U17 Match Reports.htm

French Tour

Shrewsbury Rugby Club – Under 17’s

French Rugby Festival, Arras, 3rd – 4th May 2008

Shrewsbury’s youngsters finish their season off in style by bringing home another trophy from last weekends International Festival of Rugby, held at Rugby Club D’Arras in Northern France.

Drawn in Saturday’s Pool stages against Bedford, Oxford & Douai (France), we knew from the outset that it was going to be hard work for us to reach the Finals on Sunday. However, after last weeks convincing North Midlands Plate win, we were full of confidence, and it showed………

Bedford 7 – 10 Shrewsbury

Oxford 12 – 26 Shrewsbury

Douai 7 – 28 Shrewsbury

We had made it through to the finals, scoring 9 tries & conceding only 4, with some of the most intense rugby that we had ever played. The second game against a very impressive Oxford side was probably the best game of the day and set us up nicely for our semi-final on Sunday against a huge team from Sheffield, who comfortably came through their Pool and were widely fancied to take the title.

What a battle it turned out to be, especially as the temperature had soared to over 25 degrees and the pitch was rock hard. Sheffield’s forwards had been particularly impressive during the Pool stages and we tried desperately to move them around the pitch, but at half time we found ourselves 7 – 0 down.

One or two tactical changes were made at half time, and we were soon back in the game as we managed to score a try from a penalty scrum, after their skipper had been sin-binned for swinging a punch. 7 – 5. Unfortunately, we ran out of steam towards the end & Sheffield managed to push us over for one last score. 14 – 5.

This defeat left us seriously battered & bruised, but nonetheless, we were still through to the Shield Final, to face an improving Bedford side, who had narrowly lost their Semi-Final to the Old Cats from Caterham.

With just an hour between games to recuperate and attend to first-aid, we knew this was going to be a tough call, but the lads were magnificent. They really wanted to put Shrewsbury on the map, and took the game to Bedford from the whistle, scoring two first half tries & a conversion, with no reply. 12 – 0.

The second half was nothing short of superb, as we completely dominated possession, with the line out and scrum working beautifully. Bedford had no answer to our running game either, as we pulled them all over the pitch. We ran in another 3 tries, 2 of which were converted, and even allowed Bedford to score a consolation try at the end, to leave the Final score at 31 – 5.

What a fantastic win, and a testament to the commitment, determination & fitness of the whole squad !

Brian Finch, Shrewsbury’s Lead Coach said “ This tournament has provided the perfect end to our season and to come back to Shropshire with two Trophies in successive weekends is as good as it gets. The lads all deserve a huge amount of credit, particularly in the way they competed against such physical sides as Oxford & Sheffield.

I look forward to seeing them all at the at the club next Sunday (12.00pm) for our Presentation ceremony”……

Pictured above - From Left to Right

Back – Ian Kidson (Manager), Sam Goddard, Ben Davies, Charlie Marshall, Tim Fullwood, Oliver Chantler,

Ky Holder, Andrew Mackereth, Charlie Owen, Elliott Brooks, Brian Finch (Lead Coach).

Middle – Kurt Tanner, Lee Turner, Josh Philpott, Billy Pritchard, Sam Bryan, Doug Roberts, Freddy Loxton,

Tom McDaniel.

Front – Andy Hall, Grant Churchill, Ben Green, Adam Faulkner, George Edwards, Ben Kidson (Capt), Owen Warlow, Steve Churchill (Asst Coach)

27th April 2008

North Midlands Plate Final

Shrewsbury v Bredon

After winning our last two qualification games so convincingly, we were very optimistic about our chances of defeating Bredon, to win the North Midlands Plate Final, held at Lucton Rugby Club, Herefordshire. We were certainly well prepared, with the same starting line-up available for the first time this season, but what a shock we got.
Quite honestly, we were awful for the first 20 minutes or so, with nerves getting the better of the whole team. Our scrum and lineout proved to be effective & our solid pack drove Bredon backwards on several occasions, but we were unable to make any use of the ball at all. Some excellent tackling by the Bredon centres, gave them the opportunity to take the lead with a well-taken penalty kick after 15 mins of play. 0 - 3. It wasn't long before they were back on the score sheet, when they were awarded another penalty for offside. 0 - 6. This certainly wasn't in the script, and we were being drawn into the type of game that Bredon wanted to play, instead of our own fast-flowing game. They closed us down very quickly, and as a result we were hurried into making errors.
Fortunately, we gradually started to gain the upper hand up-front, with the outstanding skipper (hooker) Ben Kidson leading the way. We managed to secure some decent ball from the scrum and got within a couple of feet of the try line on three occasions, but to no avail. Bredon defended superbly to keep us out, and when the ever-reliable Charlie Marshall missed a penalty kick just before half time, it looked as though this wasn't going to be our day.
Half time score 0 - 6.

I firmly believed that we were still in the game; we just needed more composure and self- belief. I made a number of changes to the line-up, and the lads responded superbly. We started the second half much more positively and within a couple of minutes of the restart, outside centre, Sam Bryan, jinked his way to the try line. 5 - 7. Unfortunately, Charlie missed the difficult conversion, but we were now back on track and playing the sort of rugby that we wanted to. We were straight back at Bredon from the restart with some terrific mauling by the forwards, taking us right up to their 22. A short pop pass to loose head prop Ben Green, saw him sprint all of 15 metres, to crash over for his second try of the season. Charlie duly converted, to put us in the lead 12 - 6.
This was more like it!
We were playing with confidence now, and managed to put together some excellent phases of play, with several players coming to the fore. From a scrum on halfway, the ball was switched to the blindside, and with some superb handling, and a deft kick over the top from Charlie, winger Sam Goddard beat his opposite number and the fullback to touch down in the corner. Another excellent conversion by Charlie gave us an unassailable lead at 19 - 6, with just 10 minutes left on the clock.
Bredon had hardly touched the ball in the second half, and their heads were starting to drop. They made one foray into the Shrews 22, but were repelled very swiftly. The resultant line out was stolen, and set up probably the best phase of the game. The forwards drove Bredon back all of 25 metres, and when the ball was finally released, the backs put Bredon to the sword with amazing handling and speed, with right wing Adam Faulkner finishing off in fine style with a 'swallow' dive under the posts. Charlie stepped up to take virtually the last kick of the game to secure a very convincing 26 - 6 win.

'What a turnaround' said Team Manager Ian Kidson. ' I knew the lads could do it, but I was more than a bit worried in the first half. Fortunately, the half time team talk did the trick, although I can't possibly repeat what I said'!
'The lads really deserved this win, they have all played with passion and commitment this season, winning 10 and drawing 1 of our 20 games in both League & Cup. This win sets us up very nicely for our end of season tour to Arras in France next weekend, where we will be playing against teams from all over Europe. Let's hope we can come back with some more silverware'…………………

MOM - Ben Kidson (Hooker), who's tackling, driving and leadership was immense throughout………

20th April 2008

North Midlands Plate Semi-Final

SHREWSBURY vs LEDBURY

Shrewsbury under 17's started their eagerly awaited North Midlands Plate Semi-Final with confidence on a high after beating Old Halesonians so convincingly last Sunday.

From the kick-off, Shrewsbury dominated the game and with just a couple of minutes on the clock, the outstanding No 8 Olli Chantler crashed over from 5 metres after winning a scrum against the head. The ever-reliable Charlie Marshall (full-back) converting. 7 - 0
From the restart, Shrewsbury knocked on, which allowed Ledbury to get back into the game with a well worked try from the ensuing scrum. The conversion made the score level at 7 all.
Shrewsbury responded immediately, with inside centre Josh Philpott scoring the first of his two tries, after a slick backs move, with Charlie adding the conversion. 14 - 7
Ledbury, to their credit, came back strongly, but Shrewsbury defended superbly, with Charlie Marshall demonstrating some fine defensive kicking. From the resulting line out, Shrewsbury stole the ball, and quickly spread it wide for right wing, Adam Faulkner to score his first try of the game, after evading some desperate tackles. Charlie again added the conversion. 21 - 7. Shrewsbury were now playing with great confidence, particularly in the three-quarters where Andy Mackereth (fly-half) and Sam Bryan (outside centre), really showed what they were capable of, with a try apiece before the interval. Unfortunately, Charlie was unable to add to his personal tally, as he narrowly missed both conversions.

Half-Time score 31 - 7

Shrewsbury's coaches decided to change things round a little at half time, with Harry Finch replacing flanker Ben Davies and Joe Skehan replacing Ben Green at Loose-head prop. The most decisive move saw Charlie Marshall move to outside centre, with Elliott Brooks coming on at fullback. Another swift break by the three-quarters put in Andy Mackereth for his second try, which Charlie duly converted. 38 - 7.
The forwards were really starting to punch some holes in the Ledbury defence, and when No 8 Olli Chantler went on a rampaging run, with some great support play from the forwards, Charlie Marshall was left in space to add a try of his own, leaving Ledbury stunned at 43 - 7.
The forwards tackling was immense, and they were able to secure much of the possession, particularly at the scrum, and this gave Sam Bryan another opportunity to add to the score with a jinking run from almost halfway. Charlie added the conversion, again, to bring up 50 points for the impressive home side. 50 - 7

With just a few minutes left on the clock, a superb string of passes pulled Ledbury all over the pitch, and the move was finished off in style by inside centre Josh Philpott. That man Charlie, stepped up to convert easily, taking his personal tally to 17 points for the game and leaving the final score at an impressive 57 - 7.

Shrewsbury's team manager, Ian Kidson, said "the lads did everything that was asked of them throughout the game, showing real commitment & composure. They really stepped up to the mark, and set the tone for the forthcoming Final next Sunday at Lucton Rugby Club against Bredon Star (Tewksbury). It was incredibly difficult today to choose a man of the match, as so many players made outstanding contributions, but the decision went to Tight-head prop, Tom McDaniel, who put in an immense performance".

13th April 2008

Shrewsbury's under 17's run out as comfortable winners by beating a very strong Old Halesonians side 34 - 10 in the N. Mids Plate 1/ 4 Final, emulating the success of the Under 16's side, who secured their place in the Final of the same competition last Sunday.

With several key players back from injury, Shrewsbury started the game very positively and in an evenly contested first 10 minutes, showed their strength and determination by putting Old Hales on the back foot. A number of penalties were awarded at the ruck and quick thinking by flanker Ben Davies caught Old Hales napping, as he drove over to score the first try of the game. 5 - 0

Great tackling by both sides led to a number of turnovers, but neither side was able to take full advantage in such an evenly contested first 20 minutes. In fairness to Old Hales, they really made life very difficult, closing any space down quickly, turning over & recycling the ball well. From one such turnover, they shipped the ball out wide and although the winger touched the ball down in the corner, he was judged to have hit the corner post first. The ensuing 5m scrum led to Old Hales levelling the score at 5 -5, when their big pack drove Shrewsbury backwards.

Shrewsbury now knew they were in a game and put the opposition under intense pressure for the last few minutes of the half. They secured quick ball & moved it wide at every opportunity, and when full back Charlie Marshall joined the back line, he broke free to score under the posts. He also added the conversion to give the home side a deserved half time lead at 12 - 5.

The second half saw a number of changes on both sides and it was Shrewsbury who went further ahead within a few minutes of the re-start, when the outstanding No10, Andy Mackereth, who was playing his first game back after injury, latched on to a loose pass and ran in unopposed from 25 metres, with Charlie converting again. 19 - 5.

This score seemed the stir the Old Hales youngsters into action, led by their influential No 12. He chased down the resultant kick-off, and got his side going forward with some immense tackling. The Old Hales forwards really started to compete, and they managed to string a few phases together for the first time in the match. Indeed, it was from another 5m scrum that they closed the score to 19 - 10, when their big No 8 crashed over in the corner.

From the re-start, Shrewsbury began to play a much more controlled game, with the forwards retaining more possession, which ultimately led to the next score. Old Hales were penalised for holding on & Charlie put over a superb kick from almost halfway. 22 - 10.
Not to be outdone, fly-half Andy Mackereth really started to call the shots and some neat work and swift passing by the backs, put him into space to score his second try, which Charlie converted comfortably, to take his personal tally to 14 points.
29 - 10

Shrewsbury were now playing with confidence, and were at their best for the final 10 minutes of the game, with Man of the Match, Charlie Marshall, involved in everything. The best move of the game saw Old Hales pulled all over the pitch, and when they tried a clearance kick from their 22, it was charged down for Andy Mackereth to finish off his hat-trick in style with a forward roll! Unfortunately, Charlie missed the conversion with almost the last kick of the game, to leave the final score at 34 - 10, much to the delight of the large number of home supporters.

Shrewsbury's Team Manager, Ian Kidson said, "We started really well today & stuck to our game plan throughout. It was fantastic to have Andy Mackereth back after such a long layoff, and it gave the whole team a real boost. We played some outstanding rugby, and to keep such a strong side down to just 10 points was a testament to our self-belief & determination.

Shrewsbury's Man of the Match - Charlie Marshall (full-back)

17th February 2008

Sutton Coldfield vs Shrewsbury North Midlands Cup Preliminary Round
Under 17's Sunday 24th Feb 2008

We travelled to Sutton with a somewhat depleted squad, but were nonetheless feeling quite confident. We had been playing well over the last few weeks, although not enjoying many results.
We started strongly, with lots of possession, but couldn't make any headway against such a large & strong Sutton pack. Their No 8 was a giant and certainly took some stopping. In fact, it was as a result of attempting to stop his rampaging run, that we conceded the first penalty of the match, after only five minutes (3 - 0). It sson became apparent that Sutton's game plan was to use their pack to good effect, with the big guys crashing up continuously. We really had no answer to their momentum, and it wasn't long before we found ourselves further behind, from a line-out catch & drive. (8 - 0). We managed to restrict the score to 8 - 0 in the first half, but had really been defending for most of that time.
We changed things round a little at half-time, with replacement prop Grant Widdowson making his debut. Unfortunately, the influential Harry Finch (No8), had to come off with a damaged ankle, and Sutton were able to take advantage of the disruption, with another try scored from the back of a scrum in our 22. The successful conversion made the score 15 - 0.
A number of teams would have folded under this onslaught, but we rallied during the last 20 mins, and showed great determination to get back into the game. Josh Philpott, playing his first game at No 10, began to find his feet & put in some terrific kicks. This got us on the front foot for the first time in the game & we created a number of opportunities both from the line out & scrum, but just as we were gaining the upper hand, the Sutton No 7, made a superb break from half way, to put us even further behind at 20 - 0. We kept our heads though and were at our best during the last five minutes. We managed to put together a number of phases, with the forwards gaining some control. We went over twice, but were judged to have been held up. From the resulting scrum, we finally managed to score, with a neat move off the back, putting outside centre Adam Faulkner in space for a clear run in, with Sam Goddard adding the difficult conversion.

Final Score 20-7

MOM - Kurt Tanner (Tight head Prop)

20th January 2008

With several key players unavailable, Shrewsbury started this game very strongly and put Dudley on the back foot right from the start. Some fine kicking from fullback Elliott Brookes kept Dudley in their own half for much of the first 20 minutes. In an evenly contested first half, neither side was able to dominate - Shrewsbury scrum was working well & Dudley's line-out was effective, but there were very few chances created. Great tackling by both sides led to a number of turnovers, but neither side was able to capitalise. The scrum proved to be Shrewsbury's strength, as they repeatedly drove Dudley off the ball. In fairness to Dudley, they really made life very difficult, closing any space down quickly. Shrewsbury rightly took the lead on 25 minutes with a penalty kicked by Elliott Brookes. 3 - 0.
Shrewsbury saw out the first half, camped in the Dudley 22.
Half Time 3 - 0
The second half saw a number of changes on both sides and it was Dudley who gained the upper hand, using the wind to good effect. Shrewsbury continued to work hard in every area and it wasn't long before Dudley found themselves stuck in their own 22. Some fine passing & movement from the Shrewsbury back line, kept up the pressure, and when a scrum was awarded just 15 metres out, the forwards drove home the advantage with a superb drive of several phases. Ben Green (hooker) crashed over from 5 metres, for his first try of the season. Elliott Brookes took the extra 2 points with a comfortable conversion. 10 - 0
This score seemed the stir the Dudley youngsters into action, led by their influential second row, and they began to play a much more controlled game, with their forwards retaining more possession, which ultimately led to their first try. Shrewsbury gifted them a penalty, on the 22 and Dudley were quick to move the ball out wide for the left wing to touch down in the corner.
10 - 5
Having gifted the opposition 5 points, Shrewsbury rallied, and were at their best for the final 10 minutes of the game, with Man of the Match, Elliott Brooks involved in everything. The best move of the game saw Dudley pulled all over the pitch. Unfortunately though, the ball was knocked on at the crucial moment and Dudley were able to regroup.
With just a couple of minutes left on the clock, the referee called a halt to the game, due to a series of 'punch-ups'. The Shrewsbury lads took exception to a dangerously high tackle and unfortunately retaliated. A number of cards were shown, but to save any further incident, the referee took the players off the pitch.

Shrewsbury's Team Manager, Ian Kidson said, "We were the best team by far today, and had it not been for our indiscipline towards the end, we could have won this game by a much bigger margin than we did. Otherwise, another solid performance against a useful opposition.

Shrewsbury's Man of the Match - Elliott Brookes (full-back)

2nd December 2007

The lads lost 13 - 12 today away to Dudley Kingswinford.
Although only 15 turned up, we pushed them all the way, and were ahead
until a penalty in the last minute (last kick of the game !).

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be there, but the Man of the Match was Grant Churchill &
the try scorers were - Tim Fullwood (converted by Elliott Brooks) & Adam
Faulkner.

Another game that we could and should have won !
This League is proving to be etremely tough, but I'm sure we can
improve...........

18th November 2007

Hard-fought contest sees honours shared

Shrewsbury’s high-flying under-seventeen XV played host to Stourbridge at the weekend and fought out a tight game that in the end finished all-square.

In an evenly-contested first half, neither side really took control. Shrewsbury’s scrum and line-out were working well and but great tackling by the Stourbridge forwards kept repelling the home team’s persistent efforts. But some excellent kicking from fly-half Charlie Marshall put Stourbridge under increasing pressure and, in the end it paid dividends, Shrewsbury’s man-of-the-match, Josh Philpott making a superb jinking run from inside centre to open up the Stourbridge defence and put Shrewsbury up 5 – 0 at the interval.

The second half saw Stourbridge fight back, pushing Shrewsbury back into their own 22 and eventually setting up a superb driving maul that finished with the visitors’ No 8 crashing over from a couple of metres. That made it 5 – 5.

The Shrewsbury forwards responded well, playing a much more controlled game and bringing the backs into the game much more. A clever switch in the centre a superb phase of handling and support play opening the way Shrewsbury No 8 Harry Finch to finish off the move. Marshall claimed the first successful conversion of the game to give Shrewsbury a 12 – 5 lead going into the last few minutes of the game.

Shrewsbury put more pressure on the Stourbridge line and, just when they looked certain to score again, the visitors somehow managed to turn the ball over and kick clear. An infringement at the ensuing ruck enabled the Stourbridge No 10 to cross for a try and follow up by converting from a difficult angle to claim the additional points and make it 12-all.

With just a couple of minutes left, Shrewsbury created a great opportunity in the far corner, which unfortunately came to nothing, as the ref blew the final whistle. Shrewsbury’s team Manager, Ian Kidson said: “The lads worked incredibly hard today, and with a little more composure at crucial moments, could and should have won this game”

Sunday 21st October 2007

SHREWSBURY vs BRIDGNORTH

UNDER 17'S LOSE AGAIN

After last week's disappointing League defeat to Moseley, Shrewsbury were determined to get things back on track against their local rivals Bridgnorth. Although without any recognised centres, Shrewsbury started well and should have taken the lead with a penalty kick early in the game. In an evenly contested first half, neither side dominated - B'North's line-out was proving to be very effective & they kicked at every opportunity, putting Shrewsbury on the back foot. Great tackling by both sides led to a number of turnovers and penalties, but neither side was able to capitalise. With the score at 0 - 0 just before half time, it was B'North who took the lead, scoring a try off the back of a 5 metre scrum. The resultant conversion left Shrewsbury 7 - 0 down at half time.

The second half saw a number of changes to the Shrewsbury side, due to injuries, and they never really got going again. B'North prevented the ball going wide with some solid tackling, and it was the away side who began to play a much more controlled game, which ultimately led to their next try. From a line out, they set up a driving maul, and although Shrewsbury halted the initial drive, B'North regained momentum and drove over in the corner. 12 - 0 (missed conversion)

Shrewsbury brought on some fresh legs for the last 10 minutes, but to no avail, as B'North set up camp in the home sides 22. In desperation, Shrewsbury gave away a number of penalties, and it was from the back of the scrum again that B'North sealed the win, when the impressive No 8 peeled off to the blindside and crashed over the line to score his second try of the game, leaving the final score at 0 - 17.

Despite the loss, Shrewsbury's coach, Brian Finch, was pleased with his side's overall effort and commitment. " It was a much closer game than the score line suggests, and we certainly had our chances".

Shrewsbury's Man of the Match - Freddy Loxton (flanker)

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14th October 2007

SHREWSBURY U17's SUFFER FIRST LOSS

Shrewsbury's under 17's lose their 100% record as they go down 35 - 0 away to Moseley.

This was always going to be a difficult game, with Moseley having only lost one of their recent League games, lying just behind Shrewsbury at the top of the table. With no fewer than five regular first choice players unavailable, Shrewsbury travelled to Moseley with only 16 players. The score line would suggest that this was a very one-sided game, but Shrewsbury certainly had their chances. Moseley's kicking game proved to be their undoing, when they repeatedly put Shrewsbury's defence under pressure. Moseley really made life very difficult for the backs, closing any space down quickly, turning over & recycling the ball very effectively. Shrewsbury were 19 - 0 down before they had chance to catch their breath. (3 tries & 2 conversions)

The second half saw a concerted effort from Shrewsbury, as they used the sloping pitch to their advantage. The Shrewsbury youngsters were making good progress, particularly at the scrum, until they were twice penalised for handling in the ruck and suffered the consequences, with two very good penalty kicks, leaving them 25 - 0 down. During the last ten minutes of the game, Moseley really took control as Shrewsbury were almost out on their feet. They succumbed to two more unconverted tries to leave the final score at 35 - 0.

Shrewsbury's Team Manager, Ian Kidson said, "this was an incredibly tough game, particularly as we only had one replacement. It was a shame to lose our unbeaten record in this way, but Moseley were certainly the strongest team we have ever played. We hope to have a number of key players back in time for our local derby at home to Bridgnorth on Sunday". (21st Oct - K/O 11.00am)

Shrewsbury's Man of the Match - Ben Davies (Tight Head Prop)

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7th October 2007

Shrewsbury's under 17's maintain their unbeaten record (5 wins out of 5) as they narrowly beat Dudley K in the North Midlands League.

With several players unavailable, Shrewsbury started this game slowly and in an evenly contested first half, neither side was able to dominate - Shrewsbury scrum was working well & Dudley's line-out was effective, but there were very few chances created. Great tackling by both sides led to a number of turnovers, but neither side was able to capitalise. The scrum proved to be Shrewsbury's strength, as they repeatedly drove Dudley off the ball. In fairness to Dudley, they really made life very difficult, closing any space down quickly, turning over & recycling the ball well. Shrewsbury needed to get onto the front foot, and with some excellent kicking from stand-in fly half Sam Bryan, Shrewsbury saw out the first half, camped in the Dudley 22.
Half Time 0 - 0
The second half saw a number of changes on both sides and it was Dudley who opened up the scoring when a stray pass in Shrewsbury's back line was latched on to by their No 8, who ran in unopposed from 30 metres. Dudley's fly-half converted comfortably, leaving Shrewsbury 0 - 7 down.
This score seemed the stir the Shrewsbury youngsters into action, led by their skipper Olli Chantler (No 8). He chased down the resultant kick-off, and got his side going forward with some immense tackling. The forwards really started to compete, and the outstanding No 10 Sam Bryan had some decent service at last. Shrewsbury began to play a much more controlled game, with the forwards retaining more possession, which ultimately led to their first try, when No 8 Ollie Chantler broke from the back of the scrum to beat several tacklers and score his 4th try of the season. Sam Bryan converted to level the score at 7 - 7. Shrewsbury, who now looked threatening, gave away a needless penalty just inside their own half. Dudley's fly half took the 3 points with a superb kick.
7 - 10.
Having gifted the opposition 10 points, Shrewsbury rallied, and were at their best for the final 15 minutes of the game, with Man of the Match, Sam Bryan involved in everything. The best move of the game saw Dudley pulled all over the pitch, leaving right wing Adam Faulkner in space, to finish off an excellent passage of play. Unfortunately, Sam missed the conversion with the final kick of the game, to leave the final score at 12 - 10 much to the relief of the home side & supporters.

Shrewsbury's Team Manager, Ian Kidson said, "We started really slowly again today, which is something we must urgently address. Otherwise, a solid performance, against a useful opposition.
*5 wins from our first 5 games can't be bad !"

Shrewsbury's Man of the Match - Sam Bryan (fly-half)

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23rd September 2007

Shrewsbury's under 17's make it 3 wins out of 3 as they come out on top in a very physical game away to Old Halesonians.
The strong swirling wind nullified Shrewsbury's kicking game and made the line-out particularly difficult, but fortunately, the scrum proved to be Shrewsbury's strength, as they repeatedly drove Old Hales off the ball. In fairness to Old Hales, they really made life very difficult for the three quarters, closing any space down quickly, and they turned over & recycled the ball very effectively. Shrewsbury needed to get onto the front foot, and with some smart thinking from fly-half Charlie Marshall, he switched play to the blindside, to put in left wing George Edwards for his first try of the season. 0 - 5. Unfortunately, Charlie narrowly missed the difficult conversion.
From the re-start, Old Hales put Shrewsbury under immense pressure, and following a number of 'strange refereeing decisions' they set up camp in the Shrewsbury 22. Some fantastic defending by Shrewsbury stopped Old Hales from scoring, and ultimately led to Shrewsbury's second try, when a 5-metre scrum was won against the head, allowing Charlie to clear the danger. The ensuing chase was won by Shrewsbury's lightning quick right wing, Adam Faulkner, who popped the ball inside to outside centre Sam Bryan to score in the corner. 0 - 10.

The second half saw a number of changes on both sides and it was Old Hales who were able to make better use of the wind, pushing Shrewsbury back into their 22. Once again, the Shrewsbury youngsters were penalised for handling in the ruck and not receding 10 yards, but fortunately, Old Hales were unable to capitalise. The game became rather scrappy, and when Adam Faulkner drove into a maul on the left wing, all hell broke loose. Shrewsbury pushed Old Hales back at least 30 metres, and Adam broke free, only to be tackled 5 metres from the line. It was then that the Old Hales winger decided to come in with a flying kick, straight into Adam's back, right in front of the referee, who had no hesitation in sending him off. Unfortunately, the ensuing melee also saw the influential Charlie Marshall receive a yellow card for retaliation.
Once things had calmed down, Shrewsbury began to play a much more controlled game, with the forwards retaining more of the possession. The best try of the match was scored by Shrewsbury's No 8, Ollie Chantler, when he broke from the back of the scrum, beat several tacklers, and sprinted like a man possessed, to score under the posts, with Charlie drop-kicking the conversion. 0 - 17.
To give credit to Old Hales, they never gave up, and were at their most threatening during the last ten minutes of the game. They really applied some pressure at the line out, and were able to give their replacement scrum half & fly half time and space. Shrewsbury were almost out on their feet, and succumbed to a last minute try when Old Hales put their best passing move together, for the left wing to score in the corner. Final score 5 - 17

Shrewsbury's Man of the Match - Ben Green (Loose-head Prop)

Shrewsbury's Team Manager, Ian Kidson said, "this was an incredibly tough game, made difficult at times by our lack of discipline in certain areas. Old Hales really made us work very hard for everything, and we were delighted to come out on top & maintain our 100% record in the league.

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Sunday 9th September 2007

Shrewsbury under 17's make it 2 wins out of 2 as they demolished a much improved Oswestry side.

With confidence high after last weeks convincing win over Walsall, the Shrewsbury youngsters took control of the game right from the kick-off, scoring the first of their 11 tries within the first five minutes, when newcomer, Sam Bryan, playing at inside centre, broke free to score under the posts, the ever reliable fly-half, Charlie Marshall converting. 7 - 0.
From the re-start, a superb passing move pulled Oswestry all over the pitch, and led to Man of the Match, Josh Philpott (wing) scoring his first try for the club. 12 - 0.
Oswestry replied soon after, with a well-worked try, after Shrewsbury were penalised for slowing the ball down at the ruck. 12 - 5.
This proved to be the catalyst for Shrewsbury to really show what they were made of, winning several scrums against the head, due to some fine work from hooker & skipper, Ben Kidson. It wasn't long before they opened up the game with some sublime passing and movement, running in 4 tries in quick succession. With one apiece for Charlie Marshall and Elliott Brooks, and two from No 8 Ollie Chantler, the second of which saw Ollie sprint the length of the pitch, beating the full-back with a perfect side-step. Charlie added to the score with two more conversions, leaving Oswestry stunned at half-time 36 - 5 down.

Shrewsbury started the second half slowly and allowed Oswestry to score virtually unopposed from the re-start. 36 - 10. A few stern words from the Shrewsbury coaches, brought them back to life, and it wasn't long before they were back on the score sheet, with Sam Bryan adding to his tally with two more excellent tries. Not to be outdone, fly-half Charlie Marshall added two more tries of his own and another two conversions. The final score of the game came from winger Josh Philpott, who finished off a slick-passing move that had the supporters applauding loudly. Full time, 65 - 10.

Shrewsbury's assistant coach, Brian Finch, said, "this was a fantastic display of rugby as it should be played; simple and effective. We are absolutely delighted with the result, and are looking forward to our next league game away to Old Halesonians on Sunday 23rd Sept. K/O 11.00am.

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Sunday 2nd September 2007.

Shrewsbury v Walsall

Under 17 North Midlands League

Shrewsbury under 17's started their eagerly awaited North Midlands League campaign in style with an impressive 50 - 0 victory over a well organised Walsall side. From the kick-off, Shrewsbury dominated the game in every area, moving the ball away from the contact areas as quickly as possible. Just a few minutes into the match, Elliott Brooks (outside centre) scored the first of Shrewsbury's 8 tries, when he finished off a flowing backs move. Charlie Marshall (fly-half) converting. 7 - 0.
Walsall, to their credit, came back strongly, but Shrewsbury defended superbly, with Charlie Marshall demonstrating some fine defensive kicking. From the resulting line out, Shrewsbury stole the ball, and quickly spread it wide for right wing, Adam Faulkner to score the first of his 5 tries, under the posts. Charlie again added the conversion. 14 - 0.

Shrewsbury's coaches decided to change things round at half-time, giving debuts to 4 new players. The most decisive move saw Adam Faulkner move to the left-wing, where he ran in two tries in quick succession, leaving Walsall stunned at 24 points adrift. Man of the Match, Charlie Marshall, really came to the fore in the second half, controlling everything behind the outstanding pack. The forwards tackling was immense, and they were able to secure much of the possession, giving Charlie the opportunity to push Walsall back into their own 22. He was soon to score a try of his own, after a superb phase of play by the forwards, which he duly converted. 31 - 0.

It wasn't long before wing Adam Faulkner was back in on the act, running another 2 tries, when he was again put into space by some fine passing. (One converted by Charlie). 43 - 0. Replacement Centre, Sam Bryan, making his debut for the club, soon showed what a terrific prospect he is, when he latched onto a loose pass and beat no less than 6 Walsall players to score his first try, with Charlie taking his personal tally to 15 points with the final kick of the game. 50 - 0.

Shrewsbury's head coach, Ian Kidson, said "the lads did everything that was asked of them throughout the game, showing real commitment & composure. They really stepped up to the mark, and set the tone for our very first league campaign". We are absolutely delighted with the result, and are looking forward to our next game at home to Oswestry on Sunday 9th Sept. K/O 11.00am.