Under 11’s
11th October 2009
Syston Festival - David Vamplew Cup Match report
Today saw the Under 11’s represent Leicester Lions RFC in the Syston Festival - David Vamplew Cup.
The Under 11’s were wild card entries with a late invite. However Lions are never one to shy away from a challenge and arrived ready to go, which was good, pity the coach didn’t arrive at the same time – I did try my best!
Today’s festival was for Lions, a run out. To see where we can concentrate our future training sessions. After registering the team we were told which teams we were up against. As predicted we were up against some very organised ad established teams.
First game was against our local adversaries The Vipers! In the past we have been given a few lessons by this team. Not so today. Whilst Vipers backs were able to make ground they didn’t encounter the Lions being so determined to spoil their fun. Time and again they tried to run through but Lions made those crucial tackles to stop play. Just before half time the Vipers managed to break the deadlock and score.
Second half was the same again. Leicester Lions were not giving up without a fight. The forwards were digging in and the backs organised by Woody were starting to get some shape. However best laid plans and a few missed timed tackles saw the Vipers notch up a further 2 tries.
Although the game finished 15 - 0 to Vipers, this was certainly not an easy game for them.
Final Score 3 – 0 to Vipers
Second game saw Lions face a formidable Market Harborough. Another team that have some very seasoned rugby players. Un-phased, Leicester Lions took them on with some good ground gained by the boot of Woody (Harrison Wood). The scrums were intense with lots of hard graft by both front and second rows.
However, once again we were penalised by a team that were able to rip out the ball and recycle it to their backs. Inevitably Harborough broke through scoring two tries in the first half then another two in the second. As with the first match, Lions were not going to give up without a fight. Good drives from TLS, Bren and Mitch, all doing there bit. Sam Alexander had his usual true grit, which saw him play two positions today, Hooker and second row. Great effort.
Final Score 4 – 0 to Market Harborough
Third game was an encounter with Hinckley. Another quality established team.
With seven minutes each way, saw some frantic end to end play. JPS made some quality tackles with one excellent tackle preventing Hinckley from scoring. Woody again making good use of his kicking skills kept Hinckley at bay. However, that same old problem of not keeping possession dealt three tries against us. The Hinckley backs making good ground resulting in the tries.
Final Score 3 – 0 to Market Harborough
Final game was against the host Syston. This game developed into a fantastic display of determination from both teams. Tommy Lee was attacking Syston using his power to drive through with Bren and Mitch supporting. Harry Sayers from second row also impacting on the game with some solid tackles. Each time Lions won the scrums, Planty was there to provide good ball to the backs.
Each time we were pushed deep into our half, Woody was able to make good ground with his kicks to take the pressure off.
Final Score 0 – 0
Coaches Corner
What a fantastic effort by each and every Leicester Lions player today. Team work was great with everyone supporting each other, particularly in our attitude when substitutions were made. The idea for the day was to see where we need to improve and how we compared against some formidable opponents. These games showed that we can play and with a little more work in training we will be up there challenging the likes of Market Harborough and The Vipers!
One final note is that it was noticeable how well every one behaved both on and off the pitch. Attitude can have a big affect on how the team performs and you all did yourselves and Leicester Lions proud. Well done!
And finally Man of the tournament:-
Congratulations to the following:
Man of the Match Runner Up Man of the Match
Harrison Wood Harry Plant
(Woody) (Planty)
Well done!