U11 DMP V Sunderland R.F.C.

Players and Parents,

It was fantastic to welcome Sunderland on Sunday. We got two and half games played on a beautiful bright and breezy day. Sunderland’s strength of numbers tested our fitness. The first game went to the visitors although we put up a brave fight playing some of our best rugby to date. Against a much bigger side we rucked, mauled, pressured, tackled, passed and scored. The second game saw the reward for that work, a convincing win for us. Faster ball from breakdown and quick hands making the difference that gave us space to break through and run in some tries. Individual thought and commitment to playing the best rugby we can is driving and building the team.

The ginger ninjas - Jack and Ben are leading that on the field. Jack stepping back has allowing the ball to come to him in space and breaking with support notably from Tom “Tetley" Tuer who was there intelligently backing up even though Jack looked home and dry on several occasions. Ben’s tackling and work rate to keep the pressure on the opposition turns defence into attack and with Rhys’ ball skills supporting opportunities emerge. Oscar and Kieran are becoming fearsome forwards battling to win the ruck or charging through. Nick holding his ground has found some room to manoeuvre and his one handed offload to put Ethan in for a try would be cheered at any level of rugby. Tibbie going forward has real skill in keeping the ball alive for us popping it up for support and then always ready to tackle in defence. Mathew there at the ruck ready to take the ball on or pass it out has started some good moves. The teams natural intelligence seen in the angles of Ethan’s runs, when Tom “Tetley" Tuer calmly touched down for a 22m drop are helping us win through. Well played each and everyone.

There is a good deal to be proud of and some work to do. Training Wednesday 18.15.

Cheers Simon.