Worthing Festival
A great end to the season for the Wasps and the Hornets, with some season's best performances, both individual and team.
The Wasps started off their pool matches with a 5-0 defeat to Old Colfeians and the referee. The latter, for example, surely the only being in the universe who didn't see Esme Conway's fantastic last-ditch prevention of a try.They bounced back brilliantly against Tonbridge Juddians. Il pleut (ed) a lot and the hard-fought match of few chances saw Bradley Chaplin bulldoze his way to a last-minute try. Just reward for his team's efforts.Eventual pool winners Pulborough proved themselves in a different class in the Wasps' last pool match.
Third in their pool, in the Shield semi-final the Wasps faced another Old Colfeians' team. Revenge was as sweet as the sun that chased away the clouds, with Tom Collins rounding off his great tackling display with the only try of the match. The Wasps were through to their first final of the season.But the long day and season caught up with them and the Worthing Lions proved an opponent too far.
Effort, commitment and a never-say-die attitude are the Wasps' outstanding attributes. They've got individuals with flair and strength. More cohesionnext season and they'll get to more finals and win.
For his season's best effort, Joseph Earl was the Wasps' player of the day but it was a fantastic effort all round by: Amrik Bains, Joseph Earl, Oliver Potter, Sam Meadows, Bradley Chaplin, Esme Conway, Alec Conway, Tom Collins, Harry Cox, Joe Coyd and Rebecca Wadhams.
The Hornets began with a 4-0 demolition of Staines. A first half brace for Sam Sharpe was followed by a try apiece for Dan O'Brien and Aaron Clarke. The latter a superb sprint almost the length of the field. Worthing Lions were next up, and the 0-0 stalemate was broken in the second half by another great run from Clarke, this time diagonally to touch down in the corner. Sharpe added a second with a dash down the wing. Tunbrdge Wells were the final pool opponents and a hard fought match of tough tackling and dominant defences was decided by an O'Brien try. Seven tries scored and none conceded, the Hornets deservedly and confidently were through as pool winners to the Cup semi-final.
Ampthill Tigers laid siege to the Hornets' try line for most of the first half and the Hornets showed their great defensive qualities to go in only 1-0 down at half time. In the second half, injuries took their toll and the Hornets eventually went down 4-0.
An excellent defensive unit with some outstanding individuals should see the Hornets deservedly reap some shiny rewards next season. Again, a fantastic effort by all the players: Sidney Holland, David Harris, Aaron Clarke, Jordan Stubbington, Luke Robertson, Matt Munday, Dominic Whittington, Joe Hawkridge, Dan O'Brien, Matthew Corneillsen.
Kent Festival Qualifiers
Medway Under 10s Wasps had mixed fortunes at the Kent Festival being held at Westcombe Park on Sunday. They started off strongly in their first game against Maidstone, where they finished up 5 - 0 winners. With 3 tries from Daniel O’Brien and a further try from Sam Sharpe and Luke Robertson. The Wasps continued their good work with a further 6 - 0 victory against Vigo. With 2 tries each from Jo Hawkridge and Aaron Clark and a further try a piece from Matt Munday and Sam Sharpe. This immediately followed with a 7 - 1 victory against Dover, with 2 tries each from Oliver Woodward and Jo Hawkridge and a try each from Rebecca Wadhams, Sam Sharpe and Aaron Clark and a late consolation try from Dover.
The Wasps finished group leaders and were entered into the Plate quarter finals. Despite a strong forward run and try from David Harris and a try saving tackle from Sam Sharpe, along with a valiant run from Daniel O’Brien who was forced into touch just yard’s from the try line. The Wasps succumbed to a stronger forward pack from Canterbury and lost the match 2 – 1, despite some hard tackles and stong runs from Esme Conway, Sidney Holland, Jordan Stubbington and Dominic Whittington. The three coaches, Dean Conway, Stuart Clarke and Martin O’Brien were naturally disappointed, but still wish Canterbury luck in the finals to be held next Sunday
Upminster B Festival
Wasps' early spring sting!
The Wasps' best display of the season and listening to Bruce Springsting (geddit?) on the way home made for a glorious end to a long Sunday. To their individual abilities, commitment and effort they added the thus far missing qualities of teamwork and passing. But some old habits die hard.
Letting the opposition walk in the first try from the starting whistle is a bad habit the Wasps can't seem to kick. But letting the opposition go 3-0 up by half time calls for an Istanbul miracle. But this they almost achieved. Bradley Chaplin powering his way through for 1-3, Esme Conway making it 2-3 and then...and then...Mr Referee harshly penalised Chaplin for a hand-off that never was. But never mind. They hadn't let their heads drop after their first half no-show and had proved to themselves that passing and teamwork would reap rewards.
And they did. Against West Park a good passing display and defending and attacking as a team earned them a 1-1 draw, with Kyle Durkin getting the Wasps' try.Then 5-0 to the Wasps against Blackheath! Five different try scorers proof of a fantastic all-round team display. Chaplin and Durkin adding to tries from Rebecca Wadhams, Matt Monday and Harry Cox and Durkin's try saving tackle at the death to prevent a Blackheath consolation proof of their commitment and effort. A place in the Plate Final for the winners of the last group match, but again lapses in concentration proved the Wasps' undoing. Against Chelmsford they lost 4-2, despite two more tries for Durkin.
Essentially, the same team that were hammered and only scored one try in the same festival last season, the Wasps narrowly lost two, drew one and won one gloriously! A vast improvement and a great team performance from eleven great individuals! So well done to: Amrik Bains, Alec and Esme Conway, Bradley Chaplin, Joe Coyd, Harry Cox, Kyle Durkin, Sam Meadows, Matt Munday, Rebecca Wadhams and Oliver Wood. Attached the team pictured before their first match and Harry Cox going over for the third try in the 5-0 thrashing of Blackheath
Medway v Canterbury and Westcliff
The U10s' teams, Wasps and Hornets, didn't fare too well at Canterbury, against the hosts and a good Westcliff side. It wasn't just that they were battling against higher powers (city of God and His man in a purple dress, etc) but both teams were missing regulars and half the Wasps team featured newcomers to the game. So whilst they matched their opponents in effort and commitment, unfamiliar team-mates and/or rules made for a clear difference in teamwork. The individual skills of the Hornets players kept them in their first match against Canterbury, with two tries for Sam Sharpe. But Canterbury’s teamwork and passing were rightfully rewarded and the Hornets went down 3-2. Against Westcliff, they matched their opponents in defending and tackling but were simply out-passed and lost 3-0.
As for the Wasps, integrating players new to the game against the same Westcliff side proved too much of a challenge and they lost 8-0! Time for one more match against Canterbury and fielding more subs (to rightfully give everyone a game- this is fun after all) than Sven could ever dream, they lost 5-0. Passing drills and more passing drills..
Medway v Thurrock and Braintree
The U10s took two sides to Thurrock, the Wasps and the Scorpions, to battle Thurrock and Braintree. Although they battled, they didn't fare too well in the Arctic conditions. Sure, it was bitterly cold for all the sides, but north of the Dartford Tunnel there are some huge ugly beasts in a far off frozen world. Some good individual performances but with a few players new to the game, there wasn't too much cohesion. They matched the opposition in terms of endeavour, commitment and tackling but were outdone in terms of passing and teamwork. But that will come!
The Scorpions lost 0-6 to Braintree, despite Cameron Clark and Tom Collins tackling their hearts out. Indeed, Clark was the U10s Player of the Day for his tackling display and runs into space.
The Wasps lost to three second-half tries against Thurrock and against Braintree played well to make the score 2-2 at half-time. Some fine passing from Esme Conway and Matt Munday created the tries for Conway and Rebecca Wadhams. A couple of missed tackles in the second-half handed the initiative to Braintree and the Wasps lost 2-4. So not a memorable day, but the clear lesson to be learnt was that if you let the ball do the work, the tries will come
Medway v Sevenoaks
The U10s hosted Sevenoaks and put out three teams.
The A team, the Hornets played a superb Sevenoaks A and...well...they er...were Seven-Oaked. Thank God they're not called Tenoaks. Boom Boom!
Meanwhile, the B Team, the Wasps, played Sevenoaks B. Guilty of watching the loose ball, they were 0-3 down by half-time. In the second half, they pounced on the loose ball, passed it and consequently were able to pressure their opponents. They were duly rewarded wirth two tries from Bradley Chaplin. Final score 2-3.
The development squad, christened the Scorpions, also showed character and a sting in their tail in a 2-4 defeat to Sevenoaks C. 2-0 down at half-time Rebecca Wadhams ran in two second-half tries.
Then it was time for mix-and-match as combinations of A + B, A + C and B + C played each other. Wornets...Hornions...who knows what, but played three more games and won one! David Harris and Sam Sharpe securing a 2-1 victory. Eat dust Sevenoaks! Dan O'Brien and Aaron Clarke also got one apiece in the A + B game. Not a good day, but the only way is up! There was a Player of the Day though, Alec Conway, for coming on as a sub and raising his team's effort and morale and almost turning a loss into a win
Medway v Old Elthamians and Maidstone
Medway travelled to a very muddy Old Elthamians. The first game was against Old Elthamians A. The home team were first to score , but a superb try by David Harris brought the scores level. Harris scored a second try to give Medway the lead at half time. However, after a hard fought second half, Old Elthamians scored to give a fair full time score of 2-2. The second game against Old Elthamians B resulted in a 5-0 win to Medway with tries from Aaron Clarke, Dan O'Brien, Jordan Stubbington and a brace from Sam Sharpe. The third game against Maidstone ended in a 5-1 win to Medway. Try scorers: Stubbington (2),O'Brien, Sharpe and Clarke. The boys all played well as a team and thoroughly deserved their success.
Medway v Sheppey and Gravesend
The U10s put out three teams: the Reds. Blues & Yellows.
The Blues played the Reds first & the Reds just edged a see-saw match 4-3. Sidney Holland opened the scoring, putting the Blues 1-0 up. Jo Hawkridge & Jordan Stubbington added two more for the Blues, but a Sam Sharpe hat-trick kept the Reds in contention, before David Harris sealed the 4-3 victory for the Reds. The Reds followed up their victory over their clubmates with a 1-0 victory over the hosts Sheppey, courtesy of another Sharpe try.
The Yellows played Gravesend & Dan O'Brien put them 1-0 up. Gravesend raced into a 4-1 lead before O'Brien added his second to make the final scoreline a more respectable 4-2. The yellows second match ended in a 2-0 defeat to Sheppey
U10s at Wasps and Aylesford
The U10's spent an enjoyable Saturday being trained by coaches from the London Wasps & then watched the Heineken Cup holders narrowly beat Clermont Auvergne 25-24 at Adams Park. They didn't seem to feel the bitter cold or the day drag on. But their parents sure did! They learnt new skills, had their photos taken with the Heineken Cup - that's the tiny shiny thing in the middle- & then went onto the pitch before the match for more photos. Highlight of the day was when Rebecca Wadhams asked a Wasps' player, 'Has anyone ever bitten your ears in a match?' Top rugby player and top comedienne.
Onto Sunday and the U10s showed no ill effects from the fact that they'd gone to bed well after their parents' bedtimes or from hypothermia and put in some good team and individual performances at Aylesford Bulls. They put out two teams of mixed abilities, the Wasps and the Hornets against Aylesford's A and B teams.
The Wasps more than held their own against Aylesford A, but two lapses of concentration in defence cost them two tries in the first half. They conceded another in the second half and went down 3-0. Their encounter against Aylesford B was a much tighter and closer affair and the Wasps went down 1-0 to a first half try. But if the mixture of 'A and B teamers' didn't quite push the Wasps to victory, then the mix certainly proved successful for the Hornets. They beat Aylesford B 3-1, with a brace from Sam Sharpe and one for Dan O'Brien, before their opponents got a late consolation. In their second game the 'B teamers' got in on the try scoring act as their more experienced A team colleagues led by example, showing the benefit of holding your position and not being sucked into every ruck and maul. Harry Cox did just that, staying out wide as the winger and touching down not once, but twice to score his first ever tries. Brandon Anderson also scored his debut try, as the Hornets ran in easy 6-0 winners with two from Sharpe and one from Luke Robertson. A memorable weekend for the U10s, only marred by the injury to Sidney 'The Hitman' Holland.
U10s v Old Colfeians and Sevenoaks
Perhaps it was the wind and the lashing rain that led to the confusion but the A team, the Hornets faced Sevenoaks B whilst on the adjacent pitch the B team, the Wasps, were mistakenly pitted against Sevenoaks A.
The Hornets did well to lead a strong Sevenoaks side 1-0 at half time thanks to a Dan O'Brien try. They did even better in the second half, capitalising on plenty of possession to run in 3 more tries. Good support play from Luke Robertson for the second and the third a fantastic try given the sodden conditions. Having run into a cul-de-sac in one corner, they did brilliantly to switch the ball out to the other corner for Sam Sharpe to touch down. Sharpe made the final score 4-0 to the Hornets.
The Hornets next faced Old Colfians A and despite some solid defending in the face of sustained pressure from the opposition, went down 4-2. O'Brien scored their first try, but as to who scored the second is a mystery as unfortunately the rain washed away the reporter's notes!
The Wasps didn't stand much of a chance against Sevenoaks A but as the conditions worsened, so the Wasps improved. Against Old Colfians B they came from behind through a David Harris try to make the score 1-1. Joe Coyd scored what should have been a well deserved winner but the mean ref/Wasps' coach, lacked the Christmas spirit and disallowed the try. Bah Humbug!
U10s at the Blackheath 'B' Festival
The U10s Wasps team went to the Blackheath 'B' festival. This team of notoriosly slow starters were first up against the hosts & playing uphill in the first-half. But they got off to a fantastic start, winning 3-0. Bradley Chaplin scored the opener with a good strong run into the corner. Skipper David Harris got the second immiediately from the whistle to start the second-half, running straight through the opposition. Blackheath looked certain to score but within a whisker of the try-line, Kyle Durkin made the mother of all try-saving tackles. After that there could only be one winner & sure enough Esme Conway ran half the length of the pitch to score with the last move of the match.
Off to a winning start & the Wasps couldn't wait for their next match. Unfortunately they had to wait, on what would prove to be a day of long breaks between matches, & lost the momentum gained from their opening win. Conceding a first minute try to a good Brighton side, only made Brighton more confident & that much quicker to the loose ball. Despite some good tackling from Harry Cox & Rebecca Wadhams, the Wasps went down 3-0. Upminster were next & the Wasps lost 5-1, with the consolation try a good pick up & burst from Durkin.
Next, a hour & half wait for Westcombe Park. A game of few scoring chances saw the Wasps lose to the only try of the match, despite some good tackles from Tom Collins & Alec Conway. Last up were Richmond & the Wasps lost 4-0.
A bit more cohesion going forward & speed to the loose ball, added to the individual skills & defensive qualities they already possess, & the Wasps can start getting more ticks in the win column. But well done to all the Wasps pictured at the end of a long, long day, & pictured in action against Blackheath. The squad comprised: Amrik Bains, Bradley Chaplin, Tom Collins, Alec Conway, Esme Conway, Harry Cox, Joe Coyd, Kyle Durkin, Joseph Earl,David Harris, Sam Meadows, Rebecca Wadhams.
U10s v Thurrock and Vigo
A good day for both the A (Hornets) & B (Wasps) teams, stinging the opposition into submission on a climate-change free day at Priestfields.
The Wasps took on Thurrock & a closely fought first-half, ended with them 0-1 down. An early second-half response, thanks to Kyle Durkin, didn't provide the impetus hoped for & instead, in a game of few scoring chances, the Wasps handed the initiative to their opponents with some loose tackling, conceding two tries to go down 1-3. Still, they'd softened up Thurrock for their A team-mates.
The Hornets meanwhile were demolishing Vigo 7-1, with two tries apiece for Oliver Potter & Sam Sharpe & one each for Luke Robertson, Aaron Clarke & Dan O'Brien.
They then took on Thurrock, who took slightly longer to break down. But 1-0 to the Hornets at half-time, thanks to a Clarke try, became 6-0 by full-time. An obbligato O'Brien hat-trick of tries was followed by tries from Sharpe & Sidney Holland.
Back to the Wasps, who proved as adept as the Hornets in seeing off weaker opposition. They won 8-3 in a match they were always in control of once Esme Conway opened the scoring. Unlike their opening match, in this match they were first to any loose ball & made their tackles stick. David Harris scored the second following a fine Conway run. Joe Coyd then scored the try of the day, showing pace, determination & an ability to spin out of tackles in a run from one corner deep inside his own half across to the opposite corner, over Vigo's try line. 4-0 to the Hornets at half-time. Harris scored the fifth before Tom Collins completed the rout with a superb hat-trick.
U10s at Dulwich, 4 November 2007
The Hornets faced Blackheath first in a bruising,close encounter, that ended 1-1. Blackheath went 1-0 up in a first half that saw the Hornets lose Jordan Stubbington through injury. Sam Sharpe replied immiediately from the second half re-start. Defences continued to be on top with tackles flying in and both sides ended the match with only eight a side, with Aaron Clarke going off injured for the Hornets.
The Hornets next opponents were a strong Old Alleynians ('OA') side and this too was a hard fought contest. The Hornets were unfortunate to concede just before the half-time whistle and in the scond half, an OA interception, saw them 2-0 down. They didn't let their heads down though and Sidney Holland showed his side's fighting spirit to get a well earned try, that made the final score 2-1.
The Wasps continued their improvement, winning two and losing one. Just a couple of weeks ago, they would have been on the wrong side of a 4-1 scoreline, yet here they started off with a well deserved 4-1 win over OA. Skipper David Harris stretched over for his side's first, before Bradley Chaplin powered his way through to make it 2-1 to the Hornets at half-time. Kyle Durkin pounced on a loose ball to make it 3-1 and Sam Meadows was driven over well by his teamates for the final try.
Although the Hornets lost their next match 3-0 to another OA side, this side never let their heads down and they played their best rugby of the season to deservedly win a close match against Blackheath, 3-2. Rebecca Wadhams got the opener, running to the space out wide before cutting back in. Durkin then showed everyone a clean pair of heels by picking up a loose ball deep in his own half and touching down for 2-0 to the Hornets at half-time. Cameron Clarke almost added a third, pressing up well against the opposition player in possession to force an error and gain a ball that he just couldn't quite touch down. Blackheath fought back well for 2-1, but Harris made sure his side weren't going to let the match slip, by powering his way straight through the opposition , straight from the re-start.
The Wasps' player of the day was Joe Coyd for his great support play.
U10 Hornets at Gravesend
The U10s put out two teams of mixed abilities.
The Hornets were up first against Sittingbourne and were 2-0 up at half-time, even though they were playing uphill. Jordan Stubbington scored the first. Matt Munday was driven over for the second, following a fine spell of pressure by the Hornets, which started with them winning their line out and then rucking and mauling their way towards the oppostition try-line. Straight from the whistle for the start of the second half, Joe Coyd scored a fine solo try, showing great determination and using the downhill slope to his advantage. Jo Hawkridge added the Hornets' fourth and Stubbington made it 5-0 with a strong run down the wing. Winning their scrummage and then some good passing created the space for Munday to score the try of the match to make the final score 6-0 to the Hornets.
They next faced a strong Gravesend side and went down narrowly 2-0.
Their next opponents were Sitttingbourne and to their fine usual qualities they added an attacking streak with a great, confidence boosting, 5-1 victory. Captain David Harris , Esme Conway and debutant Jack Dalton amongst the try scorers. Come on you Wasps!
Upminster Festival, 14 October 2007
The U10s 'B' team, the Wasps, faced strong 'B+' teams, if not 'A' teams, in what was supposed to be a 'B' team festival. Consequently they didn't fare too well, losing all four of their pool games. They did however show character & tenacity, especially in their tackling, improving with every game. There were more than enough signs by the last game to show the team is coming together: supporting & passing to eachother.
Captain David Harris epitomised his team's never say die attitude in scoring his team's only try of the day:powering his way from half-way, straight through Upminster A's entire team, dragging a few of their players with him over the try line.
All the squad gave their all & as such were all players of the day. The squad comprised: Amrik Bains, Bradley Chaplin, Tom Collins, Alec Conway, Esme Conway, Harry Cox, Joe Coyd, Joseph Earl, David Harris, Kamran Sheimar & Rebecca Wadhams.
Medway Under 10s at the Medway Festival – Sunday October 7th 2007
The Under 10s fielded two teams in a ten team competition, which started off with two leagues of five teams. The Hornets finished as overall runners-up and the Wasps, with two competition debutants showed more than enough individual skill to promise future success when the team gels together.
The Hornets were first to play, against Barking, but didn’t get into their stride until the second half. As Sam Sharpe burst open the scoring and following a good spell of pressure deep in the Barking half, Aaron Clarke ripped the ball from the opposition to make it 2-0 to the Hornets.
Gravesend were the Hornets’ next opponents and a game of very few chances, with both defences on top ended in a try-less stalemate.
Upminster next and an excellent Sharpe breakaway try in the first half was enough to win the match 1-0 for the Hornets.
The final group match against Sittingbourne ended in an emphatic 5-0 scoreline in favour of the Hornets. Sidney Holland got the first, finishing off a good spell of possession in the opposition half. Jo Hawkridge got the second with a fine solo run from halfway, followed by one from Jack Johnson and two from Clarke. The Hornets were through to the Cup semi-final having finished in the top two in their League.
The Wasps started their league games against Maidstone. Some dogged defending deep in their own half from the Wasps saw them through to a 0-0 scoreline at half time. Bradley Chaplin used his physique and strength to power his way from the halfway line to within touching distance of the try-line where Rebecca Wadhams stretched over for the only try of the match.
Aylesford were next up and straight from the first whistle the Wasps were a try down. They were soon 3-0 down before showing some fighting spirit to claw a try back just before half time. Some more dogged defending in the face of an Aylesford onslaught, especially from Tom Collins, ensured no more tries were conceded and the Wasps lost 3-1.
Next, Old Gravesendians and another try conceded straight from the kick off. 1-0 soon became 2-0 but immediately from the restart, Chaplin bulldozed his way straight to the try line to make the score 2-1 at half time. The Wasps conceded an easy try midway through the second half but kept their heads up to get a consolation try through Esme Conway, just before the final whistle, to make the final scoreline 3-2 against the Wasps.
The final League game was against a very good Sevenoaks side and they went down 6-0.
The Wasps did however, make it through to the Plate semi-final, for 3rd and 4th place play-off. They faced an Upminster side beaten narrowly by their Hornets club mates. The game was decided in the first half with Upminster scoring twice.
Overall, a sound platform for the Wasps to build on. Some fine solo runs by Chaplin, Wadhams and David Harris and try saving tackles from Collins, Kyle Durkin and Joe Coyd. The team will only get better the more they play together, possessing individuals with power, pace and determination. The Wasps’ player of the day, Tom Collins and the Wasps’ squad: Amrik Bains, Bradley Chaplin, Tom Collins, Alec Conway, Esme Conway, Harry Cox, Joe Coyd, Kyle Durkin, Joseph Earl, David Harris, Kamran Sheimar and Rebecca Wadhams.
As for the Hornets, they faced Aylesford in the Cup semi-final. A Johnson interception close to the try line saw him open the scoring for the Hornets, before Sharpe effectively ended the game, being driven over to score in the corner. Aylesford got a consolation try buys the Hornets were deservedly through to the final.
There they faced Sevenoaks, who had scored freely and conceded none all day. The Hornets had conceded only one try, so it was always going to be a close game, Indeed the Hornets showed their defensive qualities by holding out a Sevenoaks side entrenched deep in their half for long periods of the first half. In the second half the Sevenoaks’ pressure and attacking flair couldn’t be resisted forever and Sevenoaks were deserved 2-0 winners. The Hornets matched them defensively and the only real difference offensively was the better passing of Sevenoaks who showed what can be achieved by getting the ball out wide and running on to the ball at pace. But runners-up was no mean achievement so congratulations to Oliver Potter their Player of the Day and the Hornets, who were: Aaron Clarke, Mitchell Dowsett, Jo Hawkridge, Sidney Holland, Jack Johnson, Matt Munday, Daniel O’Brien, Oliver Potter, Luke Robertson, Sam Sharpe, Jordan Stubbington and Dominic Whittington.