U9 A Rugby

RESULTS 2009 - 2010 

Match Reports

v The Grove           (29.09.09)          Won 40 - 5

An interesting first game of the season. I thought the defensive work of boys the age of 9 was tremendous. Their 'running forward' showed signs of real improvement. We now need to concentrate moving up as a line on defence and rucking opponnents away when a Spratton player has made contact. A solid start. Well done! GB

v Stamford            (01.10.09)           Won 20 - 10

Definitely a sterner test both in attack and defence. Stamford's tackling was aggressive and hard. However, Spratton ran with a bit more direction and hit the gaps at pace. The boys can still work on their running lines. I thought the improvement coming up as a line showed consistency resulting in Stamford making errors from continuous pressure. Each match is getting better! GB

v Maidwell           (08.10.09)            Won 15 - 5

As usual against Maidwell this encounter was a tough, hard-fought match. The breakdown work continues to improve and the backs' running lines were more direct and in space. The support running was excellent with a number of solid off-loads. The defence did seem scratchy at times, however there were still some crunching tackles on the pitch. The U9As are continuing to play more as a team and this bodes well for the rest of the season. GB

Winchester House Festival        (07/11/09)     Played  4      Won 3      Drew 1        Lost 0

This was a really entertaining afternoon of rugby. Spratton U9s played four tough matches each with a narrow margin of results. Against Winchester House the boys played with the early excitement of playing in their first festival. The tackling was rock solid and the rucking showed promise. Possessing roughly 75% of the ball Spratton were equally matched in defence by WHS. A good first game to start the day. From then on we got better and better, running hard at pace, tackling consistently and the forwards working as a unit superbly. We saved the best performance to last playing a talented Bilton team who had not conceded in the festival yet. Until they met the 'mighty' Spratton boys! The U9's best all round performance as a team in the festival, deservedly winning by 3 tries. 

On the whole it was an excellent learning curve for the boys and learning to play for the enjoyment and participation. The team must continue to look forward to their last three matches.  GB 

v Maidwell (Home)             (19.11.09)                  Won 20 - 10

After a rather complacent and rusty start, the boys slowly began to play the rugby they know they can. Due to a few rather sloppy missed tackles, Maidwell scored a well worked try. However, the U9's did bounce back with some good off loading and running rugby scoring 2 tries going into the break. The defence in the second half was much better. There are still plenty of things to work on before our next game. The boys can feel pleased with their continued determination in the second half to tackle Maidwell backwards and score a further two tries. Another entertaining game was enjoyed by all. GB

v Swanbourne  (Away)       (25.11.09)                Won 45 - 0

Spratton ran in 9 tries against a weak Swanbourne team. The game was stopped 3min into the second half. The boys did try hard to keep the ball alive with some good off loads and pop ups. Some of the tries were scored through patient handling down the line for our wings to score in the corner. However, there are 3 games remaining and things to still improve at. It should be a 'humdinger' of a finish against 3 tough schools. GB 

v Wellingborough  (Home)    (03.12.09)            Won 10 - 5

A tough, physical battle against a committed Wellingborough team. It was not the easiest of matches in cold and icy conditions. However, the boys dug deep to secure a hard-fought win. I was particularly pleased with the determination in the tackling department. Spratton now must aim at running straight and keep the passing simple under pressure. Your target for the Bedford game on Saturday is to stay focused on your performance and concentrate on your contribution to the team. Two games left, to complete a fantastic season. GB

v Bedford Modern   (Home)      (05.12.09)         Won 20 - 5

After a good start to the match, Spratton's handling became lethargic, therefore causing quite a few handling errors and by doing this we ended up conceding the advantage to Bedford. However, the boys did step up a gear in the second half, running in 3 excellent tries. For a U9 age group to be doing 1st XV moves and executing them correctly is just magic to watch! Hoffy's support play and ripping of the ball disrupted their forward pattern. I was particularly pleased with the backs' hard and strong running in the second half. It was great to see Scotty poaching the ball and The Tank putting in some great tackles. The forwards played well as a unit. Before the Bedford Prep game, there are still a few key areas to work on. One match left boys, after an outstanding season. Bedford Prep promises to be a stern test and it is quite a fitting end to a tough season. GB

v Bedford Prep     (Away)        (10.12.09)          Won 15 - 0

An excellent season to finish unbeaten! This was a great achievement for this group of boys, considering it was their first contact season of rugby. It was the perfect match to play against one of the best rugby schools in the country. I was particularly impressed with the commitment in the tackling department from the boys allowing Bedford Prep no room to move on attack. Once again, the 'S' moves worked superbly and the forwards dominated the breakdown. The backs ran hard and showed some brilliant handling. Well done to all the boys that contributed to such a successful season. GB