U9s attend Matlock Festival

The U9 rugby family setup next to pitch 3, with two gazebos to keep the weather off and easy access to the facilities. More importantly close to the hog dogs and burgers.

The Games:

Andy on Glossop: A slow start, a bit sleepy on this cold morning apart from Felix C, who having a stormer made some right yards. Formation wise positive, held them well. A lot of missed tackles. We have seen them tackling so much better. Looking forward to the kids waking up.

Garvin on Ashbourne: First match they played well, some good tackling commitments. Good open play. Richard: I can only endorse what Garvin said on this occasion.

Andy on Matlock: Better, second half played much stronger and it started to click. Just had a problem holding the ball in two hands.
Garvin on West Bridgford: One of the better games I’ve seen them play, committed to the tackles as they always do. Did not run out of touch, a lot more passing into space and therefore created a try.

Andy on Melbourne: Over the moon, over the moon at last it clicked, and coasted it 6/0 win. Could have been more tackling. Good running, lines and passing good passing. Even held in two hands. All coming to fruition. Just Super!

Garvin on Derby: Two evenly matched teams reflected in the score, some good passing and moving. Very pleased to come out with 3 all.

Andy on Nottingham: Well I’m a happy chap, very good, tacking was a lot better, we are more on the money now. Using space, running some great angles today, support/passing was good and some great try’s. We are starting to hit our stride and do what we know we can do and it’s great to see.

Garvin on Nottingham: Best I seen them play all day.

Andy on Mansfield: 3/1 against Mansfield, fantastic game they wrapped up the tournament so well. You could not wish for anything better really. Played well, supported, used the ball and ran some great lines. It all came good, you could not fault it, so proud of all the boys, they put some great effort in. Gave a great display and did the shirt proud.

Richard on Melbourne: I must say the best match I’ve seen all day, exceptional passing. Robert got some solid try’s which is fantastic and loads of tackles.

Garvin/Richard on Melbourne: It typifies the hole day, lots of commitment did not run out of the pitch and scored some good attacking try’s. Everybody was tackling, it was complete. No individuals a full team game, if I was asked for a man of the match I could not do it, they gave it everything.

As the day progressed many intriguing activities were found, trying to find the kids who are playing next who have disappeared. The strange discussion on the difference between men and women, it appears they need a thicker duvet ?. The 4x4 off road trekking and mud plugging and no automotive break downs this week. A small mountain of hot dog and burgers consumed.

Thanks to Matlock, for a great showcase of rugby which showed the sport at its best. Solid organisation allowed the festival to run smoothly.

Ongoing thanks to Ben the General of our victory. A man with a great way with the kids and the patience of a saint. A man who can wear shorts in any weather! A great coach and organiser, and a special thanks to his wife for allowing him to store the rugby gear in the living room.

The lieutenants of success.

Andy a great coach who gets the most out of the kids “Even mine ?”, someone filled with passion and an insight for the game.

Dave a great referee and coach, a man who must run miles each match and still can keep up with kids even at the end of the day.

Garvin what can I say, you always now were Garvin is by the calls of “wide”, “forward”. A coach who motivates and inspires his players.

Richard an enigmatic man, and a follower of the coffee bean. Great with the players and always makes the day enjoyable.

A great day was had by all, me for one cannot wait for the next season. It has been a pleasure and privilege writing these reports.

Thanks

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