Ashford Kent Rugby Club Under 13s Team

Now the Ashford RFC Under 14s

2006-05-01T11:59:00.000Z

From today the team is renamed the Ashford RFC Under 14s. The new season's match report archive has already been set up. This is the last post on the Under 13 blog.

Ashford RFC Under 13s Match Report 16th April 2006

2006-04-20T13:37:00.000Z

Ashford youngsters get vital seven aside experience

Deal A 7 – Ashford U13 A 7
Deal B 7 – Ashford U13 B 5
Deal A 32 – Ashford U13 B 0
Deal B 0 – Ashford U13 A 29

Ashford prepared for the forthcoming Kent 7 Aside Festival with a series of warm-up matches at Deal. Deal were hosting a day of celebrations to mark the merger of the Deal and Betteshanger clubs. The Ashford U13s provided a series of curtain-raiser matches before the final match between the two Deal club sides.

Ashford’s squad of 15 players were split into two teams to face a combined Deal and Betteshanger side of mixed U13s and U14s. The Ashford A side drew their first match 7-7 before going on to winning their second by 29 points to nil. Ashford’s scorers for the A side were Grant Noremac with 4 tries and Chris Albrow, and Adam Batt with a try apiece. Chris Albrow, Rory Beech and Louis Burdon also managed a conversion each.

The Ashford B side took the lead in their first match with a try by Tom Collins, before losing 5-7. In their second match and short rest meant they had little time to recover before losing 32-0 to the Deal A side.

This weekend Ashford U13s send a squad of 12 to the Kent sevens festival at Canterbury.

Ashford RFC Under 13s vs. London Scottish

2006-04-09T18:26:00.000Z

Ashford RFC Under 13s Match Report 9th April 2006

Ashford youngsters win at the illustrious home of the Scottish Exiles

London Scottish U13s 21 – Ashford U13s 32
With the school holidays under way Ashford were missing a total of 12 boys – 9 of which have made regular appearances in the starting line-up – for the long trip to Richmond. The Ashford forward pack had an improvised look about it, with wing forward Glenn Caton moving to No.8 and taking on the mantle of pack leader and vice captain for the day.

London Scottish are a club with an illustrious history. Not to be intimidated, Caton had the Ashford pack fired up from the off and early forward pressure saw prop Danny Herriott crash over to open the scores on 6 minutes. Ashford resumed the pressure on the restart when the ball was spread wide and winger Gareth Jenner was bundled into touch just 2 metres short. Ashford then camped on the London Scottish 5 metre line. When Scottish spilled a lineout, prop Tom Collins snapped up the loose ball and fed hooker George Sladden, who dived under a pile of bodies to score Ashford’s second try on 11 minutes.

At this point, Ashford inexplicably allowed London Scottish to take the lead when soft tackling saw the exiles score converted tries under the posts on 17 and 20 minutes. Shortly after, normal service was resumed when first Jenner and then Herriott scored tries which gave Ashford a 20-14 lead at half time.

The second half was a much tighter affair than the first. The Scottish half time team talk appeared to have focussed on nullifying Ashford’s superiority in the forwards. Despite the Exiles’ efforts, on 29 minutes, lock George Woodrow burst from the halfway line and sprinted over to open the second half try scoring. Just 4 minutes later, Ashford took a ball against the scrum-feed 60 metres out and moved it to outside centre Grant Noremac. Noremac showed his power and pace to arc around the Exiles’ defence and dot down under the posts. This time the try was converted by Louis Burdon.

With 12 unanswered points in 8 minutes, Ashford now had a 32 – 14 lead and again allowed their concentration slip. Following a series of tap penalties, Scottish broke through to score a third converted try. The score forced Ashford to regain their concentration and allowed the boys to earn themselves a highly creditable win.

Player of the week was Danny Herriott

Ashford RFC Under 13s Report 19th March 2006

2006-03-19T21:22:00.000Z

Normal service resumed

Whitstable U13s 5 – Ashford U13s 70

Ashford fielded an experimental line up for this fixture. Several key players were rested including the team’s captain and vice-captain. New to the team was debutant Max Anglin, stepping up from playing for the Under 12s. Max played a solid game at both scrum half and fly half and fitted well into a back division that always had the edge over their opponents.

Ashford’s game plan was to spread the ball wide and avoid over exploiting their strength in the pack. Despite windy conditions the boys rose to the task and scored a total of 12 tries and 5 conversions to secure a 70 points to 5 victory over their East Kent rivals. Nine of the twelve tries came from the back division.

Four boys registered a brace of tries each; Grant Noremac, Aiden Moss, Danny Herriott and Adam Batt. Others to make the try scoring sheet were Billy Stevens, Gareth Jenner, Harry Atkins and Gavin Norman. Daniel Head scored 5 conversions.

Player of the week was Cameron Veitch.

Ashford Under 13s Falter in Kent Championship

2006-03-14T10:58:00.000Z

Match Report 12th March 2006

Despite a tournament scoring record of 43 points for and none against, Ashford RFC’s Under 13s were eliminated from the Kent rugby championships on Sunday. With two wins and a draw to their credit, Ashford were eliminated in the quarter finals by 4 goals to 3 in a drop goal shoot-out.

With a season’s record to date of 20 wins from 21 matches, Ashford were seeded no.1 in the tournament’s draw. They got off to a bright start scoring 38 points in their opening match over Medway.

Sadly, in the second match, things started to go wrong. Ashford faced an Aylesford side, ranked 17th in the tournament, and a side over which they had scored a combined 92 points in their two previous meetings this season. From the whistle Ashford lacked sparkle and their normally confident backline conspired to drop or knock-on an inordinate amount of ball. Several scoring chances went begging before scrum half Rory Beech scored the winning try in the 16th minute of a 20 minute match.

Despite the under performance, the two wins were sufficient to put Ashford through to the quarter final. Here they faced a Beccehamians side ranked 7th out of 8 qualifiers. Ashford had an easy route to the final, if only they could play their normal game.

Unfortunately, in the opening exchanges against Beccehamians, the Ashford forwards failed to really impose themselves upfront. With their backs’ misfiring, Ashford applied no real pressure on the Beccehamians line through the opening 10 minutes. A tendency to attack down the short side allowed Beccehamians to contain Ashford’s pressure. At half time an injury allowed the introduction of new forward Danny Herriott. Herriott’s physical presence immediately livened up Ashford’s approach and he was unlucky not to score, being brought down just inches short of the try line. On balance Ashford had edged the match territorially, but with the final score tied at 0-0 Ashford faced a drop goal shoot-out. Despite successful drop goals from Daniel Head, Ollie Best and Billy Stevens, Ashford lost by 4 drop goals to 3 and were eliminated from the tournament.

Beccehamians went through and will face Blackheath in the Kent final on 25th March. Despite a fantastic season’s record of 22 wins and 1 draw from 24 matches, and 880 points scored against 79 conceded, Ashford U13s must now seek other avenues to prove their calibre.

Ashford RFC Under 13s Match Report 26th February 2006

2006-02-27T13:41:00.000Z

Déjà vu strikes as Ashford boys falter in county decider.

Ashford U13s 7 – Blackheath U13s 10
Unbeaten until this encounter, Ashford’s boys had a distinct feeling of déjà vu when running out to face current Kent champions, Blackheath. Having recently won encounters over Medway and Cranbrook, it was quite a shock for the Ashford boys to see several of the star players from those previous opponents turning out for Blackheath. According to the management of one of their former clubs, the boys concerned believe joining Blackheath youth’s section is a passport to Kent selection and greater things beyond.

Ignoring the illustrious provenance of their opponents, Ashford immediately went on the attack. When Blackheath knocked–on, Ashford No. 8 Christopher Albrow picked up from the resulting scrum and galloped 50 metres upfield and was hauled down just 5 metres short of the Blackheath try line. What followed was 10 minutes of sustained Ashford pressure. Blackheath were penalised at a lineout and Ashford tapped and ran. With the ball held-up on the try line, Blackheath again offended. Ashford tapped again and again the ball was held-up. Eventually, Blackheath broke out from defence. Wing forward Glenn Caton and scrum half Luke Ransley both left the field due to injury. Eventually the reorganised defence missed a crucial tackle and the Blackheath No.8 broke through to score a try on 22 minutes.

Despite being the dominant side for most of the first half, Ashford found themselves down 5 points to nil at half time.

The second half was as tense as the first and Ashford’s forwards again led the offensive. Several times Ashford went close to scoring, only for the ball to be turned over to the Blackheath backs who would break out of defence.

On 32 minutes Ashford’s pressure finally paid off. Blackheath called a 3 man line out on the half way line. The ball bobbled loose and tighthead prop Billy Stevens powered through the Blackheath defence from 50 metres out to touch down under the posts. The try was duly converted by winger Luke Chinnery, giving Ashford a 7 points to 5 lead.

Having taken the lead, a loss of concentration forced Ashford back on the defensive. The defence initially held out. But on 13 minutes two missed tackles saw the Blackheath outside centre score out wide. The conversion was missed and Ashford had 12 minutes to close the 3 point gap. Ashford continued to pressure the Blackheath line with wing forward Rory Beech and No.8 Albrow both going close to scoring. With the clock running down, Ashford drove to within 2 metres of the Blackheath try line before time expired.

In summary, this was a tremendous all round team performance. With players from the starting line-up and replacements all putting in a fantastic effort. Blackheath justified their narrow win. But the Ashford boys are ready for the rematch.

Player of the week was prop forward Billy Stevens.

Ashford Boys Seal 20th Successive Win

2006-02-19T23:06:00.000Z

Ashford RFC Under 13s Match Report 19th February 2006

Dover U13s 0 – Ashford U13s 46
This was second time this season that the Ashford U13s had faced Dover. First time around Ashford scored an easy 65-0 home win. This time, for the away fixture, an experimental starting line up was selected and captained by lock Tom Healy. To give the newer boys more game time, several of Ashford’s more experienced players were stationed on the replacements bench.

Since the last encounter Dover had beefed up their forward pack. Rain and a heavy home pitch should have given them an advantage over Ashford’s lighter forwards. However, aggressive tackling meant that Ashford managed to edge the early close quarter exchanges and forced the play into Dover’s half. When, on 3 minutes, the ball went wide down the left, centre Gareth Jenner stepped outside his opposite number and arced around the defensive cover to touch down near the posts.

Five minutes later, from a midfield scrum, Ashford again moved the ball wide, this time to the right. Inside centre Grant Noremac broke through two attempted tackles to touch down close to the corner flag. Ashford’s territorial pressure was maintained throughout the first half and lock George Woodrow and Gareth Jenner added further tries. The half time score was 22 points to nil.

For the second half, Ashford introduced their more experienced players. Within two minutes of the restart, tighthead prop Billy Stevens gathered a loose ball and sprinted from half way to dot down under the posts. Just three minutes later, not to be outshone by a prop, stand-in fly half Adam Batt, spotted a gap in the Dover defence and also sprinted upfield to touch down from 50 metres.

As the rain became heavier, Ashford forced Dover deeper into their defensive 22 metre area. Only a slippery ball and inaccurate passing kept the score from progessing. Eventually, the pressure told on 38 minutes when Jenner again powered through the Dover defence to seal his personal hatrick of tries. And on 49 minutes Ashford’s forwards secured an opposition lineout throw. Adam Batt, who’d reverted to centre, scampered around the blindside and touched down in the corner to score the final points of the match.

Two conversions were kicked by Luke Chinnery and one by Harry Atkins. Player of the week was wing forward Glenn Caton.

With a season to date record of 20 successive wins and 830 points for to just 69 against, Ashford host Kent joint champions Blackheath next Sunday. This encounter will be the acid test of the Ashford boys’ progress.

Match Report 5th February 2006

2006-02-10T13:46:00.000Z

South Woodham Ferrers U13s 0 – Ashford U13s 15
Ashford travelled to Essex short of 4 of the regular starting 15. After just 3 minutes of play vigorous Essex footwork had despatched both Ashford halfbacks to the treatment room. An extremely precise referee also ensured there was little flow to the match. Ashford struggled to generate any momentum against a constantly blowing whistle. However the team had come to Essex to learn from the unfamiliar conditions.

Eventually Ashford pressure told when Chris Albrow caught a lineout and dived over from 5 metres. The lineout throw was ruled not straight and from the resulting scrum Woodham only cleared to the 5 metre line. Still penned close to their goal line Woodham eventually conceded a scrum. From this No.8 Albrow picked up and dived over to open the scoring on 15 minutes.

With a 5 point lead Ashford began to dominate open play. However the keen-eyed referee still ensured the match was punctuated by regular stoppages and refused to play advantage. Eventually, prop Billy Stevens powered his way 30 metres upfield and passed to centre Adam Batt, who outpaced the defence to score in the corner.

With a 10 points to nil lead Ashford started the second half well but struggled to win the ball in either scrum or lineout. However their loose play showed no let-up. Aggressive play by the second row pairing of Tom Healy and George Woodrow and prop Stevens ensured territorial dominance.

On 36 minutes Ashford won a scrum on the half way. The ball was worked wide and centre Grant Noremac charged over from 30 metres out. From this point, leading 15-0, Ashford were afflicted by a series of adverse penalty decisions.

Despite being forced on the defensive by a big kicking fly half the Ashford boys tackled well and ensured another clean sheet and their 19th win in succession.
Player of the week was Cameron Veitch. This Saturday (11th February), the team’s parents have organised a fund-raising night at the Nelson Public House in Stanhope Road.

Ashford RFC U13s Match Report 29th January 06

2006-01-30T09:27:00.000Z

Ashford U13s 49 – Sittingbourne U13s 0

Sittingbourne arrived with an under strength squad. Anticipating a less than fully competitive fixture, Ashford selected an experimental line up and kept some of their more experienced players on the replacements bench.

The scoring was opened after 5 minutes when No.8 George Morgan barged over for the first try. This was followed by first half tries from right winger Luke Chinnery, centre Gareth Jenner, scrum half Rory Beech and left winger Adam Batt. At half time the score was 29-0 in Ashford’s favour.

For the second half Ashford reverted to a more traditional line-up and introduced their more experienced players. The half was only 2 minutes old when Ashford won a lineout and the ball was passed wide to Harry Atkins who dotted down in the corner. Five minutes later the Sittingbourne defences began to crumble when first Batt, then Chinnery and finally prop Tom Collins scored tries within a 4 minute spell. 10 minutes into the half, with Sittingbourne unable to prevent further tries, the match was concluded with the score 49-0 in Ashford’s favour.

Luke Chinnery scored 2 conversions. Player of the week was Lukas Warrilow.

In their 4 matches during January, the team have outscored their opponents by 220 points to 5.

This weekend – 5^th February – Ashford travel away to Essex side South Woodham Ferrers.

Ashford RFC U13s Match Report 22nd January 06

2006-01-23T10:47:00.000Z

Ashford U13s 65 – Thanet U13s 0

Thanet came into this match on a run of form which had seen them win five matches in succession. A large and robust Thanet pack strongly contested the opening exchanges but eventually Ashford prevailed by 11 tries to nil.

Ashford took some time to assert themselves up front but eventually forced their way into Thanet’s defensive 22 metre area. On 5 minutes prop Tom Collins burst through the defence to touch down near the posts and open the scores.

From the restart Ashford re-applied territorial pressure and on 8 minutes winger Gareth Jenner powered down the left wing and scored in the corner. This try signalled the opening of the floodgates as a further six first half tries were scored in the next 15 minutes.

From the restart Thanet kicked long and the ball was caught by winger Harry Atkins. The pacey Atkins sped 80 metres down the pitch, evaded several tackles and dived over in the corner.

Following this score the match developed a repetitive rhythm as Ashford would score, Thanet would restart and Ashford would break through the defence to score again. There was one more try apiece for Collins and Atkins, plus tries for George Morgan, Adam Batt and Grant Noremac. The half time score concluded at 46-0 in Ashford’s favour.

In the second half Ashford introduced a number of their less experienced players, including debut appearances for prop Jamie Lukehurst and winger Patrick Khedher. Despite the relative inexperience of the side, the Ashford boys immediately applied pressure on the Thanet line. Ashford disrupted a Thanet defensive scrum and lock George Woodrow barged his way over to touch down under the posts. Five minutes later Ashford knocked on as the drove over the Thanet line. From the resulting scrum wing forward Rory Beech tackled the Thanet fly half on the try line. The spilled ball was pounced on by No.8 Christopher Albrow to claim Ashford’s tenth try.

Debut winger Patrick Khedher completed Ashford’s scoring on 42 minutes when, following a ruck on the Thanet 5 metre line, he picked up the loose ball and dived over. The final score was 65-0 in Ashford’s favour.

Daniel Head scored 2 conversions and Louis Burdon 3. Christopher Albrow was awarded the player of the week trophy.

This weekend – 29^th January – Ashford are scheduled to entertain Sittingbourne.

Ashford RFC U13s Match Report 15th January 2006

2006-01-16T11:14:00.000Z

Ashford U13s 41 – Cranbrook U13s 5
Back in October, Kent joint champions Cranbrook gave the Ashford boys a stern test when Ashford prevailed 19-10 in a closely fought away match. Despite home advantage, Ashford were expecting a tough rematch.

Receiving the kick-off, Ashford attempted to maul the ball forward only to be held up. When Cranbrook won the ball at the resulting scrum, Ashford’s first up defence turned over possession and counter attacked. The ball was moved wide and right winger Harry Atkins arced around the covering defence to touch down under the posts after just two minutes.

Cranbrook have a robust and mobile forward pack and contested strongly in the loose. But on 7 minutes, Atkins again showed his speed to touch down in the corner. On 19 minutes, No.8 Chris Albrow collected a lineout throw and broke through a disorganised Cranbrook defence to add a third Ashford try.

Ashford maintained the territorial pressure and eventually Cranbrook were penalised for being offside at a maul. From a tap penalty, prop Billy Stevens barged over to touch down under the posts and making the half time score 24-0 in Ashford’s favour.

Ashford kicked off for the second half and aggressive forward play forced Cranbrook to spill possession. Ashford’s backs broke into space and winger Luke Chinnery sprinted over to open the second half try scoring within 30 seconds of the restart.

Ashford maintained a territorial stranglehold for the next 10 minutes, only to be denied by last ditch tackling. On 38 minutes a series of penalty awards saw Cranbrook break out from their defensive 22 metre area. When a high kick was misjudged by the Ashford defence, Cranbrook regathered the loose ball and scored a consolation try.

Stung by conceding the score, Ashford reintroduced some of their more experienced forwards. Eventually, on 45 minutes, the pressure told when, from a tapped free kick, Albrow dived over for his second try.

As the clock wound down, Ashford maintained the pressure on the Cranbrook try line. With two minutes to go, Cranbrook failed to clear from a defensive lineout. The ever alert Albrow dived onto a loose ball to conclude his try hatrick and make the score 41-5.

Daniel Head scored 2 conversions and Harry Atkins 1. Rory Beech was awarded the player of the week trophy.

Next week, 22nd January, Ashford Under 13s entertain Thanet.

Ashford RFC U13s Match Report 8th January 2006

2006-01-09T09:59:00.000Z

Ashford U13s 65 – Medway U13s 0
With a large population catchment, the Medway club are one of Kent’s stronger youth sections. However, in the Under 13 age group they have gone through a rough patch, losing several players to Blackheath. As a result, a weakened Medway were comprehensively outplayed by Ashford in an 11 tries to nil win.

This was the Ashford Under 13s first match since 11th December. Any doubts regarding match sharpness were dispelled when tighthead prop Billy Stevens opened the try scoring within a minute of the kick off. Two minutes later, scrum half Luke Ransley squeezed around the blind side of a scrum and touched down in the corner. From the restart Stevens was back in action when he charged 40 metres upfield and passed to support runner, No.8 Christopher Albrow, who scored under the posts. After just 5 minutes of play the score was 19 points to nil in Ashford’s favour. Ashford’s forwards, with wing forward Rory Beech and lock George Woodrow to the fore, took control of the breakdown zone. Outside, the first up tackling by centres Adam Batt and Grant Noremac ensured that any Medway attacking movement was snuffed out beyond the gain line.

Further tries from wing forward Glenn Caton, another from Ransley and winger Gareth Jenner saw the half time score reach 36-0.

Ashford opened the second half try scoring on 29 minutes, when Albrow took a clean catch in the lineout and sprinted over from 22 metres. Four minutes later, quick passing saw Noremac outflank the opposition defence and dot down in the corner. On 42 minutes, prop Stevens was back on the score sheet when he crashed over from a tapped free kick. From the restart, fly half Louis Burdon split the defence. He passed to winger Luke Chinnery, who coming in on an angled run, touched down unopposed for try number 10.

The final try came on 47 minutes, when Albrow gathered a loose ball on the Medway 22 metre line. Despite being held up, Albrow stayed on his feet and was driven over the try line by the Ashford pack.

Daniel Head and Louis Burdon scored 5 conversions between them. Luke Ransley was awarded the player of the week trophy.

The match was more competitive than the score suggests and Medway showed good spirit in competing throughout.

Ashford RFC U13s Match Report 11th December 05

2005-12-12T11:43:00.000Z

Ashford U13s 41 – Aylesford U13s 5

Earlier in the season Ashford put more than 50 points on an inexperienced Aylesford side. For the return visit to Kinney’s Field, a larger and much improved Aylesford team arrived with several wins under their belt and a degree of new found belief.

The early exchanges were tense and Ashford took some time to impose themselves on the match. After 5 minutes, pressure from the Ashford back row forced the Aylesford backline to knock-on. Playing advantage, Ashford’s midfield gathered the loose ball and outside centre Grant Noremac broke through the defence to touch down in the corner. Two minutes later Ashford resumed the attack and this time winger Gareth Jenner brushed aside his opposite number and dotted down under the posts.

The score gave Ashford the confidence to take the game to Aylesford. Ashford threw long at a lineout, wing forward Rory Beech gathered the ball and offloaded to prop Billy Stevens, who crashed over near the posts. With 19 points on the board in just 12 minutes, Ashford rang the changes in team selection. With the introduction of some less experienced players, the Ashford’s momentum was halted and the match became more competitive. Just before half-time, hooker George Morgan barged his way over in the corner to make the score 24-0 in Ashford’s favour.

Normal service resumed 4 minutes into the second half, when winger Jenner sprinted outside the defensive cover and scored under the posts. This was followed 5 minutes later by a try from inside centre Adam Batt who sprinted in from half way. At this point Ashford’s momentum faltered. The Aylesford restart kick only went 8 metres but it was knocked on by the Ashford defence. An Aylesford lock, playing advantage, gathered the loose ball and charged through some weak tackling to score a consolation try.

Ashford then reintroduced some of their more experienced players. This was sufficient to regain the upper hand. The final score of the match came when prop Billy Stevens charged over from a tap penalty. Final score 41-5. Fly half Louis Burdon scored 3 conversions. Winger Gareth Jenner was player of the week.

The match was more competitive than the score suggests. And Aylesford should take comfort from their improvement.

The Ashford Under 13s have reached the halfway stage of the season in satisfactory shape. 14 straight wins from 14 outings and an aggregate scoring record of 549 points for and 64 against. Their next match is at home against Medway on 8^th January.

Ashford RFC U13s Match Report 4th December 05

2005-12-04T19:25:00.000Z

Ashford hit 14 tries in their 13^th win of the season

Sittingbourne Under 13s 0 – Ashford Under 13s 88

Ashford travelled to Sittingbourne with a squad of 24 players looking for their 13^th consecutive win of the season. Captain for the day, lock George Woodrow, led a highly experimental starting line up. He was joined by several boys relatively new to the game of rugby.

Despite their inexperience, the Ashford team got off to a flying start when prop Billy Stevens barged his way through the middle to touch down under the posts after just three minutes. Two minutes later No.8 Chris Albrow charged over to open up a 12 nil lead after just five minutes of play. Within a further five minutes Ashford scored their third try of the day when Ashford created an overlap and winger Gareth Jenner dived over in the corner.

This score was followed by further first half tries from wing forward Glenn Caton, centre Grant Noremac, winger Harry Atkins and a second try for Albrow. With three conversions by full back Daniel Head and one from Louis Burdon, the half time score was 43-0 in Ashford’s favour.

In the second half, Ashford carried on where they left off in the first half. After just two minutes winger Luke Chinnery touched down to open the second half try scoring. This score was soon followed by tries from scrum half Luke Ransley, another from Grant Noremac, a hatrick try for Chris Albrow, a second try for Chinnery and two further hatrick making tries for Jenner. Head scored five second half conversions, making the final score 88-0 in Ashford’s favour. A total of fourteen tries without reply.

As an overall assessment, this was one of Ashford’s most disciplined performances of the season. Despite the growing score, the team maintained their focus on good teamwork and support play. Several new combinations were tried out in both the scrum and in the backs. Regardless of the combination on the pitch, Ashford dominated possession and used it to good effect. Only once did the Sittingbourne side penetrate Ashford’s defensive 22 metre area. And that attack was quickly snuffed out.

Winger Gareth Jenner was player of the week.

Next Sunday – 11^th December – Ashford Under 13s entertain Aylesford.

Ashford RFC U13s Match Report 27th November 05

2005-11-28T15:22:00.000Z

Ashford topple county aristocrats

Sevenoaks Under 13s 5 – Ashford Under 13s 22
Sevenoaks is probably the most aristocratic rugby club in Kent. World cup winning RFU President Robert Horner is a member. The walls of the clubhouse bar are lined with the shirts of a dozen schoolboy internationals produced by the club. Their Under 18 team are current Kent champions. And up until this encounter, the Sevenoaks Under 13 side were undefeated this season.

From the kick off the Ashford forwards were uncharacteristically tentative. This allowed the home side to take control of the opening exchanges. With possession, Sevenoaks secured territory and camped inside Ashford’s defensive “22”. After 8 minutes weak Ashford tackling allowed the Sevenoaks’ outside backs to burst through and score the opening try of the match.

The shock of conceding a try woke up the Ashford forwards, who now realised they faced a real challenge. Ashford gradually applied sufficient pressure to force the play into Sevenoaks territory. With 20 minutes gone, the breakthrough finally came when Ashford stole an opposition lineout. The otherwise eagle-eyed referee missed a knock-on that was gathered by tighthead prop Billy Stevens. Stevens drove towards the Sevenoaks try line and offloaded to loosehead prop Tom Collins, who crashed over to level the scores. Half time Sevenoaks 5 – Ashford 5.

In the second half, Ashford used the slope and wind to pin Sevenoaks into their defensive 22 metre area. After just 4 minutes Ashford won an attacking lineout and fly-half Louis Burdon broke through the defence and passed to supporting No. 8 Christopher Albrow, who touched down to open the second half scoring. The try was converted by winger Harry Atkins, making the score 12-5 in Ashford’s favour.

Ashford caught the restart and immediately went back onto the attack, forcing a series of scrums. Pinned close to their try line, Sevenoaks spilled the ball and No.8 Albrow picked up and crashed over to open up a 17-5 lead.

With the Sevenoaks forwards fading, the match’s final score came when Ashford called a shortened lineout. Albrow gathered the ball and was held up 10 metres short of the try line. From the resulting maul, lock George Morgan peeled off the side and dived over to make the score 22-5 in Ashford’s favour.

Forward Patrick MacEnri was player of the week.

Next Sunday – 4th December – Ashford Under 13s are away to Sittingbourne.

Ashford RFC U13 Match Report 20th November 05

2005-11-21T13:03:00.000Z

Ashford changes fail to stop winning streak

Ashford Under 13s 53 – Tonbridge Juddians Under 13s 0

Tonbridge Juddians brought a robust and well drilled side to Ashford. In their previous match the Tonbridge boys had beaten Sussex side Heathfield 52-0. However any illusions regarding their prospects were shattered after just 30 seconds, when Ashford prop Billy Stevens charged over to score the match’s opening try.

Recovering from the early shock, Tonbridge regrouped and battled their way back into the match. Despite their best efforts they couldn’t escape from their defensive 22 metre area. After 8 minutes Ashford scored their second try when No. 8 Chris Albrow took a quick tap penalty and dived over under the defensive cover.

On 17 minutes Ashford scored their third try when Albrow picked up from the base of a scrum and forced his way over the line. 5 minutes later wing forward Glenn Caton picked up a loose tap from a defensive lineout and scrambled over the line to make the half-time score 24-0 in Ashford’s favour.

Both teams had match day squads of about 25 boys. So it was agreed to make a number of personnel changes for the second half. Ashford went immediately onto the attack and were held up illegally just short of the try line. Scrum half Rory Beech took a quick tap penalty and dummied a pass to a decoy runner. This ploy fooled the entire defensive line and Beech touched down unopposed.

From the restart Ashford again went on the attack and a drive by the forwards saw hooker George Sladden squeeze over in the corner to make the score 34-0 after just 8 minutes of the second half.

At the next restart Tonbridge Juddians tried a kick-off ploy, directing the ball away from their pack. The ploy backfired and Ashford’s Stevens rumbled upfield with the rest of the Ashford team in support. As the defensive cover closed in, Stevens offloaded to No. 8 Albrow who dotted down under the posts to complete his try hat trick.

As the match drew to a close, centre’s Adam Batt and Grant Noremac scored a try apiece to take the Ashford score over 50 points. Full back Daniel Head and fly half Louis Burdon also scored two conversions apiece.

Winger Aaron Achong was awarded player of the week.

Next Sunday – 27^th November – Ashford Under 13s are away to New Ash Green.

Ashford Under 13s make it 10 wins in a row

2005-11-14T09:56:00.000Z

Ashford RFC Under 13s Match Report 13th November 2005

Old Elthamians 7 - Ashford 32
Old Elthamians have one of the strongest youth sections in Kent and are Kent champions at Under 14s and Under 17s. However, the illustrious reputation and 45 mile journey to Chislehurst did not faze the Ashford Under 13s. Going for their 10th consecutive win of the season, Ashford dominated proceedings from the start.

With prop Tom Collins to the fore, the forward pack quickly asserted control over both territory and possession. Within 3 minutes of the kick off, from a scrum just twenty metres out, Ashford spun the ball to the right and outside centre Grant Noremac crashed through the defence to score the opening try. From the restart, OEs kicked short and Ashford played advantage and drove upfield. Lock Lukas Warrilow charged 30 metres upfield and was held just ten metres from the OEs try line. This time the ball was passed left and neat inter-passing between forwards and backs saw Noremac break through to touch down. Next it was the turn of both wingers to feature on the score sheet, as first Luke Chinnery and then Harry Atkins dotted down in their respective corners. Ashford reached half time 20-0 in the lead.

For the second half a number of replacements entered the fray. However with a strong tackling back line OEs were pinned in their 22 and could only use their possession to make relieving kicks from defence. Good positioning from fullback Daniel Head ensured the pressure was maintained. Eventually wing forward Glenn Caton and No.8 Christopher Albrow combined to send the latter over the try line under the posts. The try was converted by Louis Burdon.

With Ashford 27-0 in the lead, the team’s concentration lapsed and poor tackling allowed OEs to score their only try of the match.

Conceding a try spurred Ashford back into action and first George Woodrow and then George Morgan had touchdowns disallowed. Eventually Ashford’s pressure told and in the last play of the match, prop Matty Monje-Shefford drove over to score the match’s final try and leave Ashford 32-7 to the good.

Centre Grant Noremac was awarded player of the week.

Next Sunday – 20th November – Ashford Under 13s entertain Tonbridge Juddians.

Ashford RFC Under 13s maintain winning streak

2005-11-08T10:16:00.000Z

Ashford 22 – Beckenham 5
Beckenham are one of Kent’s stronger rugby clubs. Last Sunday, they anticipated an easy run-out against traditionally weaker East Kent opposition. Beckenham had misread the strength of the local boys as the Ashford Under 13s came into this fixture with the momentum of 8 consecutive wins. With wins against opposition from as far afield as Northamptonshire and Essex, the reputation of the visitors counted for very little. Beckenham won the toss and elected to play with a strong diagonal breeze at their backs. It was the last time the visitors were to be ahead.

From the kick-off, despite playing into the wind, Ashford’s forwards worked collectively to gain the upper hand. With aggressive loose play by recent recruits George Woodrow and Tom Collins, this advantage was turned into territory. After 5 minutes, No. 8 Christopher Albrow broke from the back of a maul and sprinted through the Beckenham defence to score the opening try.

With their noses in front, Ashford maintained their pressure throughout the first half and worked their way up the left touch line. When Ashford knocked-on a metre short of the Beckenham try line, a defensive 5 metre scrum was awarded. Aided by a big shove, hooker George Morgan stole the opposition put-in. Glenn Caton, packing down at No.8 in a tactical switch, instinctively picked-up and dashed around a narrow blind side to score the team’s second try.

Turning round for the second half, Ashford were 10-0 up with the wind behind. This advantage was initially put to good effect when centre Adam Batt broke through the Beckenham defence and presented a scoring pass to winger Luke Chinnery. Now 15-0 up, Ashford lost concentration. The two most aggressive forwards had been tactically substituted and the Ashford pack began to concede territory and possession to the visitors. The ultimate letdown occurred when the Beckenham inside centre ran through from 60 metres to score under the Ashford posts.

Scoring an easy try raised the spirits of the visitors and Ashford failed to respond – despite now having the wind in their favour. Twice Beckenham were held up on the line and on another occasion a Beckenham player was adjudged to have knocked-on just short of the try line. To restore some forward power, Woodrow and Collins were returned to the fray. Ashford recovered sufficiently to create space for centre Batt to burst through the middle and score a try under the posts in the dying minutes. The try was duly converted by full back Daniel Head. Ashford Under 13s emerged worthy winners by 22 points to 5.

Prop Tom Collins was awarded player of the week.

Next Sunday – 13th November – Ashford Under 13s travel away to Old Elthamians.

Ashford RFC U13 Match Report 30th October 2005

2005-10-31T10:55:00.000Z

Essex boys present tough obstacle.

Ashford 38 – South Woodham Ferrers 0
Having won the season’s first seven matches, Ashford had made this fixture with the Essex side with the express intention of finding a more physically robust challenge. The Essex side certainly didn’t disappoint. They arrived in Kent with a highly combative pack and a hard tackling back division. Ashford had anticipated the intensity of the contest and in the preceding week held a special training session that concentrated on being more competitive at the rucks and mauls. The training paid dividends as Ashford’s forwards went on to dictate the close encounters.

First onto the score sheet was tighthead prop Billy Stevens, who barged over from short range to touch down near the posts. Soon after, Ashford were awarded a penalty near halfway. With the wind gusting strongly, winger Harry Atkins kicked Ashford into the Woodham defensive “22”. Ashford secured the resulting lineout and camped near the Woodham line for a series of 5 metre scrums. Eventually No.8 Christopher Albrow picked up from the base of the scrum and powered his way through three defenders to score the team’s second try. Shortly before half time prop Stevens was back on the score sheet when he crashed over for his second try. With two conversions by Daniel Head, Ashford reached half time 19-0 up.

With 24 players in the match day squad, Ashford made a number of changes for the second half. On came new boy Charlie Williams, as well as a number of the side’s less experienced players. The changes made little difference to Ashford’s momentum. Early into the half inside centre Adam Batt burst through the midfield defence and dotted down for a converted try under the posts.

Despite Ashford’s 26-0 lead the Essex boys refused to buckle. They never stopped tackling and led by their pack leader they continued to battle it out up front. In the end, however, Ashford pressure led to the boys crossing the opposition line twice more, with a second try for No.8 Albrow and a hatrick concluding score for prop Stevens.

Winger Gareth Jenner was awarded player of the week.

Next Sunday – 6th November – Ashford Under 13s entertain Beckenham.

Ashford RFC U13s Match Report 23rd October 2005

2005-10-24T11:15:00.000Z

Pace combined with handling secures 9 try victory.

Ashford 63 – Dover 0
Following 6 consecutive away wins, this was the Ashford Under 13s first home appearance of the season. Aware from previous encounters that Dover Under 13s are not a strong side, Ashford used the fixture to experiment with selection. As a result, several new players were given their first experience of a place in the starting line up.

With many familiar faces on the bench, the Ashford forward pack initially struggled to generate momentum in the battle for possession against a plucky Dover side. However, once the formation had bedded down, the Ashford forwards created a solid territorial platform for their pacey back division to exploit.

Centre Luke Chinnery opened the try scoring after a quick passing movement and a flanking run took him outside the Dover defensive cover. This score was soon followed by debut tries from winger Gareth Jenner, wing forward George Woodrow and prop Tom Collins. With all 4 first half tries being converted by fly half Daniel Head, the team reached the break a 28-0 lead.

For the second half Ashford fielded a more experienced line up and the players were asked to concentrate on utilising their passing and support game. The objective was to move the ball from contact rapidly into the wide open spaces where, Ashford had the advantage in pace. Within a minute of the restart, the tactics were rewarded with a try from centre Adam Batt. This was followed by two tries from wing forward Christopher Albrow, then a second try from Chinnery. With the clock running down, the try scoring was concluded when scrum half Rory Beech touched down following an end to end passing movement.

Daniel Head converted all 5 second half tries, adding to his 4 successes in the opening half. Having achieved a remarkable 100% goal kicking record, Daniel was also rewarded with the “player of the week” accolade.

Next Sunday – 30th October – Ashford Under 13s entertain Essex side South Woodham Ferrers.

Ashford revival topples Kent champions

2005-10-17T11:24:00.000Z

Ashford RFC Under 13s Match Report 16th October 2005

Cranbrook 10 – Ashford 19
This match, away to the Kent champions in this age group, was originally scheduled as a home fixture. After 10 minutes of play Ashford were losing 10-0. Cranbrook dominated the early exchanges as their more mobile forwards outmanoeuvred Ashford’s uncharacteristically lethargic pack. 3 scrums were lost against the head and the Ashford forwards were repeatedly driven back in the rucks and mauls. Only last ditch tackling by Ashford’s back division kept the score to a manageable deficit. It was if the Ashford players had left their concentration elsewhere.

Just before half time Ashford’s game finally acquired some urgency. Ashford made a rare foray into the Cranbrook “22” and No. 8 Christopher Albrow broke from a scrum to score under the posts. The try was converted by winger Harry Atkins and Ashford turned round just 10-7 behind.

The converted try had raised the spirits of the Ashford boys and the forwards entered the second half in a vastly more determined mood. From the restart, Ashford gained possession and a well-worked passing movement saw winger Cameron Veitch make a break before being hauled down 10 metres short of the try line. Ashford were rewarded with a scrum and following a series of rucks, lock George Morgan crashed over the try line to put Ashford into the lead. Converted by Atkins, the score created a 4 point cushion.

Cranbrook, struggling to cope with the Ashford revival, spent most of the second half on the defensive. Frustrated by lack of progress, Cranbrook conceded a series of crucial penalties. Kicking intelligently, Ashford used these as an opportunity to pen Cranbrook into the corner of their defensive “22”. Eventually the Ashford pressure told when lock Lukas Warrilow stole an opposition lineout throw. Warrilow fed prop Billy Stevens who drove to within 5 metres of the Cranbrook line. Held-up, Stevens offloaded to the supporting Albrow who dived over to open up a 19-10 lead.

Ashford gathered the restart, drove upfield and gained another penalty. With time expired, Ashford kicked the ball into touch to end the match. Ashford’s sixth consecutive victory of the season had been achieved, a significant win over the reigning Kent champions.

Ashford’s Player of the Week was Vice Captain Christopher Albrow.

Next Sunday – 23rd October – Ashford Under 13s play Dover at home.

Ashford RFC U13 Match Report 9th October 2005

2005-10-12T17:08:00.000Z

Aylesford 7 – Ashford 51
Ashford’s Under 13s made the short trip up the M20 and found they were facing a surprisingly mature looking opposition. By some distance, Aylesford appeared to have the biggest pack the Ashford boys had encountered so far this season.

The size of the opposition forwards implied a tough struggle for possession. However, whatever advantage Ashford conceded in size they made up for in speed, aggression and technique. After just 2 minutes, Ashford’s backline rush defence forced an Aylesford knock-on. Playing advantage, Ashford snapped up the loose ball. A quick passing movement then saw right winger Harry Atkins outflank his opposite number to score the opening try of the match. Aylesford made a mess of their resulting restart and this time left winger Luke Chinnery burst through to touchdown. Within minutes of the second restart Ashford inside centre Adam Batt dashed through a midfield defensive hole and dotted down under the posts. Wingers Atkins and Chinnery soon followed up with a further try apiece. As half time approached outside centre Grant Noremac exploited a stretched defensive line to burst through and score Ashford’s seventh try and close the first half 36-0 in the lead.

During the half-time break the referee advised Ashford that the match would stop when they reached 50 points. As a result, a reshuffled side, with a number of players in experimental positions, was sent out for the second half. Despite the half-time reshuffle, Ashford started brightly when No. 8 Christopher Albrow drove over from the back of a maul to score a close range try. Minutes later Albrow picked up from a scrum and scored his second try of the match. Leading 46-0, Ashford monetarily lost concentration at a line-out and allowed Aylesford a consolation try. The score shook Ashford back into action and normal service was resumed when a drive by the Ashford forwards was held up close to the try line and centre Batt exploited an undefended blindside to touch down in the corner. With three conversions by fly half Louis Burdon the score had reached 51-7 and the match was duly concluded.

Ashford’s Player of the Week for the second week running was George Woodrow.

Next Sunday – 16th October – Ashford Under 13s travel away to Cranbrook.

Away win at Westcombe Park 2nd October 2005

2005-10-03T10:06:00.000Z

Westcombe Park 10 - Ashford 32
Both sides went into this fixture defending a three match unbeaten run. The Westcombe Park men’s team play in national division 3 and their youth section is allied to Harlequins. The Ashford boys therefore travelled up the M20 expecting a tough match.

Right from the whistle the Ashford boys looked sharper in the initial exchanges and quickly drove into ‘Combe territory. Ashford’s rush defence then forced the ‘Combe side to spill the ball under their goal posts. As Ashford gathered the ball and drove towards the try line, ‘Combe defenders were penalised for entering the ruck from offside positions. Ashford took the option of a tap penalty and No. 8 Christopher Albrow crashed over for the opening try. Shell-shocked ‘Combe compounded their problems when the restart failed to go 10 metres and Ashford played advantage. The desperate ‘Combe defence could only scramble the ball into touch. From the resulting lineout the loose ball was gathered by lock Lukas Warrilow who sprinted through a gap in the ‘Combe defence to ground the ball under the posts. The try was converted and gave Ashford a 10-0 lead after just 5 minutes of play.

The combined pressure of a mobile pack and an aggressive back line led to a try from tighthead prop Billy Stevens and a second try for Albrow. Having raced into a 22-0 lead Ashford then lost concentration. A poor defensive lineout saw the ball tapped back over the Ashford line, allowing the ‘Combe hooker to dive onto the loose ball and open the home side’s try account. The defensive error stung Ashford into action and a sweeping backs movement saw centre Grant Noremac burst through and score from 30 metres out.

At half time, with the score at 27-5 in Ashford’s favour, a series of substitutions were made. New boys Aaron Achong and Adam Kydd went out for the second half. As key players were rested the ‘Combe forwards were given more room. Eventually, a hesitant Ashford defence allowed ‘Combe to score a try from a short range scrum. As the clock wound down, normal service was resumed when a rapid passing movement involving forwards and backs saw No. 8 Albrow touch down to secure his hatrick of tries.

Ashford’s player of the week was George Woodrow.
Next Sunday – 9th October – Ashford Under 13s travel away to Aylesford.

Match Report Versus Thanet 25th September 2005

2005-09-29T12:29:00.000Z

Ashford Recover Momentum After Slow Start

Thanet 5 - Ashford 27
Ashford started slowly and seemed to find it difficult to shake out the journey to Broadstairs. Early in the match, a lack of concentration saw the Ashford back line fail to cover a high kick. When the ball bounced into the Ashford in-goal, a Thanet centre followed up and dived onto the loose ball to open the scores with an unconverted try.

The shock of going behind brought Ashford into life. From the restart the Ashford forwards drove into Thanet territory. Eventually a scrum was forced on the Thanet 5 metre line and fly half Louis Burdon intercepted a loose pass and touched down to level the scores.

Despite the equalising score Ashford still failed to demonstrate their full potential. However, just before half time hooker Ashford forced s series of 5 metre scrums. From the resulting pressure Ashford secured the ball at a maul and Hooker Patrick MacEnri was driven over by the pack to score the team’s second try.

Half time Thanet 5 – Ashford 10
The second half saw a big improvement in the performance of the Ashford pack. This meant that most of the half was played in Thanet territory. 5 minutes into the half, from a scrum 10 metres out, No. 8 Chris Albrow picked up from the base and dived over to open up a two try gap.

The rest of the match was played in heavy rain. As the conditions deteriorated the Thanet defence resorted to kicking the ball to relieve the Ashford pressure. One of the kicks was retrieved by winger Harry Atkins who ran into space before feeding centre Grant Noremac who broke through the defence and dotted down. Noremac re-appeared on the score sheet a few minutes later when Ashford broke from their own half and created space for Noremac to touch down under the posts. This final score was converted by Burdon to conclude the match at 27-5. Player of the week was Karl Clayton. Next Sunday – 2nd October – Ashford Under 13s entertain Whitstable at home.

Northampton Tour 17th/18th September 2005

2005-09-29T12:23:00.000Z

Northampton visit leads to meeting with World Cup winner

Last weekend represented the first ever occasion when Ashford’s Under 13 boys would be playing 15 aside rugby on a full-size pitch. To prepare for the youth version of the game, the Ashford team started their season with a tour to Northampton. The midlands town is, of course, home to premiership side Northampton Saints. Over the weekend the boys the boys attended the Saints versus Newcastle premiership match and played matches against local junior clubs Northampton Old Scouts and Wellingborough.

Whilst at the Franklins Gardens ground, the boys had the opportunity to meet some of the international stars of rugby. These included Sean Lamont and Tom Smith of Scotland, Ben Cohen of England and Carlos Spencer of the New Zealand All Blacks. Pick of the rugby stars on show though was England and British Lions hooker Steve Thompson. Despite sustaining a torn neck muscle, World cup winner Thompson found time to meet all the boys, pose for a team photograph and sign autographs for boys and parents alike.

In their matches against local opposition the Ashford boys produced two wins.

Northampton Old Scouts 5 – Ashford 22
In Saturday’s match Ashford started confidently despite the step up in pitch size. After 3 minutes they went ahead when the ball was passed wide and winger Luke Chinnery ran in for a try from 45 metres. Ashford then scored tries by centre Grant Noremac and prop Billy Stevens before the Old Scouts scored a try from a tap penalty. In the closing stages, Chinnery again out sprinted the opposition to score a try under the posts. A conversion was also scored by Louis Burdon.

Wellingborough 5 – Ashford 39
On the Sunday, Ashford faced Wellingborough. The run out the day before showed no ill effects as the team played sufficiently well to score seven tries and two conversions against a single try. In a rough but well tempered match the Ashford forwards asserted their dominance to produce both an ample supply of ball and territory. Winger Harry Atkins opened the scoring with a try out wide. This was then followed by tries from prop Patrick MacEnri, No. 8 Christopher Albrow (two tries), prop Billy Stevens, centre Grant Noremac and hooker George Sladden. Burdon kicked two conversions.

New Site - Ashford Under 13s

2005-05-11T10:40:00.000Z

This is the new blog for the Ashford RFC Under 13 team for the 2005/6 season. Our main site remains www.Ashford-Junior-Rugby.info and last season's archive will be permanently available on http://ashfordu12.blogspot.com.

From 1st May 2005 until 30th April 2006 the team will be known as the Under 13s.