The session involved some warm up stretching and running exercises. This was followed by additional ball handling drill for groups of 5-6 Boys. Brian Merritt introduced three drills to the session.

a. Involved quick pass and loop at end of run , with timed runs for competition
b. Introduced scissors pass with wing to move inside.
c. Also attempt to try two scissors moves involving either wing.

A series of 3 x 20 minute games were played between Maidenhead and Teddington . Coaches continued the objective of trying to field the strongest teams first, followed by remaining squad of players .The game format was used to enable all the boys to try to apply the drills learnt in the earlier session.

Game One
This game illustrated the playing ability and strengths of both clubs at U11. The game ebbed and flowed from end to end and although Maidenhead scored through fast work between Jonathan Lowther (SH) and Paul Roberts (FH) the try was disallowed because Teddington did not know where their own goal line was.

The two teams were very evenly matched although Teddington had a particularly strong scrum and dominated Toby Harrison(P), Will Page(H) and Luke Fletcher(P), with back row Guy Sears(SR) and Robin Scanlon(SR). In fact Maids struggled to win possession from scrums, mauls and rucks, and relied upon all their strong defensive qualities and counter attacking play. Guy Swaddling(FB), George Colbourne(OC) and Robert Winter(IC) twice ran from their own line to create attacking opportunities. They linked well with Alec Roberts (RW), Alexander Hanks (RW- half time substitute) and Oliver Woodward( LW) who probed and attacked down either flank and were halted by good Teddington tackles just short of the oppositions line.

Both the forwards and backs took a long time to settle into any collective team play and continued to be isolated in rucks and mauls. The half time pep talk did help them to increase their work rate and try to win more of the ball. They deserved to draw with strong opposition.
Score: Maidenhead 0 - Teddington 0

Game Two
By contrast the second game exploded into action from a well placed kick-off which was received by Toby Harrison(P) who managed to recycle the ball with his forwards onto the half-backs. Maids ability shone through with some continuous attacking play form the scrum half Joe Dutton ,Mark Lucas(FH) George Colbourn( IC) and William Breenan(OC)

In the pack Alex McKeown(H),Sam Alderson(P), and Christian Shepherd(SR) competed in the scrums, rucks , line-outs and mauls to provide good ball. In fact Maids scored from a line-out when Jamie Ford(FB) linked with Mark Lucas to score on the blind side within seven minutes. He also looped behind the backs to create the overlap and score another try just before half - time.

In the second half Maids dominated much of the forward play with strong substitutions bringing on Sam Clark (P) and Nick Hillier(SR). A lapse in concentration saw Teddington score down the right wing. The response from Maids was quick with Brennan moving diagonally across the field after a fast run and pass to Angus Cadden. He kept the ball alive to enable Maids full back to link with Rick Blacker who used his speed and strength to score down the left wing.

Good driving forward and ball winning from the pack and quick short passes enabled Rick Blacker to round off only his third game of rugby with a second try at left wing. Jamie Ford converted all the tries.
Score: Maidenhead 28- Teddington 7

Game Three
The final game provided Maids with another chance to develop their team work and rugby skills. Guy Swaddling(IC) tried to create more direct attacking opportunities linking with the backs but was halted by good Teddington defensive play. However, persistence paid off and a blind side move enabled Left Wing Oliver Woodward to open the scoring with one of his typical dashes for the line. The high wind forced Alec Roberts to seek the referees help in holding the ball. Unfortunately the ball drifted onto the left upright and rebound

During this last game the pack began to show an improved work-rate and were helped by substitutions at half time. They started to win more scrums, and line-outs. The mauls and rucks were won contested by Teddington who drove Maids off the ball. In the second half the back line started to move the ball and Paul Roberts at fly half made an overlap with Alexander Hanks and drive over on the right wing to score a try. Jamie Ford converted to seal the game for Maids.
Score : Maidenhead 12 - Teddington 0.

Although conditions were soft, wet and windy all the boys played some excellent rugby. Tony Shepherd refereed two Games and identified problems with a few opposition players questioning decisions. Thanks to Brian Merritt for preparing the Training Session and developing the ball handling skills further.

Steve Page and Steve Alderson both felt the boys need to revisit forward play and suggest skill session cover :-

1. Scrums , Rucks , Mauls, Tackling and Line-outs ( Thoughts on how best to integrate within future sessions? to Tom Courtney)

Tom and Brian F also thought the back play should be revisited to test :-

2. game overview, spaces, overlaps , teamwork, speed of pass, and re-cycling and directing play to create openings.

1. Some kicking practice for key players, concerning types of kick, position and risks etc.

Match report: Ryan’s Mum

Coaching notes: Brian Ford