Post by phanlon on Sept 22, 2008 8:53:18 GMT
Orrell 0 - 40 Ruthin
A tough opener for the lads yesterday against a pretty typical Welsh team - Physically very strong and well organised. First off we were extremely impressed with the turn out for the game, this is the fisrt time that we have had to consider subs for a match. Imagine my surprise to see 17 people in the changing rooms!!!
And so to the match, it was a very defensive game for our makeshift side but the focus on this in training has paid dividends. The players tackled well and looked much more organised than in previous games last year. This was reflected in the fact only 3 tries were shipped in the first half. Scrumming was excellent and even without a recognised front row we won just about every scrum (with referee guidance they were contested but controlled). We suffered in the lineouts however it is worth noting that the Welsh Union allow lifting at U13 level so our lads were 3 years behind the Ruthin pack.
The second half was a struggle, a number of the players coming off with injuries and thats where we lost most tries. Still the lads hung on and played to the whistle, a number carrying on with minor knocks.
The management team have come away full of positives, for about 60-70% of the team this was there first match against an extremely good side (their normal tours are against the likes of Hoppers, Waterloo and Ormskirk). We have a clear defined path for training which is a huge positive to come out of this match rather than having to work on all aspects.
Lastly I just wanted to say a big thank you to Jon who coached his first match and has been invaluable in training, everyone involved with Ruthin Rugby Club for traveling to play and encouraging our lads and the match official who coached as well as referee'd
A tough opener for the lads yesterday against a pretty typical Welsh team - Physically very strong and well organised. First off we were extremely impressed with the turn out for the game, this is the fisrt time that we have had to consider subs for a match. Imagine my surprise to see 17 people in the changing rooms!!!
And so to the match, it was a very defensive game for our makeshift side but the focus on this in training has paid dividends. The players tackled well and looked much more organised than in previous games last year. This was reflected in the fact only 3 tries were shipped in the first half. Scrumming was excellent and even without a recognised front row we won just about every scrum (with referee guidance they were contested but controlled). We suffered in the lineouts however it is worth noting that the Welsh Union allow lifting at U13 level so our lads were 3 years behind the Ruthin pack.
The second half was a struggle, a number of the players coming off with injuries and thats where we lost most tries. Still the lads hung on and played to the whistle, a number carrying on with minor knocks.
The management team have come away full of positives, for about 60-70% of the team this was there first match against an extremely good side (their normal tours are against the likes of Hoppers, Waterloo and Ormskirk). We have a clear defined path for training which is a huge positive to come out of this match rather than having to work on all aspects.
Lastly I just wanted to say a big thank you to Jon who coached his first match and has been invaluable in training, everyone involved with Ruthin Rugby Club for traveling to play and encouraging our lads and the match official who coached as well as referee'd