U8's wrap up the season at Mellish

After a leisurely drive on Saint Georges day morning to the U8’s last match of the season.

A lovely spring day greeted us at a busy Mellish ground, with not a dragon in sight but with a bike meet in full swing. So not only a game of Rugby to watch but a row of great bikes to admire.

Even after a long drive and a Sunday morning, the Panthers still managed to field two strong teams, which Ben, Dave and Richard ably warmed up. Mellish fought bravely with one team, giving the Panthers two fun and interesting games.

The third game was Panthers vs Panthers to give the hosts a rest, although Felix got into a discussion with Ben about the number of players on each side (so unlike my son to argue with the coach and or the ref). The Panthers are showing improvement game on game. With the improvement in passing the games are now becoming freer flowing and very enjoyable to watch. The defensive line is starting to form as per second nature and the collection of tags each match is becoming impressive. In attack the tries are starting to become a team effort and not just a solo activity. Richard’s new substitution method codenamed “sharing the love” motivated the players onto hither unseen performance and seemed to involve substituting anyone who scored, obviously to give tired legs a rest.

As an avid supporter, I am looking forward to the next season and the start of contact as many of the young players seen very much up for it, and one small wish maybe one player being a little less lippy to coaches and referees.

Thanks to the training/coaching team hoping they get a good rest over the summer ready for the new season.

Many thanks to Mellish for giving Chesterfield a solid couple of games after Mansfield cancelled and of course the most important bit
sausage and chips to feed the hungry Chesterfield mob.

Many thanks to Ben, Garvin, Dave, Andy and Richard whose hard work make this all possible and a few thoughts from the workers.

Ben:
Thought it was a strong game to end the season with. We were really starting to hold our width more in both attack and defence, as well as communicating with team mates. There was also some great passing both just before, and just after being tagged, with players running from depth onto the ball. I think everyone played well today in at least one facet of the game, with some high-pressure defence and (at times) rather robust tagging, as well as some fantastic support play and running with ball in hand.

I think we’ve had a great season with development by all players across the squad. We started the season with a strong squad which has only been enhanced by the progress made, as well as the new additions who have slotted in brilliantly. I’m now really looking forward to next season and seeing how they handle the next step, progressing into contact.

Garvin:
It’s been a fantastic season and an absolute pleasure to have been part of.The kids have really taken on board what we have tried to get across to them and the rewards are plain to see when we competed against other teams. We have a good mix, i.e. some kids are speedsters, others good at support play and others excel in defence, which should put us in a good place for next season Ilkeston was brilliant and to have two undefeated sides was amazing. I hope the kids and parents enjoyed it as much as Ollie and myself.

I think though a lot of credit must go to Ben in terms of his commitment, organisation, and the way the training sessions have developed/evolved. With a motley crew of Andrew, David, Richard, and myself then he must be doing something right.

Also, a big thanks to the parents for giving up their Sunday mornings and bringing the kids to training and away matches. At times it couldn’t have been much fun standing in the cold and wet (It’s a lot easier running around with the kids!!). It always felt good when we could produce 3 teams when other clubs sometimes struggled to get a team together.

During the summer months, I will miss my Sunday mornings watching the kids develop both as players but also as individuals (we have some good characters in the group with great personalities). Of course, I will also miss telling the kids to go “forward” 200 times and losing my voice!!

Roll on September and the U9 season.

Dave:
The Chesterfield (Red Tags) Team played as well as I have seen them play all season. There was a fine display of tagging, with two turnovers being forced (due to seven tags being taken) in a row in the first half. Special credit goes to Felix and Ella for their contribution.

Some excellent passing and catching also contributed to a convincing display against a good (but shorthanded) Mellish side.

I have immensely enjoyed helping with the team this year and very much look forward to the 2017-2018 season. The improvements from week to week are tangible, both in technical ability and in attitude. Overall a great bunch of kids.

Yours Cookie (Roving Match Reporter, U8s) + proof-reading By Rachel and special thanks to the backup photographers Felix and Ella.