back in an attempt to break down the resilient solid defence. Gloucestershire were forced to defend for long periods as first Dorset & Wiltshire full back Karim Lynch and then wingers Linton and Charlie Parrish made a series of threatening attacks.
Both teams continued to play attacking rugby and competition at the breakdowns continued to be fierce. Dorset & Wiltshire second row Sam Pailor and open side flanker Sean Barwick were outstanding throughout as they put in a series of big tackles.
Ten minutes into the second half, Gloucestershire fly half Tony Wicks received the ball from a line out and neatly chipped to the right corner where winger Hawkins managed to dive on the ball just as it was about to go into touch. A magnificent conversion brought the score to 20 - 0
Far from giving in, Dorset & Wiltshire upped their game and made a number of thrilling attacks down the flanks. With a series of substitutions by Dorset & Wiltshire, Linton moved to full back and immediately made an impact only being denied a score by a desperate tackle from the Gloucestershire full back. Moments later, Ben Loosemore broke up the wing in front of the grandstand but a scoring opportunity was lost as the link pass went behind the supporting player.
With 5 minutes to go Gloucestershire scored their final converted try as Dorset & Wiltshire began to run out of steam.
Final score Gloucestershire 27 – Dorset & Wiltshire 0
Dorset & Wiltshire Head Coach Paul Ninnim said:
“I suspect that Gloucestershire expected an easy afternoon, but quickly realised that we meant business. I spoke to the Gloucestershire coaches afterwards who acknowledged that this was by far the hardest game they had had all season.
I am delighted with the performance of our young side who gave everything they had, but were ultimately beaten by a team with a little more experience and organisation.
Two thirds of this squad is available to play under 20 rugby next season, and the experience they have gained during this campaign will make us even stronger, what a prospect!”
Dorset & Wilts team
Nick Farrant (Devizes RFC) Sean Murphey (Wimborne RFC) Ashton Price (Wimborne RFC) Nick Morris (Salisbury RFC) Sam Pailor (Swindon RFC) Angus Hogg (Salisbury RFC) Jared Sharman (Wimborne RFC ) Sean Barwick (Salisbury RFC) Nick Hill (Bridport RFC) Cameron Brown (Swindon RFC ) Olly Linton (Dauntseys School) Ben Loosemore (Swindon RFC) Rob Collis (Devizes RFC) Charlie Parish (Swanage & Wareham RFC) Karim Lynch (Wimborne RFC)
Replacements
Tom Wilson (Bournemouth RFC) Mike Errington (Bournemouth RFC) Steve Rich (Wootten Bassett RFC) Ted Stagg (Cleve RFC & Bath Academy) Dan Lock (Devizes RFC) James Fox (North Dorset RFC) Chris Lewis (Devizes RFC)
Dorset & Wilts vying for National Under 20s Championship semi-final spot
by Julia Hutton as published on RFU Website
April 9th, 2008
Dorset & Wilts Under 20s are through to the quarter-finals of the National Under 20s Championship and will take on Gloucestershire this Sunday (April 13th) at Lydney RFC, kick-off 2pm.
The Twin Counties youngsters booked their place in the final four after victories over Buckinghamshire in March at Devizes RFC (31-7) and Berkshire (11-38) at Thatcham RFC.
The squad, led by Head Coach Paul Ninnim and Manager Roy Farrant, includes 25 players from 12 different clubs across Dorset & Wilts and Dauntsey’s School. Wimborne RFC are the best represented with four players involved in the Under 20s squad.
Manager Farrant said: “We have no illusions about the size of the task facing us on Sunday. Gloucestershire are obviously an accomplished side and have been dominant in their matches so far. We need to play at our very best to get through to the semi-finals, but win or lose we are already proud of the achievements of the squad and look forward to them forming the nucleus of an even more powerful team next season.
“We have been playing an attractive blend of powerful forward play providing our talented backs with good quick ball to enable them to demonstrate their pace and great lines of attack. Because our players are selected from such a large number of clubs it has taken a little time for them to gel as a unit, but we are improving with every game. We are a young squad, the majority of whom will still be eligible to play for the under twenties next season.”
The final of the National Under 20s Championship takes place at Twickenham Stadium on May 10th, kick-off 11pm.
Sam Pailor about to pop the ball to prop Nick Farrant with second row Nick Morris supporting also pictured hooker Ted Stagg
BERKSHIRE U 20s – 11 - DORSET & WILTSHIRE U20s - 38
Thick snow lay on the pitch as the teams prepared for the last round of the area games and before the kick off the Dorset & Wilts players looked more at home playing with snowballs than playing rugby. Unfortunately this relaxed attitude continued on for the first 30 minutes of the game which was in complete contrast to the opening of the previous match where Dorset & Wilts scored 14 points in the first 5 minutes.
Facing an Arctic wind Dorset & Wilts found little rhythm in the early exchanges and Berkshire asserted themselves in broken play and soon went ahead from a penalty for handling on the ground.
Shortly after, Berkshire benefited from a wheeled scrum and their very useful scrum half got over in the corner making the score 8 – 0 after 20 minutes.
At last Dorset & Wilts won a good line out and shipped the ball smartly to Dorset & Wilts man of the match, Swindon RFC’s Ben Loosemore, who burst through a gap in a re-run of the opening try against Buckinghamshire the previous week, he fed Wimborne RFC’s Karim Lynch who scored far out on the right, converted by Dauntsey’s player Ollie Linton taking the score to 8 - 7 in favour of Berkshire.
The referee was strict at the breakdown and Dorset & Wilts scrum half Nick Hill was the first into the sin bin for an infringement and Berkshire kicked the penalty to go further ahead 11 - 7.
With two minutes to go before half time Dorset & Wilts found a good touch 5m from the Berkshire line who gifted a try from the lineout to Salisbury RFC’s Sean Barwick who had only to drop over the line to score. Again with a magnificent kick Linton converted putting Dorset & Wilts into the lead 11 -14 at the halfway point.
Throughout the first half the Berkshire muscular forwards had been a real handful in the contact area and their rolling maul had been particularly effective, but in the set pieces and when the ball was moved wide, Dorset & Wilts always looked in control.
Playing with the wind in the second half Dorset & Wilts began to exert more pressure on Berkshire. From a long kick downfield by Swindon RFC’s fly half Cameron Brown and good chasing by the centres, Loosemore and Rob Collis (Devizes RFC), Dorset & Wilts were awarded a 5m scrum. There followed a series of scrums each of which collapsed as Dorset & Wilts drove forward. A penalty try seemed on the cards but finally No 8 Jared Sharman from Wimborne RFC drove over for the try converted by Linton putting Dorset & Wilts 11 – 21 into the lead.
From another long kick deep into the Berkshire 22 by Brown, and the ensuing lineout Swindon RFC’s Sam Pailor drove into midfield and fed onto Brown who strolled under the posts for another converted try stretching the lead to 11 -28.
Using the wind sensibly to put Berkshire back in their own half, Ollie Linton followed a speculative kick ahead by fly half Brown and was rewarded when the Berkshire full back fumbled the ball straight into Linton’s hands for the softest of unconverted tries.
The final try was from close range when lock Nick Morris from the Salisbury club burrowed his way over from a ruck.
The final 10 minutes saw Berkshire attacking at every possible opportunity in an effort to get on the second half score sheet. The Dorset & Wilts defence held defiantly with a number of crunching tackles as they defended their line, in particular one by Ben Loosemore who pole axed a Berkshire player 3m into touch just short of the try line.
Final score - Berkshire 11 - Dorset & Wilts 38
Assistant Coach Andy Smith said after the game:
“Having started so poorly Dorset & Wilts gradually exerted pressure from some powerful scrummaging, enterprising back play, very solid defence and effective tactical kicking. The game was played in difficult conditions and both sides deserve much credit for trying to play rugby. We now look forward to the challenge of Gloucestershire in the Quarter Finals to be played at Lydney RFC on the 13th April”.
Team: Nick Farrant (Devizes RFC), Ted Stagg (Bath Academy), Ashton Price (Wimborne RFC), Nick Morris (Salisbury RFC), Sam Pailor (Swindon RFC), Jared Sharman (Wimborne RFC), James Fox (North Dorset RFC), Sean Barwick (Salisbury RFC), Nick Hill (Bridport RFC), Cameron Brown (Swindon RFC), Ben Loosemore (Swindon RFC), Karim Lynch (Wimborne RFC), Olly Linton (Dauntsey’s), Steve Rich (Wootten Bassett RFC), Luke Rapson (Devizes RFC). Replacements: Sean Murphy (Wimborne RFC), Matt Pearce (Blandford RFC), Mike Errington (Bournemouth RFC), Rob Collis (Devizes RFC). Dan Lock (Devizes RFC), Tom Wilson (Cardiff University), Angus Hogg (Salisbury RFC)
DORSET & WILTS UNDER 20s - 31 v BUCKINGHAMSHIRE U20s - 7 - 30th MARCH 2008
After heroic efforts to field a representative side due to late injuries, Dorset & Wilts under 20s served up a mouth-watering feast of quality rugby particularly in the first half. Overcoming the problem of absentees Tom Wilson, normally a hooker, stepped in at scrum half and looked as though he had played there all his life and Devizes centre Rob Collis who had come to the match as a spectator was drafted onto the bench when the selected centre Dan Rae turned an ankle in the warm–up.
Within a minute of kick off, from a ruck turnover by Devizes loose-head prop Nick Farrant followed by a series of pick and drives, the ball was moved out to the right where Swindon centre Ben Loosemore sliced through on a great angle, drew the last defender and fed Wimborne’s Karim Lynch to go over near the posts for a try converted by Dauntsey’s player Olly Linton.
Three minutes later from a scrum in centre field, the ball was fizzed through the backs’ hands to right wing Linton who accelerated round his marker and scored under the posts and converted his own try making it 14 – 0.
After 12 minutes from a Dorset & Wilts lineout and a driven maul, the ball this time was fed to the left where again Ben Loosemore picked a great line, drew the full back and Charlie Parrish from the Swanage and Wareham club produced a thrilling run down the touchline in front of the big crowd and went over from 45 metres for an unconverted try.
After 28 minutes Swindon’s Sam Pailor won a turnover on half way and made 30 metres before feeding Dorset & Wilts flanker, James Fox, who was stopped just short of the line. From the breakdown the impressive Dorset & Wilts number 8 Jared Sharman drove over for another converted try making it 26 – 0 at half time.
The second half did not quite live up the high standards set in the first period. In a bruising encounter the game became disjointed as injuries occurred to both sides. Olly Linton, threatening the line once again lost his footing and collided into the Bucks full back sustaining a gash on the head and had to leave the field to be replaced by Steve Rich of the Wooten Bassett club.
Bucks continued to be effective in broken play and denied Dorset & Wilts good second phase ball but the set pieces were dominated by the Dorset & Wilts pack who had the upper hand throughout and with their lineout performing solidly once again began to assert themselves as the game wore on.
Six substitutions were made in the second half including Sean Murphy from Wimborne RFC coming on at hooker. He made an immediate impact by taking two strikes against the head and two ruck turnovers that set up attacking positions. From one such position tight head prop Ashton Price broke from halfway, and fed Murphy who crashed over for the final Dorset & Wilts score.
Bucks scored a consolation try from a tap penalty on the 15 metre line.
Paul Ninnim Dorset & Wilts Head Coach said:
This was a really good performance considering that we had a number of late changes just before kick off. The quality of the passing in the backs and their lines of running were of the highest standard, making good use of the plentiful quick possession provided by the forwards. We need to look at the breakdown area before the next game but overall the coaches were very pleased.
Team: Nick Farrant (Devizes RFC), Ted Stagg (Bath Academy), Ashton Price (Colston’s), Dan Lock (Devizes RFC), Nick Morris (Salisbury RFC), Sam Pailor (Swindon RFC), Jared Sharman (Colston’s), James Fox (North Dorset RFC), Tom Wilson (Cardiff University), Cameron Brown (Colston’s), Charlie Parish (Swanage & Wareham RFC), Ben Loosemore (Swindon RFC), Dan Mayland (Devizes RFC), Olly Linton (Dauntsey’s), Karim Lynch (Wimborne RFC). Replacements: Sean Murphy (Wimborne RFC), Matt Pearce (Blandford RFC), Mike Errington (Bournemouth RFC), Steve Rich (Wootten Bassett RFC), Gavin Smith (Blandford RFC), Rob Collis (Devizes RFC).
Bournemouth University 7 D&W U20s 17 25th February 2008
Good start yesterday with a win over Bournemouth University 17 - 7. Twenty seven players in all got on the field for at least part of the game and I am delighted that three newcomers to the squad have forced themselves into selection consideration as a result of very good performances. Selection for our game against Oxfordshire will be published once all individuals have been told. The letter below will be of interest to all players and supporters.
From Bournemouth University RFC
Dear Roy, the Dorset and Wilts coaching staff, and the Dorset and Wilts players,
I am just writing to thank you for a great game yesterday. The players competed fairly, professionally and in great spirit in what was your first game together. To beat a team that has trained together week in week out, for the past 5 months, demonstrates the range of quality and the superb ability to adapt to a new game-plan and new players. Your understanding and support provided once our man Dan went down with a broken leg was of the highest calibre, and my thanks goes to the quick aid provided by the management team and physio. The set up of Dorset and Wilts U20s is a credit to the region, and if you continue to perform in such a professional manner, you are destined for success this season.
Dan unfortunately broke his tibia and fibula, and was due to undergo surgery this morning, but is in high spirits, and nothing we couldn't sort out with a penthouse magazine and copy of rugby world!
I very much look forward to another potential fixture in the near future, and wish you all the best for your season.
Many thanks,
Carl Martin
BURFC Club Manager
