U9 Rugby 2nd in Westbourne Tournament

U9 Rugby @ Westbourne Tournament

Sadly this was our final fixture of the season. It was however a very fitting testimonial to the way in which the team have improved. All of the players attending displayed some superb tenacity and skills as part of the afternoons rugby.

Wellow
Our opening match was against old rivals Wellow, who had beaten us soundly on our two previous encounters this season. Anselm’s really rose to the challenge of the game and with some fantastic defending. Russell F and Max H were terrific in their battering attacks. Sadly the Wellow star player (who has scored all their tries in our previous defeats) managed to make a single lucky break which put Wellow up 5 points. Jed P got really stuck in during the latter stages of the match. Despite the best efforts of the U9’s ten minutes one way was just too short to prise their way clear from the jaws of defeat.
Result: Lost 5-0
Man of the Match: Max H

Westbourne
Taking on the home team Westbourne was a very different challenge. Anselm’s were clearly the stronger of the sides and immediately camped out on the opposition 5 meter line. Any counter attack was quickly squashed by the smashing tackles of Josh G and James B. Sadly a try by Arthur L was disallowed. Finally after over 5 minutes of stalemate Captain Toby dB was able to slam the ball through the defence to finally close the deal. Anselm’s played terrifically dominating in both territory and possession throughout the game. Harry T showed some great skills in defence.
Result: Won 5-0
Man of the Match: Toby dB

Barlborough Hall
This team were outgunned by Anselm’s from the first seconds with battering runs, punching through the opposition. Big hitting Russell F managed to score a hat-trick of tries, followed by Arthur L to put in his first of the tournament. George L played superbly. Anselm’s easily dominated the game and in true sportsmanship allowed Barlborough to play their additional spare players to even the competition.
Result: Won 20-0
Man of the Match: Russell F

Mylnhurst
This was a thrilling game, with both teams opting to play their full assortment of players in an 11 a side spectacle. Anselm’s rucking and mauling was terrific and recycling at breakdowns was the best it has been all season. Jack Whawell made several terrific runs, but was stopped just short of the line. Toby once again led by example putting the first try in. This was quickly followed by Russell F. Shea showed some real craftsmanship at scrum half and scored the final try of the tournament.
Result: Won 15-0
Man of the Match: Shea J

Overall this was a superb outing with Anselm’s finishing in 2nd place, just 5 points astray from overall victory. The boys played terrifically as a team and this was evident in both their play and communication. To only concede a single try in the length of the afternoon is tribute to stupendous defending. It was a resoundingly successful outing and a great overall reward for all the hard work this season. Well done Lads

Overall player of the tournament: Shea