Datchworth Rugby Football Club

MINI MATTERS – Week 7

Sunday 14th October 2018

Hello Datchworth, Mini Section Coaches, Managers, Players, Parents and Supporters,

With another away fixture to play during this busy period we were faced with some wet and miserable weather for our visit to Chess Valley this weekend. Despite the difficult weather most age groups reported good numbers and many age-groups had more players than our hosts, (well done everyone)! The match reports all make good reading and the age-groups are all doing well this Season! The stories of this weekend’s rugby are detailed below:

U6s Training at Datchworth

A great week with the youngsters, predicted awful weather cleared up Just as we started and held off until we finished, which was great. Lots of enthusiasm for stuck in the mud to get everyone warmed up, with good footwork to avoid collisions and the taggers keeping their ball in hand (for the most part). We followed on with some passing drills, preparing our receiving of the ball and concentrating on surroundings.

A competitive game of roll ball relay then took place, a game thoroughly enjoyed by all, with the races pretty close throughout. A well drilled assault course was delivered by all the children, one of the best I've seen so far with regards to completing all obstacles and returning to the start point.

Finally we had our game of bull dog! We had a great session on this, needless to say several coming togethers! But some good running and spacial awareness made it very enjoyable.

Player of the week this week went to Jude Wright as shown. Lastly, thank you to Wes and Nick for helping out again. The assistance is very much appreciated and, makes the session more enjoyable for everyone.

Thank you and see you all next week.

Datchworth U7s Vs Chess Valley

Well this Sunday was wet to say the very least! I am sure a number of us were travelling down the A1 to our second away fixture of the season thinking we would be better bringing arm bands rather than rugby boots! That said, this did not deter the amazing squad we have turning up and giving their all as usual. An amazing 18 players made the not insignificant trip to Chess Valley despite the weather and once again represented Datchworth with the exceptional behaviour and manners we are used to. The dedication shown by the players and parents was brilliant to see and when the

Datchworth Rugby Football Club

home team could only match our numbers by drafting in 8 of their U6 team it shows us how lucky we are to have such numbers in our current squad. Great work team (and ‘team’ now obviously includes the clearly dedicated parents!).

Due to the mixed age and ability a large proportion of the fixture was taken up with training drills which our guys more than coped with and it thankfully kept them warm and moving on the day. At the end of the session we managed a couple of games against Chess Valley and our teams once again performed admirably making great runs, great tags, passing and working as a team. It was also nice to see a number of the squad starting to be conscious of staying onside, something we would not expect until the back end of the season.

The session was finished with the usual game of bull dog and Lewis was the Datchworth representative standing tall at the end and taking the winners podium. Player of the week this week went to Jessica. Jessica has improved massively since she joined the club as an U6 team member. She always gives her all and plays with a smile which is fantastic to see. This week Jess not only made some great runs when we were playing matches but also looked for the pass before being tackled and as a result setup a couple of fantastic tries. Well done Jess, very much deserved! See you next week team!

Datchworth U8s Vs Chess Valley

Despite the cold and wet weather, 18 kids made the long trip of over to Chess Valley for this week’s fixture.

We started with a large warm up and a few drills to get all of the kids match ready but was obvious to the coaches that the Datch kids just wanted to get down to business and take on this week’s opponents. Once the matches kicked off (on some very small pitches) the Datch kids showed excellent discipline when it came to getting back on side after the tag. They retreated well giving just enough space to let the team restart but kept the pressure on to keep them moving backwards. In all games, the Chess Valley kids found it difficult to penetrate the gain line. In addition, superb passing and tagging led to loads of tries and was very pleasing to watch.

All the kids did amazingly well this week, so to call a player of the week was difficult, but our player of the

Datchworth Rugby Football Club

week this week goes to Edward who has shown great listening and improvement week on week. He had his best week yet and listened to the coaches on when to pass, when to tag, when to run and did an awesome side step and spin to score which was great to watch. Well done Edward. A few special mentions go to Reece who has really come on well over the past couple of weeks, especially his passing, to Kieran who held a pivotal role in the warm ups and getting his team many the wins, and also to James B whose passing and quick hands made huge contributions in the games.

Well done all.

Datchworth U9s Vs Chess Valley

The team were not going to be stopped by the tail end of Storm Callum and although Hertfordshire was battered by rain and wind, Rugby continued as usual for the Datchworth U9s.

The coaches were really pleased with the turn out and the weather eased off a bit for the children to enjoy playing against a rather depleted host side.

There was some super burst of pace from a number of our players and lovely tries by our teams. Despite the rain, the enthusiasm from our squad was obvious and the hard work on tackling drills in training paid off and denied Chase Valley a number of tries.

We were reminded that we only tackle the ball carrier and why good tackling is essential for defence but also crucial for the safety of all players. Coach Pip explained about the dangers of high passes, and that it's called a 'hospital pass' for a reason.

Datchworth Rugby Football Club

There's an old saying that rugby is played by gentlemen and we saw some great attitudes and team spirt this week. Some of the more established players encouraged newer boys, special mention goes to Arley who showed the power of the pep talk and helped motivate Kit into some booming tackles. …Well done Arley.

Datchworth U10s Vs Chess Valley

We took two teams, with replacements to Chess Valley. Again, we had some absentees who we hope to welcome back over the coming weeks.

I want to thank Stuart Munns for bringing his gazebo which all the U10 parents were grateful for indeed. I would also like to thank all our parents for coming and being prompt, you buy into us, always having your support really helps.... thank you.

A good briefing with our opposition coaches on the consistency of how the games were going to be managed. Our Green and Blue team split to play two Chess Valley teams. We played 15 mins each way in both matches.

Similar to the week before, we come up against a very aggressive well-drilled opposition (Chess Valley U10's won the Barnet festival the week before). Considering the conditions, there was some lovely rugby played by both clubs with nothing between us in terms of ability. Of course, the conditions made for a few mistakes from both Clubs but when the ball did go through the hands there were some lovely tries scored.

Intensity is what we need to work on and us imposing our game on the opposition. However, playing two of our more aggressive oppositions in Letchworth and Chess Valley and matching them, I am sure will help.

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We also have to share the workload between the players, some players are still lacking in a bit of confidence and happy to let their teammates take responsibility, something we as coaches will look to address over the coming weeks.

This week, I would like to mention some players who were particularly strong. On the Blue team Zach Harris and Maksim Lawrence who did not stop running for the entirety of both matches. Maksim made one textbook front tackle on his opposite number who was at least a foot bigger than him!! Sam Gore displayed textbook position in the ruck situation and turned over a lot of balls. For the Green team Ollie Rabson and Oliver Da Silver for their work rate in defence and attack, Sam Shurety for his ruck technique and no fear about going into any situation and finally Alex Rosello, who over the last couple of weeks has been a wonderful finisher which has earned him the nickname Jets!!

Datchworth U11s Vs Chess Valley

An awful morning of weather for our trip to Chess Valley. Thank you to all the parents for making the trip as I know it was tempting to have another coffee and not get in the car!

We played 2 mixed teams against Chess Valley and each side played each other which worked well. Despite the weather we managed to play some constructive rugby with plenty of aggression and determination on show. The kicking this week lacked its finesse of last week and we need to be wary of just giving good ball away to the opposition.

Both Datchworth teams won their respective games and the attitude thorough out was excellent with no complaints about the wet. Well done to all and hopefully we get some better Weather next weekend.

Datchworth U12s Vs Chess Valley

Despite a couple of injuries we managed to get a side out for the long trip down to a very wet Chess Valley fixture. We played two games of 15 minutes per half.

In the first game we started playing uphill, and the first few minutes was quite even. But after a

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while the strength of the Chess larger forwards started to show and then ran in a handful of tries. We had a couple of opportunities and Tom P almost scored but could not ground the ball. We picked ourselves up well and put in a much better second half performance - it was balanced all the way through. This culminated in a great team score when Chess were pinned in their 22, Theo disrupted their ruck allowing Tom P to steal it, then we passed it down the backs line via Oliver and Lucian resulting in Myles running it into the corner, ending the game 1-7.

In the second game we continued to up our performance and really took the game back to Chess, despite really heavy rain. Troy continued both to carry the ball well and put in a series of huge tackles to disrupt Chess. We saw much better and quicker rucking from Sammy J, Mateo and Matthew, more effective tackling and passing despite it being slippy from Matty, James and Jack. We maintained the upper hand throughout the game until the last couple of minutes running in a couple of great tries in the corners from the backs, ending up winning 4-3.

All our boys put in a huge performance today and it was some of the best we’ve seen them play collectively for a long time - especially given Chess rotated several fresh players in for the second game. Well done to everyone - we didn’t give out any player of the week because it was too hard to single anyone out this week.

Datchworth Girls

A fantastic display of rugby on Sunday for the Datchworth girls. The u13s played 3 matches in total so the girls got plenty of game time. We teamed up with some players from Chesham, Rams and Bishops Stortford and played against Fullerians, Towcester and Enfield. It was great to see all the girls enjoying the rugby despite the weather conditions, which were pretty grim. Our girls are certainly improving all aspects of their game with the match experience we are getting and are holding their own against some strong teams. There was a hugely impressive team try scored in our game against Towcester which ended with a driving maul to take us over the line. Amazing.

This was also the first outing for our current u11s/u10s girls who played in a Baa Baas style event with girls from other local clubs. Although girls in this age group are still able to play mixed rugby, it's

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great to be able to give them an option to play in an all-girl environment. Player of the Week went to Ruby for some great attacking play and some crucial tackles in defence. Well done Ruby! YOUTH NEWS – Week 7

Datchworth U13s Vs Cheshunt

The U13 squad were in action for the third time this season and the very positive start continued today with an emphatic 40 – 0 home win against Cheshunt. With the whole squad contributing to todays the result the Coaches were pleased with a job well done.

Today’s Try Scorers were: Fabian (2) / Tomo (2) / Luke (2) / Morgan (1) / Elliot (1)…

More than the try scoring we were delighted with the defensive effort to keep Cheshunt from scoring in the game. You might recall that this year we introduced 3 ‘hats’ for our U13 squad; this week the Player of the Week was awarded to Captain Kobie on behalf of his whole team /squad who all played well, the ‘Windmill’ hat for the worst missed-tackle was not awarded in recognition of the brilliant defensive effort… and our ‘Dipstick’ hat was awarded to poor old Jack Lennon who was clear and through to score but lost control of the ball…… Doh! It has been a bad week for ‘U13 Jacks’ – our other U13 Jack has suffered a serious hand injury and will miss the next few weeks... get well soon!

This week we get back into training on Thursday and again on Sunday. Well done U13s… great Stats at the start of the Season… keep it up!

Datchworth U13s Played Won Lost Draw Points For Points Against 3 2 0 1 75 15 Datchworth Rugby Football Club

Datchworth Rugby Football Club

Full Youth Round Up:

• U13 - Home vs Cheshunt, a good win of 40-0 (see above). • U14 - hosted Old Verulamium ended as a hard fought 39-22 loss. To quote a seasoned parent, who shall remain nameless, 'That was the best first game of the season performance I have ever seen.' A good brave effort from the boys today, who all tried their hardest, and fought back strongly in the second half. It is good to see that when a boy is substituted, his first question is 'When can I get back on again?', which does show a high level of commitment, from all the boys. Our set piece scrum continues do dominate, pushing OVs off their ball a couple of times, but our rucking needs aggression and speed, to make the most of our possession. The backs handled the ball well in damp conditions, and tried their best to break through a solid and rapid OVs defence. Denziel earned the Forward of the Day award and Alfie put in a brave effort to earn the Back of the Day nomination.

• U16 - Away friendly to Letchworth, a good win of 37-5. Great all round performance today, most pleasing was the continuity from the forwards, some fantastic carries and off loads put the opposition under constant pressure and when the backs got the ball they spread it to the wings at pace. Man of the Match to Elliott for another outstanding performance, was at the heart of everything good in defence and attack. Massive thanks to Ben who played for Letchworth today, it takes a certain kind of person to do that and I know that they were hugely appreciative

• U17 - hosted Cheshunt and went down 7 – 29. The visitors were always going to be a tough test for the u17’s and so it turned out to be. Datchworth started well in front of good home support and matched their League 1 opponents throughout the first half starting well and delivering some fine Rugby. Cheshunt opening the scoring with a break by their impressive scrum half picking up from a breakdown and sprinting under the posts. However the class moment of the half came when on half way Hunter and Calvert combined to find James Wilson on the wing who first took his opposing wing on the outside before stepping the cover defence to sprint clear and dot down under the posts and the game looked well set and tight with 7 -14 score line at half time. Datchworth proving to have the game to compete at this higher level. However Cheshunt played the conditions well in the second half and applied consistent pressure and with the award of a staggering amount of penalties in their favour racked up a decisive lead. Typically though Datchworth defended well and mounted a final assault on the Cheshunt line with only last gasp defence holding on. Man of the match Calvert was again dominant in the lineout and instrumental in putting Wilson in the clear for the try and Theo Wise earned the champagne moment on his return to the side delivering a bone shaking tackle to stop another Cheshunt attack.

Datchworth Rugby Football Club

Friday 19th October (7-9) AGP Friday Night Lights

The U12s are playing in a mini-Festival at Cheshunt RFC

Cheshunt Rugby Club Rosedale Sports Club Andrew Lane Cheshunt Hertfordshire EN7 6TB Tel: 01992 62398

Main Mini Event - Next Sunday 21st October

Next Sunday the Mini Section are visiting Luton Rugby Club

The U6s will be at Home Training.

Luton Rugby Football Club Newlands Road Luton Bedfordshire LU1 4BQ

Tel: 01582 720355

Our hosts have asked us to meet at 9.30 for a 10AM start.

Datchworth Rugby Football Club

Sunday 21/10/2018 Youth Fixtures - Changing Room Allocations:

Changing Allocated Team(s) Room CR1 Datchworth U15s CR2 Datchworth U17s CR3 Not Used CR4 U17 Friendly Oppo TBC CR5 Enfield U15s

Sunday 21/10/2018 Parking Arrangements:

Sincere thanks to the U14s for another great turn out for Car Parking duty. Thanks, in particular to U17 Manager Tony Hunter who put the Cones out early on Sunday morning.

• Next weekend the U17s are on Parking Duty

Mid-Week Training – Time & Pitch Space Allocations

Age Group Head Coach Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 7 till 9 7 till 8 8 till 9 7 till 8 8 till 9 7 till 8 Youth Girls Phil Solomon 7-8 Senior Sides Ian Reid 7-9 8-9 U17 Simon Little 8-9 U16 Phil Barnes 7-8 U15 Tom Paine 8-9 U14 Phil Nightingale 7-8 U13 Andrew Howard 7-8 U12 Warren Sullivan 7-8 U11 Darren Hales 7-8 U10 Danny Shurety 7-8 U9 Pip Gray 7 till 8

Datchworth Rugby Football Club

Mini Section Fixtures Plan – 2018/19 Season:

Mini Section Fixtures Card 2018/19

Week Date Datchworth RFC Mini Section Parking Provisional 2018/19 Season Duty Fri 19th U12 – AGP – Festival @ Cheshunt Rugby Club N/A Oct 7 till 9:30 8 Sat 20 – U9s @ Allianz Park (Saracens Festival)!!! N/A Oct Datchworth RFC VP Lunch – First XV vs Old Streetonians N/A Sun 21- Luton RFC Vs Datchworth (Away) U17s Oct 9 Sun 28- Home Training at Datchworth

Oct Fri 19th U12 – AGP – Festival @ Cheshunt Rugby Club 10 Oct 7 till 9:30 Sun 04- Tabard Vs Datchworth RFC (Away) Nov 11 Sun 11- St Albans Vs Datchworth (Away) Nov Sun 18- Datchworth RFC Vs Enfield Ignations - Home (all age groups) 12 Nov Sat24- Hertford Flood Lights Festival U10s / U11s / U12s N/A 13 Nov Sun 25- Leighton Buzzard Vs Datchworth RFC (Away) Nov 14 Sun 02- Welwyn Vs Datchworth RFC (Away) Dec 15 Sun 9- Fullerians RFC Vs Datchworth (Away) Dec Datchworth RFC Vs Letchworth RFC - Home (all age groups) Sun 16- 16 Dec

Sun 23- 17 Xmas Training – Santa Clause and Club Festive Morning Dec

Sun 30- XMAS & NEW YEAR BREAK – NO RUGBY 18 Dec

2019

Youth Section Update – Sunday 21stOctober

Youth Section arrangements for next Sunday:

• U13 - Training Pitch 3 • U14 - Training Pitch 3

Datchworth Rugby Football Club

• U15 - Home Friendly vs Enfield Pitch 1, KO 11.00am • U16 - Away Friendly vs Cheshunt • U17 – STILL TBC Home Friendly vs TBC - Pitch 2, KO 11.00am

Senior Section Update

There were no Senior Games at Datchworth this weekend; next weekend the First XV welcome Old Streetonians to the Club - hopefully well supported by a VP Lunch!

DRFC Social Calendar - 2018/19 (49th Playing Season). Updated

This Season we are hoping to enjoy an active social calendar and we are seeking to plan broadly ‘monthly’ events this Season as per feedback from last Season’s Survey. Some dates are yet to be finalised so look out for newsletters and posters in the Club House in respect of VP and Ladies Lunches:

Month Date(s) Club Event

October Sat 20th Oct VP Lunch – First XV Vs Old Streetonians RFC

November Fri 9th Nov DRFC Rugby Club Race Night in the Club House

Fri 23rd Nov Datchworth Cricket Club Quiz Night in the Club House

December Sun 23rd Dec Santas Grotto & Christmas Drinks

January Events TBC

February Fri 1st Feb DRFC Inter Age Group Quiz Night

Sat 2nd Feb 6 Nations Games - Ireland V England 4:45 Big Screen & Big Atmosphere in the Club House Sun 10th Feb 6 Nations Games - England V France 3:00 Big Screen & Big Atmosphere in the Club House Sat 16th Feb Ladies Lunch – First XV Vs Verulamians RFC

Sat 23rd Feb 6 Nations Games - Wales V England 4:45 Big Screen & Big Atmosphere in the Club House March Fri 8th March DRFC Mini & Youth Dinner and Dance

Sat 9th March 6 Nations Games - England V Italy 4:45 Big Screen & Big Atmosphere in the Club House Sat 16th March 6 Nations Games - England V Scotland 5:00 Big Screen & Big Atmosphere in the Club House Sat 30th March VP Lunch – First XV Vs Royston RFC

April 12th to 14th Apr Holt Tour 2019 (U7s to U12s Rugby Tour Weekend)

May Sun 5th May Awards Day Presentation and Party

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Closing Notes & Roundup…

There are lots of positives in this weeks Newsletter from across our age-groups. Next weekend is another busy one for the Club with our U12s playing on Friday evening at Cheshunt, our U9s playing at Saracens on Saturday morning and our core-fixture with Luton on Sunday morning. In the midst of which the Club will play host to a VP Lunch in advance of our First XV game with Old Streetonians and it would be great to see a good crowd from the Mini and Youth section come-along.

Thanks for everyone who continues to help make it possible.

Have a good week and see you next weekend,

Best wishes, Andrew

Andrew Howard Chairman – Mini Section Datchworth Rugby Football Club

Datchworth Rugby Football Club