Panthers U9s v Mansfield

Chesterfield Panthers U9s played earlier this morning against Mansfield, a team that we played so long ago that it was pre-tackling!
It was a good opportunity to see how the players have developed compared to another team. Mansfield came with similar numbers but required a volunteer to even it up (this also meant that ALL players got to play!). Thank you to Thomas who, once again, demonstrated great core values by stepping up and playing for the opposition. He played really well and even got a try and tackles against his regular team mates.

The players were warmed up nicely by Ben & Paul, before they were split into RED and BLACK panthers (no streaming, just two teams, in case anyone asks!). Woody and Vinnie stepped into team captain roles and took their teams aside to discuss what their team focus would be for the games against Mansfield. Woody's team decided (their own idea) to concentrate on "Doing it quickly", in particular around restarts, passing, and after a tackle is made. Meanwhile Vinnie's team wanted to look at tackles, getting low, taking the legs, or forcing them off the pitch.

Thanks to Paul & Mansfield coach for reffing the two games that were played side by side. They offered plenty of support and encouragement to players as well as explaining the rules.

I saw plenty of tries, plenty of tackles, passes, offloads, pops and support - what more could we ask for?

As a coach, I'm really pleased to see how they players are developing with gameplay situations and making improvements all the way through. A really nice bunch of kids and it makes me enjoy it on a Sunday for sure!

Next Sunday we have a training session at home at the usual time. There are some things to work on (spacing/organisation in particular I've highlighted) ahead of the fesitival at Ilkeston on the 3rd April.

#panthers