On Saturday Stoneham travelled to Totton to face the rematch of the previous weeks fixture where we lost 12-30. However, this time we knew what to expect, we knew that the game would be dominated by physicallity and forward play, or at least that is what Tottonians would have liked. We were happy the previous week with some aspects of our game and unhappy with others, and it was clear from the outset that we wanted to rectify the mistakes of the previous week. We arrived and got changed, it is a new tradition that the previous weeks Man of the Match providesx rousing and stirring music for the pre match changing room, and last weeks M.O.M, Danny Lynch, was unavailable due to holiday, so his father Dean acted as proxy and choose the inspirational dolcit tones of Queen! so with the show must go on ringing in our ears we took the field for the warm up. Warm up went well, and nobody appeared to suffer from early morning world cup syndrome. Inspirational speeches from Coach Matt Southey and Captain Peter Lewis about being more aggresive and more disciplined than our esteemed opposition was the order of the day. We took the field fired up and ready!
Stoneham lost the toss and forced into Kicking, with the sun on our backs we started off well, showing our opposition we would not be bullied this time. However, we did concede an early try which Totts converted. But, this was not a portent of the match, and being 7-0 down after 7 mins was not an indicator of an imminent whitewash. The forewards performed admirably, holding their own in the scrum, diffusing the Totts giant lock but effectively blocking him at the maul, and we stuck to the game plan, making good yards up the field. The backs were not so confident and on occasion the link between the centres was absent. however, having said that it was another brand new centre pairing with another debutant, Travis Sawyer. Stoneham faught hard as did Tottonians and the game really became a war of attrition with neither team making significant ground and as a result penalties galore both sides giving away infringments at the breakdown. Mid way through the 2nd half Stoneham were perfectly placed to pick up their points which would have given us a boost going into the 2nd half, however, Reece Badger narrowly missed the kick. And, so, the half continued neither side's defence buckling or yielding and the half ended 7-0 to Totts favour.
Stoneham recieved the kick off, and Captain Peter Lewis embarrasingly knocked on, the shame of it, gutted, really really gutted, but gave us a chance to have a scrummage which had been going very well, defensively we were strong, our defense strategies working very well, and after repelling another attacke from Totts it was decided that it was time to give everyone a run out. Stoneham changed the entire back row, 2 of the front row and half the 2nd row, to give everyone a run out, in the end we used 6 front row players with Dean Lynch and Allan Rixon the only starting forwards to remain on the field at the final whistle. The backs remained the same, and although reshuffled was not changed which gave them valuable expereince. However, as the match wore on Totts wore us down and cracks began to form, we had managed to repel our line on numerous occasions but the pressure eventually told and 3 tries in total were put on us, including one, which as a front row/back row forward found embarrasiing, a push over try from the scrummage. It just goes to show the value of scrummage training, either live or on the machine it will be an area we look at in the coming weeks. Although the game finished 24-0 in our oppositions favour, i think everyone will agree it was not a fair reflection of the game overall.
Overview: game plan worked well as did defense but we do have a lot of work left to do to get things 100%, but it is along road, a long season and plenty of opportunities to get things right, generally, from a captains perspective i was very proud by the effort shown by all, very proud that no one gave up and we nearly scored through a Brian Cook/Paul Robjohn break. All in all very positive and a nother swtep forward. I am greatly looking forward to the league and cup seasons beginning, this season will be interesting!
Tuesday, 13 September 2011
Wednesday, 7 September 2011
Match Report 3rd Sept '11 Vs Tottonians 4th's
Match Report: Stoneham V's Tottonians 4th's
Stoneham fielded a very strong side for our first home clash of the season. Although we were still experimenting, we attempted a winger at blindside flanker. Nick Davies began the game in the scrum, a position he has never played at before. But, before i talk about his performance we had some debutants to Stoneham Rugby, Father and son, Dean and Danny Lynch put on the blue and white for the first time for the club, Andy Butcher also pulled on a shirt for the first time. I was so happy to see so many players at the club, more than we can possibly house in one team, and the recruiting just keeps on ticking over. Maybe in the near future we will discuss a 2nd Team. The big news of the day is the return of Vice Captain, Wills Fuller, having stepped off the plane from the USA at 7 that morning he donned his kit and joined our back line.
With our enormous squad we were positive about taking the field against Totts, and a quick look at their line up it was clear we were facing a very experienced Veterens team, many would think a fit, young side should be able to run rings around a vets team, but, this is a side that has not lost in 2 years!! Youth and fitness no match for age and treachery??? we will see! The game started well, As captain i wanted the ball in hand from the outset so elected to receive having won the toss, it was clear the level of intensity from that initial contact, it was hard, it was physical and it was bruising. In my views this was a great fixture for us as it gave us a slap around the face and a few bumps and bruises, and goes some way to "toughening" us up. The game was dogged, it was a battle in the trenches and was a forward orientated game. The first scrum was telling, it was Totts ball, and as soon as we packed down we knew we had a battle on our hands, pack strength was fairly evenly matched, maybe leaning towards totts through experience and technique but for power Stoneham matched them, Totts put in and the ball came blind. Bit of a surprise that they were using that avenue, and those members of the club who know the gameplan well will know why. Brand new blindside Nick Davies was immediately under the cosh. Fortunately Backup soon arrived and we disarmed the attack forcing Totts to use the boot of their 10. This was to be a tactic they used for 20 mins in the first half, attack the blindside and use 10 for field possession. They did this until debutant Full Back, Danny Lynch, who from our own 22 ran back hard and found a path to their try line. Reece Badger added the extras and the game was poised at Stoneham 7 - 8 Totts. Our line defence was absorbing alot of pressure, but their fly half jinked, stepped, and went for the corner, he only just got it down before the cover tackles came in. Still stoneham back on the back foot. That was the story of the half really alot of niggling form Tottonians aimed directly at upsetting our players it is the classic old school tactic of get away with what you can and then act all innocent when we retaliate.
The second half started strongly with Stoneham putting Totts under pressure from the kick off, however, there niggling tactic worked and hooker Dean Lynch spent 10 mins with his thoughts. A man down Totts scored a couple of tries to take the game away. But not before Stoneham went on the attack. We fought, battled and got ourselves to their line, a couple of penalties later and from an opportunistic tap penalty Captain, Peter Lewis, ran unopposed to the corner to score, Easiest try i have ever scored as totts were all huddled around the ref disputing the decision.
Soon after we went up to full strength disaster struck. Flanker Adam McMillan got his leg caught under a Tottonian player and his game was over, it later was discovered that the injury was alot more serious and that he suffered ligament damage and a break. Adam is out for 3-4 months and maybe permently if his good lady wife has a say! The game finished much as it had started with both teams battling it out. but the eventual winners were Tottonians.
Result: Stoneham 12 - 30 Tottonians 4th's
The Coaching staff have many hard decisions to make with regards to selection, and can also take away alot of positives. As captain i can see how effective the gameplan is and how when we get it right we are devastating in attack and defence. Especially defence very proud how all the guys "Manned Up" in the contact zone. just need to step it up one more level.
Stoneham fielded a very strong side for our first home clash of the season. Although we were still experimenting, we attempted a winger at blindside flanker. Nick Davies began the game in the scrum, a position he has never played at before. But, before i talk about his performance we had some debutants to Stoneham Rugby, Father and son, Dean and Danny Lynch put on the blue and white for the first time for the club, Andy Butcher also pulled on a shirt for the first time. I was so happy to see so many players at the club, more than we can possibly house in one team, and the recruiting just keeps on ticking over. Maybe in the near future we will discuss a 2nd Team. The big news of the day is the return of Vice Captain, Wills Fuller, having stepped off the plane from the USA at 7 that morning he donned his kit and joined our back line.
With our enormous squad we were positive about taking the field against Totts, and a quick look at their line up it was clear we were facing a very experienced Veterens team, many would think a fit, young side should be able to run rings around a vets team, but, this is a side that has not lost in 2 years!! Youth and fitness no match for age and treachery??? we will see! The game started well, As captain i wanted the ball in hand from the outset so elected to receive having won the toss, it was clear the level of intensity from that initial contact, it was hard, it was physical and it was bruising. In my views this was a great fixture for us as it gave us a slap around the face and a few bumps and bruises, and goes some way to "toughening" us up. The game was dogged, it was a battle in the trenches and was a forward orientated game. The first scrum was telling, it was Totts ball, and as soon as we packed down we knew we had a battle on our hands, pack strength was fairly evenly matched, maybe leaning towards totts through experience and technique but for power Stoneham matched them, Totts put in and the ball came blind. Bit of a surprise that they were using that avenue, and those members of the club who know the gameplan well will know why. Brand new blindside Nick Davies was immediately under the cosh. Fortunately Backup soon arrived and we disarmed the attack forcing Totts to use the boot of their 10. This was to be a tactic they used for 20 mins in the first half, attack the blindside and use 10 for field possession. They did this until debutant Full Back, Danny Lynch, who from our own 22 ran back hard and found a path to their try line. Reece Badger added the extras and the game was poised at Stoneham 7 - 8 Totts. Our line defence was absorbing alot of pressure, but their fly half jinked, stepped, and went for the corner, he only just got it down before the cover tackles came in. Still stoneham back on the back foot. That was the story of the half really alot of niggling form Tottonians aimed directly at upsetting our players it is the classic old school tactic of get away with what you can and then act all innocent when we retaliate.
The second half started strongly with Stoneham putting Totts under pressure from the kick off, however, there niggling tactic worked and hooker Dean Lynch spent 10 mins with his thoughts. A man down Totts scored a couple of tries to take the game away. But not before Stoneham went on the attack. We fought, battled and got ourselves to their line, a couple of penalties later and from an opportunistic tap penalty Captain, Peter Lewis, ran unopposed to the corner to score, Easiest try i have ever scored as totts were all huddled around the ref disputing the decision.
Soon after we went up to full strength disaster struck. Flanker Adam McMillan got his leg caught under a Tottonian player and his game was over, it later was discovered that the injury was alot more serious and that he suffered ligament damage and a break. Adam is out for 3-4 months and maybe permently if his good lady wife has a say! The game finished much as it had started with both teams battling it out. but the eventual winners were Tottonians.
Result: Stoneham 12 - 30 Tottonians 4th's
The Coaching staff have many hard decisions to make with regards to selection, and can also take away alot of positives. As captain i can see how effective the gameplan is and how when we get it right we are devastating in attack and defence. Especially defence very proud how all the guys "Manned Up" in the contact zone. just need to step it up one more level.
Friday, 2 September 2011
Match Report: Verwood RUFC 29 - 5 Stoneham RFC - Match Preview Stoneham Vs Tottonians 4ths
Match Report: Verwood RUFC 29 - 5 Stoneham RFC
27th August 2011, a week before the official start of the Rugby Union season, Stoneham and Verwood met at an unusual location for a training game. I say unusual as neither side were at home, due to circumstances at Verwood involving a cricket match and Stoneham pitches not being ready, i.e. no posts or pitch markings, the fixture was forced to a third location, Bournemouth RFC. We travelled down in high spirits and higher hopes, although we arrived late and had a very short warm up the first half was very promising. The match was played in 4 quarters. Stoneham won the toss and elected to receive, i chose this because i wanted us to attack right from the first whistle, i felt it would help to give the guys a bit of confidence to have the ball in hand and take the fight to Verwood from the very beginning. Didn't quite work like that, first match nerves got in the way and the ball was lost forward from the kick off. No matter, scrum time, those reading this from other clubs, those who are new to the club should be aware, Scrummaging is our bread and butter, we have strength, depth and aggression when it comes to the set piece, and rarely are we challenged there. Knock on's as a result do not worry us too much as we know that 90 times out of 100 we will win the ball back, and true to form we turned them over, and the set piece was the same story throughout the match. We won the ball and attacked with a No.8 pick up, now some might say that a No.8 pick up from our own 22 is a bit mad, maybe a defensive territory kick may have been prudent. However, with our new attacking style we throw caution into the wind, and i am convinced if we were on our 5m line we still would consider a No. 8 pick up and drive, after all why the hell not, fortune favours the brave, and we are fearless!
I digress, back to the match, a majority of the first 40 mins was played within 20 m between the 2 10m lines. neither side progressing, defence from Stoneham was good putting Verwood under pressure. Our attacks were effective, but we strayed from the game-plan, we went a bit headless and reacted to the game, for no other reason than exuberance. I am happy to encourage exuberance, but it does need to be backed up by skill. I must say that the first half was marred by an incident between yours truly and the referee. The story is, Will Barton, playing at Scrum half was dumped tackle, unceremoniously and in my eyes dangerously, i was right next to him when it happened and it could have been very bad, Will was ok, but i, as Captain, decided that i should have a word with the referee about it, after all he was stood 20 ft away and didn't see it. The proceeding discussion became a little heated and as it wore on i got more and more animated, i can only say that it was adrenaline fuelled and a belief i was right. It was done with all the best of intentions for the safety of my boys. But i was a dog with a bone and just wouldn't let go, to the extent that Matt Southey had to drag me from the pitch in order to save me from a card. Matt and i decided to continue the discussion, my annoyance at myself for over-reacting and annoyance at being dragged off the field just fuelled the fire, as a result Matt and i quaralled........not good for the team to see Captain and Coach argueing, but it was what it was, i deeply regret the incident, and hereby offer Matt my thanks and apologies!
Despite all this the first half ended 0-0. I will take this opportunity to say that Reece badger had a great start to the season and his career with the club. He only played the first half because of commitments but a great first half.
The second half was a different story, with the loss of Reece we had a reshuffle in the backs which, saw another debutant come on, JK's addition to the team Aaron came on never having played a game before, Verwood saw there opportunity and attacked that wing scoring 3 tries on the bounce, we adjusted and began to soak up the pressure a bit but the still got through for 2 more. Converting 2 they quickly scored 29 points. Still the Stoneham spirit lives on with another debutant scoring in his first game Jesse Harris, an unbelivably fast and elusive runner attack evaded tackle after tackle and scored a belter of a try through grit and determination. The conversion was missed...just, but Stoneham can take a lot from the game, welcoming the new players and settling the nerves of those who haven't taken the field for a while. the man of the match vote was close but eventually went to Arron Taylor, for what was the best game i have seen him play, he attacked at every opportunity and scooped up alot of loose ball and punished Verwood fro their mistakes. Well done Arron.
Final score 29-5 (L)
Match preview: Stoneham V's Tottonians 4ths (H)
In a change to the published list, Portsmouth 4th's have had to withdraw from tomorrows fixture due to lack of numbers. So, as they told us late last night (Thurs) we were naturally concerned we wouldn't be able to get a fixture, yet through the efforts of our fixture secretary, Noble Argue we now have 2 fixtures, one on the 3rd to replace Portsmouth and one on the 10th to fill that void, against the same opposition, Tottonians 4ths. We have previously had a mixed bag against this club, playing their 3rd's we have lost playing their 5th's/casuals we have won. So, how will we fair against their 4th's is anyones shout. What we do know is they are a serious club, they take their Rugby extrodinarily seriously and as such we need to prepare for a battle, i predict that their 4th's will be populated by rising stars from their colts and veterans. either way it will be a mix of youth and experience which will really put us to the test. We are still developing our game-plan, we are still experimenting with positions, not to give too much away but we will see a winger as a wing forward! Tomorrow's weather forecast is hot and sunny, summer has arrived in time for the season, so please everyone make sure they are hydrated, sounds silly, but overload on water as you will need it!
I am excited by this fixture, primarily because it gives me an opportunity to see some old friends at Totts and play against them, but also, and more importantly, because Stoneham are on the up! we all feel that this year could lead to greatness and good things for Stoneham, training is positive and upbeat with excellent numbers, tomorrow we welcome some more debutants to the club, and we will welcome them after in an appropriate style, but the greatest excitement is that we are off and running the season is now in full flow, and my mind is buzzing with the possibilities, lets turn those daydreams into reality and in the words of our esteemed coach......Fucking 'ave it!!!!!!!!!
27th August 2011, a week before the official start of the Rugby Union season, Stoneham and Verwood met at an unusual location for a training game. I say unusual as neither side were at home, due to circumstances at Verwood involving a cricket match and Stoneham pitches not being ready, i.e. no posts or pitch markings, the fixture was forced to a third location, Bournemouth RFC. We travelled down in high spirits and higher hopes, although we arrived late and had a very short warm up the first half was very promising. The match was played in 4 quarters. Stoneham won the toss and elected to receive, i chose this because i wanted us to attack right from the first whistle, i felt it would help to give the guys a bit of confidence to have the ball in hand and take the fight to Verwood from the very beginning. Didn't quite work like that, first match nerves got in the way and the ball was lost forward from the kick off. No matter, scrum time, those reading this from other clubs, those who are new to the club should be aware, Scrummaging is our bread and butter, we have strength, depth and aggression when it comes to the set piece, and rarely are we challenged there. Knock on's as a result do not worry us too much as we know that 90 times out of 100 we will win the ball back, and true to form we turned them over, and the set piece was the same story throughout the match. We won the ball and attacked with a No.8 pick up, now some might say that a No.8 pick up from our own 22 is a bit mad, maybe a defensive territory kick may have been prudent. However, with our new attacking style we throw caution into the wind, and i am convinced if we were on our 5m line we still would consider a No. 8 pick up and drive, after all why the hell not, fortune favours the brave, and we are fearless!
I digress, back to the match, a majority of the first 40 mins was played within 20 m between the 2 10m lines. neither side progressing, defence from Stoneham was good putting Verwood under pressure. Our attacks were effective, but we strayed from the game-plan, we went a bit headless and reacted to the game, for no other reason than exuberance. I am happy to encourage exuberance, but it does need to be backed up by skill. I must say that the first half was marred by an incident between yours truly and the referee. The story is, Will Barton, playing at Scrum half was dumped tackle, unceremoniously and in my eyes dangerously, i was right next to him when it happened and it could have been very bad, Will was ok, but i, as Captain, decided that i should have a word with the referee about it, after all he was stood 20 ft away and didn't see it. The proceeding discussion became a little heated and as it wore on i got more and more animated, i can only say that it was adrenaline fuelled and a belief i was right. It was done with all the best of intentions for the safety of my boys. But i was a dog with a bone and just wouldn't let go, to the extent that Matt Southey had to drag me from the pitch in order to save me from a card. Matt and i decided to continue the discussion, my annoyance at myself for over-reacting and annoyance at being dragged off the field just fuelled the fire, as a result Matt and i quaralled........not good for the team to see Captain and Coach argueing, but it was what it was, i deeply regret the incident, and hereby offer Matt my thanks and apologies!
Despite all this the first half ended 0-0. I will take this opportunity to say that Reece badger had a great start to the season and his career with the club. He only played the first half because of commitments but a great first half.
The second half was a different story, with the loss of Reece we had a reshuffle in the backs which, saw another debutant come on, JK's addition to the team Aaron came on never having played a game before, Verwood saw there opportunity and attacked that wing scoring 3 tries on the bounce, we adjusted and began to soak up the pressure a bit but the still got through for 2 more. Converting 2 they quickly scored 29 points. Still the Stoneham spirit lives on with another debutant scoring in his first game Jesse Harris, an unbelivably fast and elusive runner attack evaded tackle after tackle and scored a belter of a try through grit and determination. The conversion was missed...just, but Stoneham can take a lot from the game, welcoming the new players and settling the nerves of those who haven't taken the field for a while. the man of the match vote was close but eventually went to Arron Taylor, for what was the best game i have seen him play, he attacked at every opportunity and scooped up alot of loose ball and punished Verwood fro their mistakes. Well done Arron.
Final score 29-5 (L)
Match preview: Stoneham V's Tottonians 4ths (H)
In a change to the published list, Portsmouth 4th's have had to withdraw from tomorrows fixture due to lack of numbers. So, as they told us late last night (Thurs) we were naturally concerned we wouldn't be able to get a fixture, yet through the efforts of our fixture secretary, Noble Argue we now have 2 fixtures, one on the 3rd to replace Portsmouth and one on the 10th to fill that void, against the same opposition, Tottonians 4ths. We have previously had a mixed bag against this club, playing their 3rd's we have lost playing their 5th's/casuals we have won. So, how will we fair against their 4th's is anyones shout. What we do know is they are a serious club, they take their Rugby extrodinarily seriously and as such we need to prepare for a battle, i predict that their 4th's will be populated by rising stars from their colts and veterans. either way it will be a mix of youth and experience which will really put us to the test. We are still developing our game-plan, we are still experimenting with positions, not to give too much away but we will see a winger as a wing forward! Tomorrow's weather forecast is hot and sunny, summer has arrived in time for the season, so please everyone make sure they are hydrated, sounds silly, but overload on water as you will need it!
I am excited by this fixture, primarily because it gives me an opportunity to see some old friends at Totts and play against them, but also, and more importantly, because Stoneham are on the up! we all feel that this year could lead to greatness and good things for Stoneham, training is positive and upbeat with excellent numbers, tomorrow we welcome some more debutants to the club, and we will welcome them after in an appropriate style, but the greatest excitement is that we are off and running the season is now in full flow, and my mind is buzzing with the possibilities, lets turn those daydreams into reality and in the words of our esteemed coach......Fucking 'ave it!!!!!!!!!
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