Fireworks weren’t the only things going off this weekend! 💥
Our youth teams lit up the pitches with plenty of action, passion, and maybe a few muddy explosions of their own.
From Minis to Ravens, it was another weekend full of sparks at Ballards Ash. Here are the highlights:
Under 7s | Oliver
This week we travelled away to Devizes, where after a quick warm-up the players went straight into a series of matches.
It was brilliant to see so much rugby being played, with plenty of tries scored across the team. The team showed determination, teamwork, and a growing understanding of the game.
Special recognition goes to Oliver, who was named Coach’s Player of the Week. Oliver earned this by listening carefully to instructions and giving maximum effort!
Under 9s | Marcus & Barney
We had a good turnout of players away at Devizes and enjoyed a really good session. The play in the matches was particularly good. With tries scored from good support running, quality passing and evasive sidestepping. Defending is improving, too.
We had two players of the week. Marcus got it for trying hard the whole session and his effort in last-ditch defending. Barney got it for scoring tries and excellent passing.
Under 9s | Charlie & Seb
Charlie chose some great running lines in attack to score some great tries.
Seb did two great try-saving tackles to keep his team in the game.
Under 10s | Ruari
Ruari showed some real determination in defence against some strong running Devizes players and also some very nimble feet in attack, well done Ruari
Under 11s | Benedict & Hunter
Benedict was the player of the week with some muscular runs and robust tackling around the paddock. His performance was capped off with a couple of great tries.
Hunter showed off his contact skills with some strong rucking today to go along with his silky running and soft hands. He was our Rucker of the week!
Under 12s | Oliver
Player of the week this week is Oliver, who put in a real captain’s performance, leading from the front with some huge tackles, strong drives and great rucking to ensure we kept possession and gained valuable metres.
Ravens Under 12s | Freya
U12’s Raven of the Week goes to Freya - relentless pressure, quick thinking, and tireless work at 9. She was everywhere! 🐦⬛
Under 13s | Theo
This week’s Player of the Game goes to Theo, who delivered a great performance at prop. The front row demonstrated outstanding strength and togetherness in the scrum throughout the match, with Theo’s contribution being a particular highlight. His work rate around the ruck and effectiveness in the counter-ruck were instrumental in maintaining forward momentum and securing possession. A well-deserved recognition for an excellent all-round performance.
Under 14s | Oliver
Player of the match as voted for by the Devizes players was Oliver - for a strong performance at prop in the second half.
Under 15s | Alfie
Player of the Week today went to Alfie. After a session of working on our efforts around the breakdown he showed a clear understanding during our mini game at the end as well as having some lovely carries/offloads and leading the line in defence! Well done Alfie.
Ravens Under 16s | JS
U16 Ravens took a trip to Drybrook for what turned out to be a proper nail-biter, played in great spirit from both sides. The Ravens were a bit slow out of the blocks, letting Drybrook in for two early tries before finally settling into their normal, supportive style of rugby. The pressure paid off, and we crossed for a well-earned try just before half-time.
The second half was a cracker. A smart little chip over the top led to a brilliant score, and a beautifully executed set piece produced another. Defensively, the Ravens worked hard, particularly on the try line, keeping Drybrook to just two second-half tries. With two conversions added, the game finished agonisingly close but full of positives.
Player’s Player went to JS for her sharp reactions, big tackles, and relentless support lines—a standout performance in a huge team effort.
