Mini Match Reports.htm

27th April 2008

Telford Festival

Shrewsbury Under-9's showed great strength with a win at the Telford Festival.
With just one loss in the group stages, the Shrewsbury team were able to secure a place in the final and lift the Under-9's trophy . With wins over Telford, Crewe & Nantwich, Harpenden and a closely contested 1-0 win over Newport in the semi-finals, Shrewsbury faced Wolverhampton in the final.
An unchanged team pressurised Wolverhampton from their kick-off. Another display of powerful tackling from the Blues made the opposition think again - Wolverhampton may have had the bigger team, but Shrewsbury had the bigger hearts.
With a tremendous effort, the superb Shrewsbury front-row pressurised the opposition defence at every occasion, camping out in the opposition half and pushing toward the try-line at every opportunity.
The persistence paid-off, Ryan McCormick was bustled over in the left corner for a well worked team try - straight out of the training sessions.
All the Shrewsbury Under-9's had to do was to retain the lead for the next 3 minutes and win the tournament.
Things did not go to the Blues plan - Wolverhampton were tremendously fortunate to score at the end of the match.
Wolverhampton dramatically held on for 10 minutes of sudden-death to repel all of the Blues attacking moves, to earn a shared victory.
Shared victory - but the Blues and their supporters know that they were the strongest team on the day.
Coaches Kevin Chandler, Mark Edwards, Karl Jacob and Robert Orchard are very proud to be part of the largest Under-9's squad in the county - long may this success continue.
Well done Blues ! A tremendous victory for the Under-9's.

3rd February 2008

Under-nines show great team spirit

Head coach of the under-nines Karl Jacob expressed his delight at a tremendous turn-out and display of team-work shown by his side in two contests against Telford on a cold Sunday morning at Sundorne Castle.

In the first contest, a powerful Telford team set up camp in the Shrewsbury half. They were repelled by an awesome display of powerful tackling from Sam Evans and Ross Orchard right until the final play when the young Tigers managed to cross the line to lead at the break.

In the second half, some unforced errors from Shrewsbury allowed Telford to score again. Despite this, the team showed great spirit and never once gave up, the forwards, led by Ryan McCormick, forcing errors from the visitors to turn-over possession on numerous occasions. This paid off eventually when, following a concerted run down the left wing, the ball was passed quickly out to the right for outside centre Niall Pritchard to touch down for Shrewsbury.

The second contest was even closer, finishing at one try apiece. Once again, the Shrewsbury team showed great heart and determination. Sam Morgan and Ewan Burvill both showed their pace and promise with good passing and running and Ben Legeais gained ground and threatened Telford line again and again. While Ben was unlucky not to score himself, eventually one of his evasive runs took Shrewsbury within five metres of the try-line and, after being passed through many hands, the ball found its way to winger William Simpson who crossed for the try

Once again though, the Shrewsbury under-nines had to defend stoutly. Robert Chandler set a fine example with some tremendous tackling against larger opposition and Henry Povey put in an incredible performance that earned him Man of the Match from the Shrewsbury coaches.

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Under 12s trounce Telford

Shrewsbury's under-12 side were almost unstoppable in their fixture against Telford at the weekend running out 70 - 0 winners in the end. Although they were playing into the wind in the first half, some swift rucking and mauling by the pack and excellent passing form the backs enabled Shrewsbury to build up a healthy lead. The second half saw a more aggressive Telford side, however good tackling and support once again saw Shrewsbury score more tries. Shaun Howson crossed the line four times while Lewis Suckling grabbed a brace of tries. The game also saw scores by Andrew Pritchard, Mattie Davies, Stuart Brown and Lewis Hodnet with Louis Doran converting six and Jack Martin four.

9th December 2007

Honours even at Whitchurch

Shrewsbury under-10s rounded off a pleasing first half of the season at Whitchurch at the weekend but did not get it all their own way, winning one and losing the other of two competitive matches against well-drilled opponents. In the first game, Shrewsbury started as the brighter team and with the first opening Tom Fishlock made a great effort and only narrowly missed out on an early try, the ball escaping his grasp just in front of the line.

But a determined home side fought back and ran onto an intercepted pass to take the lead. Shrewsbury got properly into their stride later in the game, with some strong play from the forwards, fierce tackling from Archie Thomason and some excellent open running from Charlie England, who was rewarded with a fine try. In the end, however, Whitchurch proved the slightly stronger team on the day, scoring again to win the game 10-5. The Shrewsbury team were all disappointed, but played with spirit and are looking forward to the rematch at home later in the season.

The second match was another exciting game, with very little between the two teams. Again, the forwards worked hard to win the ball up front, allowing Ben Sansom and Louie Stewart to find gaps in the Whitchurch defence, both of them scoring excellent tries. Whitchurch responded with two scores, but Amy Cookson combined some competitive tackling and incisive running to score a try of her own for the away team. With another score from Whitchurch, and Charlie England running in for his second, the match ended in a well-deserved 15-20 win for Shrewsbury.

2nd December 2007

Archie’s trio caps good all-round performance

Shrewsbury’s Mini teams went to Tamworth last weekend with most of the squads playing games against both the hosts and sides from Lutterworth Rugby Club. On a blustery day there were some impressive performances, most notably from the U10s, whose season continues to go from strength to strength.

In the first of their matches, the U10s saw some excellent work from Ben Sansom and Archie Thomason, both of whom ripped through the Tamworth defence to score twice in the early stages. Much of the hard work was done by the U10s pack which, led by the hard-working Oliver Chapman, constantly drove mauls forward and stole possession. Pack members Frankie Dennis and Oliver Pope both got their just rewards with a try apiece.

Some strong running and support play by Tom Fishlock produced two excellent for him while Hamish Foden showed good vision as he weaved his way through for a try. Along the back-line Tom Hancocks and Charlie Morgan Jones also made telling contributions to help the squad complete a convincing 45 – 5 victory.

The second match produced an equally pleasing display from Shrewsbury, Josh Evans pounding his way through a multitude of Tamworth players to score, with Jamie Porter and Louie Stewart finding space and running onto some good service from Tommy Dodd to score a try each. Amy Cookson’s consistent effort was rewarded as she ran over for a well-received try and up-front, Sam Coull and Joe Walker did well to put up a strong challenge to the Tamworth forwards, Walker also adding to the score. A third try for the day from Archie Thomason resulted in an impressive 30 – 5 win.

The U11s meanwhile, blew hot and cold winning by a comfortable 17 – 7 margin over Lutterworth but going down heavily to a very powerful Tamworth side. After going down to a converted try, Shrewsbury drove their opposition back in the first game and forced a penalty close to the line. Scrum-half Rowan Kirkby took it quickly and caught Lutterworth unawares to make it 5 – 7.

In the second half Shrewsbury’s hard-working pack kept the pressure and set-up fly-half Sam Hill for two tries, the second after Hill chased down his own excellent length-of-the-field clearance alongside winger Euan Craig. Joe Lafferty converted the earlier score to take the tally to 17. Shrewsbury’s were straight on again after this superb effort and never really got into their contest with a strong Tamworth side

Shrewsbury’s U9s also came up against stiff opposition from the hosts and narrowly lost both their contests. In the first, they went down two tries to nil although for much of the game, they were on top. Shrewsbury spent most of the first half within 10 metres of the try-line with Tamworth only leave their own half on two occasions. Great work from the front-three, Ryan McCormick, Sam Evans and Jack Haycocks finally saw the latter cross for what looked like a good try – but play was called back for an earlier knock-on.

In the second half, the well-drilled Tamworth side worked harder to retain the ball but were forced into constant errors by Shrewsbury captain Ed Chapman and Sam Jones-Roberts, both of whom put in some strong tackles to keep the home side at bay. Tamworth however, managed two break-away tries and while a late run by Chapman’s almost won a consolation for the visitors, the game ended in a 2 – 0 win for the hosts, even though Shrewsbury has enjoyed most of the possession.

The second contest was even tighter. Tamworth again showed their discipline and power. The Shrewsbury side worked hard to close play down and work the ball into scoring positions. Several driving mauls in the first period, took Shrewsbury close to the line with Harry Gregson and Jack Haycocks threatening to score. But once again it was the home side that picked up the points, their persistent approach eventually resulting in two first half scores.

Shrewsbury came out fighting in the second half and, after a dynamic driving maul had made good ground, Patrick Jacob was released ad drove over to score. Shrewsbury used their momentum to good effect and a typical run by Harry Clayton saw him break through to score the equalizer. But the final score went to Tamworth after a strong run by the home side’s main ball carrier, who somehow found a gap in the visitor’s defence to complete a hard-earned win.

18th November 2007

Nell inspires victory at Newport

Shrewsbury’s U9 squad came out on top in both their games at Newport at the weekend. In the opening match they set up camp on the opposition’s line early on, only for Newport to strike first with a breakaway try. But Shrewsbury hit back swiftly through Sam Jones-Roberts and a great individual try by Harry Gregson.

Before the break, Ed Chapman scored the try of the contest, running the length of the pitch – flat-footing defenders all the way – before touching down. In the second half, Chapman went over again and Ryan McCormick completed a five-tries-to-two victory. Coach Karl Jacobs hailed the win as "a great team performance in which every player did exactly as they were asked."

The second game between the two teams was tighter but Shrewsbury again came out on top by eight tries to seven. The win was inspired by scrum-half and skipper Nell Kirkby, who capped some excellent play-making and determined leadership with a superb try. Cameron Evans ran in two and Ryan Rodgers and newcomer William Simpson also crossed the line.

Nine unbeaten for Under 12's

Shrewsbury’s impressive Under-twelve squad meanwhile, stretched their unbeaten run to nine fixtures. In their first game, Shrewsbury’s pack asserted themselves early with Jack Winter scoring after a marauding pick-up and drive, centre Jack Martin converting the extra points. In a tight second half, Shrewsbury held their own until the very last moments, when Newport bundled over a converted try to force a draw.

In the second game Shrewsbury overwhelmed the hosts by 28 – 0. The best try of contest was completed by Oliver ‘Smiler’ Vickers, who left at least six opponents standing with a weaving run to the line. Lewis Hodnett also got his name on the score-sheet while Martin ran in two ties and maintained his 100% record with the boot to complete the victory.

Minis put in big team efforts

The U7s won their first game at Newport six tries to four, with Oliver Turner and Ben Lewin both running in a brace and James Johnson and Tom Roberts also touching down. The second game was tied seven-all. Michael Jacobson crossed twice and the fearless Charlotte Burnett also registered two tries, one either side of the interval. Joe Timmins, Duncan Williams and Roberts also got on the score-sheet.

The U8s narrowly came out second-best in both their games, last year’s key players working well together and with the string of newcomers that have boosted this year’s squad. The champagne moment of the morning was provided by Archie Rees who, with his first touch of the ball as a substitute, ran the full length of the pitch to score.

An under-elevens squad weakened by absences and injuries were soundly beaten by a big Newport side. But there were encouraging performances from Joe Lafferty, Will Thompson and Carney Burville, on his comeback after a year’s absence.

4th November 2007

Under-nines set up impressive win

Shrewsbury’s under-nines put in a hugely impressive team-effort in overcoming Bridgnorth 31 – 0 at Sundorne Castle. It took the home side some time to get going however, Bridgnorth bravely resisting everything Shrewsbury threw at them in the first period until Ross Orchard crossed for the first try. Two quick tries from Sam Jones-Roberts and another from Sam McLaughlin, early in the second half, put the game beyond the reach of the visitors. But the best score of the day came after a blistering Niall Pritchard run put Patrick Jacob in to seal an emphatic win.

Excellent win for Under-11s

Shrewsbury’s U11s rapidly improving squad put in a hugely impressive performance to claim their first win of the season 28 – 5 at Stafford. The Shrewsbury pack quickly asserted its authority with Joe Robson going over for a try, Finley Hughes converting for the extra points. Stafford hit back with an unconverted score but in the second period Shrewsbury registered 21 points without reply, the hard-working Jack Delasio crossing for a well-deserved try and Hughes running in a brace – the second after some quick thinking when Shrewsbury won a penalty near the line – and converting each time to keep a 100% record with the boot.

The second squad game saw Stafford prevail 14 – 7 having caught Shrewsbury napping at the start of each half. But the Blues hit back with a try through Ben Dugan and, after putting tremendous pressure on the Stafford line, came close to forcing a draw at the end.

The successful trip to Stafford followed a solid display the weekend before when a powerful Sandbach squad visited Sundorne Castle. A great first half performance saw the Shrewsbury U11s go into the break 7 – 0 up after some great work by front-row forwards Robson and Alfie Meredith set up scrum-half Roan Kirkby for a try, the reliable Hughes kicking the extra points. But the visitors stepped up their game in the second half to run in three tries.

Shrewsbury responded well in the second contest between the two sides and, after conceding two early scores, fought back strongly, winger Euan Craig crossing after some excellent scrimmaging from the Shrewsbury pack. It could have been a different story, with both Meredith and James Owen crossing the line either side of the interval only to be adjudged not to have correctly grounded the ball.

3rd October 2007

MINIS FIRST TURN OUT OF THE SEASON AT TELFORD

Shrewsbury’s U10s pile on the points at Telford

Shrewsbury Rugby Club’s U10s capped a great all-round performance by the Minis section at Telford last weekend with a resounding 50 – 0 win. Charlie England ran in five tries while Tom Fishlock, making his Shrewsbury debut against his old club, made a telling contribution. The U10s then underlined their superiority – especially in the scrum – with a 20 – 0 success in their second game, Frankie Dunn running in from the halfway line to score and Amy Cookson also impressing on her debut.

The U12s meanwhile recorded an emphatic 25 – 0 win, Lewis Hodnett and Lewis Sucking bagging a pair of tries each and Lewis Doran also touching down. Meanwhile the U11s, playing an equally hard-fought contest and having led at half time, were unlucky to go down 24 – 14, James Owen and Sam Hill crossing the line for Shrewsbury.

Dan and Ross Orchard both scored for the U9s and Sam Jones-Roberts added a third, some great teamwork earning them a good 15-all draw, while Jack Wythenshaw shone with some junking runs and a try for the U8s. Archie Rees and Fred Wild also scored tries and there was some inspired captaincy from Zac Collier – and while a powerful Telford squad ran out as winners in both games, it was a good performance from the U8s.

The U7s also showed great team spirit and effort in their two matches. A hat trick from Ben Lewin and some great running by Frankie Morris could not prevent a seven tries to five defeat in the first game, but Shrewsbury prevailed by five scores to four in the second, Ben Henderson, Louis Ward, Tom Roberts, Michael Jacob and Antoine Legeais racking up the points.