Monday, May 01, 2006
New archive for Ashford RFC Under 14s
From today, 1st May 2006, the team are renamed the Ashford U14s, the name they will use for the 2006/7 season. A new press report archive has been set up for the team in readiness for the next season. See Ashford U14s match reports. The team's main website remains unchanged. See http://www.Ashford-junior-rugby.info.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
May 2005 - End of an era
From May 2005 the 2004/5 Ashford RFC Under 12s are renamed the Ashford Under 13s. This site will remain as an archive. The blog will transfer to a new URL at http://ashfordu13.blogspot.com. The team's main website will remain unchanged at www.ashford-junior-rugby.info.
Tuesday, May 03, 2005
Ashford RFC Under 12s Match Report 10th April 2005
Ashford fail narrowly in valiant attempt to secure Kent crown
Ashford 10 (2 tries) – Erith 0 (Walkover)
Ashford 25 (5 tries) – Thanet 0
Ashford 20 (4 tries) – Blackheath B 0
Ashford 5 (1 try) – Blackheath A 10 (2 tries)
Ashford’s brave Under 12s narrowly failed in their attempt to take the Kent title losing out by 2 tries to 1 to reigning champions and eventual tournament winners Blackheath A. The Ashford team had set their stall out to win the main event with forwards Billy Stevens and Christopher Albrow working in unison to power through their weaker opponents. The team cruised through their qualifying group with a walkover against Erith – who failed to field a team on time and then easy wins against Thanet and Blackheath B.
In the quarter final Ashford faced Blackheath “A” – 3 times winners of the Kent championship. Ashford opened strongly winning a scrum against the head and immediately pressuring the Blackheath line. Until this point in the tournament, both Ashford and Blackheath had kept clean sheets. The deadlock was broken after four minutes when lock George Morgan picked up from behind a ruck on the half way line and fed fly half Louis Burdon. Burdon burst through two Blackheath tackles and sprinted towards the try line. Unfortunately, 2 metres short he was high tackled around the head. Despite the illegal tackle Burdon still placed the ball well and hooker George Sladden followed up to scoop up the ball and dive over to open the scores. Ashford were ahead but their jubilation was tempered by the loss of Burdon who left the field for treatment. This required the team’s backline to be reorganised.
Early in the second half Blackheath, twice broke through Ashford’s disorganised defence to take a two tries to one lead. But Ashford weren’t finished. They mounted a massive effort to breach the Blackheath line. From a series of lineouts and scrums Ashford drove towards the Blackheath line. At one Blackheath kicked high and long out of defence. Fullback Daniel Head chased back and made an overhead catch worthy of an American Football running back. Regaining his bearings, Head coolly sidestepped the onrushing Blackheath players and linked with his forwards to set up another attack. Despite leading 2 tries to 1, Blackheath were now on the back foot. Fly half Burdon rejoined the fray and only desperate – and illegal - Blackheath defence kept the Ashford team at bay. Inside the last minute Ashford won a penalty that saw prop Stevens batter his way towards the line. He was held up just short and the team recycled possession and forwards Glenn Caton, Albrow and Morgan all making forceful attempts to cross the line. With the clock running down, Ashford were just 18 inches short of the try line when a Blackheath player killed the ball at a tackle. As Stevens, back on his feet, wrestled for the ball with the infringing player, the referee blew for the Blackheath infringement - and then inexplicably called time. Ashford had been denied by gamesmanship worthy of a premiership side.
In many respects, despite the defeat, the match represented the team’s performance of the season. It was fantastic squad performance. The side has made much progress in the last 12 months and now know the measure of what’s required to become Kent Champions. They will be back in September ready to challenge for greater honours.
Apart from George Sladden other try scorers at the tournament were Chris Albrow and Harry Atkins with 2 apiece, and Luke Chinnery, Billy Stevens, George Morgan, Grant Noremac and Harvey Piper with one each. Player of the week was Daniel Head.
Ashford 10 (2 tries) – Erith 0 (Walkover)
Ashford 25 (5 tries) – Thanet 0
Ashford 20 (4 tries) – Blackheath B 0
Ashford 5 (1 try) – Blackheath A 10 (2 tries)
Ashford’s brave Under 12s narrowly failed in their attempt to take the Kent title losing out by 2 tries to 1 to reigning champions and eventual tournament winners Blackheath A. The Ashford team had set their stall out to win the main event with forwards Billy Stevens and Christopher Albrow working in unison to power through their weaker opponents. The team cruised through their qualifying group with a walkover against Erith – who failed to field a team on time and then easy wins against Thanet and Blackheath B.
In the quarter final Ashford faced Blackheath “A” – 3 times winners of the Kent championship. Ashford opened strongly winning a scrum against the head and immediately pressuring the Blackheath line. Until this point in the tournament, both Ashford and Blackheath had kept clean sheets. The deadlock was broken after four minutes when lock George Morgan picked up from behind a ruck on the half way line and fed fly half Louis Burdon. Burdon burst through two Blackheath tackles and sprinted towards the try line. Unfortunately, 2 metres short he was high tackled around the head. Despite the illegal tackle Burdon still placed the ball well and hooker George Sladden followed up to scoop up the ball and dive over to open the scores. Ashford were ahead but their jubilation was tempered by the loss of Burdon who left the field for treatment. This required the team’s backline to be reorganised.
Early in the second half Blackheath, twice broke through Ashford’s disorganised defence to take a two tries to one lead. But Ashford weren’t finished. They mounted a massive effort to breach the Blackheath line. From a series of lineouts and scrums Ashford drove towards the Blackheath line. At one Blackheath kicked high and long out of defence. Fullback Daniel Head chased back and made an overhead catch worthy of an American Football running back. Regaining his bearings, Head coolly sidestepped the onrushing Blackheath players and linked with his forwards to set up another attack. Despite leading 2 tries to 1, Blackheath were now on the back foot. Fly half Burdon rejoined the fray and only desperate – and illegal - Blackheath defence kept the Ashford team at bay. Inside the last minute Ashford won a penalty that saw prop Stevens batter his way towards the line. He was held up just short and the team recycled possession and forwards Glenn Caton, Albrow and Morgan all making forceful attempts to cross the line. With the clock running down, Ashford were just 18 inches short of the try line when a Blackheath player killed the ball at a tackle. As Stevens, back on his feet, wrestled for the ball with the infringing player, the referee blew for the Blackheath infringement - and then inexplicably called time. Ashford had been denied by gamesmanship worthy of a premiership side.
In many respects, despite the defeat, the match represented the team’s performance of the season. It was fantastic squad performance. The side has made much progress in the last 12 months and now know the measure of what’s required to become Kent Champions. They will be back in September ready to challenge for greater honours.
Apart from George Sladden other try scorers at the tournament were Chris Albrow and Harry Atkins with 2 apiece, and Luke Chinnery, Billy Stevens, George Morgan, Grant Noremac and Harvey Piper with one each. Player of the week was Daniel Head.
Ashford RFC Under 12s Match Report 3rd April 2005
Ashford forwards power to clear win over Middlesex side Ruislip.
Ashford 30 (6 tries) – Ruislip 0
Ashford B 5 (1 try) – Ruislip 15 (3 tries)
In recent weeks the Ashford Under 12s have played sides from Hertfordshire, Wiltshire and Essex. This weekend they had the luxury of a home fixture courtesy of touring Middlesex side Ruislip.
Ruislip came to Ashford on the second day of their Easter tour. The previous day they had managed a 3 tries all draw with Canterbury. As a result they may have arrived at Kinney’s Field with the wrong impression of the competitiveness of Kent Under 12 rugby. They would find the Ashford Under 12s a different proposition from their east Kent neighbours.
From the kick-off the Ashford boys put the visitors under immediate pressure. In the opening exchanges, Ruislip’s forwards appeared taken aback by the power and physical presence of the Ashford pack. With prop Billy Stevens to the fore, Ashford’s forwards dominated possession spending the whole of the first half pressuring their opponent’s try line. The opening score came after just 2 minutes when hooker George Sladden stole possession from a Ruislip scrum and captain Chris Albrow dived over to score the first try. From the restart, Ashford charged upfield and resumed the pressure on the visitors try line. Despite crossing the visitor’s line on several occasions Ashford were unable to ground the ball cleanly. Eventually, breaking quickly from the scrum, Albrow pounced on a defensive error and scored his and the team’s second try.
The second half saw Ashford execute their task much more cleanly and they began to convert pressure into points. Backs Luke Chinnery, Harry Atkins, Adam Batt and Harvey Piper all scored tries to make it a convincing 6 tries to nil victory. One of the highlights of the second half was when Ruislip made a rare foray into Ashford territory and stand-in fullback Chinnery made his best tackle of the season.
The development squad also put in a strong performance losing to Ruislip by 3 tries to 1.
“A” team player of the week was Patrick MacEnri. Development squad player of the week was William Mowl.
Ashford 30 (6 tries) – Ruislip 0
Ashford B 5 (1 try) – Ruislip 15 (3 tries)
In recent weeks the Ashford Under 12s have played sides from Hertfordshire, Wiltshire and Essex. This weekend they had the luxury of a home fixture courtesy of touring Middlesex side Ruislip.
Ruislip came to Ashford on the second day of their Easter tour. The previous day they had managed a 3 tries all draw with Canterbury. As a result they may have arrived at Kinney’s Field with the wrong impression of the competitiveness of Kent Under 12 rugby. They would find the Ashford Under 12s a different proposition from their east Kent neighbours.
From the kick-off the Ashford boys put the visitors under immediate pressure. In the opening exchanges, Ruislip’s forwards appeared taken aback by the power and physical presence of the Ashford pack. With prop Billy Stevens to the fore, Ashford’s forwards dominated possession spending the whole of the first half pressuring their opponent’s try line. The opening score came after just 2 minutes when hooker George Sladden stole possession from a Ruislip scrum and captain Chris Albrow dived over to score the first try. From the restart, Ashford charged upfield and resumed the pressure on the visitors try line. Despite crossing the visitor’s line on several occasions Ashford were unable to ground the ball cleanly. Eventually, breaking quickly from the scrum, Albrow pounced on a defensive error and scored his and the team’s second try.
The second half saw Ashford execute their task much more cleanly and they began to convert pressure into points. Backs Luke Chinnery, Harry Atkins, Adam Batt and Harvey Piper all scored tries to make it a convincing 6 tries to nil victory. One of the highlights of the second half was when Ruislip made a rare foray into Ashford territory and stand-in fullback Chinnery made his best tackle of the season.
The development squad also put in a strong performance losing to Ruislip by 3 tries to 1.
“A” team player of the week was Patrick MacEnri. Development squad player of the week was William Mowl.
Tuesday, March 22, 2005
Ashford RFC Under 12s Match Report 20th March 2005
Albrow leads depleted squad to power packed performance
Woodham Ferrers 14 – Ashford 7
Ashford 21 – Chelmsford 21
As part of their build-up for next month’s Kent Festival, the Ashford Under 12s travelled to Essex on Sunday in search of some stiffer competition. From experience, Essex sides have a more physical approach to the game – particularly in the forwards. Unfortunately, the extended travelling distance meant that the team travelled with a depleted squad of just 15 fit players.
The team’s difficulties were compounded within minutes of kicking off in the first match when the team sustained injuries to players in three key positions. This reduced the squad to just 12 effective players. With the first choice fly half, scrum half, inside centre and winger out of action the team were forced into playing inexperienced forwards out of position in a reshuffled three-quarter line. It wasn’t a pretty sight but it was good character building stuff as the boys narrowly lost their first match against their beefy hosts from Woodham Ferrers by 14 points to 7.
In their second match, against Chelmsford, Ashford fell behind to two early tries as the forwards in the three-quarter line struggled to come to terms with their unfamiliar responsibilities. The boys recovered slightly to snatch one try back before half time. However, matters deteriorated further early in the second half when they conceded a third soft try - leaving the team with a two try deficit. At this point, with another rare defeat staring them in the face, the Ashford forward pack took matters into their own hands. Realising the paucity of talent in their backs the Ashford forwards, led by Captain Chris Albrow, changed tactics and repeatedly drove and battered their way into Chelmsford’s territory. The match became a close quarters battle as the Ashford were forwards were desperate to avoid exposing their vulnerable backline to further attack. From 21 points to 7 down, first Albrow and then prop Billy Stevens powered their way over the secure vital scores and draw 21 points all. Despite this being just a draw it was probably the performance of the season.
Try scorers over the two matches were Christopher Albrow with three and Billy Stevens with one. Full back Daniel Head managed a 100% record, kicking all four conversions.
Player of the week was Christopher Albrow.
Woodham Ferrers 14 – Ashford 7
Ashford 21 – Chelmsford 21
As part of their build-up for next month’s Kent Festival, the Ashford Under 12s travelled to Essex on Sunday in search of some stiffer competition. From experience, Essex sides have a more physical approach to the game – particularly in the forwards. Unfortunately, the extended travelling distance meant that the team travelled with a depleted squad of just 15 fit players.
The team’s difficulties were compounded within minutes of kicking off in the first match when the team sustained injuries to players in three key positions. This reduced the squad to just 12 effective players. With the first choice fly half, scrum half, inside centre and winger out of action the team were forced into playing inexperienced forwards out of position in a reshuffled three-quarter line. It wasn’t a pretty sight but it was good character building stuff as the boys narrowly lost their first match against their beefy hosts from Woodham Ferrers by 14 points to 7.
In their second match, against Chelmsford, Ashford fell behind to two early tries as the forwards in the three-quarter line struggled to come to terms with their unfamiliar responsibilities. The boys recovered slightly to snatch one try back before half time. However, matters deteriorated further early in the second half when they conceded a third soft try - leaving the team with a two try deficit. At this point, with another rare defeat staring them in the face, the Ashford forward pack took matters into their own hands. Realising the paucity of talent in their backs the Ashford forwards, led by Captain Chris Albrow, changed tactics and repeatedly drove and battered their way into Chelmsford’s territory. The match became a close quarters battle as the Ashford were forwards were desperate to avoid exposing their vulnerable backline to further attack. From 21 points to 7 down, first Albrow and then prop Billy Stevens powered their way over the secure vital scores and draw 21 points all. Despite this being just a draw it was probably the performance of the season.
Try scorers over the two matches were Christopher Albrow with three and Billy Stevens with one. Full back Daniel Head managed a 100% record, kicking all four conversions.
Player of the week was Christopher Albrow.
Sunday, March 13, 2005
Ashford RFC U12s Match Report 13th March 2005
Ashford blow hot and cold at Dover
Dover 0 Ashford 40 (8 tries)
Following last week’s trip to Hertfordshire, the Ashford Under 12s were back on familiar territory this weekend for an away fixture at Dover. The Ashford boys asserted their superiority over their local rivals by winning 8 tries to nil against home side Dover. A hat trick of tries was scored by George Morgan, a brace by Adam Batt and single tries by Grant Noremac, Alex Rawlins and Chris Albrow.
In recent months, Ashford have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to put weak sides to the sword and run up big scores. Where they seem to have hit a blank spot is in competing with sides that put out a physical set of forwards. This was thoroughly demonstrated in their match against Deal, a side they beat quite easily earlier in the season.
Ashford 10 (2 tries) Deal 15 (3 tries)
In the weekend’s second match Ashford got off to an unusually poor start. In the early exchanges the Ashford forwards were overpowered and conceded territorial advantage to their more physical opponents. Uncharacteristically weak tackling in the backs compounded matters. As a result, the Ashford side conceded 3 tries in the opening half. This was an awful defensive performance by a side that had conceded only 3 tries in total their last 13 matches.
The second half was a different story as the Ashford boys woke up and began to assert themselves. The forwards, led by captain, Chris Albrow gradually forced their way into the game and eventually edged the close quarters contest. Ashford’s first score came when prop Billy Stevens charged over from a tap penalty and then Albrow himself crashed over to reduce the deficit to just one try. With the clock running down Ashford remained in the ascendant but simply ran out of time to level the scores.
Players of the week were Daniel Head and Cameron Veitch.
Dover 0 Ashford 40 (8 tries)
Following last week’s trip to Hertfordshire, the Ashford Under 12s were back on familiar territory this weekend for an away fixture at Dover. The Ashford boys asserted their superiority over their local rivals by winning 8 tries to nil against home side Dover. A hat trick of tries was scored by George Morgan, a brace by Adam Batt and single tries by Grant Noremac, Alex Rawlins and Chris Albrow.
In recent months, Ashford have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to put weak sides to the sword and run up big scores. Where they seem to have hit a blank spot is in competing with sides that put out a physical set of forwards. This was thoroughly demonstrated in their match against Deal, a side they beat quite easily earlier in the season.
Ashford 10 (2 tries) Deal 15 (3 tries)
In the weekend’s second match Ashford got off to an unusually poor start. In the early exchanges the Ashford forwards were overpowered and conceded territorial advantage to their more physical opponents. Uncharacteristically weak tackling in the backs compounded matters. As a result, the Ashford side conceded 3 tries in the opening half. This was an awful defensive performance by a side that had conceded only 3 tries in total their last 13 matches.
The second half was a different story as the Ashford boys woke up and began to assert themselves. The forwards, led by captain, Chris Albrow gradually forced their way into the game and eventually edged the close quarters contest. Ashford’s first score came when prop Billy Stevens charged over from a tap penalty and then Albrow himself crashed over to reduce the deficit to just one try. With the clock running down Ashford remained in the ascendant but simply ran out of time to level the scores.
Players of the week were Daniel Head and Cameron Veitch.
Wednesday, March 09, 2005
Ashford's Winning Streak Ends
Ashford RFC Under 12s Match Report 6th March 2005
Ashford Under 12’s falter to finally end 22 match winning streak
Ashford Under 12s 22 match winning streak finally ended on Sunday. In order to escape Kent’s snowbound pitches and to face some stronger competition, the team travelled to Fullerians in Hertfordshire to play in a multi-county festival against sides coming from as far afield as Wiltshire. Playing 5 matches, the team got off to a good start scoring 4 tries against the host club’s B-side. However, the recent absence of match practise began to show on the heavy pitches. In the two toughest matches, an off-colour forward performance meant that Ashford’s back line barely received a quality ball in the tougher against local Hertfordshire opposition. Despite this, they battled well until two uncharacteristic lapses in the tackling department saw them lose two close matches by a single try. The boys redeemed themselves with a win over Wiltshire side Salisbury and when their final opponents, Buckinghamshire side Beaconsfield, retired from the tournament, they rounded off the day with an emphatic 5 tries to nil repeat win against their hosts B team.
Results from the Fullerians tournament were as follows:
Fullerians B Nil Ashford 20 (4 tries)
Fullerians A 5 (1 try) Ashford Nil
Ashford Nil Harpenden 5 (1 try)
Ashford 10 (2 tries) Salisbury Nil
Fullerians B Nil Ashford 25 (5 tries)
Try scorers on the day were Christopher Albrow, Grant Noremac and George Sladden with 2 tries apiece, and Louis Burdon, Luke Chinnery, Drummond Clark, George Morgan and Luke Ransley with 1 try each. Joint players of the week were Christopher Albrow and Grant Noremac.
David Burdon
Ashford Under 12’s falter to finally end 22 match winning streak
Ashford Under 12s 22 match winning streak finally ended on Sunday. In order to escape Kent’s snowbound pitches and to face some stronger competition, the team travelled to Fullerians in Hertfordshire to play in a multi-county festival against sides coming from as far afield as Wiltshire. Playing 5 matches, the team got off to a good start scoring 4 tries against the host club’s B-side. However, the recent absence of match practise began to show on the heavy pitches. In the two toughest matches, an off-colour forward performance meant that Ashford’s back line barely received a quality ball in the tougher against local Hertfordshire opposition. Despite this, they battled well until two uncharacteristic lapses in the tackling department saw them lose two close matches by a single try. The boys redeemed themselves with a win over Wiltshire side Salisbury and when their final opponents, Buckinghamshire side Beaconsfield, retired from the tournament, they rounded off the day with an emphatic 5 tries to nil repeat win against their hosts B team.
Results from the Fullerians tournament were as follows:
Fullerians B Nil Ashford 20 (4 tries)
Fullerians A 5 (1 try) Ashford Nil
Ashford Nil Harpenden 5 (1 try)
Ashford 10 (2 tries) Salisbury Nil
Fullerians B Nil Ashford 25 (5 tries)
Try scorers on the day were Christopher Albrow, Grant Noremac and George Sladden with 2 tries apiece, and Louis Burdon, Luke Chinnery, Drummond Clark, George Morgan and Luke Ransley with 1 try each. Joint players of the week were Christopher Albrow and Grant Noremac.
David Burdon
Thursday, March 03, 2005
Tonights Training - Thursday 3rd March
Dear All,
due to the weather tonight's training is cancelled. I will update you all regarding Sunday's trip to Fullerians.
Regards,
David Burdon
