U8s away at Caldy

When the fixtures are published a cold away trip to Caldy is always the one to be avoided, so we lucked out playing them in almost perfect autumnal sunshine. With only 17 players available, we had two teams of 6 and one of 5 and after a slightly mixed start to the season, it quickly became apparent to all that our lads were going to have the kind of day that we not only became used to last year, but more so that our ability demands and deserves. All the boys showed definite improvement in the areas we've trained hard on over the last few weeks and when minds are switched on there's few teams that can live with us.

David's team consisted of Alex, Austin, Fionn, Jamie, Jacob and Thomas.
The team were much more ready for the games this week and this showed in their rugby. As the three games progressed our defence improved. Early on we broke the line straight from the restart and with Caldy having some fast runners this meant we had to work hard to catch them. As the games progressed this improved and we started to take more tags. However, as we worked up the tag count, the line generally broke down - something we can work on.
In attack we were pretty ruthless with Fionn and Austin both scoring some great tries, Fionn hitting the corners every time whilst dancing along touch - making for some close decisions. However, our tries came with little use of the team at times, too few passes and lots of individual running. This worked at Caldy but against a well-disciplined defence it won't. The lack of passing means the boys are all jockeying for position from the restart, after a few attempts to encourage them to spread the ball about I intervened and set their positions from the restart. This seemed to work and brought more of the team into the game.
Player of the Day was Austin, who seemed to be everywhere at once, he made himself available for passes, he was ready in defence and had a great game.

Steve's team was; Owen, Gabriel, Patrick, Harry, Tom and James - Following the previous week against Macclesfield I was expecting the boys to struggle against a very well disciplined Caldy side. I am glad to report how wrong I was as the boys really stepped up their game.
With good attacking from all, specifically motm Patrick, Owen & Gabe, it was only the defence that needed to be more organised. Apologies to all as I seemed to be shouting "defensive line" constantly.
Talking to Brendan the Caldy coach we agreed that both teams were even. As this was much more than I was expecting, I was well chuffed with the boys performance.

Dom's team was Matty H, Will, Teddy, Thom, Beau and we gratefully borrowed 1 player from Caldy for each game. I've felt all season that we've been searching for the Real Warrington and today we found it. From the off we were strong in attack, organised in defence and outscored our opponents. Teddy opened the scoring seconds into the first game and everyone seemed to get in on the act thereafter. All of the boys contributed and I think everyone scored too in the first game. Our defence was strong and reacted well to me constantly shouting them up together. At the restarts; we ran back to half way every time and whilst the attacking arrow was better, it still needs work to use the full width of the pitch. The defensive line organisation was great and the lads have really taken to pulling each other to fill gaps.
The second game was against probably the best Caldy side and after alternating tries for a short while, we then totally dominated the second half with Teddy leading the way on the try count closely followed by Will and Beau. Continual great defence and tagging with Matty coming into his own taking tags, we pushed them back time after time and we seemed to score at will. Going into the last game I had no criticism of the lads whatsoever and all I asked for extra was more passing. We then scored a couple of Try of the Season contenders with the ball going through every pair of hands to drag the opposition way out of place and then work it back again. We still need more of this, but the realisation that passing the ball to isolate defenders and work gaps really seemed to open their minds. Overall, I was hugely pleased. Everyone contributed, Thom, Matty and Beau were constantly good and always in support. Will continued his amazing start to the season and keeps improving every week. My Player of the Day (as given by the referee) was Teddy who put in a shift to remember and made his coach very proud of him (for once).

We've set a level now that we want to see week in week out. Behaviour and attitudes were great on the pitch and in the club house. One thing we need to work on and parents can help with is when talking rugby with your sons - can you please remind them of the importance of TEAM MATES over school friends - we're still at times looking to miss team mates out and make a harder pass to the lad from school. The coaches spend a lot of time picking each team to try and balance school relationships as much as possible, but at times we can't help putting school friends together. Please just mention this to them before next week, we want them to pass to the person in the best position at all times.

Great Sunday of rugby against one coach in particular's grudge team! I hope it didn't show too much.....