| Maidenhead U13s had an "entertraining" day out at Harlequins on the Saturday before Xmas. 23 boys turned out for great training session run by two Harlequins coaches, Chris Davies and Pat Sanderson. This was followed by lunch and the opportunity to watch an exciting match between Harlequins and Northampton. | |
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Chris Davies puts the backs through their paces |
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| After Chris Davies had warmed the boys up with some passing practise, he took the backs for session concentrating on their decision making and communication skills. After work on alignment, the boys were encouraged to adjust their play by calling different moves depending on the circumstances. Parents standing around became an impromptu defence. | |
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| Pat Sanderson explains the defensive line | |
| Meanwhile Pat Sanderson took the forwards for a tough workout concentrating on their defensive and communications skills. Many cries of "And OUT" saw the boys learning to come up as a defensive line and hit their opposite number with a hard tackle. They were also introduced to the mysteries of a drift defence. | |
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Ready to be hit |
Crunch |
| Pat's threats of press ups for any
dropped balls saw the boys give an impressive display of
handling skills during an extended Auckland grid session.
With only one dropped ball the Quins' coach did most of
the press ups! After a leisurely lunch (for parents at least) the boys watched the match between Harlequins and Northampton, which despite a second half fight back saw the Quins lose 25 - 34. After the match Keith Knowles arranged for the boys to meet England's record capped prop, Jason Leonard. All together a great day out for the U13s squad. Thanks to Keith Knowles for arranging it and Ed Parrot for organising the day. |
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Maidenhead U13s meet Jason Leonard |
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