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Match reports
Upminster visit Epping, Braintree and Westcombe Park Festivals
The Upminster U10 Cheetahs visited the Epping festival, their first match was against a Barbarian team, and resulted in a good win with the forwards Jacob Owen and John Diss coming close. Harrison Bussandra and John Maude both scored twice and Daniel Baldwin scored once for a 35-0 win. The following two matches against two strong A teams resulted in losses, but the match practice is now starting o pay dividends for this emerging team.
Upminster Tigers visited the Braintree festival, their first match against Braintree A proved very tough going down 15-0 with some excellent forward performances, but their second against Braintree C reversed this with a 35-0 win, with scrum half Jack Lee scoring and then Ian Laybourne going over. The second half Upminster stepped up and James Wright and Max Johnstone scoring twice.
Their final pool match against Maldon was a close affair but ended with Toby Edwards and Ian Laybourne crashing over for a 10-0 win.The semi final match was against Thurrock was a forward dominated match where in spite of some excellent defending Upminster went down 10-0
Upminster Lions visited the Westcombe park festival, and their first match against local rivals Brentwood stung them into action after conceding a try, Chris Maude scored the equaliser and in the second half forward strength allowed William Couchman and Cameron Lang to score for a 15-5 win. Blackheath were next with one game plan in mind, forward strength. Tom Howard, Josh Pittman and Nick McAlpin all had to work tirelessly to allow scrum half Adam Heptinstall to score twice, Nathan sanders came close and winger Cameron Lang to run out eventual winners 15-5.
Next up Cranbrook, Both William Couchman and Cameron Lang both scored quickly but Upminster took their foot off slightly allowing Cranbrook to draw level. Second half the strength of the forwards took over allowing Josh Pittman and Tom Howard to score.
The final pool match against Tunbridge Wells was a one sided affair. Harvey Ransome came close a couple of times but William Couchman and Josh Pittman scored in the first half, and Jack Dorrington Ben Dance and Cameron Lang scored for a 35-0 victory.
The semi finals against Tonbridge Judd, Upminster kept working the ball wide, eventually allowing space for William Couchman and Adam Hepinstall to score, but a tough Tonbridge fought back scoring two tries of their own, The final couple of minutes saw two Upminster tries disallowed, and a final score of 10-10. Upminster thought they had come through on first try scored and greater try scored count, unfortunately, tries scored against also counted, resulting in Tonbridge going forward. Upminster can be proud of their achievements as still going unbeaten in competition, and look forward to their next challenge.
Upminster Tour - Bournemouth festival Winners
Upminster Rugby club U10’s travelled to Bournemouth Rugby club for their annual tour to play in the Bournemouth festival. The U10’s managed to field three teams in this prestigious festival.
The Cheetahs were unlucky to lose against Eastleigh 10-5 with Daniel Baldwin scoring, The second match against Pulborough and eventual cup finalists was much harder losing 20-0 but with forwards Jacob Owen and Billy Thomas both unlucky not to score. Next up were Salisbury 2 who again proved to be very strong, John Maude and Jay Gilmore proved a handful in this 20-5 loss with Daniel Baldwin again scoring. The final pool match against Launceston this again proved to be tough but with Anna Brentnall, Daniel Baldwin and Jordan Doherty all unlucky in not scoring and eventually losing 15-0.
The Tigers came into a strong pool, losing their first match 15-5 with Conor Reddan the scorer and Ben Dance and James Wright proving particular handfuls for the opposition. The second match against New Milton was again very close with Conor Reddan scoring but eventually losing 20-5 Third up were Ivel Barbarians, the Tigers had started to play better Rugby with the forwards starting to Gel, Ian Laybourn and Billy Ferrier working very well together and James Wright scoring for a hard fought 5-5 draw, The final pool match against Hereford was once again very tight, but two break away tries for Hereford proved the Tigers undoing eventually going down 15-0
The Lions had a full strength team available and first up were North Dorset – Forward strength allowed the play to flow with Cameron Lang (2) Jack Dorrington (2) Nick McAlpin and Josh Pittman scoring for a 30-0 win. Sherbourne were next up, slick handling allowed Nick McAlpin, Harvey Ransome, Josh Pittman and Jack Dorrington all scoring for a 20-0 win. Salisbury 1 who had the same points at this stage provided the next pool match, Tom Howard and Chris Maude both came close an did Scrum half Adam Heptinstall, Hooker Nick McAlpin time and again stole the ball for the Lions but the final pass would not go to hand, resulting in a 0-0 draw.
The final pool match the lions knew what they had to do to top the group, win by more than 3 tries against Trowbridge. Before the first half had finished the Lions were 30 – 0 up. Trowbridge then asked the Lions to complete the match; the eventual result was 65-0 with Josh Pittman (2) Chris Maude (2) William Couchman, Harvey Ransome, Cameron Lang (2) Adam Heptinstall, Jack Dorrington (2) and Nathan Sanders (2) all scoring.
The Semi Final against Twickenham was very tight but Nathan Sanders and William Couchman both going close, But with support from Tom Howard, Josh Pittman provided the scores for a 10-0 win
The final match was against the very strong Pullborough and was a superb match, with excellent rugby from both teams, the Lions struck first with forward Josh Pittman crashing over. Despite most of the rugby being played in the oppositions half and Harvey Ransome and Chris Maude playing very well the decisive try would not come, a try saving tackle from William Couchman and a crunching tackle from Josh Pittman saw the Lions win 5-0 and take the cup.
Upminster Lions - Essex Cup at Westcliffe - Winners
The Essex Cup for the U10’s was held at Westcliffe on Sunday 24th with Upminster looking for a 4th consecutive win.
The first match was against hosts Westcliffe, who came out very strongly determined to beat the current holders. William Couchman provided the first try for Upminster with scrum half Adam Heptinstall proving a handful for his opposite number, but Westcliffe responded with a forward drive which set up for a tense second half, centre Harvey Ransome broke the deadlock with Upminster winning 10-5
Upminster’s second match was against Barking, tries from William Couchman and Harvey Ransome put Upminster ahead, and further tries in the second half for Harvey Ransome, Chris Maude, Cameron Lang and Jack Dorrington (2) resulted in a 35-0 win forwards Tom Howard and Ethan Florez proving to be particularly destructive.
The final pool match against Chingford proved to be another tough contest with the forwards battle again being where the ball was concentrated, forwards Josh Pittman, Nick McAlpin and Ian Laybourn worked tirelessly to enable Chris Maude and William Couchman to score and Cameron Lang putting in a try saving tackle and a 10-5 win.
A long delay for the semi final with Romford did nothing to quench Upminster’s appetite, scrum half Ben Dance caused Romford all sorts of problems, and Ethan Florez proving particularly difficult to stop resulting in him scoring his first try, Nathan Sanders was hauled down close to the line, but Harvey Ransome and William Couchman both scored for a 15-0 win.
The Final match was against Braintree who Upminster have not seen all season, this proved to be an exceptional match with both the backs and forwards being involved. Josh Pittman scored a try with a straight forward drive, but Braintree responded with a try of their own. The second half saw a flowing move from Upminster with Cameron Lang beating his defender and running in to score, only to be denied by a mix up with the pitch markings. The final few minutes saw Upminster camped on Braintree’s line. Scrum Half Adam Heptinstall was held up over the line, the following scrum was won by Upminster and driven forward and hooker Nick McAlpin crossing the line for the decisive score. At presentation ceremony the representative from Essex Rugby spoke very highly of the Upminster team’s performance and looked forward to seeing them again in the future.
Lions Squad – Josh Pittman, Nick McAlpin, Ian Laybourn, Ethan Florez, Tom Howard, Adam Heptinstall, Ben Dance, Chris Maude, William Couchman, Harvey Ransome, Cameron Lang, Jack Dorrington, Nathan Sanders.
Upminster B Festival
On Sunday the 25th of March Upminster Rugby club held their first Tiger Festival for B and C teams. The Upminster Under 10's Cheetahs team consisting of some of the newest members once again went out and played their hearts out. There were flashes of brilliance, a lot of excellent tackles & passes and a lot of sweat and tears shed. They were unlucky not to come away with more than they did with the results not doing them justice. The try scorers were Cormac Treston and Jay Gilmore. The rest of the team Anna Brentnall, Billy Thomas, James Ash, Harrison Bussandra, John Diss, John Maude, Jordan Doherty and Josh Reeve all done more than their part to make everyone proud showing signs of a team to be reckoned with in the future.
Upminster Tigers at Worthing festival - Winners
Upminster Tigers and Cheetahs visited Worthing for their B Festival on Sunday 18th.
The Tigers got off to a good start winning 30-0 against Worthing with Max Johnston, Tom Howard, Ian Laybourn, Patrick Behan, Nathan Sanders and James Wright all scoring. The second match against Tunbridge Wells was much harder, but Upminster went onto win 10-5 with Max Johnston and Ben Dance scoring. The third match against Haslemere was very tense with forward Tom Howard sidelined due to a punch in the mouth, But Jack Lee scored the decisive try for a 5-0 win.
The Semi Final against Sevenoaks was particularly difficult, with all the decisions going against Upminster, Nathan Sanders scored twice with the match ending 10-10. Captain Max Johnston was called upon to decide heads or Tails, and called correctly.
The Final was against Effingham and Leatherhead Falcons, with Upminster spending most of the match inside the opposition half, eventually forward Ethan Florez broke through the tough defence for the only try winning 5-0.
Upminster Cheetahs found life much tougher, losing their first two matches but forwards Billy Thomas and Jacob Owen put in good performances and Anna Marie Brentnall put in a try saving tackle, but the team still progressed into the shield semi final, where the team seemed to come to life, Daniel Baldwin played very well scoring the Cheetahs first try but eventually losing 5-10 to Haslemere.
Upminster V Westcombe Park & Colchester
Sunday 25th Feb saw Colchester and Westcombe Park visit a very wet and muddy Upminster
Upminster Tigers got off to a good start playing Colchester B running out 25-0 winners with Inky Laybourne scoring three tries, Jacob Reddan Owen scoring once and Sean Patrick Finn producing a fine individual effort.
Upminster Lions played Westcombe Park and finished 15-0 winners with Harvey Ransome scoring three times.
Upminster Cheetahs’ played a match against Colchester B in a very close match, but came away 10-0 winners with Nick McAlpin and Jay Gillmore scoring.
In the final match both the Tigers and Lions played a half against Colchester A which finished 5-5 with forward Tom Howard scoring for Upminster.
Harlequins Ratt Cup 23rd Feb
Saturday 23rd Feb saw Upminster go to Harlequins RFC to contest the 2nd round of the RATT cup. Up first was Ealing Rugby club which resulted in a 5-0 win to Upminster with a try from hooker Nick McAlpin. The second match against Sutton was another close affair with Upminster again getting the better of the conditions and again coming away with a 5-0 win.
The third match against Gosport was a little easier although the pitch was starting to get very cut up, forwards Josh Pittman and No 12 William Couchman scoring for a 10-0 win
The following match was to prove the crunch match coming up against a strong Old Alleyians team, neither team could find the killer blow, resulting in a 0-0 draw – a fair result.
The fifth match was again against a known strong team New Milton, but William Couchman provided the breakthrough for a 5-0 win.
With progress into the next round guaranteed the team was mixed up for the final match against Teddington, an Interception and a forward drive and score resulted in a 10-0 loss, this did not take any of the gloss off of the results of the day. Three other club age groups also progressed into the next round
Upminster V Blackheath 28-01-07
The Upminster team visited Blackheath, and the Lions were duly stung by a very spirited Blackheath team. The Match ended 5 – 20 to Blackheath with Sean Patrick Finn scoring for Upminster, with further positional changes prior to this match the Lions would take a while to adapt to the new line up – work in progress.
The second match against Blackheath was a very compelling match, with Upminster coming up 5 – 0 winners and forward Chris Maude scoring the winning try.
The Tigers team got off to a winning start with James Wright and Bradley Kelly both scoring and Upminster winning 15 – 0.
The Cheetahs were not so lucky ending up losing 5 – 25 with forward Inky Laybourne proving to be his usual handful and scoring Upminster's only try.
The final match was a Barbarians team against Upminster who ran out 25 – 0 winners, Josh Pittman scoring 3 and Harrison Bussandra scoring twice.
Upminster V Woodford 21-01-07
January 21st Upminster hosted Woodford rugby club. First match up was the Cheetah’s V Woodford, which proved to be an outstanding match, the forwards of Billy Ferrier, Jacob Reddan Owen, Toby Edwards proved to be a real handful for the Woodford team, with Upminster running out winners 30-20 with tries scored by Jay Gilmore, Harrison B (2) Toby Edwards, James Aylott and Billy Thomas.
With Daniel Baldwin, John Diss, Tadgh Casey, Anna Brentnall, Jordan Doherty all performing well.
Woodford struck back in the second match against the Tigers, putting out a full strength side, running out 35 – 0 winners which proved to be a real wake up call for the Tigers.
The Lions then went up against the Woodford team running out 45 – 0 winners with Jack Dorrington, Ethan Florez and Adam Heptinstall all scoring two, along with tries from Harvey Ransome, Ian Laybourne and Nathan Sanders.
Upminster V Romford and Cambridge @ Romford
January 14th saw some of the Upminster squad travel to Romford, to play both Romford and Cambridge teams, This was the first time the squads have played together following the December player review. On arrival it was noted that the two pitches that were laid out were particularly narrow, when questioned the Romford coach said “we don’t want your backs running round us”
The lions team got off to a 10-10 draw after having a third try disallowed, this game proved to be a particually tough forwards game, with Chris Maude, Josh Pittman and Nick McAlpin in the thick of it from the start, the back line tried to move the ball quickly, but the narrowness of the pitch was making space very difficult to find, Both the Upminster tries were scored by Harvey Ransome.
The Tigers were up against Cambridge in their first match who again proved to be a good team, Patrick Behan showed good awareness allowing Ethan Florez and Max Johnstone to score in a 10-10 tie.
The second matches saw the Lions and Tigers swap over, The Lions recording a 10-0 victory with Chris Maude and Jack Dorrington scoring. The Tigers had a particually impressive victory over Romford winning 25-15 forwards Ian Laybourne and Ethan Florez showing impressive domination over the Romford forwards, the scorers were Ian Laybourne (2) Ben Dance diving over a ruck, Connor Reddan and Nathan Sanders, The coaches were very pleased with the development of both squads and further match practice will make both squads very strong and competition fierce for both teams.
Upminster V Hertford 10-12-06
Upminster’s first visit to Hertford rugby club while chaotic, proved to be a very rewarding friendly, with Hertford putting out strong teams, which were very challenging for the mixed teams of Upminster, Once again this enabled the coaches to see the strength’s and weaknesses of the various players, by the end of the day the results were, slightly in Hertford’s favour. Many thanks to the Hertford coaches who made us feel very welcome. It is hoped we can arrange another fixture later in the season once the Upminster team selection has been made.
Upminster V Brentwood 03-12-06
Upminster U10's fielded three mixed teams against Brentwood last Sunday, again with a view to assess player development, the results were as follows.
Upminster 10 - 15, 5 - 5, 25 - 5, 15 - 30, 25 - 0, 15 - 10
The players who stood out for this week were Max J, William C,Josh P, Charlie, Harvey, Cameron, Bradley, and Tom for their tackle count. Ethan, Chris M and Stanley worked well in the forwards, Anna Marie made a particually good tackle, Sean Patrick, Billy F and Patrick B all played well, and Nathan S now appears to be getting comfortable with his new position. All the coaches were pleased with the results and the players performances, which should make the January squad selections very difficult.
Upminster V Colchester 26-11-06
With the current run of festivals over Upminster U10's have decided to look at their squads, to see if any player can move between teams, and possible move some players positions. Subsequently with Colchester visiting this weekend, it would be a strong test for the Upminster players, playing in mixed teams and a chance for the coaches to assess player development.
Upminster V Colchester A
This proved a very tough match against a good Colchester team, with Upminster going down 4-0. Nathan Sanders, Ben Dance, John Maude Tom Howard and Max Johnston all worked tirelessly with William Couchman putting in some hard driving tackles, and scrum half Ben Dance releasing William Couchman for a superb run only to be caught close to the line.
Upminster v Colchester B
This was a different affair with the new forwards of Chris Maude and Stanley Beaumont clearing the rucks well allowing scrum half time and new fly half Cameron Lang space to run. Tries were scored by James Aylott (2) Sean Patrick Finn, Forward Nick McAlpin and Cameron Lang (2) Adam Heptinstall also scored with a superb solo run.
Upminster V Colchester B
A second match against a different Upminster team also saw an Upminster win, both Bradley Kelly and James Wright (SH) shone in this match, but both forward Josh Pittman and the running of Harvey Ransome proved too much for this team with Upminster running out eventual winners 4-0.
Upminster V Colchester A
This proved to be a very tight match with Upminster spending most of the first half in the Colchester half with the forwards working hard . The second half, saw Colchester come out the strong in this niggly match which looked as if it would go to a draw, this was not to be, with the scrum half limping off at half time, one missed tackle yards from the try line saw Colchester go over and win this match
Many thanks to the Colchester team
Harlequins RATT Cup 4th November
Upminster U10's travelled to Harlequins rugby club to their first round of the RATT cup
Their first match was against a very good Windsor team and inspite of some excellent play by both the forwards in Josh Pittman and backs with Nathan Sanders the final result was a draw 0-0
Their second match was against Westcombe park, needing to win by 25-0 to progress through easily, the forwards Nick McAlpin and Ian Laybourne allowed tries by William Couchman, Tom Howard and Sean Patrick Finn this set up a thrilling second half with Harvey Ransome scoring and Ben Dance passing to allow a second for Tom Howard crashing over, a sixth try by Josh Pittman was disallowed.
This resulted in a final match against a strong Blackheath team Chris Maude and Ethan Florez made strong breaks allowing scrum half Adam Heptinstall to go over for Upminster's first try and a break by Jack Dorrington and Bradley Kelly allowed a ruck to form, Quick Ball allowed winger Cameron Lang to break through and score resulting in an Upminster win.
The next round of the Ratt cup is later in the season.
Thurrock Festival 22nd October - Festival Winners
Upminster Tigers put in their best performances of the season, starting with a 5-5 draw against Eaton Manor. Their second match against Braintree was a 25-0 loss. Their third match was a superb fighting 0-0 draw with the home team Thurrock with some excellent defensive work, Their final match was against Chelmsford were they lost 5-0.
Upminster Lions were hoping to follow up their 4th time Upminster festival win, with a win at Thurrock. The first match against Brentwood B had a scrappy start, but the Lions soon got in their stride running out 20 - 0 winners with tries from Jack Taylor (2) scrum half Adam Heptinstall and a forward drive from Tom Howard.
The second match against Stanford le hope proved a tough match with William Couchman and Cameron Lang providing vital breaks to run out 15 - 0 winners with tries from Jack Taylor, Adam Heptinstall and William Couchman. Upminster v Sidcup resulted in un-contested scrums due to an injury to a Sidcup player, with Upminster running out 25 - 0 winners, with tries from Jack Taylor, Harvey Ransome, Adam Heptinstall and Tom Howard. Against Brentwood A tries from Harvey Ransome, Will Couchman, Jack Taylor (2) and Jack Dorrington resulted in a 25 - 0 winners and a final place against Chelmsford.
This proved to be a very sporting match in the pouring rain, but Upminster again proved to be too strong running out 20 - 0 winners. In the second half Chelmsford came out fighting and were very close to scoring, but a vital scrum and a break by Cameron Lang carrying the ball to half way and the final whistle, with William Couchman, Jack Taylor (2) and Harvey Ransome scoring, special mention must go to the forwards Josh Pittman, Nick McAlpin, Tom Howard and Ian Laybourne and utility player Nathan Sanders. This means that Upminster U10's have now won both the Upminster and Thurrock festivals 4 times on the trot at their respective age groups.
Upminster Festival 8th October - Festival Winners
Upminster Tigers played four matches winning one 10-0 with Jack Taylor and Harrison Bussandra scoring against Gravesend. The second and third matches they lost 20-0 and the forth match was a fighting draw against Bishops Stortford 0-0
Upminster Lions were going for their second festival win in two weeks and their fourth time winning their age group.
The first match was against Stanford le Hope running in six tries with Harvey Ransome scoring three, and William Couchman, Cameron Lang and Sean Patrick Finn all scoring, running in 30-0 winners.
The second match against Chelmsford saw Cameron Lang score twice, and Nick McAlpin running from a lineout to allow Harvey Ransome to score along with jack Dorrington resulting in 20-0 winners.
Romford proved to be very tough opponents, with Harvey Ransome putting in some strong tackles and Nick McAlpin completing a try saving tackle at the end. Both William Couchman and Jack Dorrington scoring for a 10-0 victory.
The Upminster V Rochford match was to be the only match were tries were conceded, Chris Maude was particually abrasive scoring twice with direct running and Ben Dance scoring near the end 15-10 winners
The final was against Thurrock who were very strong, but were playing in their own half for most of the match, resulting in Cameron Lang scoring in the corner. The second half saw Thurrock start very quickly, but good defensive work from the forwards Dave laybourne and Josh Pittman allowed Cameron Lang to run in a second try, finishing with Tom Howard stealing a lineout ball and crashing over for Upminsters third, special credit for the victory should also go to Nathan Sanders, Adam Hepinstall and Bradley Kelly
Medway Festival 3rd October - Festival Winners
Upminster U10's travelled to the Medway for the first festival of the season
Their first match against Medway, was won 10-0 with tries by Harvey Ransome and Cameron Lang. Jack Dorrington putting in some strong tackles
Their second match against New Ash Green was won 25-0 with Sean Patrick Finn, Chris Maude and Bradley Kelly all scoring and Nathan Sanders rucking very well.
Against Sittingbourne, Upminster won 25-0, Cameron Lang scoring twice along with Thomas Howard with a forward drive and Sean Patrick Finn.
Upminster V Medway B was won 25-0 with Jack Dorrington, Cameron Lang, Harvey Ransome and Chris Maude scoring twice showing considerable determination.
The Semi Final against Old Colfeians was a tough match with Upminster winning
10-0 with Josh Pittman scoring twice.
The final against Sevenoaks was a very deserving match, both teams played some tough running rugby, with Upminster scoring in the first half through the forward power of Josh Pittman. - A Special mention to Adam Hepinstall, Ben Dance, Ian Laybourne and William Couchman, and Nick McAlpin.
Upminster V Hove - Sep 06
Both the Lions and Tigers teams played at Hove, and a big thank you must go to the Hove coaches who made us feel very welcome
Lions V Hove - 20 -10 and 5 - 0
Tigers V Hove - 10 - 20 and 5 - 10
Upminster Under 9's, Hat-trick of Essex cup victories (March 2006)
The Under 9's did it again this year, winning the Cup for the 3rd consecutive year in the largest Essex Mini-Midi festival held to date with 24 clubs and schools participating in one of the biggest tournaments held at this level in the country.
Upminster kicked the festival off with a win against Romford and Guidea Park, Josh Pittman and Nathan Sanders' aggressive rucking enabled the backs to run in 5 tries to record a 25-nil victory. The second game against Malden saw some great forward play from Nick McAlpin who stole ball from the opposition and enabled William Couchman and Harvey Ransome to dominate the opposition back line and another 25-nil victory set-up a thrilling quarter final against Colchester who beat last years finalists Westcliffe to make the quarter final. Once again the forwards dominated and this allowed the scrum half Adam Heptinstall to provide the backs with quick ball. Christopher Maude setup Cameron Lang and Jack Dorrington who both scored fantastic tries and Upminster booked themselves into the quarter final with a 25-nil victory. A further 20-nil victory against Chingford in the semi final, setup by some powerful running from Tom Howard and Patrick Behan set up a final with Thurrock. Again the forwards dominated and with some strong attacking runs by Sean Patrick enabled Upminster to record 20-nil victory. They finished the festival scoring over 20 tries and none of the opposition penetrated the defensive line.
The squad will look to continue this impressive run in 2007 and 2008 before touring South Africa in 2008. If anyone is able to help with sponsorship for this tour please contact Gavin Maude on 01708 229877 or mailto:maudefamily@hotmail.com |
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