MINI MATTERS 6 th December 2015 Hello Datchworth Mini Section Coaches, Managers, Players, Parents and Supporters, On Sunday we all enjoyed fixtures against St Albans or Hemel Hempstead at Datchworth. Most of the age groups had good numbers and enjoyed a good morning of Rugby in mild conditions. Next weekend we are playing Hertford and Saracens for an U7 to U11 Mini Fixture; the U12s are just playing Hertford; we are split across two locations next weekend which I hoped doesn t cause too much inconvenience for familes. Datchworth RFC Vs St Albans and U12s V Hemel Hempstead Sunday 6 th December: U6 Training This week we could really see the progress the U6's are making this season which is fantastic and real credit to all the children and coaches efforts over the past months. The drills and games this week progressed onto getting the children ready for tag match situations which included running in channels, both hands on the ball, staying on feet and placing the ball for a try. It really bodes well for the U7's next season! Our player of the week was Joshua Broughton - well done. U7 V St Albans We fielded more numbers again this week than our opposition so a few of the Datchworth players rotated to play for St Albans - and scored some lovely tries for them! We had 3 full teams, plus subs and focused on defensive play, communication and off loading, all of which will come in use next week in the 3 way header at Hertford! A special mention to Ashley Winters who had his performance of the season, but player of the week went to Evan Robson - well done. U8 V St Albans The U8s had 19 boys and girls available to enjoy the better condition of the flood lit pitch, but our visitiors, St. Albans only had 6! We shared some drills with them first and then made up 3 teams one being the team for the Saracens festivals. All of our teams played St. Albans plus playing each other. We enjoyed a good morning of rugby despite missing a lot of our players this week. Albert Smith was man of the match; he started this year and has taken to Rugby very well.
U9 V St Albans The under 9's welcomed a small but skilful contingent of players from St Albans, whose numbers were suffering already from other Christmas commitments. They managed to field a team and we had two with a good turnout, so we split up and held two competitive games in a row against each of our sides. In the first game it was a case of basketball scoring at first with neither defence waking up and a lot of easy run-ins, but eventually everyone started to remember about contact rugby. One of our newer players Alby made a particularly good straight powerful run to score, and the other tries were run in by a determined Tom. The match carried on in an even fashion until near the end where we just edged it 9-7, which was a good result as St Albans had some great handling skills particularly in getting passes away in the offload. In the second game we had a balance of more experienced players and this showed through. St Albans carried on playing their open passing style which had been paying dividends in the first game, but was not working to their advantage with long passes going astray in the wind. Our strength showed through and we ended up winning 14-2 via George, Mateo, Oliver and Troy. It was really great to see our players working in small units with close support play rather than individual superstar runs and this really made the difference in this game. All credit is due to the St Albans players who kept their chins up and played their open game right to the end. We then finished with a mixed game of 10-a-side just to test my referee and crowd control skills. Oliver Ward got a well deserved player of the week for really getting stuck into the middle of the action this fixture, paying dividends both in great tackling, tries and support. All the games were played in a superb, friendly spirit and we heartily look forwards to welcoming them back for the Mini's 1st XV Supporters game before Christmas. U10 V St Albans The U10s enjoyed a comfortable morning of Rugby this weekend after the challenges of the Luton Fixture from last week! St Albans were only able to muster 5 players so we played three games lending St Albans 3 players for each match. Despite the small squad St Albans had a few players that gave us some challenges and we had to work hard in the games. This weekend Lucas and Fabian
were both recognised for their commitment during the games; both played well and took the ball forward and into contact with confidence and determination. Next weekend will be an entirely different proposition with Hertford and Saracens sending teams over to play where we will need our whole squad on tip top form! U11- V St Albans - Overall score Datchworth 18- St Albans 3 A breezy but mild day saw St Albans arrive with a mix of U10, U11 and U12 players - despite this they were still shorthanded and twins Shaun and Nathan volunteered to boost their squad. We agreed to play 4 x 10 minute games which kept everyone warm and involved. The first session ended 9-0 with Datchworth comfortably on top of all areas of play. In particular support runners were always available and used to great impact. Searing pace from Sidney and Ieaun and muscular runs from Connor. The second session ended 2-2. St Albans rallied in this session, helped by Shaun who scored one of their tries. Datchworth were into their flow now and despite a try by Ieaun (now playing for St Albans) won this 2-1. The final session was again dominated by Datchworth scoring a further 5 tries without loss. Scores by Connor, Sidney, Ieuan, Ruby, Stanley A really solid performance by the U11's who haven't lost a game this season. The players are now working as a team, looking for and providing support, clearing out rucks, passing to players at pace and chatting all the time. They can see the benefits of using team-work to unlock defences rather than solo, long range efforts. The coaching team are seeing that the exercises and training are finally paying off and it is a credit to the kids that they are developing into a very capable yet friendly squad. Well done U11's we are proud of you! U12 V Hemel Hempstead This week we were fortunate enough to have Hemel Hempstead come to us to replace St. Albans who do not have an Under 12 s team. Unfortunately though they were a big outfit in terms of both numbers and physical size, and played very well particularly in the breakdown area. We were taught some hard lessons in this area, although for whatever reason our boys generally didn t seem to be firing on all cylinders so much in the first game, and seemed to play with their heads down. Maybe next week we should give everyone a Lucozade Sport and a packet of Skittles each before the match to get them fired up! We played 3 games during the morning and went down 20-5; 20-5; 25-10. There were some highlights to take from the morning including some great try saving defensive tackling once again from the likes of Josh Staddon, William Field, Sam & Spencer for example, but the tackle of the day came from Cameron who never gave up and hung on for dear life bringing down one of their biggest lads who was on a storming run. There was also some nice teamwork on display on the ruck and counter ruck between Josh Moffatt, George and Thomas Beechey who had clearly planned in advance to act as one unit to overcome the bulk and size of the Hemel lads good communication
and planning boys. Though we had few tries to discuss, those that came from Sam, Josh Staddon, Josh Bradley and Thomas Paine were each very well executed showing a combination of both strength and guile to break the very strong defensive lines of Hemel Hempstead. A tough day at the office for the boys today, but let s learn from it and take that to the match next week which will be another tough encounter against Hertford. Car Parking A big thank you to the U10s who volunteered to help with car parking this Sunday; Jane Macgillivray, Annabel Reilly, Stephen Coltman, Nick Clifford, Nick Moore, John Whitfield and Oliver and Caroline King. I believe the morning was parking incident free which is always very welcome indeed. Next Sunday 13th December the U10s and U12s are sharing Car Parking again duties at Datchworth as the only two match playing age groups at home. Next Weekend Sunday 13th December: U6 @ Datchworth joint training session with Hertford U7, U8,U9, U11@ Hertford - Three Way Fixture V Hertford & Saracens Amateurs U10 @ Datchworth Three Way Fixture at Hertford V Saracens Amateurs U12 @ Datchworth V Hertford RFC Next weekend all age group events and locations are assuming a 10:00 AM for a Kick Off at 10:30 Sharp
Wednesday 9 th December Mid-Week Mini Training at Datchworth Last Wednesday saw another good turnout, (26 players), across the 4 Contact Playing Age groups for mid week training. A split session for the U9s/10s and U11s/ U12s worked very well and we continue to be fortunate to have an excellent turn out of Coaches. Mini Training will continue again this week at 7:30 under the flood lights for any players U9 to U12. Forthcoming Fixture & Events 2015/16- Season Week Date Datchworth RFC Mini Section 2015/16 Season Parking Duty 15 13-Dec U7, U8, U9, U11 - at Hertford Three Way Away Fixture V Hertford and Saracens U6, U10 & U12 at Datchworth V Hertford and Saracens U10 & U12 19-Dec 16 20-Dec 17 27-Dec 18 3-Jan First XV Mini Supporters Saturday Datch Vs St Albans + Christmas Jumpers and Post Match Drinks! U7 / U8 Saracens at Allianz Park this event 2 x U7 sides playing / 1 x U8 side playing Xmas Training at Datchworth + Santas Grotto (U6, U7, U8) + Xmas lucky dip (U9, U10, U11, U 12) XMAS & NEW YEAR BREAK NO RUGBY Training at Datchworth N/A U9 XMAS U8 19 10-Jan Away Fixture Vs Old Grammarians - all Mini Section U13 Holt Tour Letter Details of the 2016 Holt Rugby Tour were published to Managers last week and we are now looking forward to collecting deposits from everyone who would like to come on Tour with us. This is an annual highlight in the Mini Section calendar and we have entered sides in each age group in the Holt RFC Kingswood Festival. Deposits of 15 per attendee are required by the 15 th January with the balance being due on or by the 19 th February. The total price this year for a player or parent is 120 per person. The price for a younger sibling, (under the age of 6), is 52 per person. The full details are contained in the Tour Letter that you may have already received from your Age Group Manager or is attached again this week for convenience.
Saturday 19 th December First XV Mini Supports Saturday Datchworth Vs St Albans On Saturday 19 th December the Datchworth First XV are playing St Albans at home. We are going to have a Mini Game before hand, (against St Alban s Mini s), we will do some hot food for the children and then we will enjoy the senior game before some post match Christmas jumper fun in the Club House! Depending on Mini Numbers will have a game of mixed age group touch and / or a possible fixture for the U9s / U11s. There will be mulled wine for all parents and it will certainly beat Xmas shopping! Do come along if you can. Sunday 20 th December Xmas Mini Training On Sunday 20 th December we will be having our final training session of 2015 and we hope some festive fun on the training pitch. After training there will be a Santa s Grotto in the Club House for all of our U6, U7 and U8 Players! We will also be having a Xmas lucky-dip for our U9, U10, U11 and U12 players in the Club House. We do hope everyone can spend some time in the Club after training for a sausage roll and to participate in the Xmas events! Closing Notes See you all next weekend for our last fixture of 2015 against Hertford and Saracens Amateurs, good luck to you all. Best wishes, Andrew Andrew Howard Chairman Mini Section