Friday, 12 December 2014
U15s Emphatic Win in NatWest Vase 5th Round
Felsted U15A v Bancroft's, 5th round NatWest Vase
Result: Won 52-0
The U15 Rugby team progressed to the 6th round of the NatWest Vase, beating Bancrofts 52-0. The next round will be away to QE Barnet the second week of next term. Try scorers were Hitchcock 4, Cowie 2, Salmon, Walker and Sturge, all converted by Hitchcock as well as scoring a penalty.
Friday, 5 December 2014
U15s March on in Vase
Felsted U15Av Bishop’s Sortford College 4th round NatWest vase
Result: Won 29-0
Felsted followed up their 26- 5 victory over Wynmondham College with a good victory over local rival Bishop’s Stortford College winning 29-0 in very difficult conditions. Playing with the wind Felsted found it hard to gain ground with ball in hand.
However, an up and under by Connor Mak led to confusion and Tom Walker following up, picked up the ball and ran to score under the posts.This was converted by Tom Hitchcock. By now Felsted were using the wind and after good support play and space found by Cameron Cowie, Tom Walker scored in the corner.
Just before half time the College lost control of the ball at a ruck and Will Barker forced his way over. Playing into the wind Felsted survived a concerted period of play by the opposition. Harry Sturge was tackling like a demon and now started, with the back row, to make inroads. From a set play Tom Hitchcock scored under the posts. With the last play of the game Piers Martin danced around the defence to score in the corner. The next round is against Bancroft's on Thursday 11th Dec 2.15 kick off.
Result: Won 29-0
Felsted followed up their 26- 5 victory over Wynmondham College with a good victory over local rival Bishop’s Stortford College winning 29-0 in very difficult conditions. Playing with the wind Felsted found it hard to gain ground with ball in hand.
However, an up and under by Connor Mak led to confusion and Tom Walker following up, picked up the ball and ran to score under the posts.This was converted by Tom Hitchcock. By now Felsted were using the wind and after good support play and space found by Cameron Cowie, Tom Walker scored in the corner.
Just before half time the College lost control of the ball at a ruck and Will Barker forced his way over. Playing into the wind Felsted survived a concerted period of play by the opposition. Harry Sturge was tackling like a demon and now started, with the back row, to make inroads. From a set play Tom Hitchcock scored under the posts. With the last play of the game Piers Martin danced around the defence to score in the corner. The next round is against Bancroft's on Thursday 11th Dec 2.15 kick off.
Monday, 6 October 2014
Gresham's
Felsted U16 A XV v Gresham's (A)
Result: Lost 0-12
A hard-fought match, dominated by mistakes and broken play due to the extremely wet conditions. This was a day for the forwards in particular to show their strength and the breakdown area was hotly contested throughout the game, as both teams fought to gain momentum. Bloomfield had a strong game, stabilising the scrum and making his tackles. Barton made a good impersonation of a centre when Potter had to leave the pitch with an injury and Gilham tried valiantly to create an opening. The only score of the first half came just before half-time when the Gresham's winger was given too much space on the right and he was able to score without being touched.
If anything the rain intensified In the second half, which followed a similar pattern to the first. As the game wore on, it became apparent that a score from either side would significantly change the feel of the game. Despite a number of half chances, we were unable to maintain pressure in Gresham's 22 and it was the Gresham's winger who again found himself in a bit of space to score his second try and seal the game.
A resolute performance from everybody today. However, what is becoming increasingly clear is that the team spirit amongst the players is first-rate and there is real desire to play hard, attractive rugby. The area we really need to focus on is our decision making, specifically when plan 'A' is not working.
Man of the Match: Matt Gilham
Result: Lost 0-12
A hard-fought match, dominated by mistakes and broken play due to the extremely wet conditions. This was a day for the forwards in particular to show their strength and the breakdown area was hotly contested throughout the game, as both teams fought to gain momentum. Bloomfield had a strong game, stabilising the scrum and making his tackles. Barton made a good impersonation of a centre when Potter had to leave the pitch with an injury and Gilham tried valiantly to create an opening. The only score of the first half came just before half-time when the Gresham's winger was given too much space on the right and he was able to score without being touched.
If anything the rain intensified In the second half, which followed a similar pattern to the first. As the game wore on, it became apparent that a score from either side would significantly change the feel of the game. Despite a number of half chances, we were unable to maintain pressure in Gresham's 22 and it was the Gresham's winger who again found himself in a bit of space to score his second try and seal the game.
A resolute performance from everybody today. However, what is becoming increasingly clear is that the team spirit amongst the players is first-rate and there is real desire to play hard, attractive rugby. The area we really need to focus on is our decision making, specifically when plan 'A' is not working.
Man of the Match: Matt Gilham
Monday, 29 September 2014
Bishop's Stortford High School
U16 A XV v Bishop's Stortford High School (H)
Result: Won 26-19
Still smarting from the drubbing at Haileybury, the boys knew this year's fixture against BSHS would be close. Fittingly for a team with a point to prove, we started extremely well. The scrum was dominant with Brown & Crafford proving their worth in the tight exchanges, both creating turnovers to keep the early pressure on the opposition. One scrum against the head gave Holland and Gilham time and space to put Potter under the posts. This was quickly followed by some good line out work from Rogers and Willis finished the move extremely well from 35 metres out to take Felsted into a 14-0 lead. However, just as we threatened to take complete control, we missed a coke of tackles to gift BSHS a try and a foothold in the game. The next 10 minutes were characterised by some exciting, inventive rugby from Felsted without being able to finish moves off until Holland spotted the BSHS full back out of position and put in a chip kick which he chased down himself before being tackled without the ball. From the resultant penalty Barton powered his way over to give us a 19-6 half time lead.
When BSHS scored a try 10 minutes into the second half, the game teetered on a knife edge, with both teams proving for weaknesses. BSHS looked particularly dangerous in broken play, with some very strong runners able to make a lot of ground. Potter's second try of the game stretched our lead back out to 14 points and we seemed to be in control until King's yellow card for an extremely late tackle shifted the momentum back towards BSHS. A long range solo effort from their no.8 could have signalled a decisive shift in the game, but with Willis looking superb in defence and under the high ball alongside Barton, Lowe, Austin and Stoner's defence around the fringes the boys weathered the storm, finally sealing the game with another turnover which allowed Gilham to clear to touch and the final whistle.
Man of the Match: Ronan Willis
Result: Won 26-19
Still smarting from the drubbing at Haileybury, the boys knew this year's fixture against BSHS would be close. Fittingly for a team with a point to prove, we started extremely well. The scrum was dominant with Brown & Crafford proving their worth in the tight exchanges, both creating turnovers to keep the early pressure on the opposition. One scrum against the head gave Holland and Gilham time and space to put Potter under the posts. This was quickly followed by some good line out work from Rogers and Willis finished the move extremely well from 35 metres out to take Felsted into a 14-0 lead. However, just as we threatened to take complete control, we missed a coke of tackles to gift BSHS a try and a foothold in the game. The next 10 minutes were characterised by some exciting, inventive rugby from Felsted without being able to finish moves off until Holland spotted the BSHS full back out of position and put in a chip kick which he chased down himself before being tackled without the ball. From the resultant penalty Barton powered his way over to give us a 19-6 half time lead.
When BSHS scored a try 10 minutes into the second half, the game teetered on a knife edge, with both teams proving for weaknesses. BSHS looked particularly dangerous in broken play, with some very strong runners able to make a lot of ground. Potter's second try of the game stretched our lead back out to 14 points and we seemed to be in control until King's yellow card for an extremely late tackle shifted the momentum back towards BSHS. A long range solo effort from their no.8 could have signalled a decisive shift in the game, but with Willis looking superb in defence and under the high ball alongside Barton, Lowe, Austin and Stoner's defence around the fringes the boys weathered the storm, finally sealing the game with another turnover which allowed Gilham to clear to touch and the final whistle.
Man of the Match: Ronan Willis
Wednesday, 17 September 2014
Haileybury
U16 A XV v Haileybury (A)
Result: Lost 7-64
After the previous two matches, this was a disappointing performance that brought the boys back to earth with a bang. We can point to injuries taking 4 players out of the starting XV as a reason for some disjointed play, but not for the lack of focus and defensive frailties exhibited in the first 15 minutes. Haileybury used the opening exchanges to set their stall out emphatically. Strong carrying off the back of scrums and rucks complemented by an intelligent display from their fly-half led to three early scores. There was a resurgence of sorts led by Potter - playing outstandingly at blindside flanker - and Gilham which resulted in Gilham scoring a try and offering a glimmer of hope. Unfortunately, this was quickly extinguished with two length-of-field tries from Haileybury during the run-in to half time. The second half saw a marked improvement in the defensive performance, with fewer tackles missed and more turnovers created. Brown & Potter were outstanding in the forwards, while Glydon, Holland and Gilham did their best to stem the tide in the backs.
A final score of 64-7 to Haileybury is a fair reflection of the difference between the teams on the day, but the boys are honest enough to admit that they had not performed well. It is difficult to maintain motivation and effort when you are on the wrong end of this type of score-line but it will tell me a lot about the boys' aptitude for the game and strength of character when I see how they train this week and then approach the next match v Bishop' Stortford High School after the Exeat.
Man of the Match: Ned Potter
Felsted U15A v Haileybury (A)
Result: Won 24-12
The U15s learnt from their defeat to Framlingham and produced a sterling performance to turn around last year’s defeat to Haileybury. For 15 minutes, a strong organised defence denied a well organised Haileybury attack scoring opportunities, maintaining good defensive pressure and ensuring their attack little time. Once Felsted got a grip on the game they went through the phases, resulting in a penalty award, which Tom Hitchcock converted. Felsted were now gaining the ascendency and Hitchcock dummied in the centre and ran three quarters the length of the field to score Felsted’s first try. Felsted scored further tries through Will Barker and Tom Hitchcock again, with the latter converting from the touch line. The exertions of the first half now took its toll and Felsted had to roll on replacements. A tiring Felsted side conceded 2 tries in the last five minutes. The team should take much credit for, resolute dynamic defence and patience in attack.
Man of the Match: Tom Hitchcock
Felsted U15B v Haileybury
Result: Won 59-0
The team were strengthened by established players returning from injury and this added options to the squad, which had opened the season with two victories.
The team made a strong statement with their rugby in the opening five minutes. The tackling was more effective than in previous games and the support play was improved. The early Felsted pressure yielded tries for Judd Rabey and William Soper–Esmeraldo, both exhibiting strong, direct running and the ability to break tackles. Felsted built on this early lead with a deserved try for flanker Billy Franklin and second tries for Rabey and Soper-Esmeraldo.
Work on the training ground seemed to pay off as Felsted contested the rucks in greater numbers and recycled the ball more effectively. Despite repeated attempts, Haileybury could not quite generate the final pass to breach the Felsted defence. Tries in the second half by Noah Misell, James Stewart and Christian Lewis sealed the victory for Felsted, despite the often dogged Haileybury defence.'
Monday, 15 September 2014
Framlingham
Saturday 13th september 2014
Felsted 1st XV v Framlingham
Result: Won 45 – 12
The first home game of the season is always a special occasion with many OF’s lining the ropes before heading off to University, or indeed a year off in the sun/sea/snow! The 1st XV didn’t need any motivational help, but it was great to see so many recent players back to support. So when Stonham finished off a move that came from a Framlingham mistake from kick off, the excitement rose around the pitch. Unfortunately, Framlingham came straight back to score from a sloppy bit of defensive play. However, that was the last slip of the half against a bigger pack and quick set of backs. The XV under the guidance of Malins, cut Framlingham open with a combination of well executed set plays and maturity from turn over ball. Brooke who had an excellent game in the loose, crossed after a dynamic break from the backs. Williams was enjoying his afternoon tackling and supporting most attacking plays and Smith carried well and made some key hits in midfield, when Framlingham did threaten.
Again, the XV have areas to work on and the season is only in its infancy, but they will be pleased with the start. Tougher battles await the XV and they will need to tighten up in several key areas in future weeks.
Man of the Match: Tom Smith
U16 A XV v Framlingham (H)
Result: Won 38-5
The boys approached their first home game of the season in high spirits following last week's win over Eltham. The confidence proved to be well placed after three quick tries from Potter, Brown & Monks took us out to a 17-0 lead within 10 minutes. It was clear from the early exchanges that our scrum was dominant, which meant that Gilham had a lot of time with the ball that he used this to good effect, keeping the pressure on with intelligent use of the blindside. Unfortunately, an injury to Lucas during one of these blindside attacks disrupted the flow of play and lead to a 10-minute period where we looked pedestrian, running sideways rather than the more direct, straight running that had worked so well. Some excellent work by Crafford and Brown in defence caused a number of turnovers, which was backed up by Lowe's exemplary support play. Consequently Gilham & Willis were able to work a couple of openings for King & Lowe to scorer. With Gilham converting the final try, we went into half time 29-0 up.
Rather than galvanise us, the half time break appeared to result in us stepping off the gas with the result that Framlingham started the second half in control, putting a lot of pressure on us inside our 22. Some resolute defending and last ditch tackling from the forwards as a whole managed to stop them from crossing the line and eventually we rediscovered our ability to hold onto the ball long enough to create chances. Lowe was constantly in support, ensuring continuity of play and with some strong running from Brown, Barton & Glydon we finished strongly with tries from Munro - finishing well from 30meters with his first touch of the game - Gilham, Barton and Potter (from the last play of the game). Gilham's conversions ensured we broke the 50 point margin, running out 53-0 winners.
The result notwithstanding, there was a lot to learn from this game, most notably that we need to learn to play with a consistent focus. Both periods of Framlingham dominance came about because we were not ready to deal with a team that changes the way it plays or increases the pace of the game; definitely a focus for training next week.
Man of the Match: Dan Lowe
Felsted U15A v Framlingham
Result: Lost 20-21
The Under 15s learnt a harsh lesson Saturday, if you do not take your chances - then even though you are the better side, you will not win the match. Framlingham had three scoring chances and took them all. In the first 15 minutes Felsted kept on taking the wrong option when a try was a begging. Their only reward was a penalty, converted by Tom Hitchcock. A turnover and then poor tackling led to Framlingham’s first try. Just before half time, pressure told and Tom Hitchcock gave Felsted the lead.
The second half continued with Felsted on top, however, with Felsted pressing the mistakes were made again, allowing Framlingham to score once more under the posts. Felsted never gave up and an intelligent chip by Ollie Hills, allowed Patrick Irvine to score in the corner. From the kick off Framlingham pressed and having been denied a try in the corner by resolute defence, from the ensuing line-out scored under the posts. With 10 minutes to go Felsted did not give up and quick hands and dynamic speed by Tom Walker scored in the corner with Tom Hitchcock converting. 20-21 and Framlingham kicked off with the last play of the game. Felsted moved the ball well and looked like they could score but a forward pass denied them the opportunity of a winning score. The back row had an excellent match especially Cameron Cowie.
Man of the match Cameron Cowie
Felsted 1st XV v Framlingham
Result: Won 45 – 12
The first home game of the season is always a special occasion with many OF’s lining the ropes before heading off to University, or indeed a year off in the sun/sea/snow! The 1st XV didn’t need any motivational help, but it was great to see so many recent players back to support. So when Stonham finished off a move that came from a Framlingham mistake from kick off, the excitement rose around the pitch. Unfortunately, Framlingham came straight back to score from a sloppy bit of defensive play. However, that was the last slip of the half against a bigger pack and quick set of backs. The XV under the guidance of Malins, cut Framlingham open with a combination of well executed set plays and maturity from turn over ball. Brooke who had an excellent game in the loose, crossed after a dynamic break from the backs. Williams was enjoying his afternoon tackling and supporting most attacking plays and Smith carried well and made some key hits in midfield, when Framlingham did threaten.
Again, the XV have areas to work on and the season is only in its infancy, but they will be pleased with the start. Tougher battles await the XV and they will need to tighten up in several key areas in future weeks.
Man of the Match: Tom Smith
U16 A XV v Framlingham (H)
Result: Won 38-5
The boys approached their first home game of the season in high spirits following last week's win over Eltham. The confidence proved to be well placed after three quick tries from Potter, Brown & Monks took us out to a 17-0 lead within 10 minutes. It was clear from the early exchanges that our scrum was dominant, which meant that Gilham had a lot of time with the ball that he used this to good effect, keeping the pressure on with intelligent use of the blindside. Unfortunately, an injury to Lucas during one of these blindside attacks disrupted the flow of play and lead to a 10-minute period where we looked pedestrian, running sideways rather than the more direct, straight running that had worked so well. Some excellent work by Crafford and Brown in defence caused a number of turnovers, which was backed up by Lowe's exemplary support play. Consequently Gilham & Willis were able to work a couple of openings for King & Lowe to scorer. With Gilham converting the final try, we went into half time 29-0 up.
Rather than galvanise us, the half time break appeared to result in us stepping off the gas with the result that Framlingham started the second half in control, putting a lot of pressure on us inside our 22. Some resolute defending and last ditch tackling from the forwards as a whole managed to stop them from crossing the line and eventually we rediscovered our ability to hold onto the ball long enough to create chances. Lowe was constantly in support, ensuring continuity of play and with some strong running from Brown, Barton & Glydon we finished strongly with tries from Munro - finishing well from 30meters with his first touch of the game - Gilham, Barton and Potter (from the last play of the game). Gilham's conversions ensured we broke the 50 point margin, running out 53-0 winners.
The result notwithstanding, there was a lot to learn from this game, most notably that we need to learn to play with a consistent focus. Both periods of Framlingham dominance came about because we were not ready to deal with a team that changes the way it plays or increases the pace of the game; definitely a focus for training next week.
Man of the Match: Dan Lowe
Felsted U15A v Framlingham
Result: Lost 20-21
The Under 15s learnt a harsh lesson Saturday, if you do not take your chances - then even though you are the better side, you will not win the match. Framlingham had three scoring chances and took them all. In the first 15 minutes Felsted kept on taking the wrong option when a try was a begging. Their only reward was a penalty, converted by Tom Hitchcock. A turnover and then poor tackling led to Framlingham’s first try. Just before half time, pressure told and Tom Hitchcock gave Felsted the lead.
The second half continued with Felsted on top, however, with Felsted pressing the mistakes were made again, allowing Framlingham to score once more under the posts. Felsted never gave up and an intelligent chip by Ollie Hills, allowed Patrick Irvine to score in the corner. From the kick off Framlingham pressed and having been denied a try in the corner by resolute defence, from the ensuing line-out scored under the posts. With 10 minutes to go Felsted did not give up and quick hands and dynamic speed by Tom Walker scored in the corner with Tom Hitchcock converting. 20-21 and Framlingham kicked off with the last play of the game. Felsted moved the ball well and looked like they could score but a forward pass denied them the opportunity of a winning score. The back row had an excellent match especially Cameron Cowie.
Man of the match Cameron Cowie
Monday, 8 September 2014
Eltham
Saturday 6th September 2014
Felsted 1st XV v Eltham
Result: Won 47 - 26
The 1st XV squad had not enjoyed the most fruitful pre-season with several boys away on representative duty, but fitness levels were good for this time in the season and the desire to pull on the 1st XV shirt under the captaincy of the outstanding Malins was high amongst the old and new faces to the squad. Eltham who were confident their backline could be successful, were starved of any ball from the opening minutes when Lennon exacted an excellent turn over in the Eltham half, that saw Gilham cross the line 15 seconds later in the opposite corner. Felsted ran in some outstanding team tries over the next 35 minutes against a slightly shell shocked opposition.
It is hard to pick a try that stood out, as they all showed the quality of the boys handling. Eltham did stem the flow in the 2nd half, but not before Jackson had finished off another slick move and support play by backs and forwards. It was clear that on an opening day when the XV played well, they still have many areas to improve on, but they can do this confidently after some stunning performances. Eltham should be commended for their scores late on and their hospitality.
Man of the Match: Harry Brooke
Felsted U16 A XV v Eltham (A)
Result: Won 38-5
With the core of the team having attended the full week of pre-season, we approached our opening fixture in a positive frame of mind. Our intentions were clear from the start as Glydon and Gilham got the team playing at a fast pace, putting width on the game and trying to play expansive, attractive rugby. Unfortunately the boys struggled with fundamental skills of accurate passing and safe catching, which gave Eltham the initiative for much if the first half. Fortunately our tackling was first rate, thwarting several strong Eltham attacks and with 20 minutes gone we eventually managed to put some phases together and after Brown made a typically surging run, Crafford picked up and drove over from close range for the first try of the game. Half time offered a welcome opportunity for us to refocus; suddenly passes started to stick and we were able to play with more fluency. A break from Gilham lead to an early try for Willis, which was promptly followed by Glydon breaking down the blindside who put Monks in for our third try and a 19-0 lead. Eltham rallied briefly and managed to score an unconverted try before Lucas scored the first of his three tries. Surely an early contender for try of the season, he picked up a loose kick just inside the Eltham half, beat 6 players and scored under the posts. His three late tries resulted in a score-line that flattered us slightly, given our lackluster attacking performance in the first half but the result was well deserved and gave us an excellent start to the season.
Man of the Match: Archie Lucas
Felsted 1st XV v Eltham
Result: Won 47 - 26
The 1st XV squad had not enjoyed the most fruitful pre-season with several boys away on representative duty, but fitness levels were good for this time in the season and the desire to pull on the 1st XV shirt under the captaincy of the outstanding Malins was high amongst the old and new faces to the squad. Eltham who were confident their backline could be successful, were starved of any ball from the opening minutes when Lennon exacted an excellent turn over in the Eltham half, that saw Gilham cross the line 15 seconds later in the opposite corner. Felsted ran in some outstanding team tries over the next 35 minutes against a slightly shell shocked opposition.
It is hard to pick a try that stood out, as they all showed the quality of the boys handling. Eltham did stem the flow in the 2nd half, but not before Jackson had finished off another slick move and support play by backs and forwards. It was clear that on an opening day when the XV played well, they still have many areas to improve on, but they can do this confidently after some stunning performances. Eltham should be commended for their scores late on and their hospitality.
Man of the Match: Harry Brooke
Felsted U16 A XV v Eltham (A)
Result: Won 38-5
With the core of the team having attended the full week of pre-season, we approached our opening fixture in a positive frame of mind. Our intentions were clear from the start as Glydon and Gilham got the team playing at a fast pace, putting width on the game and trying to play expansive, attractive rugby. Unfortunately the boys struggled with fundamental skills of accurate passing and safe catching, which gave Eltham the initiative for much if the first half. Fortunately our tackling was first rate, thwarting several strong Eltham attacks and with 20 minutes gone we eventually managed to put some phases together and after Brown made a typically surging run, Crafford picked up and drove over from close range for the first try of the game. Half time offered a welcome opportunity for us to refocus; suddenly passes started to stick and we were able to play with more fluency. A break from Gilham lead to an early try for Willis, which was promptly followed by Glydon breaking down the blindside who put Monks in for our third try and a 19-0 lead. Eltham rallied briefly and managed to score an unconverted try before Lucas scored the first of his three tries. Surely an early contender for try of the season, he picked up a loose kick just inside the Eltham half, beat 6 players and scored under the posts. His three late tries resulted in a score-line that flattered us slightly, given our lackluster attacking performance in the first half but the result was well deserved and gave us an excellent start to the season.
Man of the Match: Archie Lucas
Monday, 13 January 2014
U15 Natwest Vase 5th Round
The U15s continued their march to Twickenham on Thursday 9th January, with a solid 22-10 win over St Martin's in the Natwest Vase 5th Round. The victory, achieved in cold conditions here at Felsted, means the team come a step closer to emulating last year's successful run to the final. They will face London Oratory in Round 6.
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