Monday, November 22, 2004
Match Report 21st November 2004
Ashford Under 12s Continue Strong Progress.
Ashford 30 (6 tries) – Aylesford 5 (1 try) Ashford 15 (3 tries) – Sheppey 0
At the weekend, Ashford Under 12s extended their winning streak to 12 matches on the trot.
In their first match, against Aylesford, and fielding their strongest side, Ashford got off to a flying start. From the whistle, fly half Louis Burdon kicked off high and deep, Aylesford failed to catch cleanly, the ball bobbled and alert lock Christopher Albrow sprinted onto the loose ball and drove over to open the scores - after less than 10 seconds. Ashford’s full strength side then proceeded to open up a 4-try lead by half time. To even things up, Ashford, replaced some of their stronger players with their less-experienced development squad members. The changes slowed down the scoring rate and Ashford did start to look a little ragged in defence. Only, aggressive tackling by fullback Luke Ransley maintained order at the rear. However, the team still ran out winners by 6 tries to 1. Two tries apiece were scored by Adam Batt and Billy Stevens. With single tries by Ransley and Albrow.
In their second match, Ashford came up against a mature and extremely abrasive Sheppey side. Despite the physical presence of the visitors, the Ashford boys rose to the challenge. A closely fought game saw Ashford draw ahead at half time, with an Albrow try from close range. The second half also started well for Ashford as their forwards asserted their superiority. In a tight mauling game, Ashford continually drove the visitors back. First centre Grant Noremac and then Albrow scored close quarter tries to seal an emphatic 3 tries to nil win. Player of the week was Lucas Warrilow.
The Ashford Under 12 development squad, led by manager Chris Burden, continued their good progress. Playing games against A team opposition, they showed good spirit and enthusiasm in recording two hard fought defeats. Squad manager Burden is still on the look out for new players from the year 7 age group. Prospective players and their parents will be made extremely welcome at the Canterbury Road ground next Sunday at 10am. The current team is built around a preponderance of players from the Knatchbull and Harvey schools. Players from the Towers, North, Homewood, Christ Church and Swadelands schools are therefore especially welcome. Interested parents or teachers should ring age group coach David Burdon on 01233 663199.
David Burdon
Ashford 30 (6 tries) – Aylesford 5 (1 try) Ashford 15 (3 tries) – Sheppey 0
At the weekend, Ashford Under 12s extended their winning streak to 12 matches on the trot.
In their first match, against Aylesford, and fielding their strongest side, Ashford got off to a flying start. From the whistle, fly half Louis Burdon kicked off high and deep, Aylesford failed to catch cleanly, the ball bobbled and alert lock Christopher Albrow sprinted onto the loose ball and drove over to open the scores - after less than 10 seconds. Ashford’s full strength side then proceeded to open up a 4-try lead by half time. To even things up, Ashford, replaced some of their stronger players with their less-experienced development squad members. The changes slowed down the scoring rate and Ashford did start to look a little ragged in defence. Only, aggressive tackling by fullback Luke Ransley maintained order at the rear. However, the team still ran out winners by 6 tries to 1. Two tries apiece were scored by Adam Batt and Billy Stevens. With single tries by Ransley and Albrow.
In their second match, Ashford came up against a mature and extremely abrasive Sheppey side. Despite the physical presence of the visitors, the Ashford boys rose to the challenge. A closely fought game saw Ashford draw ahead at half time, with an Albrow try from close range. The second half also started well for Ashford as their forwards asserted their superiority. In a tight mauling game, Ashford continually drove the visitors back. First centre Grant Noremac and then Albrow scored close quarter tries to seal an emphatic 3 tries to nil win. Player of the week was Lucas Warrilow.
The Ashford Under 12 development squad, led by manager Chris Burden, continued their good progress. Playing games against A team opposition, they showed good spirit and enthusiasm in recording two hard fought defeats. Squad manager Burden is still on the look out for new players from the year 7 age group. Prospective players and their parents will be made extremely welcome at the Canterbury Road ground next Sunday at 10am. The current team is built around a preponderance of players from the Knatchbull and Harvey schools. Players from the Towers, North, Homewood, Christ Church and Swadelands schools are therefore especially welcome. Interested parents or teachers should ring age group coach David Burdon on 01233 663199.
David Burdon
Monday, November 15, 2004
Ashford U12 Tour Announcement
The Under 12 Rugby Tour - September 2005
I am proposing to organise a team tour for the beginning of September 2005. Effectively, therefore, its an U13 tour. My rationale is that rather than play a farewell mini tour - as Nick's team did last year - I want the team to hit the ground running, playing the 15 aside game on a full size pitch. We will stay away two nights.
Destination - Northampton
My plan is to go to Northampton. A benefit of touring is that you get to play teams with a different local style. We’ve now had 6 years of playing just Kent teams and we could do with some different opposition! The East Midlands, with teams such as Leicester and Northampton, is one of the strongest parts of the country for youth rugby.
We will play two matches, on Saturday and Sunday, against local east Midland sides and, depending on the Zurich fixture list, try to take in a match at Northampton Saints. One of the teams will be the Northampton Old Scouts, which is the mini/youth club of both Ben Cohen and Steve Thompson. I aim to stay in a cheap hotel - Travel Inn type. We can probably keep costs to £100 per parent/player combination.
I learned some lessons from last year's tour with the U13/U14s to Bognor. Essentially, you don't have to go to far to engender the tour spirit - amongst parents and players - but don't stay at Butlins!!!
Parents
The other lesson is to take sufficient parents. Some of the boys misbehaved. There must be at least one parent designated directly responsible for each player.
Fund Raising
I am aiming to co-ordinate fund raising with the other age groups that are planning to tour. The money raised will principally go towards two areas. Firstly a fund for incidentals and unforeseen costs. Secondly, to form a hardship fund for players from less well of families. If you have any ideas do let me know.
Bank Account and Treasurer
Tour finances are notoriously badly run. Money lost, deposits uncollected and people turn up on the tour without paying. It’s been the same in my 27 years experience of rugby tours. We should set up a bank account. And need a treasurer to administer it. This person could then accept deposits, of say £20 per player/parent, collect weekly payments, and administer expenditure. Could I have a volunteer please? - Note: Since this was originally written, Denise Morgan has volunteered to take on the treasurer's role.
Please let me have your feedback. Then maybe we can organise a meeting to discuss.
David Burdon 14th November 2004
I am proposing to organise a team tour for the beginning of September 2005. Effectively, therefore, its an U13 tour. My rationale is that rather than play a farewell mini tour - as Nick's team did last year - I want the team to hit the ground running, playing the 15 aside game on a full size pitch. We will stay away two nights.
Destination - Northampton
My plan is to go to Northampton. A benefit of touring is that you get to play teams with a different local style. We’ve now had 6 years of playing just Kent teams and we could do with some different opposition! The East Midlands, with teams such as Leicester and Northampton, is one of the strongest parts of the country for youth rugby.
We will play two matches, on Saturday and Sunday, against local east Midland sides and, depending on the Zurich fixture list, try to take in a match at Northampton Saints. One of the teams will be the Northampton Old Scouts, which is the mini/youth club of both Ben Cohen and Steve Thompson. I aim to stay in a cheap hotel - Travel Inn type. We can probably keep costs to £100 per parent/player combination.
I learned some lessons from last year's tour with the U13/U14s to Bognor. Essentially, you don't have to go to far to engender the tour spirit - amongst parents and players - but don't stay at Butlins!!!
Parents
The other lesson is to take sufficient parents. Some of the boys misbehaved. There must be at least one parent designated directly responsible for each player.
Fund Raising
I am aiming to co-ordinate fund raising with the other age groups that are planning to tour. The money raised will principally go towards two areas. Firstly a fund for incidentals and unforeseen costs. Secondly, to form a hardship fund for players from less well of families. If you have any ideas do let me know.
Bank Account and Treasurer
Tour finances are notoriously badly run. Money lost, deposits uncollected and people turn up on the tour without paying. It’s been the same in my 27 years experience of rugby tours. We should set up a bank account. And need a treasurer to administer it. This person could then accept deposits, of say £20 per player/parent, collect weekly payments, and administer expenditure. Could I have a volunteer please? - Note: Since this was originally written, Denise Morgan has volunteered to take on the treasurer's role.
Please let me have your feedback. Then maybe we can organise a meeting to discuss.
David Burdon 14th November 2004
Monday, November 08, 2004
Match Report 7th November 2004
Ashford U12s Maintain Sparkling Form at Canterbury Festival
Ashford’s Under 12 rugby team maintained their recent good form for Sunday’s Canterbury festival. Canterbury had purposely invited two of stronger sides from west Kent – Tonbridge Juddians and Westcombe Park – to bolster the strength of the inaugural festival. However, Ashford’s character and determination saw them more than rise to the challenge presented by some of the county’s stronger teams.
In their first match, against Canterbury, the Ashford boys got off to a slow start as a reorganised and disjointed back division failed to make their first up tackles. Conceding 2 tries in the first 5 minutes, half time saw Ashford unexpectedly trailing. However, in the second half, the entry of lock Christopher Albrow and the resurgent power of prop Billy Stevens saw Ashford force Canterbury firmly onto the defensive. Three unanswered scores from Adam Batt, Stevens and George Morgan saw Ashford secure a 3 tries to 2 win.
Match two, against Westcombe Park, saw a more alert Ashford dominate from the first whistle. However, dogged defence by the west Kent side constrained Ashford to a 2 tries to nil victory – with Stevens and Morgan again on the score sheet.
Match three saw a physical, but ultimately easy, match against Tonbridge Juddians. Ashford opened up an early lead as the Ashford pack dominated both possession and territory. The pressure forced a frustrated Tonbridge side to lose their discipline, resulting in a sending off for the west Kent side. At this stage, with the win assured, Ashford threw their less experienced players into the fray. Forwards Patrick Macenri and Adam Burden continued their good progress. New boy Tom Healy also played a creditable first game for the club. Well executed tries by Batt (2), Albrow (2), Stevens, Grant Noremac and Luke Ransley saw Ashford record a 7 tries to nil victory.
The day’s final game saw Ashford rematched against Canterbury. Smarting from Ashford’s recent dominance, the Canterbury team made a determined attempt to secure a win in front of a supportive home crowd. However, Ashford’s superior teamwork, and a resurgent pack, saw Ashford dominate for most of the match. The match remained highly competitive throughout, before Ashford eventually ran out winners by 2 tries to 1. Winger Batt and lock Albrow touching down.
In summary, Ashford’s Under 12s delivered a powerful all round performance. The Ashford forward pack is finally showing signs of realising their true potential. Player of the week was Billy Stevens.
With a growing squad, the team is keen to recruit additional players to create a full size development team. The coaching line-up has been expanded with the appointment of Dave Morgan as forward’s coach and Chris Burden as development squad manager. Interested parents or teachers should contact the team’s coach, David Burdon, on 01233 663199.
David Burdon 7th November 2004
Ashford’s Under 12 rugby team maintained their recent good form for Sunday’s Canterbury festival. Canterbury had purposely invited two of stronger sides from west Kent – Tonbridge Juddians and Westcombe Park – to bolster the strength of the inaugural festival. However, Ashford’s character and determination saw them more than rise to the challenge presented by some of the county’s stronger teams.
In their first match, against Canterbury, the Ashford boys got off to a slow start as a reorganised and disjointed back division failed to make their first up tackles. Conceding 2 tries in the first 5 minutes, half time saw Ashford unexpectedly trailing. However, in the second half, the entry of lock Christopher Albrow and the resurgent power of prop Billy Stevens saw Ashford force Canterbury firmly onto the defensive. Three unanswered scores from Adam Batt, Stevens and George Morgan saw Ashford secure a 3 tries to 2 win.
Match two, against Westcombe Park, saw a more alert Ashford dominate from the first whistle. However, dogged defence by the west Kent side constrained Ashford to a 2 tries to nil victory – with Stevens and Morgan again on the score sheet.
Match three saw a physical, but ultimately easy, match against Tonbridge Juddians. Ashford opened up an early lead as the Ashford pack dominated both possession and territory. The pressure forced a frustrated Tonbridge side to lose their discipline, resulting in a sending off for the west Kent side. At this stage, with the win assured, Ashford threw their less experienced players into the fray. Forwards Patrick Macenri and Adam Burden continued their good progress. New boy Tom Healy also played a creditable first game for the club. Well executed tries by Batt (2), Albrow (2), Stevens, Grant Noremac and Luke Ransley saw Ashford record a 7 tries to nil victory.
The day’s final game saw Ashford rematched against Canterbury. Smarting from Ashford’s recent dominance, the Canterbury team made a determined attempt to secure a win in front of a supportive home crowd. However, Ashford’s superior teamwork, and a resurgent pack, saw Ashford dominate for most of the match. The match remained highly competitive throughout, before Ashford eventually ran out winners by 2 tries to 1. Winger Batt and lock Albrow touching down.
In summary, Ashford’s Under 12s delivered a powerful all round performance. The Ashford forward pack is finally showing signs of realising their true potential. Player of the week was Billy Stevens.
With a growing squad, the team is keen to recruit additional players to create a full size development team. The coaching line-up has been expanded with the appointment of Dave Morgan as forward’s coach and Chris Burden as development squad manager. Interested parents or teachers should contact the team’s coach, David Burdon, on 01233 663199.
David Burdon 7th November 2004
