Hi All

The U13’s were away at Petersfield – Basingstoke won 58-0. Sunday saw the under 13′s visit Petersfield RFC to partake in a friendly match. The game started with the Saxons playing great flowing rugby and didn’t take long to score the first of what would be 10 tries. The performance from all 19 players was near perfect. The players performances have really turned a corner and their hard work at training is really paying dividends.

Last Sunday the U14’s played Vectis: The under 14′s hosted a side from Vectis on Sunday 4th December looking for the chance to overcome the defeat by Vectis in last year’s Hampshire Cup. The game started well with both sides being tentative in attack. However Stoke started to gain the upper hand in the set piece and allowing the backs to run some good ball. The early confidence soon gave way when a ruck was not cleared quickly allowing the Vectis wing to collect and run in from the 10 metre line unopposed. Stoke did not take the break lying down and quickly regrouped. With the forwards taking the game to a much larger pack, Stoke settled to some excellent set piece moves edging ever closer to the opposition try line. A good break from the backs allowed for a ruck to form from the 5 metre line and after 3 phases of pick and go Stoke ploughed over for the first score. After the break Stoke kept the pressure on and with some great work in the scrum, the backs were allowed to run moves almost at will and to good effect. A well worked and rehearsed move saw Stoke’s second try which was converted. The final try came from a scrum on the cross at 5 metres, this was picked up by the number 8 who powered over on the blind side for the final Stoke score. The final score of 17 – 7 did not give justice to the control that the U14′s had on the game. The excellent base from the scrum and rucks allowed some excellent and free running by the backs. A great team effort and good preparation for the next league game against Farnborough on the 18th December.

The U15’s were home training as were the minis.

The U16’s were away at Rutlishians. The U16s Travelled to London SW19 for a friendly last Sunday and returned to winning ways. The first half saw a converted try and a penalty kick from the side line on the 22, the 1/2 time score 7-15. It was a very physical match, however the Basingstoke U16s stayed focused & won by using skill & fantastic teamwork against a team that had speed and size in their favour. Final Score Old Rutlishians 7 Basingstoke 20. Well done boys lets carry this forward to the League match next Sunday

Thanks to all the coaches who have made a huge effort to get their licences all sorted, just a couple more to go before the January deadline.

Thanks also to you all in general, I have had some really great feedback from parents from all different age groups over the last few weeks all saying what a buzzing, friendly atmosphere there is at the club and how welcomed they and their kids have felt – big well done to everyone.

Well done in particular to Jez Brooks, Terry Davenport, Jon Cornwell, Karl Rand, Chris Williams and Simon Lovegrove who passed their Level 1 Coaching Award last weekend.

Cheers,

Michele