Ashford RFC U14s vs. Tonbridge Judds. 18th February 2007

Ashford power to 10 try victory

Tonbridge Juddians 5 – Ashford 58

With 7 of the squad on county duty next week, this was the final full strength run out before the Ashford boys enter the Kent championship preliminaries on 8^th March. The recent appointment of New Zealander Karl Harding as the team’s backs coach has sharpened handling and given the team a more fluid style of play behind the scrum. The improvement was amply illustrated in this 10 tries to 1 victory.

The scoring was opened after just 2 minutes when Ashford forward pressure forced a free kick 10 metres from the Tonbridge line. Quickly taken the kick saw prop Billy Stevens barged his way over to touch down. 3 minutes later prop Tom Collins stole an opposition lineout throw and quick passing saw outside centre Grant Noremac speed through the defence for try number 2. On 9 minutes Ashford stole their first opposition scrummage put-in. No. 8 Christopher Albrow picked up and crisp passing saw the back division exploit a 3 man overlap, with Noremac going over for try number 3.

From the restart Tonbridge made a rare foray into the Ashford 22. Following a series of lineouts a long relieving kick by fly half Louis Burdon was chased up by the Ashford pack. No.8 Albrow gathered the ball and touched down near the posts for team try number 4.

From the restart Ashford went back on the attack before knocking on in the Tonbridge 22. Ashford again stole the opposition scrum put-in. No.8 Albrow picked up and this time fed a scoring pass to wing forward Glenn Caton who touched down in the corner.

The first half closed when Ashford’s scrum backrow of Caton, blindside flanker Tom Healy and No. 8 Albrow combined to charge 60 metres upfield before Healy popped an inside pass for centre Adam Batt to touch down. The half time score was 38-0.

The second half started brightly with two tries in four minutes. Receiving the kick-off Ashford’s backs swept upfield and winger Cameron Veitch was tackled 3 metres short of the try line. From the resulting scrum, scrum half Rory Beech probed the blindside and was held up. No.8 Albrow picked up the recycled ball to touch down and open the second half scoring. Minutes later pressure from Ashford’s rush defence forced Tonbridge to spill the ball in their 22. Exploiting the advantage, Ashford’s pack secured the ball and rapid handling saw Noremac slice through the defence and dot down for a personal hatrick of tries.

At 48-0 up, and knowing the next score could end the match, Ashford lost concentration and a series of penalties allowed Tonbridge to penetrate Ashford’s defensive cover and score a try.

In response Ashford reverted to their A strength line up. From a scrum on the half way, Beech made a 40 metre blindside break down the left hand tramline before No.8 Albrow, in close support, took the inside pass for a 10 metre run-in and his third try.

5 minutes later, the curtain was brought down on the match when a characteristic weaving break from Albrow saw him score try number 10 for the team and bring his personal match haul to 4 tries.

Player of the week was scrum half Rory Beech. Louis Burdon scored four conversions. Next weekend, the Ashford Under 14s host Canterbury.

Ashford RFC U14s vs. Westcombe Park 11th February 2007

Ashford splash to 8 try victory

Ashford 48 – Westcombe Park 3

This match could easily have been dominated by the soggy conditions. Snow melt and heavy weekend rain had made the pitch close to waterlogged. And intermittent rain fell throughout the match. Despite this, the Ashford boys successfully displayed precise handling, crisp execution and a willingness to move the ball wide that wouldn’t have looked out of place on a dry day.

Ashford opened the scoring after just 90 seconds. No. 8 Christopher Albrow stole a ‘Combe lineout throw on the halfway line, burst through the forward defences and sidestepped his way 50 metres through the Park defence to dot down near the posts.

5 minutes later Ashford won a scrum on the halfway line and broke down the left wing and were forced into touch just 5 metres short. From the resulting lineout, wing forward Glenn Caton snapped up the bobbling ball and dived over for a converted try that widened the score to 14-0.

Ashford maintained control of both territory and possession until their defence failed to gather a ball kicked through along the ground. Ashford were penalised for offside 20 metres out and in front of their goal posts. Rather than run the ball, Westcombe chose to kick for goal and duly took the 3 points on offer.

Spurred on by conceding the points, Ashford resumed their pressure on the ‘Combe line. Just before half time Patrick MacEnri dived over to score from short range, making the score 21-3 in Ashford’s favour.

The second half opened with a try from Ashford centre Grant Noremac, who powered through the ‘Combe defence and dived over after just 2 minutes of play. This was followed by a second try from No.8 Albrow, a second try from wing forward Caton and a first try from prop Billy Stevens.

Ashford’s power in the scrum saw them penalised on several occasions. This gave ‘Combe some respite from the pressure. Breaking out from defence, the ‘Combe no.8 charged 50 metres upfield and only a last ditch corner-flag tackle from lock George Woodrow stopped a certain try.

The curtain was brought down on the match when pressure from Ashford forced the ‘Combe defence to spill the ball under their posts. An alert Caton dived on the loose ball to knotch up a personal hatrick of tries and a 48-3 victory.

Player of the week was Grant Noremac. Louis Burdon scored four conversions. Next weekend, the Ashford Under 14s travel to Tonbridge Juddians.

Ashford RFC U14s vs. Cranbrook 4th February 2007

Normal service resumed

Cranbrook 5 – Ashford 24

Ashford returned to Rammell’s Field only two months after a 38-0 victory. This time round both sides were at full strength and Cranbrook were in a more determined mood. Cranbrook elected to kick down the slope and immediately put Ashford under pressure.

After 5 minutes Cranbrook’s tall lock Josh Pettet won a lineout throw 5 metres from Ashford’s line. Pettet offloaded to prop Jasper Thompson, who barged his way over to score a try.

5 -0 down Ashford soon lost centre Gareth Jenner and prop Billy Stevens to injury. Their replacements, Charlie Williams and Patrick Macenri, slotted in seemlessly and Ashford began to nudge ahead in the battle for possession. Only an adverse penalty count allowed Cranbrook to contain Ashford’s momentum during the remainder of the half.

Turning round, Ashford immediately took advantage of the slope and drove deep into Cranbrook territory. 5 minutes into the half Ashford pressure forced Cranbrook to concede a free-kick just 10 metres from their line. Quick-witted No.8 Chris Albrow, tapped the kick and darted through a retreating Cranbrook defence to open Ashford’s try account and level the scores.

The restart kick was caught by Charlie Williams, now playing at lock, who charged 20 metres downfield. The ball was quickly recycled and passed to centre Grant Noremac. Noremac sliced through the Cranbrook cover and sprinted 50 metres to touch down for a converted try.

Two minutes later, Williams again caught the restart and charged downfield. This time the Cranbrook defence came up much faster and a looping pass by fly half Louis Burdon, saw inside centre Adam Batt cut through the defensive line. Batt fed centre partner Noremac who made a simple run-in to touch down under the posts. Converted, the try gave Ashford a 14 point cushion.

Ashford then rang the changes, giving a debut appearance on the wing to Tom Mead. As the match entered its final phase Ashford drove into Cranbrook territory winning a scrum on the 22. Scrum half Rory Beech dummied to the open side, then broke down the blind side and dotted down for a final score of 24-5.

Player of the week was Charlie Williams. Louis Burdon scored two conversions. Next weekend, the Ashford Under 14s entertain Westcombe Park.

Hertfordshire U14s vs. Kent 28th January 2007

Ashford boys impress in Kent clean sweep

Ashford’s contingent of 7 County Under 14 players impressed as Kent made a clean sweep in their two matches away against Hertfordshire.

Prop Billy Stevens and No.8 Christopher Albrow featured in the A match line-up, with Albrow scoring Kent’s opening try 15 minutes into the game. They were joined in the second half by Centre Adam Batt, in a match eventually won by Kent 18 points to 5.

In match B, Louis Burdon started as Kent fly half and was joined by winger Grant Noremac and Prop Tom Collins. Turning round 7-0 up, Collins bolstered a creaking Kent scrum and provided a solid platform for an eventual 17-0 win.

Ashford RFC U14s vs. Aylesford 28th January 2007

Rose rises to the challenge

Ashford 0 – Aylesford 10

This was always going to be a difficult match for the Ashford Under 14s. With seven of their squad of 23 players away on Kent duty many players were force into unfamiliar roles. The season’s earlier encounter between the two sides had been won 35-5 by the Ashford boys and Aylesford themselves also had three players on Kent duty.

The match got off to a bad start when the Ashford side failed to gather the kick-off. Weak tackling allowed the visitors to move the ball wide and score the opening try after just 30 seconds. Conceding the try shocked the Ashford boys into action. Led by skipper Glen Caton the Ashford boys took control of both possession and territory. Despite pressuring the try line on several occasions, they couldn’t get the all important breakthrough.

Approaching half time, injuries to several key players slowed the team’s momentum. Luckily, Ashford had two Under 13s on standby and Owain Fussell and Max Rose stepped up a year to join the fray. Rose making a crucial one on one tackle that prevented Aylesford from breaking out of their half.

The second half saw Ashford resume their territorial dominance. However, the pattern of the first half was repeated and a loss of concentration and poor tackling allowed Aylesford to score the all important second try.

Despite the losing result, the match gave many of the less experienced Ashford boys the opportunity to play a full match. It was a test of stamina and concentration that most of the boys passed.

Player of the week was Max Rose, who should be proud of his ability to step up a year and play with such maturity. Next weekend, the Ashford Under 14s travel away to Cranbrook.

Seven Ashford boys selected for Kent

Seven boys from the Ashford Rugby Club Under 14s have been selected to represent the Kent county side. The boys, all year 9 pupils at local schools, embark on their representative careers when the Kent Under 14s travel to face Hertfordshire on Sunday 28^th January.

The selected players, showing their respective schools and playing positions are:

Tom Collins; Swadelands; Loosehead Prop
Billy Stevens; Norton Knatchbull; Tighthead Prop
Christopher Albrow; Harvey Grammar; No.8
Louis Burdon; Norton Knatchbull; Fly Half
Adam Batt; Norton Knatchbull; Outside Centre
Harry Atkins; Norton Knatchbull; Right Wing
Grant Noremac; Towers; Left Wing

Ashford Rugby Club’s Youth Co-ordinator Carolyn McVittie was delighted with the selection news. “This is a tremendous achievement for the club and real recognition for how we are developing the game of rugby in the Ashford area. The Ashford boys have succeeded in winning selection following a three-stage trials process stretching back to May 2006. They have worked hard throughout the Autumn and Winter, even training on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve. Their dedication to rugby has now paid off with county representation.”

Ashford RFC U14s vs. Medway 21st January 07

Ashford 29 – Medway 0

Ashford Under 14s entertained Medway without most of their contingent of Kent players. The objective was to prepare some of the less experienced players for the 3 weekends when 7 of the squad are away representing Kent.

With several players out of position, the Ashford team took some time to break down an improving Medway side. The score was still even 15 minutes into the match when Ashford were awarded a scrum 20 metres out. The ball was passed to inside centre Gareth Jenner who powered through the opposition tackles and dotted down near the posts. The try was converted by fly half Daniel Head. Matters remained tight for the rest of the first half and there was no further score.

The second half saw Ashford in a more dominant position. An injury meant Ashford replaced two of their less experienced personnel. 5minutes into the half, Kent centre Adam Batt came on to play on the wing and used his pace to arc around the Medway defence to score a try converted try by Head. Then an injury to George Morgan saw the introduction of Kent No.8 Chris Albrow. Albrow playing at lock burst through the Medway defence to score.

Batt then added a second try. Before Jenner added the concluding try on 45 minutes.

Player of the week was Glenn Caton. Next weekend, seven of the side make their Kent debuts away to Hertfordshire. The remaining Ashford U14s host Aylesford.

Ashford RFC U14s vs. Hastings 14th January 07

Ashford 54 – Hastings 0

Ashford Under 14s faced a Hastings side top of their Sussex league and featuring 4 Sussex county squad players. Hastings fielded a big pack by Under 14 standards. Ashford’s game plan was to use their superiority in ball handling, mobility and quick recycling at the breakdown to outmanoeuvre their bigger opponents.

From the kick off Ashford immediately broke through the Hastings defensive screen and centre Gareth Jenner was held just 10 metres short. Hastings attacked from the resulting scrum and advanced 30 metres upfield before a tackle halted the attack. At the tackle Ashford turned over possession and quick passing saw centre Adam Batt open up space for winger Grant Noremac. Noremac stormed over to score the first try after just 4 minutes of play. This score was followed by a converted try from centre Batt just two minutes later.

Following the two early scores, Ashford piled on the first half pressure, scoring a further 6 tries before the break. Lock Charlie Williams, centre Gareth Jenner (2 tries), scrum half Rory Beech all featured on the try scoring sheet along with Noremac who scored two more to conclude a first half hatrick.

Ashford made some major changes for the second half. Displaced wing forward Tom Healy, featured at inside centre and made a well timed run, to score the opening try of the second half after just 5 minutes. Despite their reorganisation, Ashford maintained the territorial pressure and 14 minutes into the half Billy Stevens, playing out of position at No.8, crashed over to seal a 54-0 win.

Winger Harry Atkins and fly half Louis Burdon scored a conversion apiece. Player of the week was Tom Healy. Next week, Ashford U14s host Thanet.

Ashford RFC U14s vs. Sittingbourne 7th January 07

Ashford Under 14s Storm into the New Year

Sittingbourne 0 – Ashford 53

For their first fixture of the New Year Ashford Under 14s faced a Sittingbourne side made up with strong contingent of under 15s. Receiving the kick-off, Ashford lock George Woodrow sprinted deep into Sittingbourne territory and only a forward pass prevented an immediate score. From the resulting scrum, Ashford won the hook against the head, No.8 Chris Albrow picked up and fed blind-side wing forward Charlie Williams, who dived over the line to score the match’s opening try after just 60 seconds.

Sittingbourne kicked the restart long and Ashford cleared to touch just 5 metres outside their 22 metre line. The opposition lineout throw was stolen by No.8 Albrow who broke through the line, brushed aside the Sittingbourne scrum half and hooker, and then galloped 70 metres upfield to touch down under the posts.

4 minutes later Ashford won a scrum on the halfway line and the ball was spun wide to the right. Winger Grant Noremac came cross field on a switch move, wrong footed the Sittingbourne defence and sped 40 metres upfield. Noremac was held-up just 10 metres short and a quick offload to centre Gareth Jenner added Ashford’s third try.

Ashford were now clearly in the ascendant and wing forward Tom Healy caught the restart. He showed his speed and power when he made an arcing run of 70 metres and touched down under the posts to score Ashford try number 4.

Ashford resumed the pressure from the restart. From a scrum 25 metres out, No. 8 Albrow picked up and unselfishly passed the ball to supporting lock Lukas Warrilow who dived over to conclude the first half try scoring 31-0 in Ashford’s favour.

Ashford returned to the second half fray with a reshaped forward pack. This included a debut appearance for Towers schoolboy Tom Putnam.

The second half scoring was opened when centre Adam Batt broke the defensive line and passed to winger Noremac who outpaced the Sittingbourne defence to score in the corner. This score was soon followed by further tries from No.8 Albrow, wing forward Healy and another from Noremac. The match was concluded on 40 minutes when the Ashford score reached 53 points .

Fly half Harry Atkins scored 3 conversions and winger Noremac 1. Player of the week was Luke Ransley. Next week, Ashford Under 14s are scheduled to be at home versus Whitstable.

Ashford lift East Kent crown 17th December 06

Ashford 17 – Canterbury 14 (At Sittingbourne)

Ashford Under 14s arrived at Sittingbourne with a simple game plan. They would contest every scrum and line out and from first phase possession they would attack down the fly half and inside centre channel.

Canterbury enjoyed a physical advantage in the backs. At 6 feet 2 inches, Canterbury full back Jack Masters was the biggest player on the pitch. His Ashford opposite number conceded a full 12 inches in height. Within 30 seconds of kick-off, Masters showed his power and charged 50 metres to score Canterbury’s opening try.

Undeterred by conceding the early score, Ashford roared back into the match and drove their way into Canterbury territory. Dominating the scrums and using stocky inside centre Gareth Jenner to pound the Canterbury defence, Ashford pinned Canterbury ever closer to their try line.

On 12 minutes Canterbury were awarded a defensive lineout, just 5 metres from their try line. Ashford prop Billy Stevens stole the throw and barged his way towards the line. The ball was recycled 1 metre short and fellow prop Tom Collins snapped up the ball and dived over to score Ashford’s opening try. Converted by Harry Atkins, the score was now 7 points all.

Ashford maintained pressure throughout the first half but a loss of concentration saw the Canterbury backs outflank Ashford to score on 20 minutes. The half time score was 14-7 to Canterbury but Ashford were clearly in the ascendant. Ashford reshuffled their pack and George Woodrow, recovering from chicken pox was replaced in the second row by Tom Healy.

The second half was played an entirely on Ashford’s attritional terms as Canterbury were starved of possession in both scrum and lineout.

8 minutes into the half Canterbury conceded a scrum for a not straight throw into the lineout. Ashford won the ball and winger Harry Atkins scampered 30 metres down the blindside to touch down in the corner. With the try unconverted, the score was now just 14-12 in Canterbury’s favour.

As Ashford hooker, George Sladden took his tally to 5 strikes against the head, the Canterbury scrum half was forced to feed the ball at ever more oblique angles. The tactic backfired 11 minutes into the half, as with their scrum retreating, the ball squirted free and scrum half Rory Beech picked up the loose ball and fed No.8 Christopher Albrow. Albrow sidestepped through the cover defence and galloped 50 metres to score in the corner. Ashford were ahead 17-14.

The remaining 14 minutes saw Ashford apply a vice like grip to possession. The tackling of the side was outstanding throughout the second half and eventually Canterbury ran out of time. Ashford were the East Kent Under 14 Champions.

Player of the week was George Sladden.

Ashford U14s: T.Collins, G. Sladden, P. Macenri, G. Woodrow, C. Williams, T. Healy, G. Caton, C. Albrow, R. Beech, L. Burdon, H. Atkins, G. Jenner, A. Batt, G. Noremac, D. Head, B. Stevens, L. Ransley, G. Morgan, C. Veitch, J.Tong, C. Watts.

Ashford RFC U14s vs. Maidstone 3rd December 06

Ashford 7 – Maidstone 0

Ashford entertained a Maidstone side that coming into this match had an unbeaten record of 9 matches this season. In wet and windy conditions Ashford won the toss and kicked into a stiff diagonal breeze. From this point they camped inside the Maidstone 22 metre area.

Ashford’s forwards were dominant in both set piece and loose phases. Hooker George Sladden had already taken two put-ins against the head when he suffered a hand injury on 15 minutes. He was replaced in a reorganised pack by prop Billy Stevens and Patrick MacEnri went to hooker. This was Stevens’ first match since he was injured against Welsh side Caerphilly on 10^th September.

On 19 minutes Ashford won a scrum 10 metres from the Maidstone line. Scrum half Rory went blind and passed inside to No.8 Christopher Albrow. Albrow was held up 5 metres short and offloaded to the newly arrived Stevens. Stevens powered through the Maidstone defence and touched down under the posts for the only try of the match. The conversion was added by Louis Burdon.

The match then took on a repetitive pattern. Ashford would win the ball and drive upfield. Pressure would be relieved when Ashford either knocked on, lost possession in contact or were penalised. Maidstone would clear their defensive lines and Ashford would remount the attack. However, despite spending 75% of the rest of the match in the Maidstone half, Ashford failed to convert overwhelming pressure into anything but a win by a single converted try. Throughout the match the Maidstone backs looked dangerous and only Ashford’s stranglehold on possession kept them from making a more serious impact.

There were good performances by the Ashford pack in general and a good defensive performance by the Ashford backline. However, given the preponderance of both territory and possession the score should have been much higher. Player of the week was Billy Stevens.

Next week, Ashford Under 14s are scheduled to be away at Canterbury.

Ashford U14s vs. Cranbrook 26th November 2006

Cranbrook 0 – Ashford 38

Ashford were originally scheduled to travel to Essex but suffered another cancellation. Instead a late fixture was arranged away to neighbours Cranbrook. Due to the short notice, the match took place on the sloping pitch of Cranbrook school. Ashford lost the toss and were forced to play the first half up the slope and into a gusting wind.

The Ashford team adapted their tactics to the conditions, playing a short passing game and keeping the ball tight to the set pieces. They were rewarded with a try on 8 minutes when scrum half Rory Beech broke down the blindside of a scrum and sent winger Grant Noremac over by the corner flag. Ashford caught the restart and immediately drove back uphill. Although possession was lost the Cranbrook defence spilled the ball and no.8 Chris Albrow picked up and charged over to touch down under the posts.

For the remainder of the half Ashford continued to pressure the Cranbrook line. Eventually centre Gareth Jenner barged his way over the line on 20 minutes to make it three tries. With two of the three tries converted, Ashford reached half time 19-0 up.

Turning round, Ashford immediately used the wind and slope to pin Cranbrook in their own half. On 4 minutes lock George Woodrow ripped the ball from a maul and galloped over from 30 metres to touch down under the posts.

Ashford caught the restart and immediately went back onto the attack. From a lineout on the 22 metre line no.8 Albrow caught the ball and side stepped through the defence to score his second try of the match.

At this point Ashford reorganised their resources in the forward pack and this allowed the bigger Cranbrook forwards to force their way into the game. They also conceded a series of 5 metre penalties which gave Cranbrook 5 minutes of pressuring the Ashford line. Only two top class tackles from player of the week, prop Tom Collins kept the score sheet clean. Ashford eventually relieved the pressure on 18 minutes with a long clearance kick. The Cranbrook defence knocked on and from the resulting scrum winger Grant Noremac scored his second and Ashford’s sixth try of the day.

Fly half Louis Burdon scored 8 points from 4 conversions.

Next week, Ashford Under 14s host Maidstone.

Ashford RFC U14s vs. Dover 19th November 06

Ashford 53 – Dover 0

As Ashford were not anticipating a strong challenge from Dover, the opportunity was taken to field an experimental line up and provide some of the squad’s less experienced players with a full run out.

Ashford opened the try scoring after 25 seconds when wing forward Grant Noremac collected the kick off and galloped 70 metres upfield to touch down under the posts. Two minutes later centre Gareth Jenner burst through the Dover defence and added a second try. On 12 minutes a third try was scored when Chris Albrow, playing at full back, fielded a long kick and ran through the Dover defence. Further first half scores were added by second tries from Noremac and Albrow and a first try from wing forward Tom Healy.

Half time score Ashford 36 – Dover 0.

Ashford reshuffled their team for the second half, providing debut appearances for props Ben Young and Curtis Watts. The changes didn’t slow Ashford’s momentum as they immediately swept upfield from the restart and winger Jason Tong raced in to score his first ever try for the club. This was followed 10 minutes later by a second try from Gareth Jenner. In the 19^th minute of the second half, the ball was spun wide and left winger Cameron Veitch was held up just short of the try line. The forward packed recycled the ball and lock Charlie Williams dived over for a converted try. This score concluded the match giving Ashford a 53 points to nil win.

Fly half Harry Atkins scored 8 points from 4 conversions. Player of the week was Jason Tong.

Next week, Ashford Under 14s travel to Essex side South Woodham Ferrers.

Ashford RFC U14s Vs. Romford 12th November 06

Ashford 19 – Romford 20

On Sunday Ashford entertained Essex champions Romford. A side featuring 11 players from the Essex county squad. Ashford themselves have 9 players in the final Kent trial on 3^rd January, so were undeterred by their illustrious visitors.

From the kick off Ashford immediately applied pressure to the Romford line. On 7 minutes a back row move involving scrum half Rory Beech saw No.8 Chris Albrow ground the ball under the posts, only for the “try” to be disallowed for a forward pass. Ashford remained camped in the Romford “22” until a breakout on 12 minutes saw Ashford miscue a defensive kick and the Romford backline combined to score the match’s opening try.

Ashford went back on the offensive and again drove deep into Romford territory. On 18 minutes Romford relieved the pressure by kicking long and Ashford lost possession running from defence. Again the error was punished and Romford took a 10 point lead.

Undeterred, the Ashford pack with prop Danny Herriot and flanker Glen Caton to the fore, drove back into Romford territory. Eventually, on 22 minutes, Albrow broke from the scrum and scored Ashford’s opening try. Two minutes later Albrow again grounded the ball under the posts but an unsighted referee was unable to award the score.

Half time score Ashford 5 – Romford 10

Ashford fumbled the kick off and found themselves immediately under pressure. Defending their try line they rucked over the ball only to see a Romford player pick up and dive over for the opening score of the half.

From the restart Ashford again drove into Romford territory. However, lax defending was again punished when a fourth try was conceded 15 minutes into the half. Despite the score, the match was far from over and Ashford reintroduced some of their more experienced forwards to attempt to force a result. The substitutions paid off as pressure finally turned into points.

18 minutes into the half Albrow forced his way through 3 defenders to touch down. And 5 minutes later centre Gareth Jenner charged over. With both tries converted by winger Harry Atkins, the deficit was now just 1 point.

With time running down Ashford drove back into the Romford half. Romford were penalised and Ashford had the opportunity to win the match with a final penalty kick. Unfortunately the attempt went wide and the Essex visitors had escaped with the narrowest of victories. All in all, a good all round performance. However, given the territorial dominance of the forwards this was a match that should have been won. The defensive frailties of the side need addressing.

Ashford RFC U14s vs. Beckenham 29th October 06

Beckenham 0 – Ashford 46

For their 50 mile journey to south east London Ashford fielded a side short of their normal players in the pivotal positions of No.8 and fly half. The reorganised team were captained for the day by lock Lukas Warrilow. Beckenham fielded a big forward pack and Ashford’s game plan was to move the ball wide at every opportunity.

Ashford received the kick off. The ball was gathered and inside centre Gareth Jenner stormed up the pitch to score the opening try after just 30 seconds. 4 minutes later Ashford spun the ball right and wing Harry Atkins outpaced the defence to score in the corner. Inside centre Jenner was back on the score sheet with a second try after just 10 minutes. On 14 minutes he was joined on the score sheet by centre partner Adam Batt who arced around the defence and dotted down under the posts. Due to an injury to a Beckenham player the first half was concluded at this point.

Half time score Beckenham nil Ashford 22.

Straight from the restart Ashford stormed into Beckenham territory. Open side flanker Glenn Caton broke down the left wing and the recycled ball was fed to No.8 Danny Herriott. Herriott drove over the try line but unfortunately dropped the ball in the act of scoring. From the resulting scrum Ashford took the ball against the head and scrum half Luke Ransley darted around the narrow blindside to score just inside the corner flag.

At this point Ashford took control of the match as Beckenham failed to contain Ashford’s passing and running game. 8 minutes into the half left wing Grant Noremac burst through two tackles to score. This was quickly followed by a try from right winger Harry Atkins and a second try from Noremac. After 31 minutes of play the match was called to a halt.

Three conversions were kicked by Daniel Head. Player of the week was Grant Noremac. Despite the shortened nature of match it was a satisfactory performance by Ashford. Their forward pack had dominated the set pieces but their expansive game saw all 8 tries scored by their rapidly improving back division.

Ashford RFC U14s vs. Thanet 22nd October 2006

Thanet 0 – Ashford 34

Ashford returned to Broadstairs just 4 weeks after a 27-10 win. This time the occasion was the semi-final of the East Kent Cup.

The home side started confidently and it took 18 minutes for Ashford to break through for the first score when centre Adam Batt raced in to touch down in the right corner. Following the score Ashford resumed their pressure. Despite dominating Ashford struggled to convert pressure into points as Thanet used the advantage of the slope and the gusting wind to kick the ball from defence. On the stroke of half-time, the Ashford pack drove close to the line and open side flanker Glenn Caton dived over to score a converted try under the posts.

Half time score Thanet nil Ashford 12.

The second half resumed brightly when 5 minutes into the half winger Grant Noremac outpaced the cover to score in the left corner.

With a 17 point cushion Ashford took control of the match. The forward pack with prop Danny Herriott, and the back row trio of Chris Albrow, Glenn Caton and Tom Healy to the fore, increasingly dominated the close quarter exchanges. With a continual supply of good ball the Ashford backline repeatedly broke through a wilting Thanet defence only for two seemingly good tries to be disallowed. Despite these hold ups, Ashford crossed the line on three more occasions. First came a second try from Noremac on 45 minutes. Then on 50 minutes prop Patrick MacEnri broke down the right hand touch line and passed to winger Harry Atkins who dived over to score in the right corner. With time almost up, Ashford gathered the restart and swept upfield. The ball was recycled in the Thanet 22 and number 8 Chris Albrow sidestepped his way through the defence to dot down under the posts for a concluding converted try.

Player of the week was Patrick MacEnri. There was also a good debut performance from Under 13 replacement Owen Fussell. This was an improving performance from Ashford and they have secured a place in the East Kent Cup Final on 17th December.

Ashford RFC U14s vs. Tonbridge 8th October 2006

Ashford Under 14s 32 – Tonbridge Juddians 14

Ashford hosted their first home match of the season and recorded their fifth successive win.

A bright start was made when Ashford received the kick-off, span the ball wide and immediately charged into the Tonbridge 22. When Tonbridge failed to clear their lines, lock George Woodrow secured the loose ball and dived over to score a converted try after just 2 minutes. Another try followed 3 minutes later when the ball was again moved wide and winger Grant Noremac outpaced the defence to dot down in the corner.

With two minutes of the first half remaining, fly half Harry Atkins kicked a penalty to take a 15 point lead. With a minute of the first half still to play Tonbridge kicked the restart. Number 8 Chris Albrow gathered the ball and ignited a sweeping move down the left wing. Eventually the ball was passed inside and fly half Harry Atkins scored a converted try under the posts to make the half time score 22 points to nil in Ashford’s favour.

Tonbridge turned round expecting a second half onslaught from the pacy Ashford backline. Instead, Ashford eschewed the wide passing game that had brought early dividends. When the ball was eventually passed out a “drift” attack crowded the outside backs into narrow, easy to defend channels. This game played to Tonbridge’s strength, who began to show increasingly superior nous at close quarters. 8 minutes into the half, Tonbridge opened the second half scoring with a converted try.

Ashford’s pick and go game eventually yielded a score when prop Patrick MacEnri scored from a forward drive on 15 minutes into the half. Tonbridge broke through to score a second converted try 5 minutes later. As the match drew to a close, Ashford player of the week Tom Collins was driven over for the final try.

Ashford RFC U14s Vs. Aylesford 1st October 2006

Aylesford 5 – Ashford Under 14s 34

Ashford recorded their fourth victory of the season when Whitstable conceded their East Kent cup tie on Friday evening. However, a walkover wasn’t the sort of win that the Ashford Under 14s were looking for and Aylesford duly obliged by agreeing to host a friendly at short notice.

Ashford travelled up the M20 without their two biggest forwards and fielded a revised backline as their two regular scrum halves were unavailable through injury.

Ashford received the kick off with the wind, rain and slope against them. Despite the elements, Ashford began to dominate territorially and after 8 minutes centre Gareth Jenner burst onto a well timed pass and powered through the Aylesford defence for the opening try.

Against the run of play Aylesford scored a try on 13 minutes. The half time score was 5 points all.

Ashford turned round with the elements in their favour and proceeded to play their best half of rugby this season. From the kick off Ashford immediately pressured the Aylesford line. At a short line out No. 8 Christopher Albrow was held up and open side wing forward Glenn Caton picked up the ruck ball and dived over to score the opening try of the second half after 2 minutes.

From the restart Ashford gathered the ball and a drive upfield from the forwards immediately put Aylesford on the back foot. Camping in the opposition half, Ashford won a scrum and fly half Harry Atkins probed right before changing direction. A sweeping movement down the left outflanked the covering defence and winger Grant Noremac charged 30 metres to touch down.

With a 10 point margin Ashford used their passing game to maximum effect as their smaller but more mobile forward pack outmanoeuvred their larger opponents. Quick ruck ball saw outside centre Adam Batt go over in the left corner for a try converted by fly half Harry Atkins on 36 minutes. Then inside centre Gareth Jenner powered over just two minutes later.

The coup de grace came on 43 minutes when fly half Atkins probed right before sending the ball left. Winger Noremac and prop Tom Collins combined to keep the ball alive before the ball was moved to the left. A move involving 12 was concluded when No.8 Albrow was held up 2 metres short and the recycled ball was popped up for outside centre Batt to dot down.

Aylesford were excellent hosts and the Ashford team received complimentary credit from Fijian coach and first team player Api Kata. Player of the week was scrum half Louis Burdon. Next Sunday (8^th October) Ashford Under 14s entertain Tonbridge Juddians.

Match Report 25th September 2006 - vs. Thanet

Thanet 10 – Ashford Under 14s 27

This was Thanet’s first match of the season. In contrast Ashford arrived in Broadstairs with the benefit of a Welsh tour and a Kent 11 aside tournament under their belts.

For this match Ashford made some experimental changes behind the scrum in order to inject more power into their midfield. After 4 minutes, the revised formation paid off as inside centre Gareth Jenner bulldozed his way into Thanet territory and No.8 Christopher Albrow forced his way through a gap in the Thanet defence to ground the ball for the opening try. Ashford resumed the pressure from the restart and from a close range line-out Albrow plucked the ball from the air and crashed over for the second try on 10 minutes. This score was followed up just 3 minutes later when lock forward George Woodrow picked up a poor clearance kick and sprinted outside the cover to score from 25 metres. The final movement of the first half saw Ashford spin the ball wide and outside centre Adam Batt outpace his opposite number to score in the corner. Converted by fly half Louis Burdon, the half time score was 22-0 in Ashford’s favour.

The second half was a completely different story as Ashford increasingly found themselves on the back foot at rucks and mauls. 8 minutes into the half Ashford failed to clear a lineout and were penalised for holding onto the ball. Thanet tapped the resulting penalty and took a well deserved try. Ashford responded with a try of their own 3 minutes later when the ball was spun wide for winger Grant Noremac to touch down in the corner.

In the 31^st minute of the half, the match was closed out when a Thanet prop stole the ball from a lineout and barged through a less than enthusiastic challenge to score under the posts to make the final score 12-27.

Player of the week was centre Gareth Jenner. Next Sunday (1^st October) Ashford Under 14s travel to Whitstable in the East Kent Cup.

ARFC U14s - vs. Felinfoel & Caerphilly 9/10 September 06

Ashford boys return battle hardened from Wales tour

Felinfoel 10 – Ashford Under 14s 53

Felinfoel is the home club of Wales and Lions legend Phil Bennett. On the outskirts of Llanelli, it is deep in the heart of Welsh-speaking rugby country. This was a fixture picked with great deliberation for boys who grow up in a part of Kent where rugby remains a secondary sport.

Despite the overnight coach journey, the Ashford boys started quickly in the Saturday match of their tour and their first match of the new Rugby season. The scoring opened in the second minute when Ashford tighthead prop Billy Stevens powered through the Llanelli defence and touched down under the posts. From that point Ashford dominated the match and raced into a 36 – 0 half time lead with tries from Chris Albrow, Lukas Warrilow, Rory Beech, Gareth Jenner and Tom Healy. In the second half Ashford again started strongly with 2 tries inside 3 minutes from wing forward Glenn Caton and loosehead prop Danny Herriott. Despite being 47 – 0 behind Felinfoel forced their way back into the match and their ability to spread the ball wide created two tries from the home side. Ashford No. 8 Chris Albrow concluded the try scoring in the 58^th minute to round off a handsome first win on “foreign” territory.

Caerphilly 34 – Ashford Under14s 22

On the Sunday, Ashford faced Glamorgan side Caerphilly who’s adult team play in the Welsh first division alongside club giants Pontypool and Newbridge. The match was played at the home side’s 6,000 capacity stadium with stands on 3 sides. The home side were aware of Ashford's previous day’s score against Felinfoel and fielded a team which included 4 Welsh rugby league internationals.

Despite a thorough warm-up the Ashford boys were slow to come to terms with the illustrious surroundings and Welsh interpretations of sportsmanship. The Welsh boys were operating at a faster tempo and their ability to win the ball whilst committing no more than 5 forwards to the breakdown meant Ashford’s three-quarter line were outnumbered and outflanked every occasion Caerphilly moved the ball wide. The first try was conceded after two minutes and two more tries quickly followed. The score line read 19-0 after just 10 minutes. This was more points than Ashford had conceded in any match since October 2004 and Caerphilly had every reason to expect a walkover. On the ropes Ashford finally woke up and started to contest the match.

A kick into Caerphilly territory followed by a charge from prop Billy Stevens saw Ashford enter the Caerphilly 22 for the first time. From the resultant scrum a ruck formed and number 8 Chris Albrow crashed over to open Ashford’s scoring on 15 minutes. The try changed the complexion of the match. And soon a midfield break saw winger Harry Atkins score a second Ashford try. The match now developed into a more even contest. Unfortunately in the 31^st minute of the first half Ashford failed to clear their lines and a Caerphilly try took the half time score to 24 -10.

The second half was a different story. With Caerphilly committing fewer players to the ruck/maul Ashford’s pack used their numerical advantage and repeatedly drove the ball upfield. After 6 minutes of the half, the pressure told when hooker George Sladden peeled off a maul to dive over and open the second half try scoring. A conversion by player of the tour Atkins narrowed the score to 24-17 until the home side responded with a try of their own. Ashford now had the measure of their opponents and a try by lock Lucas Warrilow in the 60^th minute took Ashford to within 7 points of their opponents. Ashford fought gamely until in the 62^nd minute of the match when the Caerphilly side concluded the scoring with a late try.

The tour performances should provide a tremendous boost to the Ashford boys’ confidence. The competitive intensity of the Caerphilly match was unlike anything the boys had faced against English opposition. An aggregate score of 75-44 against Welsh opposition is no mean feat for an English touring side.

Rugby coaching and playing bursary

Ashford Under 14s are to pilot a coaching/playing bursary for the 2006/7 season. The bursary is worth £1,250. The bursary is targeted at university students or newly qualified PE teachers. Candidates will be required to maintain a regular place in the Ashford RFC 1st XV and assist with coaching the Under 14 backs. To find out further details, click on the post title or call David Burdon on 01233 663199.

New Match Report Blog - Ashford RFC U14s

This will be the new match report archive for the Ashford Rugby Club Under 14s for the 2006/7 season.