Dronfield U14’s Season review 2019/20.
Results.
15-Sep Dronfield 0 Southwell 53 H
22-Sep Dronfield 24 Glossop 33 NLD H
29-Sep Chesterfield 12 Dronfield 57 A
06-Oct Dronfield 83 Tupton 0 H
13-Oct Amber Valley Cancelled
20-Oct Dronfield 64 Mosborough 5 H
03-Nov Dinnington 19 Dronfield 22 A
24-Nov Matlock 38 Dronfield 35 A
08-Dec Dronfield 38 Sheffield Tigers 24 H
15-Dec Ilkeston Cancelled
05-Jan Sheffield 19 Dronfield 45 A
12-Jan Sleaford 17 Dronfield 21 NLD A
26-Jan Dronfield 12 Dinnington 5 H
02-Feb Long Eaton 0 Dronfield 52 NLD A
01-Mar Dronfield 19 Southwell 7 NLD H
08-Mar Dronfield 26 Matlock 21 H
Played 14
Won 11
Lost 3
The squad.
Rylie
Ewan
Elliott
Max
Rory
Ashley
Seth
Luke
Blake
Connor
Taylor
Noah
Oliver
Joel
Roman
Rowan
Billy
Review.
During pre season we unfortunately lost a few players (James K, Ash D, Robin ) however, the team struck the jackpot when we were joined by new players Noah, Blake and Roman, together with Billy and Luke a few weeks later. They all slotted into the team and quickly made a difference. All of the lads were getting bigger and stronger and training hard.
Our first 2 games were against very tough opposition, first up Southwell at home followed by our first NLD game against Glossop. The narrow defeat hurting us in the NLD league ranking. The new lads, who hadn’t played much before were having to learn on the job, but there were glimpses of how well we could play, and we quickly improved, just in time for a visit to our neighbours Chesterfield.
The weather was atrocious, and in near monsoon conditions, the team clicked and we thumped them 57-12. You’ll all remember the fantastic picture someone took of the lads in a fantastic team huddle after the game, with the rain lashing down. That felt good and seemed to set us up for the rest of the season.
Good wins followed against Tupton first and then Mosborough.
Next up was Dinnington away on the 3rd November. They’ve always been a measure for us in that the games have always been tight, with Dinnington probably just nudging it. However, on a bright but blustery day we ran out 22-19 winners, with a brilliant 2nd half performance. Man of the match was Blake, chosen by their coaches, which was a real compliment to him.
The next game was a tough away trip to Matlock, where we were narrowly beaten 38-35.
Local rivals Sheffield Tigers then visited Gosforth. We were missing a few players and had to borrow 2 U15 players to give us 11 players in total. We played against 15 Tigers and ended up winning comfortably at the finish 38-24. A brilliant MOM performance by Ewan against his former club was highly satisfying for him.
After our Christmas break, which involved a ten pin bowling social for the lads and parents, we returned to action with a long trip to Sleaford in the NLD cup, on the 12th January. It was a windy day and very slippy underfoot, but we played really well and won 21-17. 3 tries from Rylie and a great game from Billy being the highlights.
We then entertained Dinnington at Gosforth in the return fixture from earlier in the season. They were out for revenge, but we showed how far we had improved by winning 19-5. They were strong, but we were stronger and showed great discipline with a strict referee (looked like Jaws from James Bond!) and a muddy pitch. Men of the match were Ash and Billy, and a solid scrum performance from Joel, Elliot and Seth / Max set the platform for us. Roman also gained in confidence with some solid runs and tackles.
Our next game was another NLD game away against Long Eaton, where the game was stopped early when we ran in 8 tries and 6 conversions to win 52-0. They were short of players so we had to play 12 a side which disrupted our pattern, and they were quite negative to play against. Rowan and Blake were outstanding and awarded MOM.
We then went through a period of horrendous weather and had to cancel several games and training sessions. The all- weather pitch on Thursday night proved invaluable, and we also spent a few Sunday mornings playing basketball at Singelfingen Park, just to keep the lads together and for fitness.
Our next game was nearly a month later when we entertained Southwell in the NLD on the 1st March. They turned up with only 11 players, which was disappointing. We were confident we had improved enough to give them a much better game than we did on the first game of the season. It was a great game and we played well, tackled well (particularly Ollie, Billy and Rylie) and 2 tries from Noah and 1 from Rylie sealed a 19-7 victory. Ash was MOM, stepping in to play scrum half in Connor’s absence. Ewan was also outstanding at 10, and a great game from Taylor in the back row disrupting their ball at the breakdown.
What proved to be our final game of the soon to be cut short season was against Matlock at home on the 8th March. They’d beaten us earlier in the season, and we once again showed how far we had come by beating them narrowly 26-21 in a really tight game. It was a great team performance from everyone and a great way to sign off the season. The scrum was solid (The work with Andy Chambers starting to reap rewards) as was our defence. Wingers Rory and Luke both played well and were improving their defensive play. Connor was his usual tenacious self, and put in some great tackles, showing real courage and punching well above his weight.
Unfortunately some global pandemic cut short our season, and curtailed any more rugby. But it won’t take away from a great season where every single player improved. The lads concentrated more, worked harder and got better week on week. They’re all becoming great young men and developing physically so fast. What’s also obvious is that they all get on as friends and watching them sat together after games is fantastic.
Just one special mention for our captain Ollie T, who has led the team from the front all season. He’s been the rock off our defence, always looking to put the big tackles. Well doen captain!
I for one can’t wait for us to be able to start again. I’m sure we won’t recognise some of them when we do, maybe some could have beards!! Frightening.
Thank you to everyone who has played a part in our great season, players, parents, supporters and in particular Andy and Scott who have brought boundless enthusiasm to the team at training and on matchdays. Craig has been a massive boost to the team this year, bringing his experience of older age teams with him and passing it onto our boys and coaches alike. Thanks also to Ellie and Nicki for all of their hard work and everyone who has helped with raffles and socials etc.
Fingers crossed for a proper celebration of the season as soon as we can.
Russ.