Darlington 25 v DCRFC 80, Darlington Mowden Park 30 v DCRFC 135

Darlington and Darlington Mowden Park v DCRFC (7th October 2012)
A great start to the season, we could not have wished for better hosts and opposition in Darlington and Darlington Mowden Park. The coaches the boys and their parents should be commended. Durham had three strong squads on show, with team names of RED, WHITE and BLUE with Darlington, the home team having one squad of six players, so when playing Darlington we went down to six to match them and ensure fair play. Early in the first game one of the Darlington players had to step off the pitch due to injury and Dylan Simpson from the Durham BLUE team stepped up to the plate and played for Darlington. This was an excellent gesture and a shining example by Dylan and his father of demonstrating the core values of Rugby Union. Dylan played particularly well! Darlington Mowden Park brought along enough players to have two good squads, Blue and White. Given the numbers we tried to have two pitches going at all times. Two of the Durham coaches and one from DMP stepped in to referee the games, this obviously limited the ‘coaching’ / observing opportunities during and in-between games for the Durham coaches. As the day drew down to lunchtime Darlington and Darlington MP retired to the clubhouse and left Durham to hold a Durham V Durham game to ensure all the boys had as much rugby as possible. The Whites played three matches whilst the reds and blues played just the two.

The weather could not have been any better, sunshine and even a little warmth coming through the clear blue sky. As the morning wore on the day continued to improve for the Durham U9 teams.

It’s always a step into the unknown when playing your first fixture of a new season, notwithstanding the introduction to contact coupled with the introduction of the ‘new rules of play’ and some new additions to our squads our players had quite a few challenges to meet head on in this first fixture and they did themselves and their parents proud.

Every team played really well, with all players demonstrating that they had listened and learnt something during our pre-season training. There were huge improvements in their general playing ability compared to last season (which was already a very good starting point). More important than the match scores was the clear understanding of the game of rugby which will continue to improve as we work through the season. The use of space, holding patterns, formations and shape, support, was a good example to all watching on how many of the boys have taken on board the principles of good play. I must also make a mention with regards to our focus and drive in the tackle. Considering where we were with this technique just a few short weeks ago I was mightily impressed by everyone’s determination to not just make an attempt at a tackle but to see it through to the conclusion of the tackle, springing back to their feet and getting back in the game. The amount of times the opposition held then released before ‘tackle’ was called was a significant differentiator between the teams. A word of caution, we still have a long way to go in all these factors, on occasion, we were distracted, lost focus and shape; however, we have made a very positive start with which to build on. We are looking forward to more hard work on the training pitch in the weeks to come.

Couple of call outs
For the WHITEs we saw a significant improvement in the tackling from game one to game two. There were some great running moves by Conor and Michael, (Michaels hips seem to be disconnected from his legs and body at times. A great reminder for everyone to focus on the core when going into a tackle so that you’re not bamboozled by the wicked sidestep).
For the REDs their discipline and shape was second to none, excellent continuation of play with the ball in hand, off loading whilst keeping forward momentum. Jake Dickinson was outstanding putting in some excellent tackles and making some fantastic runs. Some great (intelligent) wing play by Alexander and Will. The team worked brilliantly together as a really solid unit, and closed down the opposition continually to the point that they had nowhere to go.

The BLUE team had a hunger to drive the opposition back, worked well as a unit and supported each other in driving forward. All players saw plenty of the ball in hand and all had good weaving or arrowed drives toward the oppositions try line. In particular Joseph impressed with his weaving footwork and Nicolas’s support, drive and teamwork shone through. Eddie had quite a few pulsating runs right through the defensive line and try as they would they just couldn’t keep hold of him.
Above all else, the most pleasing thing was for us to see our players showing an eagerness and enthusiasm that was infectious and they demonstrated a continued willingness to listen and learn.
I would like to make a final and special mention to the parents that stepped up to the plate to help out in whatever way they could. Without you being so helpful the morning would have been impossible to manage. The core values apply to us all. It really is quite a handful to successfully run a training session and particularly a game day, for so many. I know I speak for all the coaches when I say we really do appreciate your patience, understanding and positive support.

Good start, now let’s get down to work, there is much more to come........................

Match details RED
Player List
RED
1. Harry Hughes
2. Jake Dickinson
3. Oscar Fisher
4. Alexander Lythgoe
5. Jack Murray
6. Ben Wright
7. Ben Glanville
8. William Beanland
DCRFC RED: 55 v 5 Darlington Mowden Park White
Scorers for REDs
Alexander X4, Jack X2, Will X 2, Harry X1, Ben G X1, Ben W X1
DCRFC RED: 55 v 0 Darlington Mowden Park Blue
Scorers for REDs.
Jack X2, Jake X2, Alexander X2, Ben G X1, Ben W X 1, Will X1.

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Match details WHITE
Player List
WHITE
1. James Humphries
2. Conor Murray
3. Zak Gilbert
4. Jake Russell
5. Will Carmichael
6. Michael James
7. William McKenna
8. Ben Robinson
9. Oliver Vince
DCRFC WHITE: 25 v 25 Darlington Mowden Park Blue
Scorers for WHITEs
Will Mc X2, Conor X 3

DCRFC WHITE: 45 v 10 Darlington
Scorers for WHITEs
Will Mc X5, Conor X 1, Jake X 1, Michael X 1, Ben X1

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Match details BLUE
Player List
BLUE
1. Oliver McKenna
2. Andrew Kirkup
3. Charlie Davies
4. Eddie Mason
5. Nicholas Steel
6. Joseph Bennett
7. Dylan Simpson
8. Ben Patterson

DCRFC Blue: 35 v 15 Darlington
Scorers for BLUEs
Nicolas X2, Charlie X 1, Eddie X1, Oliver X1, Joseph X1, Dylan X1.

Darlington and Darlington MP had to leave at this point so we finished with a Durham Blue V Durham White game which ended
DCRFC Blue: 35 v 10 Durham White
Scorers for Whites
Conor X3, Ben X1, Will Mc X1, Micheal X1, Oliver Vince X1.
Scorers for BLUEs
Eddie X1, Joseph X1

DCRFC U9’s play and conduct themselves to the RFU Values of:
Teamwork – Respect – Enjoyment – Discipline – Sportsmanship