It was a blustery Sunday at Ballards Ash, with our Minis, Juniors, Ravens and Colts battling the wind as well as their opposition.
Whatever the conditions, our young players got stuck in and made the most of another weekend of rugby. Here are the highlights:
Under 6s | Tadgh
Tadgh was the Under 6s player of the week for his great running and listening in the windy conditions.
Under 7s & Under 8s | Eric & Lochie
This week the Under 7s & Under 8s combined and trained together. We did some passing games, an obstacle course and got stuck in the mud, then finished off with a game.
Eric and Lochie were the players of the week for their age groups. Both players had twinkle-toes in the obstacle course and carried the ball well, with pace, stepping past the opposing players with ease. Both players have a natural ability to run with the ball. Well done both!
Eric and Lochie were the players of the week for their age groups. Both players had twinkle-toes in the obstacle course and carried the ball well, with pace, stepping past the opposing players with ease. Both players have a natural ability to run with the ball. Well done both!
Under 9s | Joseph, Rupert & Elsie
Although seriously windy it remained dry and sunny at Ballards Ash. This week we worked on our tracking in defence and dodging in attack. With some competitive 1v1 and 2v1 drills. Being pretty equal on both sides.
Player of the week was Joseph for being really consistent with his training.
Tackler of the week was Rupert for again being dominant in the collision and driving players backwards.
Teammate of the week was Elsie. Although not feeling very well, she gave it 100% as always.
Under 10s | Elliot & Arnold
Elliot was our player of the week on a blustery Sunday morning. His enthusiasm was as ever superb, and he showed great determination in making tackles throughout the session and the training match.
Our Rucker of the week was Arnold, who had a solid session but showed some great technique and commitment in the rucks to secure his team’s ball. Well done both.
Under 11s | Remy
A fantastic performance from Remy today!
Some brilliant attacking play, showing quick feet, strong running and excellent support play. What really stood out was his communication, constantly calling for the ball and putting himself in great positions to receive it. His awareness and support running were rewarded with a couple of well-deserved tries!
Equally impressive in defence, he showed great determination, never giving up and working hard for his teammates.
What made Remy’s performance even better was how well he worked with the team. Always looking to support his teammates, communicating and getting involved in the play. A great example of how working together creates opportunities and leads to tries!
A brilliant team effort all round today, with everyone working hard for each other. Keep up the great teamwork, lads! Well done, Remy!
Under 12s | Sid, Joe & Ewan
Teammate of the Week was Sid: Powerful running and fantastic commitment to the team. Sid worked tirelessly in support play and rucking, putting in a great all-round performance!
Tackler of the Week was Joe: Always puts his hand up to make the big tackles, and this week was no different! Strong tackles, great body position, and a real commitment to stopping the opposition.
Player of the week was Ewan: A newer member of the squad who’s never shy of getting his hands on the ball! Ewan ran with real conviction, and his confidence continues to grow week by week.
Ravens Under 12s | Melie
Lots of positives: some fantastic tackling, running lines and the girls had smiles on their faces the whole time. Raven of the day was Melie, voted for by the opposition and very well deserved; she had a stormer.
Under 13s | Archie & Ollie
There were two standout players today who were deservingly awarded joint players of the match: Archie and Ollie.
Archie was fantastic with the ball in hand, gaining lots of territory with his aggressive running, and Ollie was a tackling machine today. He was simply everywhere, working his socks off for the team, competing at every ruck and making lots of essential tackles.
Well done to both of you!
Ravens Under 14s | Latisha
An absolutely outstanding performance from Latisha today!
She gave neither opposition side in the tournament a moment to breathe, constantly putting players under pressure with her defensive line speed and determination.
That pressure forced numerous turnovers, and when we had the ball, her pace and attacking ability caused problems throughout both games. A brilliant all-round performance and a thoroughly deserved Raven of the Day!
Ravens Under 16s | Phoebe & Annabel
Phoebe was picked by the Lionesses for her tackling ability. She also played a half for the Cotswold Lionesses due to an injury to one of their players.
Annabel had a fantastic game at full back and made some fantastic covering tackles and prevented Cotswold Lionesses from scoring more points. She also scored a superb try from a swirling kick, gathered it and crossed the line.
Well done both!
Annabel had a fantastic game at full back and made some fantastic covering tackles and prevented Cotswold Lionesses from scoring more points. She also scored a superb try from a swirling kick, gathered it and crossed the line.
Well done both!
Colts | Chris
On Sunday, the Colts had a game against Hornets. We knew they would be a structured, hard-hitting, and physical team.
Our man of the match Chris, really stepped up and made a number of solid tackles and carried the ball well into contact, regaining possession.
