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Lead Coach

Pete Yeates Tel: 01202 887093 Email : Pete

This season's u11 side, resplendent in new match kit presented to them prior to the New Milton Tournament. The new kit was sponsored by Phil Ford of Copyrite Business Solutions Ltd and Pete Thorn of Places To Go Tourism Leaflet Distribution.

Co-Ordinator

Jude Yeates Tel: 01202 887093 Email : Jude

Coach

Miguel Granel

Coach

Jim Rock

WIMBORNE UNDER 11’s TOURNAMENT WINNERS 2008
The last week of the season was already upon us, it only seems like last week we started out on the new season. The final weekend as usual saw Wimborne host their own festival. After a couple of late withdrawals the format was similar to that of previous years with one group of 6 teams all playing each other with the team topping the table winning the tournament. After a wet and thundery start the day remained warm and dry with the occasional sunny spell.

After a late switch it was off to Chapel Gate and not Bradford for the finals day of the Wilts & Dorset Cup. Bournemouth were the other Dorset representatives with Salisbury and Chippenham representing Wiltshire. We weren't too sure of the format, it seemed to change every few minutes, would it be a Round Robin or something else? In the end I think it was the Dorset & Wilts sides playing each other in semi-finals and winners in the final for the overall title, so we'll stick with that!

So the semi-final against Bournemouth on their own patch. After plenty of rain on the Saturday, Sunday was warm and dry. How would the lads start? Far too often the first game of any tournament see the players start slowly and take time to get into their stride. This was no exception. For most of the first half Wimborne were stuck in mid-field mauling away with Bournemouth's bigger looking forwards. Our rucking game was not coming together and the backs weren't getting any ball. Neither side looked like scoring in the first half as both struggled for any form and fluidity. However, just as we thought it would end scoreless the lads showed a glimpse of the rugby they have been playing of late. From centre field a ruck formed and the forwards retained the ball. Peter dug in and passed quick ball to Patrick, who in typical fashion this season, made plenty of ground beating several defenders before Bournemouth held him 10 metres out. Again the ruck was won, this time the backs had plenty of space as Bournemouth had been sucked in to Patrick's run the maul. Once the ball came out there was little or no defence to stop Sam Stroud converting the opportunity. In the second half the lads played better but were still not firing on all cylinders. Wimborne pressured Bournemouth and were camped firmly in their half, stout defence keeping us out. It was a matter of time though before the second score. After constant driving, rucking and recycling to keep the ball moving forward, Patrick broke free, again after good work in the ruck and quick ball from Peter, to score, three Bournemouth players unable to hold him back. Wimborne continued to press. Bournemouth defending becoming more frantic, which lead to a penalty just 5 metres out. Ashton received the ball and dived for the line, with two Bournemouth players hanging on to him but they could not stop his momentum. Ashton duly scored the final try of the game to seal a 15-0 win meaning Wimborne are Dorset Champions at least.

The Wilts semi-final saw Chippenham overcoming Salisbury 25-0.

So to the final. The lads knew it would be a tough game, Chippenham one of only two sides to beat them this season. The game commenced with Chippenham, much more aggressive in the rucks and mauls, pressing our 22 and try line. Ferocious tackling kept them out for the early part of the half, but despite strong defensive tackling Chippenham had an over lap, with their winger scoring in the corner. The half continued with a physical battle mainly in the centre of the pitch with neither side being able to break through. Into the second half and the lads began to play much better with some good rucking and passing, a bit more like their usual selves. Wimborne pressured the Chippenham players deep in their half. A number of driving runs from Ashton, Patrick, James Rock and particularly George making headway but halted by strong intense defence, sometimes by means you would not expect the game to be played. A dangerous tackle gave us a Penalty 10 metres out, pretty much the last play of the game. One last effort, Ashton driving through, held up then George, then James Rock, then Patrick but to no evail. The second half Wimborne were on top but just could not make the breakthrough. Final score Wimborne 0-5 Chippenham.

Prior to the final we also played Salisbury. It wasn't a pretty game and ended scoreless which is about all that could be said for it.

Overall we have seen the lads play much better rugby this season, but it wasn't to be. It has been a long season nearly over, just one last effort at the Wimborne Festival next Sunday.

The Coaches

It has now been confirmed that the County Tournament will take place this Sunday (20/04/2008) at Bournemouth RFC...the registration time is 1030 for an 1100 kick off...match shirts will be available however please wear also bring normal Wimborne Kit...the format will be a round robin between the four teams...match duration will be decided on the day...

It was an early start as the Tournament kicked off at 9.30. In the group stage we were to play Launceston, Oakmeadians, Landaf North and North Dorset.

First match was against Launceston, a strong Cornish side. The match was due to kick off at 9.30, we managed to stall by about 10 mins as we did not have a full team. Anyway the game started with the 11 players we did have, in all sorts of positions! As expected the game was fairly even at the start with the lads more than holding their own in the physical contest, winning the rucks and scrums. At half time we had a few more players and could chop and change to a normal side in the right positions. Now with more continuity the lads pressed the Launceston try line. The only score of the game came from just such pressure, from a scrum, Wimborne won the ball and passed quickly through the backs making use of the spaces left in defence with Luis running into score. Staunch defence at the end kept Launceston out. A great result bearing in mind we started the match the way we did!

The second match up was against local rivals Oakmeadians. The lads struggled at the start and missed a number of tackles to allow the 11 Oaks players to score the opening try. It didn't take long though for normal service to be resumed. First Luis equalled the score after a quick passing move gained good ground, Luis on the loop to score. Next up was Olly, from a lineout, 10 metres out, a ruck was formed. From the back of the ruck Olly picked and went to score unchallenged. The third score was from Patrick, after a kick and chase, Oaks dallied in defence and from the ensuing ruck Patrick repeated the pick and go to score. By now the tries were coming like buses, with James Rock after a strong drive, Olly again with a typical rampaging run, Luis sprinting past everyone and finally Roddy, after a quick passing move to open up space for the winger to score and seal a 35-5 win.

Next up was visiting Welsh side Landaf North, so we didn't know what to expect. At the start the game was fairly even, Wimborne being enticed into a mauling game and neither side making much progress, Landaf stifling the Wimborne play. The second half started with a bang. Straight from the kick off the forwards chased down the ball, Landaf hesitated for a split second which was all that was needed, James Rock pouncing on the ball was unstoppable as his momentum carried him over. That seemed to knock Landaf back. Wimborne were allowed to play and started to move the ball around, missed tackles allowed Barney to score the second try after a mazy run. The final try of the match was scored by Olly, after Peter nearly made the score himself, with the usual guile Peter dug the ball out of a ruck deep in our own half and saw a gap. Sprinting down the pitch he was tackled just short, Olly in support picked up the ball and bull-dozed his way through to score.

The final group game was against North Dorset, frequent rivals over the last year. Wimborne provided constant pressure to the Dorset line. The ball was passing and moving quickly but stout defence kept us out for most of the half. Dorset could not keep us out indefinitely and just before half time Patrick scored the opening try after a forceful run through the defence. The second half was more of the same with Wimborne camped in the Dorset half. Olly was to score the second try, after an often used long lineout throw, peeling off the back Olly dived for the line and could not be stopped. The final try was scored by James Williams after a period of retaining possession, re-cycling the ball well and speedy footwork.

On to the semi-final and we would play Eastleigh Pirates. The game turned out to be a one-sided affair with Eastleigh no match for an on-song Wimborne team. The first 3 scores were from James Williams, the first following strong forward play and quick passing out to James to score, the second after Luis ran from deep, offloading to James in space and the third, turnover ball at a ruck with quick ball through the backs again found James on the receiving end. The scores kept coming with first Sam Churches driving the last few yards after the backs had made ground and Peter after a long run from deep, this time he could not be caught. The lads were not finished yet and came up with 3 more scores, from Tate after a typically mazy run, Olly after a kick and chase pressurizing the defence, stealing the ball for a straightforward drive over the line and finally to seal a 40-0 win, Sam Churches again after another good example of re-cycling the ball and keeping it alive.

To the final then, which would see us play Hereford RFC, a team we played in last seasons tournament. It had been a long day but the final had been worth the wait. After the semi-final we didn't think it could get any better, but it did. The lads came out firing on all cylinders, Hereford didn't know what hit them. The lads were tackling fiercely, rucked and won every ball, moving it quickly through the backs. In only a few minutes Wimborne were 15-0 to the good, with first Tate finishing off a quick passing move, Luis stealing the ball from a maul and dashing up the blind side to score un-opposed and James Williams taking the spoils after a typically direct drive from Patrick. In the second half Wimborne sat back a little, but still pressured the Hereford line adding two more scores. The first from Patrick after a scrum against the head, Patrick could not be stopped as he ploughed his way through and to top off a glorious day, Olly with another typical driving run that no one could halt.

So back to winning ways! 6 wins out of 6 with only one try conceded and excellent all-round play from everyone. The coaches all agreed, the first half of the final was some of the best rugby they had seen, everything clicked into place. Well done to everyone who turned out and played, making the long day worth while.

Next week the Tour! Hope you've got your shirts ready........

The Coaches

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The following have been selected to represent the WRFC U11's in the Bournemouth Tournament on Sunday 30th March 2008

Pete and the Coaches

Sunday saw the visit to Leigh Park of both Winchester and Swanage & Wareham. Both teams we have played recently. After overnight rain the pitch was a bit of a mud bath but the rain held off during the morning and the sun occasionally shone.

The first match up was against Swans and it was decided to play a longer match, 15 mins each half. The lads started well again which is becoming a good trait. First score was not long in coming with James Williams in the centre making a break, in the tackle just short of the try line he off-loaded to Alex Waller-Edwards in close support who twisted is way through the last defenders to score. Next up it was James turn to score, from a scrum just in our own half, Peter tenacious at scrum half as usual, fed quick ball to the backs with James weaving his way through the Swans defence to score the second. Swans started to come back and press the Wimborne line. However, a basic handling error meant the ball was dropped, Partick pounced on the loose ball and set off on mazy run to score the third un-opposed. Swans bounced back with a score of their own as Wimborne for once missed a number of tackles. Wimborne finished the stronger though with a fourth try. After a dangerous tackle 10 metres out, Ashton took the penalty but was held up just short, Wimborne forwards provided the driving force to keep possession and from the back of the ruck James Rock took the opportunity to pick and go the last few yards to seal a 26-7 win.

The second match was against Winchester, a good strong side so we knew it would be physical game. And so it turned out. Both sides evenly matched with early play taking place in centre field with neither side making too much impression. As the half wore on Wimborne began to increase the pressure and spent the remaining minutes in the Winchester half, rucking well and moving the ball through the backs. The only score of the game came towards the end of the half after just such pressure. Driving forward Wimborne were held up and a scrum awarded to Winchester. Wimborne won the scrum, quick ball from Peter to Patrick at fly-half gave the opportunity to exploit a gap, Winchester seemed to be asleep at this point and watched Patrick twist his way through the defence without a tackle being made. The second half was more of the same both sides evenly matched and cancelling each other out. Final score 7-0 to Wimborne.

Once again well done lads

The Coaches

Off to Sherborne again after making the trip only 3 weeks ago for the Dorset Cup. The forecast was not looking good but it turned out to be a warm spring day with the rain holding off.

First match was against Sherborne. The lads were very quickly into their stride scoring two quick tries, both from James Williams. The first after good forward play making ground, rucking to good effect. Peter dug the ball out and with a quick pass to the backs, James ran into score. The second was from the kick off, James catching the ball, which just about went 7 metres, twisting and weaving his way through the Sherborne players who could not stop him from scoring. After that the lads took the foot off the gas and seemed content to leave it at that, 10-0 to Wimborne.

Second match was against visiting side Castle Cary, another team we had not previously met. The lads started as they did the first game, good rucking, mauling and passing through the backs. The first score came after a good passing move was ended with a high tackle. From the penalty just short of the line the drive was held up but Sam Churches grabbed the ball to dive over the line. The pressure continued, from a lineout a maul ensued, gradually moving towards the try line. George peeled off with the ball to score the second try. The third was not long in coming. James Williams made a break and passed through the backs to Mitch who ran through the Sherborne defence, who missed tackle after tackle to allow the score relatively un-opposed. The fourth try started and ended with Sam Churches. From a lineout Sam stole the ball from his opposite number, the backs passed and moved making ground towards the try line. Just as a maul was forming Sam grabbed the ball and dived the last metre over the line to seal a 20-0 win.

The last game was against Sherborne. This turned out to be a similar affair to the first game with the lads scoring two quick tries and seemingly content to then sit back. The first was from James Williams after continued pressure on the Sherborne try line. The second from Luis who ran from inside his own half, weaving and twisting his way through the defensive line. The lads spent the remainder of the match deep in the Sherborne half but could not increase the score, the final result 10-0.

Thanks to all those players who made the trip. For those going on tour in April, as we are going to surfing Mecca on the north Cornwall coast, the theme is Hawaii so dig out your old shirts and shorts.

The Coaches

Sunday saw the All Blacks make the trip to Sherborne RFC for the County Cup competition, first phase. The format was 2 pools of 5 teams with the top 2 from each going through to a semi-final. The winners then going on to the second phase with the winners of the Wiltshire round, on 20th April at Bradford-on-Avon RFC.

Wimborne were drawn in Pool A with Swanage & Wareham, Blandford, Lychett Minster and Dorchester.

First up were Swan's, on a perfect spring like day for rugby. The lads were on it from the start, playing to their strengths rucking and driving up the pitch towards the try line. The first score was not long in coming, from a ruck, Peter, dug the ball out and quickly passed to Pat who couldn't be stopped by two defenders as his momentum took him over the line. This was quickly followed up with a second score for Luis. Again from a scrum in the centre, Peter quickly moved the ball to the backs who passed through the line, with Luis running in. In the second half the pressure continued. Just short of the try line, George was tackled high and swung to the ground. From the penalty, Ashton like a bull-dozer was not to be stopped as he scored the third. The final try summed up the good start the lads had made. Good rucking and passing throughout created the opportunity for George to dive over to seal a 20-0 win, which had the lads off to a flying start.

Next up was Lytchett, a team despite their close proximity to Wimborne, we have never previously met. The lads continued where they left off from the first game and the play was firmly in the Lytchett half throughout. The first score was from Sam Stroud after good driving, quick ball and a twisty run from Sam to finish off a good move. The second was a carbon copy of the first, with Sam Stroud making the ground and off-loading in the tackle to George for the easiest of scores. The third was a great example of the lads thinking for themselves and it worked a treat. From a short defensive Lytchett kick, the following lineout ball was thrown long with Olly peeling off the back, whilst Lytchett watched, not expecting the long ball, Olly powered towards the line, the defenders unable to hold him back. Further scores came from Sam Churches, following a maul, with the aid of his fellow forwards driving him over he managed to ground the ball, Ashton with a repeat of the maul and drive and lastly Sean who was on the fringes of the maul as the ball came out, to finish the game 30-0.

The third game was also against a close neighbour, but never played, Blandford RFC. Understandably the lads seemed to take a pause at the start of this game after their flying start to the competition, allowing Blandford too much ball and being drawn into a mauling game with the ball frequently wrapped up. The first half was a bit scrappy as a result, but towards the end the lads started to play to their strengths. The first score was from Pat who received the ball from James Williams after gaining ground from a mid-field ruck where he picked and went. Normal service was starting to be resumed, the lads rucking the ball well, with quick ball through the backs to Mitch on the wing who beat his man on the outside to score the second. Mitch was to score the third try of the game from a tap and go penalty, Blandford were not organised and he ran in un-opposed. Wimborne took the foot of the gas a little at this stage and after allowing Blandford some possession, conceded the first try of the day. Were we going to see a collapse of England proportions? Of course not, the lads kicked back into gear, with Tate scoring the final try after a tidy catch from a poor Blandford kick, weaving his way in to score and end the match 20-5.

The final group game was Dorchester. The lads looked a little tired at this stage but Dorchester were no match for the strong rucking and fluid passing. Mitch was first on the score sheet after supporting Ashton, who in typical fashion gained plenty of ground and in the tackle just short of the line off-loaded to Mitch for a straight forward score. The second score was for Ashton himself, after pressuring the try line the ball was quickly re-cycled by Sam Churches from a ruck just short, giving Ashton the simplest of opportunities. From the kick off Pat caught the ball and immediately set off, gaining plenty of Dorchester ground, in close support was James Williams who received a simple pass from Pat to score. The final try was a repeat performance, from the kick off this time Ashton caught the ball and marauding down the pitch was held 5m out, off-loading in the tackle to the supporting Sam Stroud to score and end the group stage with a 20-0 win.

So to the semi-final where we would play Sherborne as runners up to Bournemouth in Pool B. After an hours rest the lads came out playing as they had started the day. Sherborne could not match our forward play and after constant pressure deep in their own half, Olly was to score the first try after a poor kick from their own try line travelling around 10m was returned with interest. The game continued in this vein, with the lads sticking to good rucking and ball movement. Another score was not long in coming, after typical forward play driving up the pitch, James Williams was on hand for the final drive over the line and when the bodies had all got up, he was at the bottom of the pile with the ball. The third try was James Williams again after a kicking exchange, from deep in our own half James ran pretty much the length of the pitch, weaving his way past defenders to score. There was no let up, Olly scoring the fourth after another example of forward power, a maul driving towards the try line from which Olly ripped the ball and could not be prevented from scoring. Wimborne were not finished yet. To cap a good days performance the backs had one last shout with Luis twisting and weaving his way from the half way line, he could not be caught as he ran in to score. Sherborne scored one at the end but it was too little too late, final score 25-5 to Wimborne.

Well done to the team, a great all-round performance through the day, the rugby played to achieve 5 wins out of 5 was excellent, it was just like watching the real All Blacks!
Roll on 20th April and finals day at Bradford-on-Avon.

The Coaches

With Christmas and the wet weather providing a long break, the lads finally got to play a bit of rugby as we went down the road to Chapel Gate to play Bournemouth and fellow visitors, Winchester RFC.

First match up was against Winchester's B-side. On a perfect day for rugby the lads hit the ground running from the start and the B-side were no match for the All Blacks. Early pressure told with good passing and driving. After several phases, making ground, the lads were held up just short of the line. From the ruck Patrick performed a perfect pick and go and the defence could not prevent the first score. From the restart the Winchester kick was long and saw the lads having to defend deep. The ball kept moving forward bit by bit with Winchester trying to halt our progression up the pitch. From a ruck in our own half there was almost a turnover ball, however, Sam Churches ensured there would not be one with an effective clear out of the opposition. The ball came out of the ruck to Sam Stroud who ran away from all chasers to score the second try. By now the lads were playing well especially in the backs with good passing and movement. The third try was a perfect example, on half-way Tate had the ball, made some ground and passed to Luis on his shoulder. Luis, with still a bit to do, sprinted towards the try line, side stepping the opposing winger on the outside and left him for dead on pace to score. The final try of the match was scored by James Williams, who after receiving the ball deep in our own half, twisted and turned his way the length of the pitch to make the final score 24-0.

Second up was the Winchester A-side. A team we played back in December who were big and physical so we knew we were in for a tough game. And so it turned out to be. Both sides cancelled each other out to some degree, with good tackling all round, rucking, mauling and passing. The strong tackling prevented either side from creating a clear cut scoring chance, although Sam Stroud, with a typical break away run was destined to break the stalemate, but for the referee who brought the game to a halt due to an injury.......... The match finished 0-0, but a good test for both teams.

The final game was against hosts, Bournemouth, the first match up with local rivals this season. The lads continued to play well following the tough Winchester games. Much of the match was spent in the Bournemouth half, with Wimborne clearly on top. The lads threatening to score early. After an initial kick and chase, deep into Bournemouth territory, the Bournemouth players were slow to respond with Wimborne bearing down on them. A ruck ensued, Wimborne coming up with the ball, Patrick driving for the line was held up and unable to ground the ball. It wasn't long though before the try line was breached. From a rare Bournemouth foray into our half, the ball was turned over and passed to Sam Stroud, playing full back, who launched a big kick down field, with a line of black advancing quickly after the ball. Again Bournemouth did not deal with the situation and were herded in to touch around 10 metres from the try line. From the line out James Rock magnificently caught the ball, turned and sprinted for the line, with the Bournemouth defence unable to stop his momentum and prevent the score. To cap off a good days rugby Ashton scored the final try. The backs were moving the ball fluidly, James Williams made a break from the half way line, avoiding a number of defenders but didn't make the try line as he was tackled high. From the penalty 5 metres out Ashton steam-rollered the massed Bournemouth defence who could not hold him back and prevent the score, sealing a 12-0 win.

Overall a perfect day for rugby and an all round excellent performance from the lads who made the trip.

Well done.

The Coaches

Sunday saw an All Blacks away day to New Milton, with Winchester RFC also visiting. Despite rain all week and through Saturday the games went ahead on a cold, windy, showery day, with the pitches resembling a mud bath.

First up was a short match against a New Milton 2nd XII. From the off Wimborne were on top, driving forward and passing well through the back line. First scorer was Ollie, the only player to react to the ball coming out of the ruck on the left flank, he grabbed the ball while everyone stood and watched, covering the short distance to score. Next up was Sam Stroud finishing off a good move after quick ruck ball and passing through all the backs. It wasn't long before the third try was scored, Patrick, with a trademark direct approach, rampaged through the defensive line to score. The last try was scored by James Rock who ran in relatively un-opposed after receiving an off-load from Sam Stroud who had made plenty of ground weaving his way up the pitch. The final score 20-0 to Wimborne.

The second match was against Winchester, new opponents for Wimborne, with some big players. The first half was even with most of it spent in our own half, against the slope and the wind. The lads, the forwards especially, battled through a tough half and kept Winchester out with some stout defending, to reach half-time scoreless. The second half would see Wimborne with the slope and wind advantage. The half was a reverse of the first with Wimborne camped deep in Winchester territory. Despite big players, Wimborne were winning the rucks, mauls and most of the scrums. Winchester repelled attack after attack in what was becoming a physical encounter. Finally the pressure told and Winchester could hold out no more. Ashton, ripping the ball from a maul made ground in typical bull-dozer fashion, but was tackled just short. A ruck formed and Patrick was there when the ball came out and dived the last metre to get over the line and score. The pressure continued on the Winchester line but they held us out. The final score in a tough encounter was 5-0 to Wimborne.

The final game was against New Milton. By now the lads were struggling after the tough Winchester game. The blustery conditions were not helping either side and as with the Winchester game whoever had the wind had the advantage. First half it was Wimborne's and the lads were camped in the New Milton half, but strong defending kept us out until late in the half. From a ruck the ball was moved quickly through the backs and exploiting the space, Luis ran into the corner to score. For the second half the conditions favoured New Milton and they were constantly pressing our goal line. The lads repelled admirably for a long time but they could not hold out, just before the final whistle New Milton scored to even things up, the final score 5-5.

Well done lads in difficult conditions, thanks to all those (and parents) who made the trip.

The Coaches

Winter now seems to have arrived! The journey up to Fordingbridge was in constant rain, were we going to play? As we waited for the hosts to arrive we shivered as we watched the wind and rain continue to drench the ground. Drifters RFC, from Farnham Surrey, were also visiting and they would be our first match. By now it was cold and everyone was soaked as the wind and rain continued.

Despite the difficult conditions and almost waterlogged pitch the lads played some of their best rugby this year against the touring side, with strong rucking and passing through the back line and good handling in the conditions. Apart from the scrum, where Drifters competed well, the game was all Wimborne who ran out convincing 40-0 winners, with James Rock (2), Patrick (2), Ashton, James Williams (2) and Tate all scoring. By now the lads were cold and it was no longer fun to play rugby so we called it a day. Thanks to everyone who turned out despite the weather.

Weymouth away, turned out to be a bit of a disappointment for everyone, apart from the nice sunny weather! Unfortunately Weymouth are struggling for numbers at u11 with normal training combined with the u12's who have plenty of numbers. So we didn't think we would be getting a game after making the trip down. After an hour or so of training and a game amongst ourselves, Weymouth rustled up a team of 11 players and gave us a game, with Tate playing for the opposition! The match turned out to be a one-sided affair with Wimborne winning 50-5, with Ollie (2), Sam Churches, Mikey, Luis (2), Ashton (2), Peter and Sam Stroud all scoring. The lone reply was scored by our very own Tate!

Romsey here we come! Well no actually, after much debate about where we were going on the Sunday, we ended up at the Salisbury Tournament. We had just enough players for what turned out to be a long, long day.

The format of the tournament was to be an initial 3 groups of 4 teams, with the winners in each group progressing to the final group in a round-robin format.

Wimborne were in Group A with New Milton, Basingstoke 2 and Salisbury 1.

The first game up was New Milton who we had played the previous week at their tournament. This time the lads started better although there were a few missed passed and dropped balls. The rucking was good from the start, which contributed to the first score. From the breakdown the ball was won and Patrick, from just in side the New Milton half, with a mazy run left several defenders in his wake to score the first try of the day. Wimborne seemed to switch off a bit after that and allowed New Milton plenty of possession but no real scoring opportunity. Just before half time Wimborne were back on song, with strong runs and winning rucks gaining ground, the ball was moved quickly from the ruck through all the back line with James Sell on the wing running in to score the second. The second half was spent attacking the New Milton line with constant pressure, but New Milton defended strongly and kept the half to just one more score. The score came again from James Sell on the wing following crisp passing through the backs to exploit the space, to seal a 15-0 win.

The second match was against Basingstoke 2. The start was delayed while players from their first team finished the match on the other pitch! No matter, the game was a pretty one-sided affair with Wimborne encamped in their half of the pitch throughout. Basingstoke were no match for our strong scrums, rucks and passing game. The first score came from Roddy after just one such passing move. The second was from scrum half Peter, with a typical probing run from the back of the scrum nipping in to score when Basingstoke were expecting a pass. From the restart Basingstoke's kick was poor and went over the dead ball line. From the ensuing scrum the ball was moved quickly to Pat who made ground and passed to Luis who showed his speed, dodging a couple defenders scored the third. The second half continued with more of the same, first to score was Tate who ran unopposed from the half way line. Next was George, after constant pressure and good passing for the fifth. The final try of the game was scored by Ashton after Luis made ground but was tackled on the 22, Olly in support drove forward with several players trying to hold him back, they managed to hold him up just short of the line, when Ashton pounced on the ball presented by Olly to go over to complete the 30-0 score line.

The final match of this group stage was against the hosts, Salisbury and they were to prove tougher opponents than Basingstoke. The first half started well for Wimborne with good pressure, retaining the ball from a ruck and quick ball to Pat provided the opportunity to run in relatively unopposed to score the first try. Salisbury rallied and despite constant Wimborne pressure they kept us out for the remainder of the half. The second half was more of the same, Wimborne on top and Salisbury keeping us out. The pressure finally told though. From a Salisbury lineout just short of their own try line they won the ball and a maul was formed. Olly, quick and strong, stole the ball from the opposing forward and drove forwards the last few metres to score a well deserved try and to seal a 10-0 win.

So on to the Winners group stage. The other group winners were Devizes and Chippenham. The first game was Devizes who we had beaten in the final of last years tournament, so we were expecting a tough match. And so it was. The first half has scoreless with both sides matching each other with strong tackles in a physical and tight affair. The second half was all Wimborne with the lads playing the best half of rugby we had seen for a long time. Devizes did well to keep the score down to 10-0. The lads won every scrum and every ruck, not letting Devizes have the ball and if they managed to get it, the ruck won it back. The opening score was from Ashton following a penalty award just short of the try line, with typical direct and aggressive running no one was going to stop Ashton covering the short distance and scoring the try. The second was after sustained pressure and progress up the pitch with the lads gaining ground ruck after ruck. Quick ball found Max, who with a twisting run, evaded several defenders to score the second try.

The second group match was against Chippenham. The game was going to be close, Chippenham had a better scrum than Devizes and matched us in that contest. The first half was fairly even but Chippenham managed to score after the lads were asleep for a split second following a penalty being conceded. The second half saw concerted Wimborne pressure but we could just not break down the Chippenham defences. James Rock with a rampaging run from half way, forcing his way past several defenders was tackled and finally halted, agonisingly just a metre short of the try line. That was as close as the lads came to equalising.

Wimborne needed a favour from Devizes in the final group match against Chippenham, to come out winners. Despite an heroic effort they succumbed to a 5-0 defeat. Which for the second weekend in a row meant runners up spot for the lads.

The lads as usual played great rugby, playing to their strengths. Few could live with our scrum and our rucking......just hope nobody went to Romsey!

The Coaches

After just a few weeks of training, the first tournament took place at New Milton on Sunday 7th October. It was interesting to see how the lads would get on with the many new additions of the game this year.
The first group match pitched us against the hosts. The lads seem to have developed an aversion to starting tournaments firing on all-cylinders, this first match was no exception. The first half saw both sides evenly matched, Wimborne struggling to put passes together and make any headway. Even our strong rucking and scrummaging, our bedrock, was struggling. The second half saw glimpse's of what we know the lads can do. Consistent pressure in the New Milton half finally told with Pat making a darting run for the line. Although initially held up, Pat, with a couple of opponents doing their utmost to force him back, made it across the line to score the only try of the game. New Milton defending strongly to keep the game to the single score.

Next up were Havant, a team we haven't played for a few years. Wimborne were more with it in this game and both sides were evenly matched. It was a tight affair, but Wimborne were undone by giving away too many penalties. From one such penalty in centre field Havant were to score the only try of the game following 4 or 5 missed tackles by the lads.

The final group game was against Fordingbridge. Wimborne were playing more like we know they can. Our strong rucking, scrums and quick passing were no match for Fordingbridge, the game turning into a one sided affair. First scorer was Ashton following a typically direct rampaging run. Following some uncharacteristic clumsy defending the lads found themselves back in their own 22. Gaining control again from a breakdown Pat received the ball from scrum half Peter and nearly covered the length of the pitch before being tackled just short of the line. Pat, however, off-loaded in the tackle to Mitch who had tracked him all the way to complete the score. The third try came pretty quickly from the kick off, inside centre Tate taking the ball and with a typically twisting run beat several defenders to score unopposed. Just before half time Mitch with another breakout from our own half, side-stepping a couple of defenders, scored the fourth try of the game. Second half was more of the same. The lads were constantly in the opponents half keeping the pressure on and forcing errors. Just short of the try line Fordingbridge kicked, but the kick was short. Full Back Sam, on the 22, caught the ball and exploited the open space on the left of the pitch with a diagonal run to score. The sixth and final try was a copy of the fifth with a poor kick from defence travelling only a few metres, caught by Tate who had the easiest of scores to seal a 30-0 win.

On to the semi-final and we would play Trojans. The lads were now really firing, constant pressure and most of the match was spent in the Trojans half. The pressure paid off, with good passing through the backs Luis ran in on the right wing unopposed to open the scoring. From the re-start Wimborne were caught napping. Trojans' kick was long and was bobbling towards our own try line, with Sam chasing back and Trojans giving chase, Sam touched down just before the chasing Trojans, for what we thought would be a 5 metre scrum. But no, the line judge (not sure which club he was from!) indicated the try had been scored, much to the bemusement of everyone including Trojans. That score was quickly put behind us, with Pat another driving run, scoring to re-take the lead. From then on it was one-way traffic with plenty of ball and pressure. The third try came following a good penalty kick for position from half-way from Mitch, giving us a lineout on the opponents 5 metre line. The lineout was won and a driving maul was formed, pushing Tate over the line. Try number four was similar to the last with a penalty kick for position, however, this time the lineout was lost. Sam though quickly stole the ball from the opposition and relatively unchallenged travelled the last few metres to score. At the death came the final score. James Rock from half-way with a forceful run was held just short of the line, going to ground a ruck was formed, quick ball and passing through the backs saw Luis scoring again in the corner to seal the 25-5 win.

So the final would see us play Havant for the second time. As with the group game the final was a tight affair, the first half being played in the centre of the pitch with neither side getting on top. The tackling was strong and physical, both sides giving as good as they got. Into the second half, Wimborne had the greater pressure and the game was played mainly in the Havent half. Havent could not live with our rucking and scrummaging rarely winning a ball. However, their defence was strong and despite getting close on occasion we just couldn't breach the defence. The game ending 0-0. Havant were declared winners by virtue of scoring two more tries during the tournament.

A great start to the season though, plenty to work on, but we carried on where we left off last year. The players voted for James Rock as player of the tournament.

Well done lads, see you all a Romsey next Sunday.

Please find below details of the boys who have been selected for the tournament on Sunday 7th October 2007.
The organisers have asked that we arrive at 0900 to allow time for parking etc. Please also note the £2.00 parking fee.
Olli Ford
Ashton Kelley
James Rock
Sam Churches
Mike Alcock
Peter Pozas-Esteban
Pat Yeates
Tate Thorn
Luis Granell
Barney Mason
Sam Stroud
Mitchell Stuart
James Sell
George Gray
Shaun De-Kement
Roddy McIntyre
Alex Waller-Edwards
Angus Pryce
Those who are not selected for this tournament will have an opportunity to play in others as the season progress.
The following week all are invited to Romsey RFC (directions on the website) where everyone will get a game...
Pete

• 12 a-side, 5 forwards, 7 backs
• 5 man scrums and 4 man lineouts
• The game starts or restarts after a score, with a drop kick
• The penalty for infringements such as off-side, high tackle, fending off, obstruction, kicking (fly hacking) is now a Penalty Kick (although not through the posts). Quick pentalies are allowed.
• Backs must remain behind the hindmost foot of their respective scrums until the ball emerges or the scrum half touches the ball
• Kicking is allowed, from the hands only. The offside line is 7 metres. (The kickers team-mates must be either behind the kicker or behind a line 7 metres in front of the receiving opponent (or where the ball lands) or they are off side).
• Conversion attempts can follow try scores (in front of the posts)