U11/12Posted by Ben Harris Sun, April 25, 2010 21:42:43The club visited Bishop Auckland to complete the away leg of this season's local derby. The much anticipated Under 12's game followed Barnard Castle's mid season victory. Holidays, ash clouds and, believe it or not, River Tees swimming injuries took their toll and a slightly weakened and partially depleted side took to the field on a rainy morning. At Bishop's suggestion, the game took place on a full pitch - this was the first time Barnard Castle had played full-pitch rugby albeit recent training sessions had moved to this format.
Barnard Castle have been slow starters all season and yet again, this game proved to be no exception - clearly different tactics will have to be employed in the pre-match pep-talks next season. Bishop Auckland attacked from the outset and their strong forward pack and inside backs looked to have the measure of Barnard Castle. It didn't take long for Bishop to execute what appeared to be either a brilliant piece of improvisation or a premeditated and well-practised move - their fly half kicked across field, the wing caught the ball unopposed and strolled over for a try. Barnard Castle were still wiping the sleep from their eyes and were 7 - 0 down. That said, the try did seem to begin to wake them from their collective reverie.
Slowly but surely Barnard Castle came back into the game - the forwards began to contest and retain the ball and the inside backs began to make headway. Confidence grew and soon Barnard Castle's forwards were dominating Bishop's. The front row of Lewis, Matty and Danny - always a hand-full - had the edge on the opposition and a series of rolling mauls and rucks pushed Bishop back into their half. The half ended with probably (perhaps a slightly biased view) the best move of the game. Barnard Castle won a ruck in the centre of the pitch - the ball was passed through 3 pairs hands to Kieran who was floating between full-back and wing. He took the ball into contact, the second-row and Number 8 (Isaac, Henry and Callum) followed-up, secured the ball and Jack at scrum-half passed left to the open-side. Rees playing a fly-half took the first tackle but expertly kept his hands free and passed out of the tackle to Sam - our utility player - playing this week at inside centre. Sam made good headway before slipping the ball to Lewis who swerved past his opposite number and crossed the line with a man (Owen) to spare outside him. Jack converted. The half ended 7-7.
The second half began badly for Barnard Castle a loose kick saw the visitors lose possession in their own 22 - Bishop Auckland scored unopposed. Heads didn't drop and Barnard Castle attacked from the kick-off and looked to have regained their composure - but an intercepted pass saw the Bishop Auckland fly-half run the length of the pitch to score again. Heads did drop momentarily at this point and the hard ground, coupled with the big pitch seem to start to take its toll. But such is the character of this young side, they didn't give up. Matty in particular led from the front - exhorting the team to play to their potential - and for the remainder of the half Barnard Castle had probably the majority of the possession and territorial advantage. Unfortunately this advantage was never turned to points - the visitors came very close on a couple of occasions but never managed to cross the line. Excellent defense - in particular cover tackling and ball retention in defense from Rees, Owen and Kieran kept Bishop from scoring again. The game ended in a 21-7 victory to Bishop Auckland. Honours shared for 2010.
Matty was named man of the match for Barnard Castle.
This was the team's last outing this season and, despite the loss, this was an impressive effort - there were tired bodies and sore feet all round. Full-pitch rugby is certainly a test of both fitness and rugby sense - the latter being one of this teams strength's. Gone are the days of a swarm of little boys chasing a ball - it is noticeable how all members of the team have developed a better understanding of their roles as the season has progressed. Whilst rugby at this level is about learning new skills, developing fitness and importantly participation, results do start to matter - and this side has results to be proud of: played 10, won 6, drew 2, lost 2. Next season will see all games played on full pitches - fitness levels will have to improve and the coaches will have to work out how to jump-start the team but there is plenty of raw talent to build on.
If you would like to join this team or any other age-group next year or find out how to sponsor or support the club then please visit the Club's website for contact details (www.bcrufc.org).
U9/10Posted by Ben Harris Thu, April 15, 2010 20:58:06Match Report, U9/U10 versus Wensleydale, Home 11th April 2010.
Wensleydale brought not only plenty of players and a sizeable crowd
but also gloriously warm, sunny weather. Their under 9s were away
playing a tournament elsewhere so to make sure everyone got a game their
under 10's played against a combined U9/ U10s Barnard Castle team. The
match was broken up into 4 quarters with plenty of substitutions to
keep everyone involved. Although the first quarter was scoreless it was
probably the most entertaining . Both sides played excellent rugby,
Barney showed more drive and purpose and 'Dale seemed to be passing more
effectively but the sides were very evenly balanced. In the second
quarter 'Dale put together a slick passing move with excellent support
play to score the first try. Barney immediately replied with a try from
George following a powerful forward drive. 'Dale then showed more great
support play and scored again. The second half ended with a fine solo
burst from Rohan almost result in an equalising try. Half time Barney 1;
Wensleydale 2. In the third quarter Barney started strongly and stole
ball from the opposition and good support play released Will to run in a
try on the wing. Barney were starting to tire and make more mistakes
and 'Dale snapped up lost ball and scored two more quick tries. The last
quarter continued in the same pattern with Barney's good work being
undone by small mistakes which the visitors kept taking advantage of.
The final score of Barnard Castle 2 - Wensleydale 7, was a very harsh
reflection on a spirited and largely very skillful display by Barney. In
all very pleasing display by our mixed age group squad against a very
accomplished and entertaining Wensleydale U10s team.
U7/8/TagsPosted by Ben Harris Wed, April 07, 2010 21:27:20Under 8
Match report
The
Under 8’s lead by captain and man of the match James bounced back from
their
disappointment of an early exit from the Newcastle Falcons tournament
with a
resounding 3 games to nil victory against West Hartlepool. A try count
of 21 to
14 was pleasing with some attacking play from Adam and both Sam’s, Ralph
had a
couple of mazy runs that dumbfounded the opposition, Ethan showed strong
desire
to get on the score sheet and tagged well, whilst Flo, Mark and Rachel
provided
e
excellent support.
Under 7 match report
In
the Under 7’s both games were high scoring victories to a well
disciplined
Barney side. Man of the match Guy encouraged his team mates to crush the
visitors, leading attack after attack with support from Jay, Ben, Ollie
and
Jamie. When West tried to counter attack, they were met by determined
tagging
lead by Archie supported by Brandon, Fergus and new recruit Jake. Coach
Linda
was particularly pleased to see the younger members of the team, namely
Fergus, Ben and Nat, getting fully involved and learning from the more
experienced
players.
U11/12Posted by Ben Harris Wed, April 07, 2010 21:26:51A much depleted Barnard Castle under 12 side turned out against
full-strength Hartlepool. Sickness, injury and school trips had served
to reduce the normal squad to only 9 - and that included Owen who was
struggling to limp, let alone walk, reportedly after a school
dance-a-thon the day
before.
West's coach was helpful from the outset - offering
to balance the sides in the interest of ensuring a fair competition.
Three players were offered up and a makeshift set of backs
were assembled - Sam was at fly-half, Kieran at centre and a slightly
more mobile (following a gentle warm-up) Owen on the wing. The
Hartlepool loan players (2 of whom were forwards, filled the gaps). Alec
played scrum half. The Barnard Castle forwards were largely playing in
their normal
positions - which proved to be as
well as the Hartlepool side were in no mood to take it easy.
Early
play saw well-matched forward packs battling for supremacy - Hartlepool
won the early contests and were able to get the ball to their backs -
who were easily a match for the makeshift Barnard Castle back-line. Two
quick
scores gave Hartlepool a 14-0 lead. Having recognised that their
back-line was vulnerable out-wide, the Barnard Castle forwards decided
to keep the
ball to themselves - a sound tactic - and slowly but surely Barnard
Castle
came back into the game. They were eventually rewarded by a try (to
Lewis) that followed an extended period of rolling mauls and missed
opportunities (the ball being held-up over the line on a couple of
occasions). Alec,
Sam and Kieran played good supporting roles - bringing the ball back to
the forwards when won and avoiding exposing the outside backs.
Sam
demonstrated his versatility by converting the Barnard Castle try. The
half
finished 21-7.
The West's coach
demonstrated truly Corinthian sporting behaviour when he swapped his
players at half time - offering Barnard Castle probably his strongest
three backs in
return for those lent for the first half! This served to balance the
sides perfectly - if anything shading it toward the home side. A superb
second half of flowing ruby ensued - the well-balanced forward packs
continued to contest evenly in the rucks and mauls whilst Alec, now with
a
back line he could be confident in, had an excellent half around the
scums, rucks and mauls - delivering good ball to Sam and Kieran. The
hybrid Barnard Castle-Hartlepool backs proved their worth with one (we
think Jason) even
scoring against his own side in the corner. Sam duly converted. Another
converted try to Barnard Castle quickly ensued and the score sat for the
last 10 minutes at
21-21.
The highlight of the second half was undoubtedly the
covering
tackles that Owen (now showing marked improvement in his mobility) put
in, one of which almost certainly prevented a
Hartlepool try.
Hartlepool pressed hard on several occasions but
Barnard Castle defended well. Sam revelled in his role at fly-half -
kicking for safety at
pretty much every opportunity. However, his kicking
prowess was clearly not of sufficient standard to impress the Barnard
Castle front
row - as Danny decided he could do better - sadly the outcome was not
quite has he might have anticipated....the kick went askew and a try to
Hartlepool was narrowly
averted...Danny put his kicking boots away (perhaps forever).
After
an extended period deep in their own half, Barnard Castle's backs
attacked Hartlepool's line again, but with the timekeeper and
referee's consultant conscious that a Barnard Castle victory would
really be a
travesty given Hartlepool's sportsmanship, the full-time whistle could
not come too soon. Final score 21-21.
Man of the
match for Barnard Castle was Owen - for his excellent 2nd half defense,
tackling,
and determination to play despite his injury! Special thanks must go to
Hartlepool and in particular their coach for balancing
the sides and ensuring a enjoyable game.
Postscript: match
reports are much easier when written immediately after the event.
Apologies to supporters and players for any poetic license that the
author may have taken - the events were largely as reported but some
details may have been misrepresented.
U11/12Posted by Ben Harris Wed, April 07, 2010 21:25:55Rumour has it that the BCRUFC Under 12's beat Bishop Auckland in a
closely fought local derby in early March. Unfortunately, your regular
correspondent was unable to attend (being on sabbatical in Edinburgh).
Only a few facts are available: the Bishop Auckland side outweighed the
finely honed Barnard Castle side; Bishop score first (a common theme);
this served as a wake-up call and once Barnard Castle decided that size
didn't matter and started to tackle like they had been practicing, the
tables were turned. Matty (duty coach) was said to be 'chuffed' and out
of pocket given promised rewards (lollipops all round). Kieran was
named 'man of the match'.
U7/8/TagsPosted by Ben Harris Mon, March 08, 2010 22:08:20The bright sky and soft ground meant the Barnard Castle Tag teams met excellent conditions at the Newcastle Falcons Tag competition on Sunday 7th March. Twenty players made up two squads for the Under 8 and Under 7 competitions, well supported by family and friends.
The Under 8's were in a strong pool with Northern, Percy Park and Tynedale. In the first match Adam lead the way with three excellent tries, well supported by Sam A, Ralph and James, before Northern came back strongly to win 4 - 3. We were caught out by one or two unexpected refereeing decisions in the second match but Rachel and Flo tagged well, with Sam S-R and Adam getting to grips with the double tagging rule before we went down 4 - 0 to a competitive Percy Park.
The final match against Tynedale was for pride and James lead from the front with some strong running, Ethan made a couple of good breaks and Mark tagged well, but the opposition ran in three tries to our one, scored by Sam S-R. Whilst disappointed, the squad enjoyed using one hand, learnt from the experience and charged off to support the Under 7's.
The Under 7 squad had a larger pool, made up of Horton, Penrith, Tynedale and Whitley Bay Rockcliffe, meaning an extra match to win to have any chance of progressing into the quarter finals. A 6 - 0 trouncing of Horton was a superb start with tries coming from some determined attack play involving Jay, Guy, and Sam.
The next match against a well drilled Rockcliffe team was closer with an eventual win 3-2, the defensive line was unbelievable, great tagging from Jamie, supported by Thomas. The squad gelled as a team with some strategic substitutions and both Fergus and Ben showed great potential for next year. During the third match against Tynedale we produced a strong performance both in attack and defence, Brandon and Jamie tagged all over the pitch, while Sam charged forward with Guy and Ollie in support giving us a deserved victory 4-0.
Our last game against Penrith was a tough examination of the team’s strengths but lead by Archie, Ollie and Sam we ground out a solid victory 3-2. The opposition found our drive too strong and their coach struggled to keep their emotions in check, our victory all the sweeter as Penrith ended up the defeated finalists.
The quarter Final was against Northern, who realising they were up against it, needed two coaches on the pitch. We made a strong start but the opposition were well organised and the tough pool matches started to take their toll, Northern adapted well to the referee's interpretation of the tagging rules, and we were left trailing 2 - 1. The try scored by Guy, a superb individual effort, rounding off a tremendous day's sport for all who participated.
U9/10Posted by Ben Harris Sun, February 14, 2010 17:52:48Under 9s / Under 10s , Away to Sunderland, Sunday 7th February 2010.
After a long gap due to Christmas and bad weather we eventually managed to play some competitive rugby and thankfully it was very competitive througout all the games. The weather was much improved on recent weekends but still very cold and wet with enough mud to keep a pigmy hippo happy. At one point the sky turned that dark there were rumours of an unexpected eclipse of the sun.
The first match was a predominantly under nines game played 9 a side thanks to the loan of a spare Sunderland player. The game started impressively with Barney driving back the bigger Sunderland team and Miles broke free to almost score in the corner. This was shortly followed by an excellent maul from which Edward stole the ball and ran in for a solo try. 0-1 A series of penalty decisions gave territory to Sunderland who created an overlap and scored in the corner. 1-1 Half time. In the second half Sunderland were more organised in contact and a forward drive lead to another try with the assist going to the ref who seemed to have a mysterious arm injury.2-1 Another penalty resulted in a third Sunderland try. 3-1. We then had the two best pieces of play in the match .Firstly a super run down the wing by Will almost resulted in a try in the corner and then a beautiful scissors move by the Sunderland center and a lenght of the field run was only stopped by a fine last ditch tackle by Miles. Final score 3-1. This was not really a fair reflection on the quality of play produce by the Barney side.
The under10s game also saw Barney drive back Sunderland which lead to a fine run by Sol. A Sunderland breakaway was only stopped by a tackle by Edward who then went on to make his own unstoppable solo run for the first try.0-1 Even the home fans were waxing lyrical about the quality of play. Rohan made a break from scrum half and even when the ball was lost Barney hit Sunderland back into their own in goal line and an unidentified Barney player dropped on the ball for a second try ( Sorry I didn't see who it was. ). 0-2. Sunderland the ran in a try straight from the restart.1-2. Sunderland were then awarded a scrum near the Barney line ,( more grumbling from the touchline ) which they proceeded to score from. 2-2. The next Sunderland try was much more deserved following a good passing move from a lineout . 3-2. Barney then got stuck into a driving maul which set up sprint over the line by Miles. 3-3. Full time and probably a reasonable result despite official interventions.
The next game was an 11 a side affair wich was predominantly under 9s and required the loan of 3 Sunderland players. The pitch was too small for this number of players and things became desperately congested. The combination of too little space and a busy referee resulted in a game that went nowhere quickly and the stalemate was only broken with the last play of the game when Edward eventually found a gap to score in the corner 0-1. Full time ( thankfully ).
The last game seemed to involve the Barney under 10s playing against a big center from Sunderland. Big center gets the ball and to screams of " tackle his legs " from the sideline and scores. 1-0. An excellent break from the hardest working Barney player, Aiden ,ties up the score. 1-1. Big center gets ball and scores. 2-1. The Barney players still seem to be unsure about how to tackle him. Half time. Barney again resort to the forward drive and release Edward to score again. 2-2. Big center gets the ball ,but this time Rohan flings himself at the offending legs much to his own discomfort and spinning head. Miles then finishes the tackle some metres short of the line . The big center then rolls over about 35 times and is awarded the try as" his momentum took him over " . In the words of Raffa Benitez, " I do not wish to say anything about the referee". Final score 3-2 ( Harsh !).
Overall an excellent display by all the Barney players, the rucking and mauling was fantastic and was finished off by backs who were always looking to move the ball and find spaces to attack. The" Man of the Match" for the Under 9s was Edward ,who also was in contention for the Under 10s, thanks to mercurial running and nose for a scoring opportunity. The Under 10s " Man of the Match" was Aiden whose work rate was extraordinary in both loose and tight play.
U11/12Posted by Ben Harris Sun, February 14, 2010 17:49:58Under 11/12's , Away to Sunderland, Sunday 7th February 2010.
The Barnard Castle under 12's team dusted off the icicles and fronted for their first game in 8 weeks away against Sunderland. School and scout trips and illness meant that the side that turned out was significantly depleted from that which had played so well at Upper Eden back in early December.
Sunderland on the other hand turned out a full strength side with players to spare and with players of a size that suggested to the BC supporters that there was something in the water in Sunderland that was lacking in Upper Teesdale.
Prematch warm-ups were completed in pouring rain and with underfoot conditions poor and a only a very small pitch available a somewhat bedraggled Barnard Castle (supplemented by 3 donated players from Sunderland) fronted nervously to their opposition.
The size mismatch clearly was playing on the minds of the Barnard Castle side and from the kickoff it looked like it was going to be a game of men against boys. Sunderland quickly piled on the points - Banard Castle's positional play and defence was poor - there were some good covering tackles but Barnard Castle were on the back-foot for most of the first half. There were a few occasions when, with possession, they ran back at Sunderland but no score resulted and Sunderland's lead rapidly increased.
The half-time pep talk had its normal galvanising effect - the side that played in the second half (the same as the first save a turn-over in Sunderland's donated players) showed form much nearer to that demonstrated in previous games. Tackling was sound, position play better and ball retention significantly improved. The try tide was stemmed and although outscored in the second half again, they finished the side with heads held high.
In a second game, the BC elected to play Horden - a much more even physical match. The sides chose to play 10 a side, preferring to rely on their own team mates rather than supplement with players that they were unfamiliar with. The benefits of this were readily apparent - the shape of the side was reestablished. Forward play was much tighter, Jack was impressive around the scrum and the link to the backs and back interplay was much more fluent.
Barnard Castle positional play was superior to Horden's - forwards and backs played their respective roles well - and space soon opened up as the less well organised Horden backs were sucked in to the rucks and mauls. Zak took advantage of this to score two run-away tries. The forwards also demonstrated good ball retention and Lewis and Matty both scored. Barnard Castle didn't have it all their own way. Horden fought back and score three good tries through their forwards.
The second half saw Barnard Castle pull away with tries to Zak and Lewis.
A mixed bag - but it was good to get back to playing. Plenty for the side to work at - covering tackling in particular being an obvious weakness.
Tries Zak (3), Lewis (2), Matty (1)
Man of the match: Jack
