Minis U10 Match Report
 Sunday 16th March 2008
U 10s West Hartlepool v Mowden Park
Game 1
We started with a strong line-up and following last week’s success hoped to stamp our authority early on in the game. Unfortunately we made some basic mistakes in the first few minutes of the game and allowed West to open the scoring. Mowden forwards battled back but periods of real dominance in the set pieces and open play were squandered when hard won ball was not cleanly recycled by the half backs and out to the backs and wings and these lapses were punished by good counter attacks from West. Fortunately we managed to sustain a battling finale to secure a win with the scores 25- 30. This was a fair reflection of the match but with more attention to the basics the team could have won by a much wider margin.
Game 2
Hard work and some excellent attacking rugby from Mowden Parks forwards should have produced a very convincing win. As it was Park prevailed with the final score 25 – 35. Once again forward dominance was not exploited and time after time hard won ball stalled in the half backs leaving the backs and wings chilling in the wind! These lapses were punished by West who were good at passing the ball out to their backs and wings who in turn scored by exploiting overlaps. Fortunately Park responded with periods of sustained forward attacks and when ball eventually reached the backs a series of exciting runs were enough to seal a deserved win.
We have a week off before resuming Sunday morning training. We must reflect on what we need to do to prepare for some challenging end of season fixtures which I’m sure we can win if the boys listen to their coaches and concentrate on getting the basics right!
On behalf of the parental supporters I would like to thank the boys and coaches for their efforts and West for their hospitality.
By kind permission of:
Chris Gill.
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SILVERWARE FOR THE U10'S
Another Sunday morning and another away fixture. Luckily this weeks game was on the doorstep at Blackwell Meadows with the team taking part in the Under 10s County Cup competition.
In blustery but dry conditions the teams first game was against Middlesbrough and despite some excellent defensive play by Mowden Park they were beaten 15 – 0.
The second game was against an outstanding Durham City side, the eventual victors of the competition, and was conceded 35 – 0. This was a turning point for the boys who learned some hard lessons about the basics of the game especially effective defensive tackling and the need to pass the ball!
With two defeats the boys were automatically entered into the County Shield competition in which they would play Blaydon and Westoe to try and salvage some honours from the tournament.
Showing tremendous resolve and commitment the boys launched themselves into a tough game against Blaydon and demonstrated some good basic skills in holding them to a 5 – 5 draw.
The County Shield was now down to the outcome of the final game against Westoe. Talk about tired and emotional – and that was just the parents and coaches!
At last it all clicked, good basic skills, freer passing of the ball and despite tough opposition the boys overcame a spirited Westoe defence to win 10 – 0 and the u 10s County Shield was Mowden Parks.
On behalf of the parental supporters (club) I would like to thank the boys and coaches for all their efforts, the tournament organisers and Darlington Rugby Club for their hard work and hospitality, the opposing teams for some entertaining rugby and especially the kids from Westoe for such good sportsmanship in defeat.
Chris Gill.
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Read the RFU Guidelines on Minis' Rugby for the Under 10s
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