Cup Success for U7’s

Minety U7’s rugby team scored a remarkable success last Sunday winning the cup competition of the Chippenham rugby festival by beating Bath 15-10 in the final.

The team won all their group matches beating Maidenhead, Stow-on-the-Wold, Sherbourne and Chippenham to qualify for the final.

The strong running of James Johnson was a key factor of the success in the group matches with the opponents unable to cope with his pace and this together with the strong defensive attitude of the team set up a final between the two best teams in the competition.

Watched by a vociferous crowd, the final against Bath was a very tight affair and despite taking the lead on two occasions Minety were pegged by a very well drilled Bath unit.

However with seconds remaining Jake Jones picked up a short pass from Max Brown and scampered the 15 metres to the try line evading the covering defenders to seal a famous win.

It was great reward for the team who to-date are also unbeaten this season.

The Minety U7’s squad are: Jake Jones, James Johnson, Max Brown, Charlie Brook, Finn Hayes, George Howe, Oscar Hayes and Paddy Errington

Happy New Year to all of you!

December was a bit of a challenge on the rugby front but the mini section start again on Sunday the 9th January 2011 so fingers crossed for some warmer weather.

I would like to start by saying a big thank you to all the brave souls who went out carol singing before Xmas. It was brilliantly organised - donations were collected on behalf of the local Hospice and the rugby club. We received plenty of compliments from the parishioners as it was an excellent seasonal thing to do and started Christmas off perfectly.

The Xmas party went ahead in the snow drifts - it was a bit different from our normal format but I hope that those who managed to fight through the conditions had a fun time. Steve Reynolds did a fine job of keeping everyone (including those adults who didn't want to be) involved in the activities!

From a Club perspective the first half of the season was a success with us generally 'winning' across the age groups. The U17s provided the highlight with a win against the 'fancied' Swanage & Wareham team in the Dorset & Wiltshire Cup final. They will now represent the 'twin counties' in the Regional Competition against the other County winners. The RFU have published a report of this match in the December edition of their monthly National 'Touchline' magazine. It is quite nice to see Minety featured with a photo etc.

The success of the U17s shouldn't overshadow the performances of the other age groups who have also claimed notable victories and performances. The U18s, U15s & U13s are all well placed in their leagues so we expect a few more 'champions' this season. We have been bucking the National trend by increasing our playing base particularly in the Junior & Youth age groups which is fantastic and shows that we are doing something right.

The Queens speech on Christmas day was interesting - she reiterated what we believe and have been saying for years. It is important for people to take exercise, find their place within a team and widen their exposure to different people. Playing sport and being part of a team within a Club structure provides these outcomes precisely.

It goes without saying that none of this would be possible without the commitment of the players & parents and the support of the volunteers & coaches. So a ultra big thank you to all of you and hopefully we can get back to proper rugby sooner rather than later.

See you Sunday.

Peter McAllister

URGENT.

Today's (12th December) mini fixtures have had to be cancelled at very short notice due to frozen pitches. An inspection last night passed the pitches as fit but a sharp overnight frost has rendered them unplayable.

Pete McAllister.

Fixture Change. All Mini fixtures against Colerne on Sunday 28th November will now be at HOME.

Please note that the Mini teams will now be playing against Chippenham away on 5th December and not training, as orginally included on the fisture list.

Minety Under 11's Match Report

Minety v. Avonvale 7th November 2010

In an exciting match today both sides played tremendous rugby. In a free flowing game neither side had the upper hand in the first quarter but Minety forward play was the stronger of the two with both packs powerful and aggressive at the breakdown. The backs put some spirited runs in and the off-loads and passing created good passages of linked play resulting in penetrating attacks.  Tackling was greatly improved on previous performances and the kicking game is beginning to become a key part of the play.

Avonvale scored the first try and converted the kick to get on the score board first. Minety responded to Avonvale’s first score with their own but failed to convert and with one try apiece following that Avonvale took the first match 12 points to 14.

In the second match the quality of play exceeded that of the first and Minety had the upper hand in the scrum and carried more momentum forwards to dominate in the ruck, maul and line out.

The second game went Minety’s way as they seemed to have marginally greater staying power most notably in the pack where not only their drive but also the ripping and subsequent running play and support was tremendous.  Minety could have added 2 more tries to their tally but for a dropped ball and a great hold-up by Avonvale in a period of intense pressure from Minety and great defence from Avonvale. 

The overall Minety team performance exceeded anything that that they have put together previously, including their fantastic performance at Melksham.  There were some great individual performances all of which led to a 28-5 win.  Minety U11’s are a winning team!

Fixtures between Avonvale and Minety are amongst the most positive and friendly of matches played at the under 11's level.  This match was played with similar levels of good sportsmanship as well as passionate, positive rugby.  This years encounter was every bit as positive as previous games and it was a real pleasure to be a part of it and to witness.

Andy Collier

Full match gallery available here.

Match Report

 In what was a disappointing first game, Minety U11s simply didn't fire.  Their timing was off, tackles were not being made, positions were not being kept and the ball was not being won.

 It not surprising that, after a couple of minutes, Minety conceded the first of five tries which went without response.

 It was like watching a different a team from that which played SO well against Melksham a fortnight ago.  Admittedly, the squad was three short including Sam Collier who is recovering from a dislocated finger.  Sam decided he would play, however, and we taped his finger sufficiently.  The team lost Robert mid way through the first match due to a knee injury from the previous weeks training.  So, with the team back to nine, we were pleased that Fairford were able to offer us two extra players.

 The second game was a vast contrast to the first with front and back divisions stepping up and executing, to a greater extent, all that had been covered in training.  Some big tackles were put in, running with confidence was on display, Minety forwards owned the scrummage and there was more impressive rucking and mauling. 

Spirited performances from Harry Llewellyn and Harry Sutherland made for great breaks for Minety.  Defensively, Max tackled his heart out, held his position well and was able to put in a couple of good runs though he didn't get the ball frequently.  The newer players are increasing in confidence and, with a little more focus on positional play, will begin to row into their roles.

 The second match could so easily have been Minety's but for a little bad luck and the general concensus from the sidelines was that they team played MUCH better in the second game.

 Captained by Harry Llewellyn, the team recognised the difference in their play between the two games and look forward to taking on Avonvale at home on the 7th November where they will introduce improvements they know are needed.  Mid-week drills will be undertaken by the players.

Full match gallery available here.

MATCH REPORT Under 11s v Melksham at Melksham

The morning was chilly, there was a frost on the ground but the sun was out and made for a glorious day for rugby.

In what was the best period of play we’ve seen the U11s play, they made good, solid  progress from the first whistle reversing their often demonstrated trend of starting slow and gaining pace.  They were playing full pelt from the off!

There were some marvellous passages of play with both forwards and backs linking to create chances and to run the wide leading to try scoring chances from the first passage of play.

The first try for Minety came in the first quarter followed by a second before Melksham could respond and the platy improved into the second half.  Minety were in the lead going into the second half and maintained their play to the final whistle ending the first of their two games a very creditable 3-4.

The second game started with the same pace a vigour and they went in to half time even.  A determined Melksham side clawed their way back to evens as the game went into its final period and Melksham drove forwards for a try in the last few minutes and then intelligently kicked to touch to seal a 3-2 win. 

Minety ended up on top overall on the day despite flagging slightly in the second game, second half after a tremendous demonstration of rugby from all quarters.

If we were looking critically at areas for improvement it would be tackling.  [I can almost hear them say in unison, as the did today, that this is where the guys felt they needed to improve.  They recognise it – that’s a great first step to improvement.]

Special mentions go to Harry Llewellyn (C) who played a pivotal role creating chances, winning ball, making breaks and tackling.  Jamie was again a crucial player at the heart of the team and demonstrated great strength, determination and skill as he appeared on numerous occasions, out of mauls with seemingly lost ball, to create chances and make progress up field repeatedly.  Robert and Robert both made great tackles and created chances through powerful breaks.  George and Sam were an indomitable force in the rucks and mauls driving the opposition off the ball on many occasions.  James was fundamental at scrum half, controlling play and making try saving tackles as well as being a speed demon around the scrum, winning ball and getting on top of the Melksham scrum half and disrupting their play. Harry ripped and drove his way to glory on many occasions and narrowly missed a try.  Max was splendid on the break and was rewarded with a well taken try despite being well tackled on the line.  David continued to show no fear in defence and was often in supporting positions on the break. Josh was pivotal in maintaining a good scrum and lineout as he played in his best role as hooker often robbing ball and breaking from the ruck. Charles was often getting stuck in in the mauls and rucks contributing to the Minety drive and ripping ball.  Jack demonstrated no fear in the tackle and did his best to keep with the breaks providing support for the Roberts as they made up field.  Owen enjoyed his first game for Minety and put in some spirited tackles!

Altogether, we are both very pleased with the whole team who played the best rugby I’ve seen them play.  Well done guys!!

Andy Collier and Andy Brown