U9s Travel to Matlock

The coaches, Ben, Garvin, Richard, Andy, and Dave started by warming up the squads, the high-light of this was when Ben had the kids form three lines and run passing the ball. They did not quite get the exercise on the first run though, much to the amusement of the parents/spectators.

Watching Richard enthusing the kids by running on the spot was only slightly amusing?

The Panthers fielded 3 teams to Matlock’s 2.

The 1st match got off to a slow start, but improved quickly. The play speeded up and matured quickly the high-lights from this match was watching Ella making good runs and solid tackles. “Good all-round game” Dave.

The 2nd game ran like the first, starting a little slow but quickly rocketed to a blistering pace. Felix D committing to and executing tackles with several solid runs, adding to the spectator’s amazement William was stopped mid-run but it did take 3 lads though! Andy – “Cracking game, defensive lines reforming rapidly and quick/decisive tackles”.

The 3rd match got off to a fast start, thanks to Ben’s practice drills. With the Panthers more than holding their own. Khi and Felix C powering tough the lines and the team making tackle after tackle. Richard – “Good even game, great playing from the squad, defensive play much improved. But would like to see more passing”

Overall
Andy – “Really good improvement over Mellish, passing, tackling and solid defence”.
Richard – “Second game much improved, spatial awareness starting to show, passing getting more consistent”.
Garvin – “Started a bit shaky, Lines forming quickly both attacking and defensive, the tackles coming quickly but much improved from Mellish”.

As always Ben’s description and analyse of the games was so in depth and insightful, that it could never fit in this brief match report. But a quick summary of his encyclopedic study the day events, tackling and play much improved, and to his shock passing frequency is starting to increase. But a little less solo play would be a step in the right direction.

The player of the week after many improved training session and matches is Oli P.

Matlock did the Panthers proud, starting with a warm welcome, great rugby and to finish off the day bacon or sausage sandwiches or warming meat pies and gravy.

The highlight of today for this observer was watching Ben training Lewis and William to tackle.

As always thanks to the training squad who makes all this possible.

Thanks

D.A. Cooke (Roving Match Reporter, U9’s)

Would just like to add that I think we have a fantastic squad which is really starting to work well together and play for each other. The newer recruits have blended in nicely and although we have a range of abilities across the squad I can see real development from all the players. Thanks for the efforts from all in making this another really enjoyable Sunday morning.

Ben