U9s @ Ilkeston Festival

A big thankyou to Ilkeston for a great day of rugby, it was a marvellous advertisement for rugby and its core values. So many kids just there to play rugby and have fun, and a big thanks to the neighbours to the ground for the disruption this obviously caused.

As the parents and players, struggled with the mud, the Panther family set up camp. With the camp chairs slowing sinking in the soft grass. At the start there was a bit of a worry about numbers, but with time the players arrived. Unfortunately, a couple of young lads were ill and very disappointed not to be coming. Garvin and Andy kept the players busy/warming with some passing practicing.

A quick brake down of Sunday’s matches:

Andy on Chesterfield Vs Chesterfield: A bit rusty, probably because of the break, when they got into their stride they stated to use the space more. Some good powerful runs, especial from Felix C ?, as he was told before the game drive those legs and if you don’t make it look how far you made it for your team. Slow-ish start of what could be the embers of a great day.

Richard on Chesterfield Vs Chesterfield: Really, good match, Chesterfield Blacks were excellent, passing was good, but the score did not show how close the match was.

Garvin: Very good start, strong running and the tackling was right on the money from the off.

Andy on Ashfield: At last we started to show what we are good at, not only taking it down the middle and using the width, but we are too deep with people allowing them to come in at pace. We need to be quicker at restarts.

Garvin: Good attacking play, but most importantly and pleasing was the tackling. The tackling was phenomenal, and I must pick out Joseph C and his brave tackle.

Andy on Mosborough Blacks: A bit one sided, finished 8-1 at the end to the Panthers because we worked it out that if we took it straight up the middle from the kick off, then get it out wide. Then get the big powerful ball runners to run thought the middle as soon as they had sucked the defenders in we utilised that space. We shut the gap down on standing too deep. They are doing really-well.

Andy on Mosborough: Good game, with one or two injuries, unlike Leicester we are not using the width of the pitch, it seems to be all down the right. We appear to be concentrating on making more powerful runs than using the full pitch. I’m looking for a combination of both because we have a balanced side.

In the match where the Chesterfield blacks turned into Chesterfield reds. Richard Ashbourne: Great game, especially towards the end as they started to pass the ball and it was wonderful. Defence could be a bit better but something to work on next season.

Andy on Ashbourne: Finished off strong, gave it their all, lots of tired legs out there but still had gas in the tank. Thought it was a great display, overall Panthers had the edge. Everything went to plan; line speed was good even at this stage. They did their shirts proud.

A big thanks to Dave at the end, although tired and still having another match to ref still managed to give me a quote. Dave: Some good running rugby, good use of the pitch.

Throughout the course of the day, the parents kept the players happy and fed, as Richard and Robert demonstrated the flossing dance “pictures available ?”.

The day went well, barring an automotive accident even though it was on the micro scale.

Thanks for the hard work of Andy, Ben, Dave, Garvin and Richard for the coaching, all the passion and dedication they put in, as well as their time for a quick interview at the end of each match. It makes writing this a lot easier, and my favourite moment being told off by Ella for taking her photo then 30 seconds later turning up with a ball and then posing for a shot, quickly followed by a very young girl telling me that I had not taken any photographs of her!

Even though some teams brought 12 players per squad, the Panthers still managed to perform, more than well all the way to the last game even with minimal substitutes. The Panthers played well throughout building on the last matches. Who knows how well they would be playing if the weather had been better, using the full width of pitch and tackling still need more work though. It’s not often you see Garvin speechless, but Joseph C’s tackle did just that.

Thanks
D.A. Cooke (Roving Match Reporter, U9(s) any error and omissions please contact rugby@dacfox.com

Thanks for that Cookie. I’d just like to add that I thought there were some great displays of rugby from all the teams present, and although we looked a little rusty at times (and certainly rather weary towards the end) that everyone put in a great effort and there were take away moments for all the players at some point through the day. Looking forward to a couple of training sessions to get us back into the swing of things and then another big day over at Matlock – Ben.