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Under 17s Match Reports

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Sat & Sun 5-6 May 07: French International Rugby Festival at RC Rouen

Saturday 5th:
Group:
Lutterworth: Lost: 1 try - 2 tries

Uphill and against the wind, we had some trouble with a very physical and competitive Lutterworth side. Jono replied to some of their early possession by putting in a big hit on his opposite number. Unfortunately, Steve got sin binned (we're still not sure why) and with one of our pack off the field (and Nick injured) Lutterworth pressed and pressed until they found a hole in the midfield which they exploited for 1-0. After some untidy contact the ball spat out to Lutterworth not long after and they span it wide, even on this small pitch, and one missed tackle let them in again.

In the second half we quickly got on the scoreboard after Steve D grounded the ball following a lineout close to their line. With the conditions now in our favour we always looked close to equalising, but two missed touches from penalties were our downfall and we didn’t get another chance at the catch-and-drive so successful the first time.

Old Belverdere: Lost: 1 try - 2 tries

Against a strong Irish team we began with a lot of the normal replacements starting, and it was a very spirited performance: Tom T went over after a lineout to give us an early lead. From then we saw lots of quality rugby and brave defence from both sides, and everyone on the pitch came off at half time out of breath.

The frantic contest resumed, and we now had Dolby on to help keep out Old Bs’ fast backs. Indeed he made some great tackles, especially on their biggest player, who they seemed to rely on to get themselves going forward. Time after time he cut him down just as he was getting into his stride.

The momentum was with the Irish, and as they advanced up the pitch, with us on the back foot their fly-half, with good footwork, found a gap in the stretched backline to dart through and pick out a support player who went over to equalise.

In the very last play a similar thing happened for the winning try, as lots of aggressive running drew us in, and the same player made use of an overlap by stepping inside and going between two props who drifted too early to try and stop a score out wide.

Old Rutlishians: Won: 1 try - 0

Needing to take something from the day, though most of us were knackered and several injured, we took on Surrey side Old Rutlishians. Pat B drove over from a lineout to give us a deserved lead, and from that point on we seemed in control, and saw the game out mostly in the Ruts half.

Sunday 6th:
Challenge Cup Semi-final:
Thanet: Won: 6 tries - 1 try

After a heavy night for both teams Thanet came out much the worse for wear and although the game was hard, didn’t give us they game they normally would. However some of the play from our back three of Ibbi, Stuart and Pete was immense and against any team in any state they probably would have run in a few tries. As it was, we ended up with 6, to Thanet’s one, to put us through the Challenge cup final – the second tier competition.

Challenge Cup Final:
Lutterworth: Won: 1 try - 1 try

Finally we took on, for the second time, Lutterworth, the team that the previous day had kindly dubbed us ‘savages’. This would be our last opportunity of the season to win something outright.

Although now even more exhausted, and still without three key players still recovering back at the hotel, we started on song to get the all-important first try (in the case of a draw, the team to score first wins). Nick picked up from a scrum and bulldozed down the blindside, drawing in three or four defenders. Sam C seemingly cleared them all out, and Sam E span the ball to me at fly-half (for some reason). Faced with their fly-half and centre, I just dummied inside and ran straight, and Tom T was on hand to take the offload and fall over for the try.

Lutterworth were obviously very eager to get at us and try and win the game, but we kept them in check with some wholehearted defence, and also by wrecking their scrum, I think it is fair to say.

In the second half, things continued to be very tight, and Lutterworth just about managed to score, as a pass from Sam E at the base of the scrum was intercepted. Ibbi chased back all the way and hauled him down short of the line, but he stretched and was able to put the ball on the line for 1-1.

Lutterworth came close once more, and we had chances, but the game ended when we got a penalty and, after quizzing the referee about the odd rule, kicked the ball out to end the game with a win, thus helping ourselves to the Challenge Cup.

Justice seemed to finally have been done: after a season of final losses on drop goals, and the National Plate exit on an away-team-wins-if-it’s-a-draw rule, we’d finally, deservedly, won a cup. Well done to everyone on the tour party.

LRA - 16 May 07

Sun 29 Apr 07: Kent 7s at Sheppey RFC

Group:
Aylesford: Won: 41-0

Held at ‘The Ditch’, Sheppey’s friendly but aptly named ground, this tournament had to be restructured a few times, thanks to teams cancelling at the last minute. Eventually we got under way against Aylesford, on a concrete pitch under a dark sky.

After a few scrappy minutes in which neither team was able to avoid contact for long, Dan created the first score by chipping a ball through for Dolby, who inevitably got there before any defenders. Ibbi ran in the second try, and Sam E saw space down the blindside to make the half-time score 15-0, as none of the drop-kick conversions went over.

Straight from the restart, Dolby elusively found space and scored a fourth; this time Ibbi added the two points. Sam E got his second after throwing a dummy from the ruck and heading straight to the line, adding the conversion himself. Tom supplied the ball for Dolby soon after to allow him to complete his hat-trick, and a visibly tired, and much slower Aylesford side saw Ibbi and Pete round things off with a try each, Pete’s coming after Steve had stretched to pluck the ball from the air at the height only he can. 41-0 the encouraging final score.

Thanet: Won: 31-0

With tour bragging rights at stake we then took on Thanet. Ryan opened the scoring and it was Steve who made it 7-0. Tom bashed his way over from short range to increase the lead, and Dolby once more left the other team trailing in his wake to add another try before half time.

Dan broke through early in the second half and found Sam E in support, who again converted, and to round things off Steve ran another in and knocked the conversion over too.

Quarter-final:
Ashford: Lost: 0-7

Against a large team, we struggled to gain enough territory and keep the ball out of contact. Seemingly never-ending 50m chases back into our own half after punts down the pitch from Ashford seemed to tire us, though Dolby came close after sprinting back all this way, seemingly being kicked by an Ashford player, and then getting up and going on the outside. Unfortunately he slowed up going uphill and the chance came to nothing.

The struggle continued into the second half, with Ashford happy to knock the ball back into our territory. We had a decent amount of ball, but too often Ashford’s size told and we lost out in contact. The only score came after a penalty from a scrum due to a bit of inexperience in that position. Ashford had the overlap in our 22 and made it count. We had one last chance but again couldn’t get the space against an aggressive Ashford team who played a very good game here.

LRA - 16 May 07

Sun 22 Apr 07: Sidcup U17s 61 - Westcombe Park U17s 17

For our last game before 7s and the tour, the order of the day was experimentation, flair and attractive, fluent rugby. Against a speedy Westcombe Park outfit who took us close earlier in the season, though we won 29-19, the selection included well-earned starts for some of the less frequently used players, who are nevertheless crucial. In anticipation of a certain degree of fatigue (hangover) on tour, we also began with most of the team out of position, to prepare for when those changes are enforced.

For the first 15 minutes, you wouldn’t have noticed the difference from the usual set-up. The blue sky and hard ground invited a running, handling game, and after both teams had sized each other up for a while, we were ahead when Pete beat his winger on the outside and found Andy on his shoulder. At full pace, he offloaded to Sam, the other prop storming away outside him, and then got the ball back again to dive over and open the scoring – a superb display of handling under pressure. Had everyone been in quite the same mood, we would have quickly added more tries, but several times the final pass went down after some fine build-up, much of which was instigated by Ryan’s counterattacking from fullback, as ‘Combe kicked away much of their possession. Not too long later, it was brutal force that yielded a try, coming from Nick as he picked up from the base and charged over with a strong arm stuck out to keep away the relatively diminutive stand-off trying to bring him down.

But after taking the lead, we failed to maintain the momentum, but instead seemed to slacken, and the three tries ‘Combe punished us with showed their quality. Their fly-half more than made up for his failings in Nick’s try by turning on the pace and opening us up through the tiniest of gaps to create those chances. The one conversion each left the score at 12-17 at half-time.

A very different-looking and thoroughly determined Sidcup side began the second half and the effect completely changed the balance of the game. Throughout the second half, we put on a free-scoring festival of rugby, eventually adding a total of 49 points. The pack absolutely starved Westcombe Park of any glimpse of the ball and with the ideal conditions, we were able to keep the ball and break through time after time. Dan’s well-timed passes to Ibbi or Stuart in midfield brought lots of clean breaks from set piece possession, and the support got there to ensure tries came, with Tom Tobin in particular getting around the park to set up three tries.

With Steve stealing most of the lineouts, whoever threw them in, and the scrums going our way, including several against the head, the whole half saw us advancing towards the ‘Combe line, scoring, and returning. Dolby revelled in the space and ball given to him, to the tune of four tries.

Fantastic handling, pace and support all over the pitch ensured that we always looked threatening: Matt in particular, playing in the centres, distributed well alongside Dan. The quality of continuity ensured that we kept on getting chances, so that even in addition to the 49 second-half points, there could have been more, had Adam and Dan each grounded the ball when they had their chances, and not dropped the it over the line.

More and more tries were added, and near the end, with some of the ‘Combe lads looking exhausted in the heat, Sam nudged the ball over the top and I caught the ball following a convenient bounce, and after a characteristic dance and side step, I turned on the gas to go 30m to score. On this occasion, the conversion was unsuccessful, but Steve had skillfully added an extra two after converting one of the earlier scores with a drop-goal.

Dolby rounded things off in the final play by turning full-circle to fool the only defender able to get anywhere near him and get over the line once more, completing a comprehensive win which saw some of our best looking-rugby this season. Final score 61-17, so well done to everyone for making this a whole season without being beaten (at 15-a-side, in this country) - a great achievement.

Next weekend, it's good luck the 7s squad who may even be able to bring home the Kent 7s Cup.

LRA - 22 Apr 07

Sun 1 Apr 07, Kent Festival U17s cup final at Aylesford:
Sidcup U17s 8 - Maidstone U17s 8

The Kent Cup Final brought the perfect opportunity to avenge our disappointing drop-goal shoot-out loss to Maidstone – the same side – in the Kent League final. This time round, the only difference would be the length of the game: 25 minutes each way, rather than the usual 35.

With a strong breeze keeping most of the play up the end of the pitch we were attacking first, the pressure was on to accrue a healthy lead. Almost immediately one the backs – Ryan I think – put in a smashing hit on one of the Maidstone three-quarters to show how up for it we were. Within minutes we were driving hard into the Maidstone 22 and making the holders do the defending. But for some unnecessary errors in a couple of early scrums, we might have been on the scoreboard sooner. As it was, Maidstone cleared the ball from the subsequent penalties just when we needed to be in control of it.

It didn’t take us long to get back into the game, and we first showed how dangerous our backs could be as Dolby sliced through after Jono delayed the pass, but couldn’t beat the cover defenders. As ever, the Sidcup pack did its best to impose itself, and eventually the pressure of a few sustained rolling mauls and drives from the base of the ruck led to a penalty in front of the posts which Andy did well to score in the wind.

Pushing back up the field after Dan had slotted a penalty into touch, the Sidcup forwards gained ground with some powerful lineout work. Marching towards the line, we were eventually stopped, and there followed several tense attempts to burrow over from short range. Finally we were held up over the line.

The try came when we began to use our backs: in stretching the defence, Sam E was, after a few phases, able to pick up from scrum-half, throw the dummy, and dive over. Crucially, the difficult conversion went wide.

One more chance came as, from a lineout, we formed a rolling maul and, well, rolled about 40 metres up the pitch, before the ball was frustratingly knocked on as we broke off.

Though we continued to look threatening, all too much of our defensive play was littered with offsides. Throughout the game we shot ourselves in the foot by offending like this as we tried to squeeze the time and space available to the Maidstone backs.

In the second half we lacked the discipline and composure to see the game out. More needless penalties didn’t help, especially with the wind against us, and as a result all the territory throughout the half belonged to the opposition.

Maidstone played with impressive continuity and came close a few times. Our defence handled what was thrown at it well all half, until the phases began to really stack up and an overlap was created. Down the blindside, the chance was put away, but the conversion, like ours, was wide.

It was our own eagerness to win the ball back that was eventually our downfall, as a couple more penalties first got Maidstone in range and then saw them take the kick for 8-8. In the last play, they even had another, very difficult chance, but this one was steered wide.

Unbelievably, we had drawn another crucial game. In the wind, drop goals were never going to be easy, and Maidstone again came out on top, winning 2-0 to take the cup home. A massive disappointment once again for all, but, although it doesn’t make up for not winning silverware, we still haven’t been beaten at rugby this season.

Congratulations to Maidstone who have won this competition six years in a row at this year group. But we and they both know, our turn will surely come.

LRA - 6 Apr 07

Sun 18 Mar 07: Kent Festival preliminary rounds - at Maidstone

Ashford: Draw: 5-5

With but a few precious minutes to warm up, our preparation for the opener was far from ideal. We had only moments earlier discovered that the whole tournament (except the final) would be played 12-a-side, with two flankers and a winger missing out on each side. We were nevertheless confident, having beaten Ashford with relative ease in our league quarter final, winning 30 points to 5 in January. The conditions for the game were different today, however, and in the early morning chill we barely got out of first gear.

Sam E was the first to make a chance, carrying down the blindside after a powerful scrum. In the Ashford 22 for the first time, it didn’t take us to long to create an overlap, and Stuart was the one who touched down to open the scoring after some neat passing. From then on we played too carelessly. Lineouts went wrong, we weren’t imposing ourselves on the rucks, tackles – most shockingly – were missed, and we kicked woefully. With the wind against us, one ball went straight up inside our own 22. Having luckily gathered that one, the next was skewed out wide, and Ashford’s winger, hardly able to believe his luck, had only to gather the ball and fall over to make it 5-5. With the wind, conversions were nearly impossible, and neither got very close. The game, lasting just over a quarter of an hour, soon finished, and by the way we played it looked as though we were still in bed.

Bromley: Win: 17-3

For this game, which had the potential to be our exit from the tournament, the team was changed in a few positions. One of those newly included, Nick, settled our nerves by charging over in the opening exchanges after the kick-off. After an aggressive chase, we mauled and tackled fiercely to bring a turnover, and it was Nick with the momentum to burst through two or three tacklers and touch down.

Bromley were soon back in the game, however, but it was our own mistake at the scrum that gave them a completely unnecessary penalty, an easy kick. They took the points to reduce their deficit. There was little encouragement for Bromley from that point, however, as we began to find our feet, looked in control of the game with a much greater share of possession, and added a second try.

For our final try, we turned our normal forward-dominated style to the reduced-numbers game by driving a rolling maul from a lineout 30 metres or so down the pitch before – on the advice of Andy, screaming on the touchline – I broke off down the blindside and passed inside to Chris, who was in the right place at the right time, like any good openside.

Thanet: Win: 7-0

With Bromley out of the way, we had regained our confidence, and were now much more focused. Needing to win again, we would need to be even closer to our best to overcome the ever-stronger Thanet, who had also beaten Bromley.

Though playing with a fluency lacking earlier, we often found ourselves jogging backwards, as we were on the wrong end of a near-faultless tactical kicking display from the Thanet stand-off, and his large boot. Thanet were very competitive at the breakdowns, and so we found ourselves doing more tackling at some stages in the game than we would have liked.

With the ball, however, we always posed a threat. Sustained driving following some good breaks saw us plough into the Thanet 22, and I managed to pick up and put in a couple of slightly awkward sidesteps to wriggle over and score under the posts, just able to reach.

In the second half both sides looked capable of scoring, and Thanet brought a new dimension to their game by bringing on their muscular prop Ade. Some steadfast defence, effective lineouts – Tom was throwing perfectly again by now – and good running by the backs, however, prevented any real chance of a comeback; although Thanet did threaten late on after we conceded a string of penalties. But we saw the game out – a very tough one.

Quarter-final
Medway: Win: 40-0

After a lengthy wait, we moved over to a miniature pitch on a hill to face Medway, who we’d beaten 39-3 earlier in the season. In glorious sunshine, we played some of our best flowing, continuous rugby to end up with an impressive haul of 6 tries, and a thoroughly surprising 5 conversions.

So small a pitch invited lots of tries, and as the stronger team we took advantage. Dolby set the tone early on by comprehensively outpacing the defence and sprinting over the line. Further tries came from all over the team: I got my third in three quarter-finals this season (though I should have passed to Tom), Dan managed to get two, once surprising the defenders by tapping metres from the line and shoving his way over, then by gliding through a defence going backwards after quick ball had been supplied. Pat too came inches from scoring, after relentlessly pursuing a kick down the pitch. We continued to gather the restarts tidily, and created plenty of chances. A good, solid performance.

Semi-final
Gravesend: Win: 12-0

A very long period followed the Medway game, which involved a short burst of torrential rain. This passed, however, and though all a bit stiff, we gathered ourselves for undoubtedly the biggest challenge of the day: Gravesend, a team still surely bitterly disappointed to have lost the U17s league semi-final to us a few weeks earlier.

When we found a fully inflated ball, the game got underway. We had the better of the early exchanges against a very physical Gravesend side, who as we’d seen earlier were taking full advantage of their skills of offloading at the tackle. Some wayward kicks on their part, however, and our own fierce determination, kept us well inside their territory. Our backs played one of their best games of the season in this 20 minute encounter, and always looked troublesome for Gravesend to deal with. Dolby’s pace on the outside almost took him to the line for the first, all-important try. As he was taken down, though, Jono was close at hand to pick up and pillage a try in the corner.

We had further chances, one coming as another of their surprisingly bad kicks went up into the air and not too far – I caught it, managed to get away from the first defender, and Ibbi came in support with tremendous pace and timing to take the pass. If his ball had found the man outside him, we had an overlap and would surely have gone two tries up. Unfortunately a Gravesend player got himself in the way and did very well to prevent that chance.

In the second half, Gravesend really turned up the physicality, as we had expected. Some of their picking and driving brought them perilously close to our line, but our defence was on fire and no-one was going to get a sniff of the line by going ‘route one’ with such aggression from us up front. Back in Gravesend territory, Ibbi settled the game with an absolute beauty from midfield. The tiniest bit of space was created in the midfield by our three quarters, and Ibbi burst clean through at pace to slam the ball down over the line. It was very evocative of earlier in the season against Bromley, when Ibbi was also clean through… No such mistake this time, however, and we had a 12-0 lead. We might have extended this late on, as I chased Steve’s fly-hack through, but was inches short of gathering the ball as it bounced up.

As the referee announced the last play, Gravesend mounted a spirited attack, but eventually just kicked the ball out, after one scrappy last exchange.

The backs – and Andy rightly singled out Jono - deserve a mention for outstanding work in this game, as they rose superbly to the occasion, especially given how they seemed somewhat overwhelmed early on in our previous encounter with Gravesend. Here they created both tries and really took control of the game.

Overall then a great day – we took a while to settle in is as too often the case, but adapted praiseworthily to the 12-a-side game throughout the day, especially in the challenging semi-final. Everyone contributed well, and if we take the level of effort, physicality and skill from the semi-final into the final, we should finally get that cup.

So on the first of April we face Maidstone once again. If we cut out the silly mistakes and poor decisions that the pressure wreaked upon us last time, we have the cup there for the taking. Better get practising drop goals though, just in case.

LRA - 26 Mar 07

Sun 11 Mar 07: Sidcup U17s 8 - Richmond U17s 8

Richmond, billed as the second best team in Surrey, were the visitors this Sunday as we sought to progress in the National Plate. Traditionally a strong club, Richmond last played us and beat us 1 try to nil as under 12s at Brean Sands. But on this occasion, a place in the divisional final was at stake.

In contrast to last week, the sun was out and we had a wide, firm pitch to play on. From our kick-off, we immediately competed and won a turnover, but that was the only encouragement to come from the early exchanges. As with Gravesend earlier in the season, we played as though somewhat overawed, and stayed on the back foot for long periods without the ball. Our defence held out well enough, however, and though we struggled to make ground with the ball in hand, Dan constantly frustrated the Richmond back three with tantalisingly threaded kicks into the corner to keep a degree of control over the territory.

After holding out for the first 10 minutes or so looking ineffective in attack whenever we did get the ball (the pack did not begin well enough), we had the first chance to go into the lead with a difficult penalty chance, which we took anticipating a close, low-scoring game like many of our recent ones. Unfortunately this one didn’t make it. Richmond were soon back on the attack, and one of their kicks through eventually won them a penalty after some indecision at the back, with the chasers coming thick and fast. They took their much easier chance in front of the posts, and the scoring was opened at 3-0.

All too often in the first half the structure of our game went wrong, and we lost lineouts and even a scrum we wouldn’t normally have had to think about. Despite the fight that was still apparent, the forwards especially weren’t playing their full part (probably against the best pack we’ve faced so far), and we conceded telling penalties, some for not releasing as the support play was lacking. A couple of injuries didn’t help, and Richmond soon had another penalty chance, this one rebounding against the post. As it bounced directly back, we were fortunate to gather it and eventually get the ball away.

We began to get into the game, far too late, gaining some belief from an excellent series of lineouts up the right flank, which culminated in a catch and drive, a peel away, but the ball just being lost in the tackle inches from the line. It was our best chance for a try by far, the only other opportunity having come earlier when Ibbi showed some brilliant sleight of hand to offload out of the tackle in the centres, nearly giving Dolby outside him a chance in the corner.

Still in Richmond territory after the lineout drive, we won a penalty, and tried the kick with no time remaining for the lineout. Another very difficult chance, this one fell short, and although Richmond attempted a counterattack their winger was easily seen into touch.

In the second half, the performance became much, much better. The forwards played with more confidence, especially in the lineouts, and some well-executed moves saw us work our way up the right touchline, winning a string of penalties, each put into touch well, from which a try eventually came for Steve E. It was one of Nick’s bursts round the blindside that had laid the foundations, as he saw off several large Richmond forwards to stay on the pitch and still make lots of ground.

The conversion of this try didn’t go through, but the team was certainly uplifted, and this was visible in all facets of our game, as Steve began to dismantle Richmond’s lineout with some well-timed leaps, and we found our rhythm again, making more yards with quickly cleared-out ruck ball. On the attack again, we won a penalty on the Richmond 22, which, with the scores at 5-3, we decided to try and kick. This one missed, but we were quickly applying the pressure again and with another, easier chance, Andy cashed in to extend the lead to 8-3.

Not wanting to lose their own place in the divisional final lightly, Richmond responded powerfully. After their kick off, which we had dealt with well (including Sam seeing off one chaser to the floor with a dummy), we put some good phases together but conceded a bitter penalty for not releasing just as we were making good ground. It proved an important moment not just for the frustration it brought, but because Richmond kicked into our 22 and stayed there until they got the try they’d been looking for. As they first tried to chip over the top, we got the ball but were forced into giving up a five metre scrum. After sternly defending a number eight pick up and some attempts to drive over, we thought we were safe as they knocked on, but from the resulting scrum we were put under great pressure and the ball back to Dan, as a result, wasn’t the best, and it meant Richmond flankers coming at him on each foot, so he was forced into conceding the five metre scrum again. This time, Richmond made use of their so-far underused backs and their winger dived over in the corner, but with the very close attention of one of our backs tackling him. This one would have taken numerous TV replays, as close as it was. The referee decided immediately, however, to award the try. It was certainly doubtful, but our protestations were, of course, to no effect, and we had to recover from the equaliser. The conversion didn’t go over, but with the rules as they were, it wouldn’t have mattered anyway: in the case of a draw, the away team wins.

As we put in lots of effort to get that all-important score, we managed to win a penalty in a difficult, but, given Andy’s decent form, kickable position. With this and one more play possible, we elected to kick, but the pressure told and the kick missed. Agonisingly, we didn’t really know what the result was at the final whistle, but it soon became clear that Richmond were to go through as the away team. Congratulations and good luck to them, as they face Saracens in the divisional final.

So we go out of a second competition without actually having lost, but look forward to the Kent festival preliminary rounds at Maidstone next week, where we’ll have to be quicker in getting turned on to games than we were today, and immediately recreate our second-half form if we are to get to the latter stages.
Ironically, after the complications of being drawn away to Jersey in the quarter finals, it was being at home in the next round that ultimately cost us.

SIX NATIONS UPDATE: Wales: Played 4, Lost 4, Points: 0.

LRA - 12 Mar 07

Sun 4 Mar 07: Camberley U17s 3 - Sidcup U17s 12

This week we swapped rugby for mud wrestling.

On a rainy day following a very rainy night, we took on Camberley, a side whose match in two weeks’ time will be against Richmond, our opponents in the National Plate next week. Unfortunately for Richmond, the mud bath we played in didn’t quite allow for an exhibition of both teams’ skills and hence wasn’t really a good indicator of both teams’ abilities, which was unfortunate for everyone. As such, we hope to play each other again early next season.

Anyway, it was undeniably very good fun; and that aside, we had a very tough opponent to contend with, and Camberley showed themselves to be one of the most physically strong teams we’ve played this season.

From the kick off we struggled to adapt quickly, having arrived optimistically hoping to throw the ball around and run in the points out wide. Camberley were the more alert and immediately played the conditions better with some powerful rolling mauls, and this early work yielded them a very kickable penalty in the first ten minutes, which they duly converted to take the lead in what would inevitably be a low-scoring contest.

Following this, we spent most of the rest of the half in Camberley territory, pressing forward as expected with our large pack, but also with admirable daring and impressive handling in the backs, which more than once nearly gave us a try from the sort of pitch-spanning move you wouldn’t normally endorse in such conditions. Our first try did in fact come following a break out wide, as the forwards arrived quickly and with an early drive pushed Nick over in the corner, to everyone’s relief.

As much as we threatened throughout the remainder of the half, handling was never easy and we struggled to make those last few metres to get over the line, as continuity became especially difficult. We did keep Camberley pinned in, however, with some smart kicks into the corner from Dan, and good counterattacking, not least from Pete, Stuart and Adam who each evaded several chasers on the way to setting up new attacks.

In the second half, the game descended further, to the point of not really being able to tell which team was which. Indeed, players from both teams took advantage of this by cheekily calling for the ball and being passed it by a player from the other team. The play became progressively more fragmented, and some of the backs, especially Ibbi, Dan and the now half-ginger, half-brown Dolby deserve to be complimented on their composure when on their own at the back dealing with awkward balls kicked forward.

Our second try came as we began to gain the upper hand in the mud mêlée. After some big runs (including Dolby knocking a sizeable Camberley forward straight over), some decent, careful handling and a couple of kicks forward, Adam picked up from the floor and outpaced the tiring Camberley defence to sprint in under the posts and increase the lead to 7, before Sam E converted to make the score 12-3.

Sam Carmen and the tireless Chris each had ‘clean’ breaks late in the game but were undone at the point of offload by Camberley defenders masquerading as Sidcup ones.

With the turnovers and knock-ons flowing, the referee ended an entertaining match played in good spirit, and we rushed in to the sight of just four functioning showers.

LRA - 6 Mar 07

Sat 24 Feb 07: Jersey U17s 14 - Sidcup U17s 15

A great deal of generosity from Jersey, and devotion to rugby on our part brought the team to the Channel Island to contest the Divisional quarter-final of the National U17s Plate Competition.

A long day that began with a 6.45am meeting at the club would see us fly out from Gatwick, play the match, stay for a meal followed by watching a senior game, fly home and get a coach back to Sidcup by the early evening. All went as planned and we arrived at Jersey RFC at about 10.30, finding a hospitable club with changing rooms three times the size of those at Aylesford, but a drenched bog of a pitch, owing to the previous day’s downpour.

Following the much-needed consumption of a few Jaffa cakes each, some water and a quick warm up, we were ready to start the game. All we’d heard about Jersey’s under 17s team was that, understandably, they hadn’t played many games together this season.

Our back line cutting through them as though they weren’t there in near-enough the first move of the match, and Pete touching down, didn’t do much to enlighten us as to our underestimation of Jersey. For this good-looking first try, a tidy lineout and well-placed pass from Sam had given Dan the base from which to release Dolby clean through the middle, and he had almost got to the line before Pete, quickly on hand, took the ball to score. This did not reflect how the rest of the half would go, at all.

Too confident on the whole, we relaxed our play, only to deservedly find that Jersey had a stand-off with a remarkably powerful and accurate kick out of hand. We had one more spell of pressure in the Jersey 22, and came very close, through Sam Carmen especially, but eventually conceded a penalty for holding on on the floor, as the support play weakened.

Our own mistakes and relatively passive defence gave the islanders more and more possession, and their backs took advantage as the half drew on. Some long passes in the three quarters propelled the ball wide and their winger turned on the pace to almost make the corner, before offloading well to the flanker on his shoulder who collected and dived over.

This evidently shook us, and before we’d really realised how challenging this game would be, another try was on the board, the deficit now 14-5. Another long kick and an unfortunate misjudgement at the back had given them a lineout close to our line. As the pack arrived, having trudged back from halfway, Jersey took the lineout immediately and precisely, and some quick hands down the blindside saw another try conceded. As with their first score, the conversion went over from impressively wide. By now our general manner had weakened out of recognition – Andy (Snr) abruptly replaced four or five of the boys. A matter of minutes later, the whistle went for half-time.

The rain, steadier early on, had now become torrential, making points harder to score for both teams. This in mind, our play picked up somewhat and we rarely left the Jersey half. More and more mistakes, including lots of lost ball in contact (owing at least partly to the rain), meant that score we needed to get back into the game seemed more and more evasive. The scrums were going well as usual, but the wet ball was slightly hampering the lineout, although Steve was able, as ever, to regularly steal opposition ball. In defence, crucially, the back three of Pete, Stuart and Dolby certainly now had the measure of those quick Jersey backs, and they were only kicking to make ground, desperately clinging to their hard-earned lead.

That all-important try eventually came, with about 15 minutes remaining, as Ryan burst through inside the 22, and with about four Jerseymen on top of him, composedly placed the ball to allow me to pick it up and touch it down next to the base of the post, for a one-metre try. Andy duly added the extra points, to make the score 14-12, before repeatedly telling me that he wanted to kick if we got another penalty.

With the rain still driving down and planes passing metres overhead, we drove once more into Jersey territory, but time and time again the ball’s slipperiness was our enemy and their fly-half would clear into touch. Tom showed a great piece of skill to (as Andy had done earlier in the season) tap the ball back into play from a good few metres off the pitch – Andy gathered and we immediately attacked again, desperate for our day out not to be in vain.

Finally, that much-desired penalty did come, but at a nerve-wranglingly awkward position, about 10 metres in from touch on the left side and well outside the 22. With great confidence, Andy demanded a crack at goal, and with me holding it up against the wind, he curved it just inside the post, to rapturous Sidcup celebration. The score was now 15-14, and there was, fortunately, no reply from Jersey. We won another kickable penalty, which fell short after Andy attempted to repeat his awesome feat, but as Jersey looked for an unlikely length-of-the-pitch counterattack, there was a knock-on and the final whistle blew.

There was a short, informal, presentation afterwards, over some delicious chicken and chips. We agreed on Pete as our man of the match, for a good finish to get the ball rolling, better hands than many in the rain, and some superb defence (including taking a punt to the chest from close range) to keep the Jersey wingers quiet – a great all-round performance. He just squeezed the award from Andy for another solid display and that crucial kick.

Next in this competition, hopefully in better weather, and certainly at home, is either Haywards Heath or Richmond, in two weeks’ time.

LRA - 25 Feb 07

Sun 18 Feb 07: Maidstone U17s 20 - Sidcup U17s 20 (at Aylesford)

In the footsteps of the rampant first team on Saturday, both teams travelled to Aylesford for what was widely expected to be a close Kent U17 league/cup final. Warming up, we had to forget the 39-0 drubbing received the last time we met Maidstone in a final, on the same pitch four years ago. But the gap in quality, as all involved know, had closed considerably since then, reflected in the similarity of our results against Gravesend and Tunbridge Wells and also in the breathtaking semi-final between us at last year’s Kent cup preliminaries, which went to a drop-goal shoot-out which we lost. We even beat Maidstone on the way to last year’s Kent 10-a-side cup, thanks to a ridiculous touchline conversion by a certain Daniel Evans.

But today was an even better chance of emerging victorious from a 15-a-side game, with more than just our natural determination to help us. With a ferocious pack, a back-line more fluent than ever and real force in defence, we certainly had the players and plans to beat Maidstone. We’d had several seasons’ experience of their strengths: a strong, fast and comprehensively talented set of backs behind a well-ordered pack.

After winning the toss, we kicked off with Dan’s boot, to the chirp of a referee miked-up to two touch-judges, and the shouts of a more-than-considerable travelling crowd. Our initial aggression was evident in the sizeable hit that went in straight away on the Maidstone catcher, who went off for urgent treatment to his nose.

There were encouraging signs early on, as our three-quarters contributed some superb defence to immediately quieten down the ‘superstars’ opposite them. Some tidy lineouts and loose work from the pack, with some well-placed kicks, saw us advance up the pitch and soon enough squeeze out a penalty which Andy only just curved between the posts to register the first points. After a similar period of play, with some more quality tackles going in out wide, we got another couple of penalty opportunities, and after unsuccessfully testing out an unyielding Maidstone defence close to the line, took some more points – Andy keeping his nerve once again.

Maidstone replied with some more expansive play and won a penalty close to the touchline just outside our 22. Audaciously, they opted to try to half their deficit by going for the posts. However, the ball held up just short to create a rather more worrying situation for us, as the ball was gathered just in front of the posts. But frantic Maidstone chasing led to a scrum for them as play got dangerously close to the actual posts. We were able to defend this – indeed the scrummaging contest provided us with lots of penalties and free kicks throughout – but it was from our own scrum in a similar position, that we, rather ominously, decided to run. This is from our own 5 metre line. The Maidstone line were up rapidly and Dolby was unfortunately left with a scrambled pass and a massive amount of pressure to deal with. In the confusion, the Maidstone centre emerged with the ball and gratefully touched down. The conversion went over.
There wasn’t long left before half-time but we replied with renewed aggression to win another penalty to recover some of our hard work, spoiled as it had been by our single major mistake. That penalty came after Stuart put up a threatening garryowen but was taken out late. Andy hit it perfectly to regain the lead – 9-7 –seconds before half-time.

The second half began with Maidstone demonstrating their ability to attack from anywhere, successfully. A simple but incisive move and a single missed tackle saw the same centre race over and score in the corner. This wide conversion was missed, and so Maidstone took the lead for the second time, with the scores at 12-9 in their favour.

Our response was with admirable spirit, as we besieged the opposition try line and came within millimetres of scoring through Chris, and close again and again through further scrums and lineouts. With a penalty now smack in front of the posts, it seemed the right idea to level the scores and hope to continue to exert this pressure. Andy put this one over with unfaltering ease. This pressure did continue, and, in our perseverance, we did get across the line as Steve was barged over in an immense pack effort. This took the score to 17-12 as Andy missed the wide conversion.

Next Maidstone won a penalty following a bit of disorganisation and panic in the Sidcup ranks, and with time left, were confident enough to take the score to 17-15 with three points and so within range of a potential winning penalty or drop-goal. As it was, we took them back out of range with another penalty back up the other end of the field, in this increasingly open and fluent game. 20-15, and we knew the cup was there for the taking.

Searching for a try, Maidstone put together some of their best rugby, including one cheeky, but ultimately very skilful flick around the back at full pace. Their relentless pace, with a now more determined pack, got them up to our 5 metre line and almost over on several occasions. With lots of us drawn in to the fierce up-front stuff surrounding the original lineout, Maidstone eventually chose to go wide, and with an overlap took advantage just next to the corner flag. 3 tries to one, but now the score was level at 20-20 and we had one last crack at getting up the other end and winning it. We quickly won a penalty, but way too far for a kick, and so tried to get closer with our ever-effective lineout. Probably only 10 metres from the line, after some desperate scrapping, the final whistle went to close the game of rugby with a frustrating conclusion: 20 - 20.

A little tighter in defence and we probably could have won, having largely dominated territory and possession. It was to Maidstone’s credit, though, that they had outscored us 3 tries to 1, taking advantage of any available opportunities with great precision and skill. Andy had continually been responsible for converting our field position into points, and did a great job, contributing largely to the pack effort at the same time. There was no official man of the match but Andy’s strong nerve, given our traditional lack of a consistent goal-kicker, and all-round performance, probably deservedly give it to him.

As to how the game was settled, we were told that there was, of course, not sufficient time for 20 extra minutes to settle the cup final, and so it would go down to a drop-goal shoot-out, best of five. Andy scored, but the posts and crossbar were our enemy as Dan, Sam and Tom struck them only for the ball to bounce back out. We lost it 3-1 eventually and so had to take second place. At least we weren’t beaten at rugby but well done to Maidstone for having the skills to win the contest in the end.

LRA - 20 Feb 07

Sun 4 Feb 07: Sidcup U17s 11 - Gravesend U17s 5

Semi-final time and we welcomed Gravesend to Crescent Farm for the most crucial game of our season so far. G's had dominated their half of the league as we had ours, losing only to Maidstone, 10-7, amassing 56 tries along the way, compared to our 42. In their previous game they’d defeated Westcombe Park 40 points to 5. We’d won there 29-19 earlier in the season. On paper this looked as though it would be incredibly close.

After our thorough preparation, the first quarter of an hour was something of an anticlimax as the Gravesend backs tore through our three-quarters in only a matter of minutes to begin the scoring. Their fly-half missed what would prove to be an important conversion attempt. As the game continued, we looked somewhat in disarray, with lots of untidy play and seemingly little direction. We weren’t competing as we could have, and the physical shock of how pumped-up Gravesend had started was apparent as Andy left the field briefly after the first scrum to throw up. The Gravesend backs’ well-judged lines of support opened us up on several occasions – a try looked on the cards whenever they got the ball.

Having survived this however, our pack began to warm to the idea of a tough game, and soon, thanks to some dogged defence and spot-on kicking, we were deep in their 22 and plugging away with our lineout and penalty moves. G’s defence was truly in a different class to those we’d been confronting throughout the season, and as such kept us out for a good ten minutes. (I was responsible for one of the penalties against – not binding in the scrum, a shocking mistake). Nevertheless, we kept returning with renewed ambition, were held up over the line, and after one dreadfully botched penalty move, tried it again. Again the ball went to the floor, but backwards, and after some fierce forward play, Nick forced himself just about onto the line for the levelling try. What followed was intriguing, rare and thoroughly annoying for the team. Sam lined up the conversion, and Gravesend charged. Not having taken a step, Sam felt within his rights to wait for the referee to call them back. However he didn’t and this meant evident ecstasy among the Gravesend players, who ended up just picking up the ball off the tee and running back for the kick-off. It goes down as a missed conversion, leaving the scores level at 5-all.

Half-time came soon after, and so far the game looked just as it had been billed: a very even contest. The half to follow was among the most exciting this side has ever seen.

After the restart the game was yet more physical, fast-flowing stuff. Our back three (who barely touched the ball in the first half), were tested again and again but looked safe under the high ball and dangerous on the counterattack. After a very even period, we won some penalties and our strong lineout eventually had us up in the Gravesend 22 again. Andy missed one penalty kick, but after Dolby earned him a second shot with some electrifying running (stopped by an illegal challenge), he gathered himself commendably to knock over his second attempt to put us into the lead at 8-5.

Again down in the Gravesend 22, spurred on by a fantastic Sunday-morning crowd, we won penalty after penalty trying to put the game to bed. Three or four lineouts five metres from the line each looked extremely close to going over, but Gravesend were utterly determined to keep us out and even sacrificed two players to the sin bin in attempting to keep the likes of Nick and Sam at bay. We were held up, and then given yet another penalty, to the delight of the now-roaring crowd. Dan quickly tapped the ball and passed to Chris who took advantage of the depleted back-line to crash over under the posts. No try, however: our coach was on the pitch. This served to annoy us all just a little bit more. After one last penalty, this one tapped but resulting in a penalty for Gravesend, the ball was knocked clear. In hindsight it should have gone wide, given how we’d drawn in so many of the defenders.

This clearance marked the beginning of an untidy passage of play. We tried, it seems, as hard as we could to lose the game. Dan, remarkably composed with his boot today, took down the Gravesend scrum-half as he tapped the ball to take a quick penalty. Inevitably, he was invited to take ten minutes’ rest, with the two or three Gravesend players already off the pitch. The offence that led to that tap penalty was equally frustrating to have given away. At a Gravesend lineout, Tom gave the ball to the Gravesend hooker, but by chucking it over his head. This didn’t amuse the referee. We had to laugh though.

The particular chronology of the closing quarter of an hour may be a little confused, as I spent a bit of it on the floor being treated for cramp. Still at 8-5, shortly after the ‘Dan incident’, G's missed an all-important penalty kick that would have leveled the scores. From the 22 drop-out, Steve E, despite sustaining a neck injury, put in a massive hit on the Gravesend winger to dislodge the ball and give us the put-in at the scrum. From here, we got up the pitch one last time, Andy doing the kicking out of hand now, and, somehow, ended up with a penalty after what the referee told me (I had been on the floor), had been a brawl. It was a yellow card for one player on each team (leaving us without a number 9 or 10 for a few minutes), but fortunately the penalty went our way. Andy was able to kick it, and we were in the lead, 11-5, with only a few minutes left. Gravesend needed a try, and our nerves nearly let them in. But a powerful scrummaging effort led by the fresh-legged Steve Duffus, saw the scrum-half knock the ball on, and the final whistle blow.

This was our best result this season and owed largely to the efforts of the pack, all 9 of whom were jointly-awarded man of the match. The lineout had functioned especially well, thanks largely to Tom, Steve and Josh. It was a brilliant effort from the whole team, however, as we did well to defend against the constantly-threatening Gravesend back line. It was a strong team performance.

The final, will be against Maidstone (against whom Gravesend were comfortably leading before conceding a killer try) on the 18th of February. Kick off time and venue still to be announced. BUt when it is known, any support which would go towards recreating yesterday’s incredible atmosphere would be greatly appreciated.

LRA - 5 Feb 07

Sun 21 Jan 07: Ashford U17s 5 - Sidcup U17s 30

In winning all of our group games, we earned the right to play our quarter final… away. Anyway, our opponents were Ashford, who finished fourth in their league and even beat Blackheath, who finished third.

Early on we showed an eager aggression with and without the ball. Ashford let the kick-off bounce and the way four or five Sidcup chasers bundled the eventual gatherer of the ball into touch set the tone for the whole game. For the next five minutes we remained in the Ashford 22 and never looked far from a score but couldn’t quite nail the final pass. Eventually, it was a defensive lineout from which the first try came. Steve anticipated the timing of the throw well to rise high at the front and the Ashford pack wasn’t prepared for the drive that immediately came. Nick was the one with the ball in his hands as the whole pack drove over.

Although we had some difficulty working our way out of our half for a short period after that, the next try didn’t take long to come. While we were once again in the Ashford 22, as we were for almost all the rest of the first half, some space opened up on the left after one of the many effective rolling mauls our pack put together. As we had often failed to do, to the detriment of the final score, we got the ball out along the line and it was Ryan who burst over after some decent handling from the unfortunately under-fed back line.

Our pack was winning plenty of ball, but allowing surely too little of it to go wide. One frustrating example of this was our extraordinary 60 metre drive from a lineout, which was ended when the attempted peel away was called for truck-and-trailer, the resulting penalty kicked almost back to where the original lineout had been. This style did however lead to another score for Nick before half-time – 15-0. We were without a doubt beating Ashford physically, winning lots of their set-piece ball as well as plenty of turnovers. But what had transpired so far, though producing no worries for us, hadn’t been too pretty.

In the second half we hoped to spin the ball out to the wings more often, and play some more attractive rugby while still keeping the ruthless defence. Encouraging then, that Matt caught the first kick-off and sharply outpaced several chasers to begin an incisive counterattack which eventually culminated in Nick going over once more, again from very short range. That is particularly difficult to defend against.

The next try took a while to come, as we began to concede a few silly penalties and make some handling errors and bad decisions. It was good, however, to see our style of play slowing changing to accommodate the wide men. Adam and Matt looked continually dangerous with ball in hand. That try did finally appear when Adam was taken down close to the line. Some earlier strong driving by the pack had meant a bit of space out wide, and enough even for me to be able to pick up from where Adam went down and just about manage to barge my way over for the fifth try.

As the forwards allowed Sam to pass the ball out more and more, it was disappointing to see a slight mistake result in a breakaway try for Ashford. The bobbling ball was quickly hacked forward by their very speedy winger who skilfully dribbled it all the way to the line from well inside his own half to eventually dive on it and score, despite the frantic efforts of our retreating back three, to whose credit it was that the final scoring of the try was possibly questionable, though pretty surely a try in the end, and one well deserved too.

In the last ten minutes the team slightly regained that urge to put some more points on the board, and though we came up against a defence with a bit more confidence than previously, a superb passage of play in the last play of the ball allowed Sam E to touch down in the corner. The ball had been passed through just about every pair of hands, going forward all the time – this was good support play from everyone involved, and some of the passes involved were pleasingly ambitious, taking great vision and control to execute well, especially as we knew any mistake would mean game over. It was a very good note on which to end, and the type of play we had been striving for throughout the game. Admittedly it was worrying that no conversions went over, but none of them was an easy kick at all, especially with the breeze.

Adam, just falling behind because of an ill-judged kick, was a close second to Sam Carmen for man of the match. The prop summed up the pack’s effort today by absolutely out-muscling his opposite number, getting to countless rucks and mauls, putting in big hits, scrummaging powerfully and popping up in support when needed. This 30-5 win gives us a place in the semi-finals, and most likely a home tie against Gravesend in two weeks time, who, you may wish to note, earlier in the season beat Ashford 29-5.

Overall it was a good performance considering it has been well over a month since our last game. Hopefully next week’s contest at Westcliff, where we will have to cope without the Steve, Nick and Ibbi, all key players, will allow us to iron out a few creases before we try to get that place in the final.

LRA - 21 Jan 07

Sun 17 Dec 06: Sidcup U17s 39 - Medway U17s 3

With the top spot in our half of the league in sight, we faced another potentially very difficult game against Medway, an enigma to us through some of their previous results – namely losses to Old Elthamians and Deal & Betteshanger and yet victories over the tougher Bromley and Westcombe Park. With the Christmas break approaching, it wasn’t the time to let our season slip, especially at home in front of another worthy crowd.

We made a bright start and quickly showed Medway we weren’t going to let them have it easy. In the same move, both Sam and Ryan’s first touches included knocking a would-be tackler to the floor. This physicality showed as we were quickly within the Medway 22 and eyeing up the line. A penalty sent to the corner produced the first score for Nick, with a new lineout move putting him away down the blindside. He was strong enough to hold off a couple of challenges and dived over to set the tone for the day. The next try followed almost straight away, with a lineout in the same place, this time not executed so well. Nevertheless, despite having lots of work to do as the ball fell to the floor from Josh’s lineout take, Sam gathered assuredly at scrum-half and threw an impossible dummy to leave at least five defenders - nay the whole team – looking where he’d pretended to pass the ball as he glided over, again down the blindside, teammates and defenders alike trailing in his wake. But he missed the conversion, as he’d also missed the first.

What was possibly a bit of complacency - coupled with miscommunication at the back, led to us having to survive a short period camped on our own line. Even with our frustratingly frequently occurring leakage of penalties (many today, amazingly, due to talking back to the referee or the other team), we were able to get out and remain inside the Medway 22 for most of the rest of the half. Some good defence left us with only Steve’s score from a lineout (and Dan’s subsequent conversion, a fine strike) as our further points for the half. So we went away for our Jaffa Cakes leading 17-0 but wary of not taking advantage of the good running conditions.

The second half started a little slower for us than the first and it took quite a while for a try to come. But when it did, it was a brilliant one to watch, if just because it was scored by a winger. On one of the limited occasions on which we went wide successfully, Jono got the ball in his hands and straightened the line beautifully to draw in a couple of defenders, holding them in place to allow Dolby just enough space to finish off down the right. The next try came soon and was also the result of some good play with ball in hand: this time for Stuart – surprisingly his first (official) try.

By now we were beginning to take control of the game more than before – the forwards were continuing to win lots of ball in open play and the lineouts and scrums, despite the odd mistake, were as good as ever, if not better. When we didn’t have the ball some solid hits were going in, boding well for some of the even more challenging games probably coming later in the season. Some of these weren’t to the liking of the referee – there is a line you can’t cross – and two of us went into the bin (ok, me and Chris). But before Chris went, he charged through from a good 30 metres to finish off the scoring, with Nick having added the penultimate try just before. A second conversion went over as Sam drop kicked the ball through to add the two points to Chris’s five.

Shortly after Medway had added three points of their own with a well-struck penalty, the game ended 39-3.

Medway’s coach was gracious enough to ask to gather round and speak to us and commended us on a good performance. It had been a good game, played in good spirit with some good tries scored but only after we’d worked hard to earn the ball and our field position. For contributing so much to that, including some pinpoint throws for our lineouts, the usual tidy scrummaging and some good work in the loose, Tom Tobin won man of the match. Also certainly worthy of a mention is Pat Brady playing in his new position in the forwards and looking very good at it too.

By the way, if you haven’t seen it (or even if you have) you might be interested in this video from last season http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a77AFrAikIc and just in case you're not aware, the Kent U17s league is now posted on the Kent RFU website at http://www.kent-rugby.co.uk/youth/index.htm, albeit slightly out-of-date!

LRA - 19 Dec 06

Sun 10 Dec 06: Thanet Wanderers U17s 5 - Sidcup U17s 15

Yet another tough challenge today, with the prospect of a long journey and a team who have already beaten Bromley this season. Straight from the off, we could tell this was going to be a thoroughly physical affair and the big hits were flying in from both sides all day.

We spent most of the first 15 minutes in the Thanet half, getting there first due to a brilliant break in the midfield by Ibbi. Thanet nearly broke away but Ryan was able to halt the Thanet lock before he could make use of the overlap available to him. He was caught holding on as our defence responded quickly, and this led to our first try: the penalty kick was sent across the field and chased fervently, leading to a turnover, drawing in most of the sizeable Thanet pack and leaving a bit of room back over the other side. The ball was sent across to the far touchline where Tom spun, bounced off defenders and eventually scrambled over for his first Sidcup try.

The restart went high into the air and was followed by some especially tall and competitive chasers. We didn’t regain control and a series of penalties and mistakes let Thanet deep into our 22 where their game plan of constant picking and driving eventually yielded them a try in the corner.

Determined not to let our season be ruined in such perfect conditions for our wide players, we replied with some more fierce defence and another long kick-and-chase, and with the fullback under great pressure, Ryan was able to wrestle the ball away and offload to me and I gave the pass to Dan for another score out on the left.

It hadn’t been a game of much fluency so far, with a large amount of fairly aimless kicking. With just about everyone having a go with the boot on our team, we tended to come off worse territorially and this was one of the main reasons we didn’t get to increase our lead.

At half time we came in with a degree of frustration, and a resolve to put Thanet out of the game. We seemed to have a certain control over the second half but were still not able to make it tell nearly enough. Yet more hopeful kicking prevented us keeping hold of the ball for any length of time and although we looked promising when spinning the ball wide, we rarely ventured out there, more often choosing to target their fairly strong centres.

The lineout and scrum were working pretty effectively once again – it was just a shame there were so many of each.

We did have a couple of periods of sustained pressure in which we came close several times. One eventually paid off when we got a penalty in the middle of the field. Dan kicked a fair way down to the corner and, as we so often do, we caught and drove for the line for another Steve Evans touchdown. Late on it became even scrappier and we lost our composure with and without the ball a couple of times to add to the frustration.

The match concluded as we got another catch and drive going, this time from about 30 metres and got within about a foot of scoring before going down and the referee calling time.

Overall it had been a fairly safe looking win since our second try, and it was generally noted that it had been a boring game, laced with mistakes. Boring to watch, even if from the wing but up front this was a very tough, enjoyable encounter and our enthusiasm for this side of the game showed as we won plenty of ball and defended aggressively. The scrappiness was summarised as it was agreed that no-one in particular deserved to be given man of the match, not to say that there weren’t some very fine, gritty performances from all parts of the team. We went away pleased to have maintained our winning streak and top-of-the-table position, the score 15-5. (No conversions, as usual – getting closer though).

LRA - 10 Dec 06

Sun 3 Dec 06: Bromley U17s 15 - Sidcup U17s 23

Time to face Bromley again – a team we haven’t beaten for three years. With our 100% record and possibly the league at stake, this was the second huge match in two weeks.

We had fairly similar conditions to last week: wet, muddy and windy. And on a hill. This time I won the toss and we got to play into the sun, up the hill and against the wind first. We made it look easy at first – after a clean take from the kick off we drove up the pitch and forced a penalty which Andy knocked over for three points.

The next restart was more of a disaster. Bromley used the slippery conditions well to send it along the floor and win a penalty from the ensuing untidiness. Taken quickly, it went out wide and the Bromley backs who had given us so much trouble in the past once again went over in the corner. The conversion was missed, but it was an important wake-up call: this was still a top side capable of finishing off chances.

From then we played reasonably well but failed to put many meaningful phases of play together, with the ball difficult to control. Every time it went back to Bromley, they heaved it way back down into our 22 and gave our back three plenty of problems, although Dolby held his nerve well under the first high ball, gathering it from the swirling wind and making one of his several rapid breaks.

Some silly free-kicks and penalties at the set-pieces allowed Bromley to push us further back and eventually within penalty range. They missed one but soon got another chance, and took it to extend the worrying lead to 8-3. They did not seem to threaten the goal line again, however. Several attempts to target our 10 and 12 failed, most emphatically when Dan picked up the ball carrier from his feet and dumped him.

Despite troubles in the lineout and the odd untidy scrum, our pack did seem to have the edge. Our strength showed in the loose when a Bromley pick and drive was held up in a maul to turn the ball over, with Andy particularly right in the thick of it. This dominance in mind, we targeted the corner with a late first-half penalty and the resulting lineout and drive led to Chris scoring to level the scores. The conversion went wide and so we went into the break all square at 8-8, knowing we would come back with the advantages provided by the conditions.

And this showed immediately in the second half. After putting pressure on at the restart, we won a penalty which Andy quickly moved wide to Dan and which went slickly through the hands to give Ibbi a crucial try, dummying Dolby on his way through to the line. The conversion was missed again.

Now we started to use the conditions well, kicking penalties down into Bromley territory and using our strong pack to gain more ground. This very tactic brought the third try – another routine catch and drive, with Andy the beneficiary of a lot of effort from the pack. The conversion was missed again, understandable in the wind and given the wide position.

Bromley then started to get themselves back into the game. It was more ill-discipline and carelessness that let them gain ground time and again, until they made the pressure count with a well-placed cross-field kick that forced an infringement apparently worthy of a penalty try, despite the number of defenders who seemed to be present. A penalty try it was though, and it was deserved given the way we had been stretched. The conversion went over to make the score 18-15.

With that behind us, we sorted ourselves out a bit and began to once more exert some pressure. Playing the ball in the Bromley 22, we stacked up the phases and after pulling the defence this way and that with some well-timed inside balls off the fly-half (Steve Duffus taking one with speed and intent), we utilised the overlap and it was Matt who touched down to give us some breathing space. Another conversion went begging, though the attempt passed much closer this time.

A few incidents of note occurred between this last try and the final whistle. It seemed a comfortable period for us in which we applied some more pressure and probably should have scored again. Ryan managed to get on having now recovered from his injury. I won’t mention my break straight through the middle. But I will certainly mention Ibbi. Clean through after some neat three-quarters play, and five yards out, with the crowd already applauding, with his teammates turned and trotting back to prepare for the restart, with the referee pursing his lips to award the try, he dropped the ball.

Hopefully a suitable punishment will soon be forthcoming. This sort of behaviour has no place on the rugby field.

So the final whistle went to give us a 23-15 victory, once again in front of a sizeable travelling crowd, taking us to played 6, won 6 in the league this season. Jono was given man of the match today, with a fine defensive display as well as some assured hands when using the especially slippery ball, and also for having to endure being substituted twice.

A good overall performance then, and a long-awaited victory over something of a ‘bogey’ team for us. Next week is Thanet, who have also beaten Bromley, and as such should be a stern test on the road.

Thanks again to the people at Tunbridge Wells RFC for keeping their unofficial table up to date.

LRA - 3 Dec 06 Unofficial U17s league table

Sun 26 Nov 06: Sidcup U17s 14 - Tunbridge Wells U17s 6

This game was to see the clash of the two teams to have won every game so far. We had played 4, won 4, they 5 and 5. Despite the awkward position of being on the Vets’ pitch, we were well-supported once more, in this particularly crucial game.

Losing the toss and beginning downhill, we applied strong pressure for the whole of the half, but found a strong defence difficult to pierce. Andy gave us a deserved 3-0 lead with a penalty, but we would go into the break with only this to show for our efforts.

From the kick-off, we showed our determination to make the downhill advantage count. Sam Carmen made a strapping break through the middle which was our best chance of an early try. Unfortunately he went off injured shortly after.

As our frustration grew against this tough team we gave away penalties trying to force a score. One long kick from their fly-half gave them a good position and us a scare from the resulting lineout – they won a penalty, elected to kick but missed as the wind held back the ball. Thankfully, we then used the slope and the wind well and were soon back near their line. Chris was unlucky to be held up, one of several attempts in which we came close.

With half-time drawing nearer, we had a penalty and elected to go for the corner, using our able lineout. Dan sent the ball straight down and we had a great chance. The resulting drive was ploughing forward when it suddenly collapsed. Penalty? No: our man with the ball thought the 5 metre line to be the try line and went down early. With that, half-time was announced and we were left to rue our missed opportunities, preparing to go up the hill with such a slender lead. In this short interval, we were reminded of the importance of the game – this would have to be a substantial collective effort to keep the lead and the 100% record.

We began the second half well, increasing our physicality as they were just starting to tire. The fact remained, however, that whenever they kicked the ball it was heading way back down the pitch. This pressure forced another penalty for Wells which their kicker did very well to convert, having missed a chance in the first half. We stormed back, however, more determined than ever, and a scrum won against the head resulted in a penalty close to the posts, but which would still require a calm head. Andy provided this with an accurate strike.

As Wells thrust forward again they tried to put pressure on our back three, as they had so far largely failed to do, by kicking along the floor to Stuart at fullback. After a brief panic, with lots of enthusiastic chasers looming, the ball was touched dead for a 22 drop-out, as, accidentally, he didn’t touch it on its way over the line. Thus began Dan’s brief salvo of hideous kicks. This drop-out went out on the full, and from the scrum we were penalised for three more points again, levelling the scores. The resulting kick-off also sailed out, and as Wells looked to work a move down their right, an equally bad, and also misjudged kick went dead giving us another 22 drop-out. Out on the full again. This was the most intense pressure we came under, but our pack responded with some fierce play up front. We earned a free kick in the middle of the pitch, and this time Dan took the ball and whacked it deep into the Wells 22, perfectly dissecting the winger and fullback, and giving us a chance to chase them down. They were closed down quickly and we were now very close to their line. Another penalty went into their corner and in the following passages of play we were held up several times, they were warned and penalised repeatedly and we eventually won a penalty in front of the posts. I don’t know what the infringement was and I’m not sure there was one, but it reflected our intense recent play and Andy sent yet another kick over, with the wind really picking up. This made the score 9-6 to us with not long left and another kick-off to deal with.

Some more good positional kicking from Dan, coupled with some good lineout work from Steve saw us advance further and further up the field. We were very fired up now and our rampant defence forced a turnover, from which I managed to put Dan away down the right and he slid in to collect his first try in...… living memory. With the crowd swelling now and an 8 point lead with not long left, Wells did very well to mount a few late attacks. Openside Chris slowed the ball down with a possible overlap forming and got himself yellow carded. We held them out for the three final minutes and were able to celebrate a well-earned win in awkward conditions, which still provided lots of entertainment and tension for the crowd, and gave us undoubtedly our best result so far; 14-6 the final score.

Dan was awarded man of the match for sheer bloody-mindedness and some super kicks to go with the three misplaced ones, as well as the winning try and another decent display with ball in hand. Also, Steve Duffus came on for his longest run-out yet and gave a stirling performance as part of a dominant pack. Everyone’s defence today, it must be said, was outstanding except, again, for the many penalties we leaked unnecessarily.

Next week should see the return of two key players – flanker Kevin Koo and centre Ryan Hudson, as we take on rivals Bromley in another crunch match. Sorry for making it a bit long this time, but there was a lot to say.

Thanks to Tunbridge Wells’ website for its unofficial league table which I have recreated below. It has been compiled using results published on each team ’s website. At present an official table, for either side of the league, remains unavailable for some reason.

LRA - 26 Nov 06

Unofficial U17s league table

Sun 12 Nov 06: Sidcup U17s 51 - Dartfordians U17s 0

On Remembrance Sunday, a minute’s silence was duly observed, before we took on local rivals, Darts.

In fine rugby-playing conditions, Steve Evans, captain today, elected to kick off. We immediately gave away a penalty, the first of a shocking 12 in the half. Had it not been for those, (none necessary, all silly) and some equally frustrating knock-ons, we probably would have got the first score much earlier and finished it off with much more ease than we did.

We looked the better team throughout, however, and rarely had to defend. This we did, though, with energy and vigour, despite only seeming to defend from their 22.

After 15 minutes of individuals going for it and failing, we got a lineout in the opposition 22 knowing that we would have to score very soon or we would doubt ourselves for the rest of the game. A neat ball off the top from Josh was passed slickly along the line to Pete who managed to skip past his man and touch down – the winger’s first of the season.

From there the tries flowed more easily. The lock relishing his role as captain, Steve scored a hat-trick to take his amazing tally to 8 from 6 games, second only to Nick who claims to have 9. One of Steve's triplets came as Andy took a penalty quickly and targeted the fly-half, before offloading craftily. The long arms ensured a score.

Before that a delighted Nick got a try against his old club and just before half time Pete touched down again.

Sometimes we didn’t make the ball as secure as necessary but this only owed to our eagerness to create chances with quick ball. In effect, we made up for that through Tom’s expert hooking in the scrums, winning us countless ball against the put-in and also the theft of many a lineout. The rucks were a concern, however – we were never assertive enough in our control at the breakdown.

In the second half, Nick and Steve got another each to put the game well beyond Darts, and Sam converted them both. In the search for another score, however, Sam was sin-binned for stamping, trying to get the ball out quickly to Dan who had an overlap outside him.

From the resulting penalty came Darts’ best chance. Andy skilfully kept the ball in play by jumping over the touch line and tapping backwards, but it was the Darts winger on hand to gather. For a moment it looked as though he might be heading for the line, but he was taken down pretty quickly.

Ibbi also made a brilliant break from his own 10-metre line and almost went all the way, but Steve was on hand to score once more. One other break was made but the person who did it plainly wasn’t quick enough to beat the fullback.

Two more tries followed for Dolby, taking his total to 7 for the season. Even more might have followed – Josh would have finished off a blinding move had he just managed to juggle it into his hands.

So it finished 51-0, with only three of the tries having been converted. Tom Spry managed to get on near the end to make his debut and straightaway announced himself with a crunching tackle.

Ibbi was awarded man of the match today for one outstanding break, a safe pair of hands and the creation of several tries. By the way, I forgot to mention two weeks ago against Old Es, that Matt Stankowski was given man of the match for a very strong display.

With four tough games coming up on consecutive weeks, an improvement will be needed, but we still have that knack of scoring; and no points against for the third match in a row is something to be proud of and to make sure we protect in the coming weeks.

LRA - 12 Nov 06

Sun 29 Oct 06: Old Elthamians U17s 0 - Sidcup U17s 25

This was a decent performance, but not too much more.

Playing downhill with the sun behind us, we found getting the ball very easy but putting it to good use, not so simple. Winning almost every lineout and scrum (including opposition ball), it was a matter of when the first score came. Eventually a routine catch and drive gave Nick the first score.

We should have piled on the points but failure to clear the rucks well enough or fast enough, and several handling errors, meant we found it hard to put phases together and finish off any moves.

Still in the first half, though, the forwards’ strength again proved too much for the defence as Sam smashed through to touch down. Nick also scored, again.

When Old Es did get the ball, they usually kicked it away. It was crucial that our back three were comfortable under these high balls and they were again and again. In defence, Dolby made one particularly good tackle to halt Old E’s most promising attack.

The second half was similar and the next try came as Steve cheekily saw a gap open in front of him at the side of a ruck and scampered through it. He came up to the fullback one on one, and thankfully his long arms allowed him to reach for the line after he’d been tackled – his sidestep didn’t have that convincing edge necessary to get clean past. A good finish.

Another of Old E’s rare attacks was emphatically stopped again, as the winger who thought he was about to take the inside ball and score under the posts, was put on his backside, brought crashing to the ground after being lifted into the air.

The last try came when we were finally able to retain the ball and after several phases, put together with more determination than previously, Dolby finally pierced the stretched defence to make it 25-0, as it finished.

Overall we were sometimes frustrated, both with ourselves and the referee, but could go away knowing that we’d scored five well-earned tries, that it could have been much more, and that even not at our best, we’d never looked like conceding, had dominated possession and won convincingly.

LRA - 30 Oct 06

Sun 15 Oct 06: Sidcup U17s 58 - Deal & Betteshanger U17s 0

Once again, our first home league game. With several teams dropping out, our league has been restructured, meaning we only found out about this game on Wednesday. Of course we were nevertheless excited at the prospect.

Once again, the support deserves a mention. Among them were several 1st team-ers and the President as well as the parents of course, who supported us well, as ever. In contrast to last week, they got an entertaining, open game to watch. Yes, it was a bit one-sided, but we made very few mistakes and it was a clinical performance.

Speaking of clinics… Ryan had to go to one – he unfortunately dislocated his shoulder late in the first half and we all hope he’s ok and gets well soon. He’d been having a good match – he got over the gain line well taking the ball at inside centre, set up the first try for Steve (his fourth of the season) and scored another. His score came from an intelligent kick forward from Dan, well-chased by Dolby, who gathered and offloaded to Ryan.

But that was not the first bit of notable play. Right from the off, as we so seldom are, we were right on top of the opposition. Our pack shunted us to within five metres of the line when we were awarded a penalty which Stuart smashed through for three-nil. Our lineout functioned well and we rucked, mauled and tackled determinedly. The tries flowed steadily throughout the half, and included scores for Dolby, who ended up with a hat-trick, Chris and Nick. Nick’s came as he ran on to Dan’s well-weighted pass at full pace. No stopping that from five metres.

At half time we tucked in to Bert’s Jaffa Cakes, a pleasant change from Ahmet’s lemons.

The second half was fragmented by lots of minor injuries and we found it difficult to gather momentum. Several small mistakes and awkward scrums (their pack was missing a couple of players and some got injured, so it turned into a bit of a mess although we always won our own ball and some of theirs too) meant we failed to convert a few of our chances. Near the end, we did make field position count. A penalty in the middle of the pitch was sent into the corner and a routine catch and drive resulted in Andy being sent over. Minutes later, some snappy passing from Jono at scrum-half allowed Stuart to run in his first of the season. Officially, however, he didn’t. It turns out that the match was supposed to be stopped when the score got to 50 points so much credit must go to Deal & Betteshanger for playing the full 70 mins. Anyway, that try took the score to 58-0, made up of one penalty, nine tries, and five well-struck conversions.

In this game we welcomed back influential second-rower Matt Wood. In another change, we were, for this match, coached by Tony Isaacs, standing in for Andy (on a coaching course). Thanks to him for a job very well done.

So, a good, spirited all-round performance in which we threw the ball around and piled on the points, without conceding any. Good D!

LRA - 16 Oct 06

The league tables...... U17 league tables 15 Oct 06

Sun 8 Oct 06: Westcombe Park U17s 19 - Sidcup U17s 29

Finally our first league game.

Although we ran out 29-19 winners, this will be not be remembered as a great display.

Our points, coming mostly in the first half, were at least stylishly gained, however. A rampaging early run from Nick at number eight, followed by his good offload, Dan’s good support, a well-timed pass and more good support from Chris, led to him scoring under the posts. With the conversion striking the right post the ‘Combe crowd called out and jeered.

We scored again out wide through Dolby who still had work to do when given the ball but got past two men to touch down. This time Stuart taking the conversion from the touchline sent it soaring over, to the delight of the large Sidcup travelling support. More tries followed but Westcombe Park never looked like giving up. Indeed they grew more and more ferocious as the match continued, and made it very difficult for our pack especially.

It was a shame that members of the first team squad and the President picked this particular game to come and watch, but their support was appreciated nonetheless. It is great that at the moment we are even being trained by members of the first team, most notably Phil Evans, regularly turning up and contributing a great deal.

The match drew on, uglier and more frustrating as we gave away frequent penalties. Andy was even sin-binned, and very harshly so. He had scored (so it seemed) before it was overruled by the official and he expressed the frustrations of the whole team in one, not overly offensive, word, aimed at no-one. The referee, however, had decided and that was that, however unfair it seemed. With 14 men and injuries starting to come, we got bogged down in our own 22 and eventually conceded two tries, one the result of poor defensive organisation as Peter was left stranded out wide with four attackers to deal with. However we put the match beyond ‘Combe with a couple more tries, one a simply and strongly executed catch and drive. Dan cancelled out his earlier miss with a long and difficult conversion from out wide.

The match finished and we went away with a win, which, although not stylish, never looked like being a loss.

LRA - 9 Oct 06

Sun 1 Oct 06: Saracens U17s 12 - Sidcup U17s 29

In the last match of last season, Saracens had embarrassed us with the 40 point thrashing of a tired Sidcup side.

But on our return, with key players having left (especially from the forwards), we proved that they had been well replaced by new faces, as we put in a solid performance and took control of the game in the second half, winning 29-12.

Everyone was fervent and eager to go, after the disappointing no show of the previous week's opponents. Nevertheless, we started cautiously, conceding two tries through simple errors to go to the break tied at 12-all. It hadn’t helped that two certain crucial backs hadn’t turned up and we were forced into using our flanker and captain Kev as a scrum-half. Indeed it was his indecision that led to a breakaway try from their centre after their small but spirited scrum half (annoyingly good player) had made a 50-metre run. Some lethargy in our defence let them in again shortly after as they crashed over having quickly taken a penalty.

Before that we’d responded with some powerful stuff and aggressively turned defence into attack, eventually resulting in vice-captain Steve Evans scoring in the corner. Some better-organised play and good kicking from Dan Evans gave us a good field position from which to attack, and Andy Hind drove through to touch down and level the scores. Only some nerves in the three-quarters prevented us taking the lead.

With their tour of North London complete, Ryan and Jono turned up and came on at half-time. The lineouts picked up and with them so did our general play. It was these set-pieces that led to all three of our second-half tries. The forwards, noticeably enlarged from last season with the welcome addition of Nick and Chris from Darts, took the game by the scruff of its neck and through three strong drives put the game beyond Sarries. The first and indeed the second came from opposition ball, with Steve rising high at the front to steal lineout ball, before coming down and being driven over the line. The third was a routine catch and drive as their pack tired.

At one point, winger Michael Dolby put in a crashing hit to stop any signs of a Sarries fightback. Making his debut at full-back, Stuart Hill nipped several Saracens attacks in the bud with good positioning, speed and judgement. More efficient kicking and organised defence secured the game, a good early win and a score settled.

LRA - 9 Oct 06