Under 9's age group webpage
Head Coach Deputy Head Coach
Ian Morgan (Moggy) Paul Croft
m: 07908 029066 m: 07888 753895
e: moggymorgan730@btinternet.com e: crosa412@aol.com
Assistant Coaches Age Group Rep
Simon Oakley Judith Hernandez
Russ Jordan
Mark Davey
Steve King
Richard Giles
Pete Hall
This webpage is maintained by:
Pete Hall
m: 07876 257841
e: petedhall@blueyonder.co.uk
The aim of this web page is to provide an information update on all aspects of SMOB U9s 2007/2008 season. However, if you have any questions, queries or concerns - PLEASE TALK to the coaching team in the first instance.
Last updated - Friday 9 May 2008
PRIZE GIVING and AGM - Sunday 11th May 2008:
10:30 start. PLEASE BRING FOOD FOR AMERICAN SUPER AS WELL AS YOUR SHIRTS TO EXCHANGE FOR UNCASHED CHEQUE.
Wednesday 7th May 2008:
NO TRAINING THIS EVE.
PRIZE GIVING and AGM - Sunday 11th May 2008:
Arrangements TBA. PLEASE BRING YOUR SHIRTS TO EXCHANGE FOR UNCASHED CHEQUE.
Sunday 4th May 2008:
Achievements Awards Day - 2pm for run-around!
Buffet/BBQ Starts at 3pm.
PLEASE BRING YOUR SHIRTS TO EXCHANGE FOR UNCASHED CHEQUE
Wednesday 30th April - Home game against Cleve.
Great performance, particularly the defending in the last 5 mins of the match, to hold a strong Cleve side to a 1:1 draw. An appropriate result for the occasion.
TOUR
Hope everyone has recovered from the tour and well done to all players - especially in the last game where we played against each-other.
Sunday 20 April 2008 - Cleve Festival:
Fantastic performance from all of todays squad at Cleve.
After beating Salisbury, Walcott, Clifton and narrowly losing to Keynsham (who made the final), we couldn't quite break down the strong welsh defense and lost by 1 try to Landaff (excuse the spelling) in the plate final.
It was a great achievement (and team performamce) to get to the final stages of todays strong tournament - well done to all.
Last training session on Wednesday before Tour.
Sunday 13th April 2008:
Home - Frampton.
Three games were played and I think we won, drew and lost (at least)! Anyway, the results were not too important as the team play, passing and overall technical game was excellent.
Also, two or three players (mention no names) demonstrated great ability and put in a considerable amount of effort, against a big-strong Frampton side, in both defensive and offensive areas. However, Frampton certainly demostrated a better forwards game - something the whole SMOB Team need to work on...
Some of the new coaching ideas were introduced on Sunday and these will be developed as we move towards the close of the season - WATCH THIS SPACE FOR THE NEW AGE GROUP COACHING POLICY!
This Sunday 20 April - Cleve Festival.
The following squad was previously selected based on on Attendance, Ability & Availability (includind consideration of player safety, in their preferred positions, for a competitive tournament): Note: players positions will be changed on the day, as the coaches see fit. Props: Jason , Ben & Lewis
Hookers: George J, Tom C
Scrum Half: Callum
Fly Half: Joel
Centres: Will, George Z & Nathan
Wings: Beth & Bradley
Please note, in accordance with the new policy, every player will be selected to play in at least one festival next season.
Sunday 6 April 2008:
Good training session today with forwards and backs separated to concentrate on basic skills.
Home against Frampton next Sunday, followed by Cleve Festival on 20th April.
The following squad have been selected for the Cleve Festival based on Attendance, Ability & Availability (this includes consideration of player safety, in their preferred positions, for a competitive tournament):
Props: Jason , Ben & Lewis
Hookers: George J, Tom C
Scrum Half: Callum
Fly Half: Joel
Centres: Will, George Z & Nathan
Wings: Beth & Bradley
Please note that every player will be selected to play in a festival next season.
----------------------------------------------
A visiting Crewe side gave our squad of 12 some very strong competition today.
Despite the muddy conditions, all players gave their all which resulted in some very good rugby and all-round team play.
St.Marys passed the ball well today which resulted in some excellant trys. Support and defensive play also improved.
A big thank-you to players, parents and coaches and especially to the visiting side - the Crewe players, coaching staff, referee and supporters were a credit to the game.
It was great to have a positive day of rugby -Well-done to all.
Some fantastic puddle-dives at the end to...
CANCELLED - Unfortunately, due to waterlogged pitches the SMOB Mini Rugby Festival (Sun 16th March) has been cancelled
- Sun 16th March:
Ground inspection Saturday 15th March @ 9.00am.
Further updates will be posted on this webpage.
One squad to be entered:
Bradley B
Tom C
Matthew D
Jason D
Will G
Nathan H
George J
Daniel J
Callum J
Riley M
Lewis O
George Z
Please advise Moggy or Paul ASAP, if any players are no longer available!
Also, volunteers are required to help on Saturday, from 09:00 and Sunday from 08:00 for car-parking help. Any help greatly appreciated.
Sun 9th Home v Dursley (last Sunday ficture before our Festival)!
St.Mary's Festival Squads:
For those who have yet to register availability for both our and the Cleve festivals please advise asap, using the link below: http://www.doodle.ch/e8w5rrxhzisqnqwqif
To ensure that all players take part, whilst improving our chances of performing well (and hopefully winning some silver-wear) we will be entering two teams - Lions and Tigers. The teams will be chosen by the Head and Assistant coach.
We need to know players availabilty for both festivals - please click on the link above to register availability - contact me (Pete) if you have any problems using this web tool. Sunday 24th Feb - Longlevens
Note: 10:15 start time - please arrive on time!
Go to Fixtures for directions.
Home to Gordano:
Well done to all players.
Everyone looked sharper today and better 'team play' resulted in two wins against a much improved (and bigger) Gordano side.
Game 1: Win (3:1)
Game 2: Loss (0:4)
Game 3: Win (3:1)
Next fixture (Sunday 24th) away to Longlevens
Next fixture: Sunday 10th Feb away to Clifton.
Next fixture: Sunday 3rd Feb at home against Bridgend.
Sunday 27th Jan 2008 - Home against Cirencester - the pitches should be OK so see you all there for 10:00!
Other important information:
FESTIVALS: St.Mary's (16th March) & Cleve (20th April): To ensure that all players take part, whilst improving our chances of performing well (and hopefully winning some silver-wear) we will be entering two teams -
Lions and
Tigers. The teams will be chosen by the Head and Assistant coach.
We need to know players availabilty for both festivals - please click on the link below to register availability - contact me (Pete) if you have any problems using this web tool.
http://www.doodle.ch/e8w5rrxhzisqnqwq
TOUR DETAILS, SUPER SUNDAY, SOCIAL EVENTS (for children and adults)! and much more can be found in the Jan/Feb Mini's Newsletter (please email me (Pete) if you do not have a copy) and on the home web site.
Wednesday 23rd Jan: Another very good turn out at Pro 5 Filton.
Sunday 20th Jan: Training confirmed at Bradley Stoke School (NOT Bradley Stoke Sports Centre) at 10:00.
Trainers to be worn.
Cost likely to be similar to Pro 5 at Filton, i.e. £1.50 per player.
Directions from Bradley Stoke Sports Centre - travel as if going to Sports Centre but instead of turning left into car park carry on and over round-about.
Wednesday 16 Jan Training - Meet at the Pro 5 Filton Academy (next to Filton High School) at 18:45.
Trainers only: Good turn out of 12 tonight.
There will be NO training, or fixtures, for the U9's tomorrow (Sunday 13 Jan) due to the condition of pitches and weather forecast.
Training tonight (Wednesday 9 Jan) is CANCELLED due to waterlogged pitches!Watch this space for confirmation of Sundays Training / fixture.
SUNDAY 6th January 2008 - Away at Keynsham:
With surprisingly frozen pitches at Keynsham, today’s triangular would prove a tough test for St.Mary's after the long calorific-Christmas break!
Match 2: Keynsham 2 St.Mary's 2:
St.Mary's made a slow start - too many Christmas puddingsperhaps! Keynsham passed the ball a little better and St.Mary's missed too many tackles resulting in two tries being conceded before half time. The second-half saw a massive improvement (the Christmas puddings were beginning to be burnt off) - better rucking, passing and link play saw two excellent tries to earn a well deserved draw.
Match 2: Keynsham 5 St.Mary's 2:
Keynsham were able to rest a number of their players and field a second team who won convincingly against a naive St.Mary's side. At times, Mary's demonstrated some great individual skills and general team play - however, our tackling was once again a significant weakness. In addition to a refresher in tackling technique (tackling too high too much of the time) we must also practice closing down the oppositions attack more quickly as a defensive line. Something to work on next Wednesday perhaps?
Match 3: Clifton 4 St.Mary's 4:
The final game (almost) started 10 minutes too early! So Crofty removed our boys from the pitch (he was obviously showing his caring feminine side) to rest before the all important match against our close friends - Clifton.
At least the pitch had now thawed allowing a bit of a mud-fest (did you see Callum's muddy cheeks)? Mary's started very well and scored three well worked tries in the first half - and even managed to put the odd good tackle in... Half time score 3:1. The impact of the, perhaps too many, half-time changes contributed to a loss of impetus which let Clifton make a very strong come-back. However, St.Mary's dug deep and were able to take the second draw of the day. Final score 4:4.
Very well done to all 14 players, who were:
Ben H
Bradley B
Callum J
George J
Harry K
Patrick F
Joel L
Lewis O
Matthew D
Nathan H
Riley M
Tom C
Will G
George Z
Please contact Moggy (contact numbers below) ASAP if a player is unable to attend or you wish to discuss why a player has not been selected fo rthis fixture.
Moggy:
01454 632089 or 07908029066.
*** HAPPY NEW YEAR ***
Burn off those christmas puddings with the 1st training session of the new year on Wed 2nd Jan 2008
****** It's Christmas ******
Christmas party this Sunday (23rd), 2pm - 6pm, American supper, plus a visit from Santa....
Sunday 16th December - Home fixture against Hornets.
How cold was that??
Some great individual play on Sunday against an equally strong Hornets. Despite scoring 3 good tries in both games, Hornets played slightly better as a team and won 5:3 in both.
Well done to all players for some great rugby so far this season and also thanks to all of the coaches, parents and helpers.
No training this Wednesday (19 Dec) but hope to see you all at the Christmas party next Sunday 23rd December and if not in the New Year against Keynsham away on Jan 6th.
Have a well deserved Christmas break!
Reminders:
Don't forget your:
1. completed Tour shirt form and payment.
2. completed Xmas party form and payment.
3. games for exchange (Sunday 16th Dec) - went very well - watch this space for other SMOB special events
Wednesday Training:
Good turn (13) out for a very cold eve - some good tackling practice and a closely fought final game (3:3).
Training tomorrow (Sun 9th Dec) CANCELLED due to waterlogged pitches and bad weather forecast.
Training cancelled tonight - Wed 5th Dec.
Waterlogged pitches I'm afraid. Please check this website on Saturday to confirm what is hapenning Sunday Frampton Fixture, 2nd December, CANCELLED due to waterlogged pitch!
Wednesday 28th November - Training.
Good turn out (15) for a cold evening - nice to see growing confidence and team play.
Sunday 25th November - Home to Nailsea and Backwell.
Yet another great turn out for what proved to be some of the best rugby of the season so far!
Mary's won the first game 3:2 but lost the second 4:2. Both games were very physical and the rucking/mauling was particularly impressive as was the general support play. All 18 players, who were fielded for at least one half of each game, were fantastic - but a particular mention is due for 'big George' (strong focused running resulting in great trys), Harry King (clever scrum half play), Beth (great support play) as well as our great new additions Patrick and Charlie who played very well at No. 9 and 10 - we certainly have some healthy competition across all positions...
Very well done to all.
Next Sunday fixture (2 December) away to Frampton.
*** Mini Tour 2008 ***
For details see latest news on Home page.
*** 'Games Exchange' ***
Following the success of the last games exchange, another is planned for Sunday 9th December (when we are home to Cleve) - this will be a great opportunity for to buy and sell for Christmass whilst raising money for the club, with 80% to the owner and 20% to SMOB! Please collect a form from Jo Bishop ASAP. Video/console/board games and DVD/Videos are all acceptible.
Sunday 18th November - Away to Saracens.
Despite the atrocious weather, some very good rugby was played by all.
FIXTURE UPDATE:
We will be playing Cleve this Sunday (11th Nov), at home, instead of the 12th Dec.
Wednesday 7th November - Home Training, as usual.
Sunday 4th November - home Training.
Good turn out for a home training session and Team photo - which included an opportunity for some good action photos (shame some were more focused on smiling at the camera rather than keeping their eyes on the ball)!!
Some very good support play and better rucking displayed in the game at the end of the session - well done to all.
Thanks to those who bought and sold at the 'games exchange' (80% to owner and 20% to SMOB)! I understand this will be arranged again before Christmas, so please watch out for further information.
Don't forget ** Bonfire Night - Mon 5th Nov 18:30 - at the Club, including fireworks, bonfire, funfair etc **
REMINDER: No training this Wednesday (31st Oct) - Halloween Night! Yatton (Sunday 28 October 2007):
What a great performance by all 15 players today in very difficult weather conditions - very well done everyone...
Match 1 (5:2 WIN): After a very quick opening try from Yatton's speedy back-line player (Mary's not up quick enough), Jason equalised soon after with a strong forwards try.
A good phase of play followed, initiated by Callum (scrum-half), and Mary's 2nd try looked like a well rehearsed move (quick ball by Callum to fly-half (Nathan) - crash ball to Will (inside centre) and great finish by George (outside centre)).
Some great mauling by the forwards (Riley, Jason and Tom) and fantastic tacking by Bradley (right wing) eventually lead to another Mary's scrum and a good switch of play to the right wing which almost resulted in a try.
Mary's third try (Will), resulted from great team support play and good recycling of ball to complete an impressive 1st half 3:1 score line.
Beth and Ben replaced Bradley and Tom, respectively, to start the 2nd half - which opened similar to the 1st, with Will scoring straight after Yatton's 2nd try. 4:2.
Despite Marys showing some signs of tiredness, the Callum / Nathan partnership produced a 5th try (Nathan) to finish a convincing 5:2 win.
Match 2 (3:2 WIN): The forward line-up for the start of the second game (Matthew, Josh and Ben) linked very well - with great tackling and mauling by all three and two impressive forward runs by Josh.
As in the first game, George was used to run onto a penalty pass and used his strength and pace to open the score.
Nathan and Callum continued to link and tackle well, as did Ben and Jason but Yatton's continued pressure resulted in an equaliser.
Marys continued to defend very well as a team and managed to hold the first half score at 1:1.
Tom started the second half with great pressure play and a fine forwards tackle. A good break by the backs saw Harry G almost score a great try in the corner (foot in touch). However, Marys affective support play once again resulted in Will scoring to make it 2:1.
As the rain worsened, Yatton levelled the score to 2:2 but Marys were defiant and Nathans late break resulted in a well timed pass to Bradley who finished with style to win the 2nd game 3 trys to 2.
Great to see all players working together as a team today and the increase in confidence - particularly Josh, Beth, Morgan and Ross.
Well done and thanks to Yatton for inviting and making us welcome.
NEXT FIXTURE (28th October @ 10:00) - Yatton Away. (DON'T FORGET THE CLOCKS FALL -BACK ON SATURDAY)! Directions & Fixture list - click here
Wednesday 24th October 2007: Training.
We started the evening with a 'classroom briefing' in Changing Room B (the mums loved it) on positions, positional play etc. A good discussion between coaches and parents on training ideas and hopefully the squad now have a better understanding of the positions which they may be asked to play and the need for discipline to succeed!
A good session on the training pitch followed.
KEYNSHAM FESTIVAL (Sunday 21 October 2007) Update.
Great overall performance today by the selected squad in their first contact festival. Well done to all. We enjoyed a challenging Pool Group: - Keynsham - Win (1:2)
- Hornets - Draw (1:1)
- Cheltenham - Loss (4:0)
- Taunton - Win (1:3)
The squad were unfortunate in not progressing through to the Plate as Hornets conceded less trys.
Well Done to the in this the U9s first contact festival.
Match Reports:
Keynsham 1 St.Marys 2.
After a slow start Mary’s proved too strong for the Keynsham side, with some crunching tackles and two great trys by Lewis to take a deserved win in the U9s first contact tournament match win.
Hornets 1 St.Marys 1.
A close fought 2nd Match. Again, Mary’s defence was excellent, with a number of strong tackles - and the biggest hit awarded to Daniel! Better forward driving required. Nathan scored our only try to earn a well deserved draw.
Cheltenham 4 St.Marys 0
With key players rested for the opening half of the match against a flowing Cheltenham side, Mary’s conceded 3 trys which proved significant in failing to progress beyond the pool stages. The 2nd half was tighter but Mary’s were unable to break a strong Cheltenham defence whos talented runner weaved through Mary’s line to add a fourth try to their impressive win. Better use of the backs line and greater support required to the runners who were often isolated.
Taunton 1 marys 3
With some extra coaching before their final pool match for both the forwards and backs, Mary’s took to the field with added confidence. Despite Taunton scoring an early opening try, Mary’s played and worked together as a unit for the first time. A great forward drive by a strong Mary’s pack (Jason, Riley & George) gave Callum the opportunity to break which resulted in some good link play with the backs and Nathan leveling the score to 1 each. Joel showed a lethal combination of vocal leadership, driving and ripping whilst Jason demonstrated his strength and determination with a perfect forwards try. Once again, Will made several important tackles and strong forward runs whilst Callum upset his opposite number hitting him as soon as the ball was out from the scrum. The final try came from a swerving run from Nathan to seal the win and an impressive team performance.
Today’s impressive forwards, (in no particular order) were:
Jason, Riley, Ben, Tom and George.
Today’s impresive backs, (in no particular order) were:
Callum, Joel, Lewis, Harry G, Matthew, Will, Daniel and Nathan.
Thanks to parents & carers for your support and also Keynsham RFC for a great festival.
Remember:
CLASSROOM Training on Wednesday (24th) at 6.30pm STARTING IN THE CLUB HOUSE.
Yatton away next Sunday (28th) at 10.00am (DON'T FORGET THE CLOCKS FALL -BACK ON SATURDAY)!
KEYNSHAM FESTIVAL - This Sunday 21 October 2007.
The Squad is: - Ben Hernandez
- Callum Jordan
- Daniel Jones
- George James
- Harry Griffin
- Joel Lathrope
- Lewis Oakley
- Matthew Davey
- Nathan Hall
- Riley Morgan
- Thomas Croft
- William Giles
- Jason
Please remember:
- The festival will start promptly, so please aim to arrive for 09:30.
- To bring your mouth guard.
- To bring plenty of fluid refreshments.
- It is possible that you may be at the ground until 16:00!
PLEASE SUPPORT OUR TEAMS AND WISH THEM A SAFE, ENJOYABLE & SUCCESSFUL FESTIVAL
Wednesday 17 October 2007: Training.
A cold evening didn't affect an encouraging full squad training session. Plenty of forward play and a short, but focussed, ball running/passing exercise resulted in a noticeable improvement on previous training sessions. As usual, the tackling in the game at the end of the evening was impressive and the support play was generally good. The squad were well disciplined this evening. Well done and all the best for the Keynsham festival on Sunday!
Sunday 14 October 2007: Home, training with Thornbury.
Great turn out again, which allowed two sides to be fielded.
Good effort with some fantastic tackling and individual play although Thornbury proved to be the stronger side, with some excellent team play!
The squad have taken to contact play very well and have had some good preparation games against SMOB U10's, Longlevens and Thornbury. Next Sunday's (21 October) festival at Keynsham will give a good indication of the opposition this season as well as a chance to review the selected players positions.
Moggy would like to thank everyone for listening to him on Sunday and for all the support and ideas, which will be tried out, as soon as possible.
REMINDERS:
Wednesday training - 18:30 start.
Sunday training/matches - 10:00 start.
Festivals - TBA.
Please remember to:
- arrive on time, to allow time for proper warm-up
- bring your mouth guard, as without it you will NOT be able to play or train!
- bring a drink for refreshment
DISCIPLINE is an essential ingredient of successful rugby.
The most important reason for playing is to have fun - but this will not be possible if a few individuals continue to mess around which spoils it for the whole team...
