U10's continue to improve

Today saw us taking the short trip down the M6 to play Preston Grasshoppers. Our numbers were depleted by injuries, Christmas parties and other comittments, but we still had 19 players on the day to represent Kendal. When we arrived, we were delighted to see that we had another Club (Rossendale) to play against us.

We had the luxury of large pitches, in great condition to play on, so we divided into 2 equal strength teams and started our games.

The players had a fantastic morning and every single player improved as an individual, but just as importantly, improved as a team of players.

On the individual front there were some new high points. Evan scored a try that was all down to grit and determination and he seemed to visibly grow another 3 inches afterwards. Freerunner thrived on the large spaces that the pitch provided, the Assasin linked everything together, Snowplough created a new driving record by taking some defenders half way down the pitch before he could be tackled down, Lightning opened up acres of room with crisp and accurate passing, Gorilla and Bulldozer had their best games yet, constantly taking the ball towards the try line and harassing the opposition in defence, Ninja ripped and rolled all day long, Lumberjack lived up to his name by bring down the big players and The Rock tackled everything that came within reach, repeatedly.

On the other pitch, the Viking continued his impressive form, improving every part of his game, every week, the Artful Dodger played with a level of determination and consistency that was a joy to see, the Silent Assassin did what he does best, disrupting the other teams attack and then bursting forward with the ball at great speed, Bobcat played an absolute blinder today, with intelligent passing and movement opening up the defence and creating space for his teammates, White Rhino took the defenders on again and again, White Shadow performed a full length diving tap tackle to save a certain try, Harry was on hand at every opportunity to stifle the opposition attack, or to support the Hornets going forwards. Amzo was simply a powerhouse in midfield. Finlay seemed to find himself in every ruck and often came out with the ball. Jack, in his first game looked like he’d played with his teammates for ever.

As the fixtures progressed the players started playing less as individuals and more as a team. The support work improved greatly, as did things like offloading in the tackle (rather than holding the ball in a deathgrip !). But the biggest improvement was in communication, with the players organising themselves better and better.

For a collection of players who only came together at the start of September 2013, the way that you are taking to rugby is impressive, with a capital I. Before the game, one of the Rossendale parents said to me that his team may struggle a bit today, as several of their team had only started playing this season. No problem, said I, as our team was only formed in September !

Finally, the results. I’m led to believe that we played 4, won 2 and lost 2, but on another day we could have lost all 4, or won all 4, such was the closeness of the games.

A big thank you goes to the referees from PGH and all of the coaches, parents and players from Rossendale and PGH who made the fixture the great success that it was.