Andy Murray who? Wimbledon men’s finals? The only thing on the Wetherby U9s parents’ minds today was whether they could ‘man-up’ to a strong Stanningley ‘A’ side. Stanningley had won the previous match by two tries. They had just struggled to get a win a couple of weeks ago against the ‘B’ team – what were the U9s going to pull out of the bag???? A fantastic team performance – that’s what! Even coach Simon could arguably have said to have a smile on his face after the game! I know – that’s how good it was!
Stanningley had first drive of the ball – which more often than not, Oli F was there to make the 1st tackle, aided by Harry, Max and Conor. Will and Alex were the next defensive tacklers in and Stanningley had gained little or no ground. Danny and Jay then put down the next drive, Kenz, Oli S and Alex stopped the next – much to the again screaming support from the Stealth Whitewick – sorry Chris, what was that…. I couldn’t hear you?! Nope – you need to shout louder – Mick didn’t hear you today! Must try harder!
Oli F, Fergie and Will then forced turnover ball for Wetherby’s first touch of the game.
Harry as hooker/acting half played brilliantly, fed quick ball to Conor who gained good ground, Jay took the next drive and was stopped in his striding tracks by 6 of the opposition. Oli F jinked his way up the pitch but it was Mackenzie on the 4th drive that found the space and had the pace to score the first try of the match – well done Kenz! What was great to see was the team delight, encouragement and general slap on the back!
Jay, Conor and Alex stopped the big Stanningley forward on their first drive. The second drive broke thro the Bulldog defence. It was a sure try had Conor not scragged their player and hurled him to the floor. Well done Conor. This forced a knock on – turnover ball. William was then stopped very well on our defensive line. Oli F on the 2nd gained some good ground allowing Alex on the 3rd to pump up the middle. Conor ran a good line but it was a lovely tap tackle that finally felled him. Danny ran a good angle stepped a player but it was the wayward pass to Kenz that gave Stanningley the ball. Unlucky Dan – right idea!
Fortunately for Wetherby, Stanningley knocked on which gave us back possession. Kenzie then made some good yards helped on by Alex, Conor looked as though he had the legs to score out wide but good defence held him out. Oli S then made a good run. Harry whipped out a ball to Oli F who launched a ball out to Danny. Dan straightened, stepped and passed a lovely timed pass out to Fergie on the wing to score Wetherby’s 2nd try – brilliant boys – team effort! Great finish Fergie! Fab celebration Alex!
Conor, Mackenzie and Harry were the 1st ones in to tackle Stanningley. Max, Jay and Sam were the next to tackle but it was the power of the forwards that the Bulldogs couldn’t stop them from scoring a try. Well done to them – 2-1 to Wetherby.
Wetherby made an unforced error, which gave Stanningley the ball. As ever, Oli F was there to smash the oppositions big forward with Jay assisting, who had another outstanding match. The bulldogs all stepped up and tackled superbly – everyone pulled their weight. Unfortunately Stanningley scored again.
The next 10 minutes can only be described as ace! Jay ploughed up the turf, followed then by Oli F, Mackenzie and Conor. Fergie was seen to be covering both wings. Alex, Dan, Harry, Max, Sam and Will were putting in the tackles. Great rugby in attack and defence.
On Wetherbys attack just shy of our defensive try line; Kenz jinked his way up the pitch. Danny then received the ball – ran hard, stepped brilliantly – we all thought he was in for a try – would he have the legs? No! It was some great scramble defence by Stanningley. Harry sent quick ball out to Oli F who floated a great ball out to Fergie scoring another fab try. Though Chris be warned, Wetherby may end up receiving an ASBO for noise violation!
Wetherby then scored a further 2 tries before half time (a great solo effort from Fergie and then also Conor) giving it a half time score of 5-2 to the Bulldogs.
Conor then started the second half how he finished the first half with a great try. Oli F made some good ground. Conor then fed the ball onto Harry who used his magic to feet to dance his way further up the pitch. Conor on the 3rd drive received and ‘showed’ the ball to Stanningley, stepped and scored an awesome try – nice one!
Jay, Sam, Will and Oli S all defended well on the next defensive set. In attack mode – Wetherby were great. Sam had the 1st drive where he gained good ground. Danny then ran angles and stepped liked we haven’t seen from him in a while – just great. Stanningley were to pop the Dexter bubble though as they tackled Danny on the line, Danny reached for the try line and spilled the ball. Unlucky Dan – great defence Stanningley!
Wetherby defended well at the next 6. Will and Alex did brilliantly in defence, which gave Wetherby ball. We steadily made our way up the pitch with some great team play. It was Oli F who got over the line to score another try for Wetherby.
Stanningley deserved the next try though the bulldogs did make it hard for them. With the score in favour of Wetherby the pressure started to ease off and the sideline started to relax. We saw a further 2 tries for Mackenzie who did really well. It was a great team performance – if certificates could have been handed out to all, today was the day! The final score Wetherby won by 9 tries to 3 and of time of writing who is Andy Murray? Today’s winners were the Bulldogs – brilliant team performance!
Referee Master Dobson had a great game too – well done Will! Many thanks.
Man of the Match - Oli F
Most improved player - Will
Best attacking players - James and Mackenzie
Best Defensive player - Jay
Opposition Man of the Match - Conor