Before you get carried away this week's title refers to the condition of the pitches as a result of climatic (weather) conditions. Anyway down to business.
First XV
The fixture pool came up with an interesting game as we played hosts to Malvern 2nds/Dev squad. Although we played with plenty of spirit, Malvern had very well organised backs displaying lines of running and support play that kept us on the defensive and under pressure for much of the game. We eventually lost by 5-21 and we look forward to this saturday's league match, 3.00 at home to Kings Norton.
Development XV
With a number of new faces in the team, a dry pitch helped our talented runners express themselves. When I consulted The Fridge about the final score, he counted his fingers and toes which made 20, so far so good, and after looking in the changing room mirror, decided that we had scored 42 points (how did he work that one out?). Final score Old Ys 42 Handsworth 7.
Vandals XV
With all three senior teams playing at home, our maturing Vandals team played a very experienced Redditch outfit who have proved to be tricky opponents in the past. The excursion from the changing rooms to our all-weather pitch was enough for some of our lads. However, the old saying that there is no substitute for pace was partly reflected in the try scoring efforts of Nick L. x2, Former Chairman Fitz x2, Nathan x2, Nick Barrell x1 and Robin Sadler x1 with either Ralph or Nev converting some of them, (Fridge, can you help with the maths?). Final Score 52-7 to Ys
Under 7s
Our talented little ones crossed the ocean (or at least the ford) to play at Kings Norton. The comprehensive match report informed me that 'we won!'So now you know.
Under 8s
Spring (Summer?) arrived in force on Sunday. The under 8s travelled to
Costa del Kings Norton to top up their tans. The event was a four way tie
against two Kings Norton sides and Chaddersley Corbett (not the easiest name for
an under 8 to shout at the end of the match). The match was hosted at the Kings
Norton ground at Hopwood Park. The under 8s were slightly depleted in numbers
due to birthday parties, but were ably represented by Alex, Charlie, Dan E,
Ellis, Lewis and Presley.
Ellis was still stressed by the responsibility of being captain at Sutton
Coldfield so requested not to be captain this week, but with five other willing
volunteers Dan E stepped up to shoulder the responsibility for the first match.
The first match proved to be a fairly even competition mainly because we were
gentle on the opposition, because of some confusion over where the try line was.
We had the moral victory as a result of the two lost tries, but the actual score
end 3 tries to 4 to Kings Norton. The tackling from the previous week at Sutton
Coldfied continued and possession was regained several times, but ceded because
of the dropping the ball or putting the ball down for a try too early! Two of
the tries were scored by Presley with the other falling to Ellis.
Charlie was keen to take the role of captain in the second match against
the other Kings Norton side. The strength of play continued from the first match
- lots of tagging and some cracking runs. However, the great thing to watch in
this match was the improving passing play of the boys. They are now starting to
look for the opportunity to offload prior to the tackle so that they put their
teammates into space. There was one scorching run involving Presley, Charlie and
Dan E that was a sight to behold as the boys left Kings Norton standing in their
wake. The score ended 7 tries to 6 in favour of Old Yards. Alex and Dan got 2
tries each and Presley, Ellis and Charlie all scored a try.
The final match of the day was against Chaddersley Corbett. This was
against the backdrop of the boys having no subs unlike the other sides. However,
they're getting used to this now and they looked the fitter team despite the
length of play they had during the day. I must say it is an absolute pleasure to
see the boys match fitness increasing week on week. Alex captained the final
match and led the team to a another victory of 4 tries to 2. Once again the team
regularly turned over possession as a result of stringing the necessary tags
together. At the start of the season the team rarely completed the series of
tags to turn over possession and when we did it was highlighted in the match
report. Nowadays they do it regularly! The tries in the final match fell to Alex
with a couple and Presley and Lewis with one a piece. The award for
self-sacrifice of the week went to Dan E. In the first play of the game the boys
charged passed the opposition with a series of passes. Dan was so keen to put
Lewis into a scoring position that he gave up his own scoring opportunity.
Overall, the boys continue to play fantastically. This week the most
exciting thing was to watch is how they start to operate more and more like a
team. They recognise each other strengths and support each other. It is truly
wonderful to watch.
Under 9s
Our boys also travelled to Kings Norton and the match report tells me that we drew one game and lost one game. As I hear more news of the game I will pass it on.
Under 16s
Travelled across to the Sahara aka Aston Old Eds Sunnybank Avenue home where they faced one of the stronger teams at this age group in what turned out be a hard fought and competitive but clean game. A hard playing surface combined with the heat wave made for an interesting game which ended in a 14-14 draw which was probably about right even though our lads looked the most dejected afterwards. Our tries were scored by Adrian and by young Sam Arkell with both converted by Cameron L. It was good to see Pete Morgan refereeing but I think the pace of the game surprised him a little especially as his health has not been too good in recent times. It was good to see top players from the past Pat Groark and Paul Smillie watching the game and providing me with an analysis of the team's performance. For those who don't scare easily I have been informed that the Aston web site has some action pictures of the game but don't say you weren't warned|
This weekend's matches
Saturday 31st March First XV v Kings Norton (League) Home
Dev XV v Handsworth Away
Vandals XV v Kings Norton Home
Sunday 1st April Under 7, 8, 9, 11 training at home
Under 16 v Stourbridge Home
Help our heroes
Come and support Lee Cupples as he raises funds for a very worthwhile cause. Lee brings to you two live bands, a quality DJ and a charity auction.
At the club this saturday (31st March) from 8 p.m. till late Tickets only £5 each.
More details from Lee on 07794764470
And Finally
Just to show that we can still score goals from others apart from RVP. However, the Boys in claret and blue really made us work for the win. As a point of clarification especially for 'She who knows so much about the game,' our under 16s played Aston Old Eds and Arsenal played Aston Villa, but my Villa mate could well be correct when he says that our under 16s would probably beat the Villa as well.