Sunday 12th November 2006

Leodensians U11s vs. Wetherby U11s (at Leodensians)

Wetherby U11s travelled to Leodensians hoping to reverse a recent trend which has seen them come ‘second’ in close matches.  Leos started strongly and scored an early try through forward pressure, which was converted.  But Wetherby came back strongly through the outstanding Harry Kaye, who inspired a terrific try by Oliver Myers.  This was converted by Harry Kaye, 7 – 7.  Leos responded by keeping the game tight and scored another try through an impressive forward drive but Wetherby finished strongly with James Shaw being tackled into touch in the corner on the stroke of half-time.

In the second half, Wetherby brought on debutant Jess Arter who made telling contributions.  The terrible twins, Joe and Tom Hay became more influential and Wetherby played some good rugby.  Leos intercepted though and only a splendid try-saving tackle from George Davies prevented Leos going further ahead.  Wetherby finished well, throwing the ball about and entertaining the crowd, without a hint of curmudgeon.  Ethan Morton finished off an excellent team move with a try at the death, converted by George Davies to level the scores.

An encouraging result for Wetherby, who can approach their next game with more confidence. 
 

Sunday 14th January 2007 

Wetherby U11s vs. Old Leodensians U11s (at Grange Park)

Wetherby continued their winning streak with an entertaining victory against Leos U11 by 36 points to 21.  This was a game full of free – flowing rugby, with both sides recycling the ball well.  There was very little loose play at any time during the game and both sides should be complimented for the tenacity of their play.

Leos were a much bigger side and frequently used this advantage in tight play.  With some nippy backs, they posed a constant threat and scored 3 good tries, all converted.

Wetherby U11s had the edge in terms of speed and individual skill, along with the willingness to tackle anything that moved!  The Wetherby scorers were George Davies (2), James Sharp (2), and James Contreras, who finished off a fine passing move that involved the whole Wetherby team.  Conversions were added by Ollie Myers and George Davies.

When James Sharp scored his second, a fine solo effort from half way, the result was put beyond doubt.  Particular credit should go to Harry Kaye and Alex Bridger who both tackled and supported strongly throughout.  Joe and Tom Hay ran strongly, particularly later on and Tom Fox wrestled superbly in the loose.  A really good game to watch and a fair result that reflected Wetherby’s growing confidence.

Sunday 28th January 2007

Wetherby U11s vs. Sandal U11s / Sheffield Tigers U11s (at Sandal) 

Wetherby vs. Sandal (game 1) 

Wetherby U11s produced an outstanding result against one of the county's strongest sides at U11 last Sunday.  Wetherby travelled to Sandal, who have represented the region in the National finals for the last two years.  In the corresponding fixture at the start of the season, Wetherby had suffered a heavy defeat, so were keen to avenge that and show off some of the form that had seen them undefeated for two months.

From the start Wetherby U11s were outstanding in both defence and attack.  Playing open, running rugby, Wetherby outclassed their opponents in every aspect and scored some delightful tries through Harry Kaye (scoring 2 tries) and James Shaw, who scored a magnificent hat-trick, thriving on the excellent possession won by the tireless endeavours of the forwards.  Special mention should go to the hard running Harry Questa, the ubiquitous Tom Fox and Raging Bull Joe Doughty.

With time running out, Sandal showed some character in forcing a touch-down late on, but this was Wetherby’s match – testimony to the hard work of the entire squad and the delighted coaches.  Revenge certainly tasted sweet! 

Wetherby U11s vs. Sheffield TigersU11s. (game 2) 

Wetherby completed another successful morning’s work with a fine 3 try victory over their South Yorkshire neighbours.  The star of the match was Edward Smith who scored a hat-trick of tries from prop.  Ed made a huge contribution overall, tackling and running strongly; even throwing in the odd dummy and side-step!  He was supported by the gruesome twosome, Tom and Joe Hay who became more influential in the loose as the game went on.  David Clarkson, James Contreras and George Davies all ran with purpose and guile with Oliver Myers controlling things from stand-off.

This was another fine win for Wetherby to maintain their unbeaten run, which they will put on the line against Ilkley next weekend.  

Wetherby U11’s are keen to welcome new players to play in a friendly squad that is keen to play open rugby to an ever improving standard.  If you would like more information about playing for Wetherby, please ring Gavin Davies on 07910651548.      

Sunday 25th March 2007

Wetherby U11s vs. West Park U11s/Roundhegians U11s (at Grange Park)

Wetherby U11s vs. West Park U11s (game 1)

Wetherby played their arch-rivals for the umpteenth time this season, with honours about even.  This time West Park took advantage of Wetherby’s now customary lazy start.  Inside 2 minutes, West Park took the lead with a well-worked try by their forwards, which was converted.  At this stage of the game, Wetherby were just holding on – West Park were quicker to the breakdowns, and constantly stifled Wetherby’s naturally open style of play by tying up the ball in the loose.

Just before the break, West Park scored again – the forwards confirming their dominance with another drive.  In the same move, Wetherby lost James Shaw, their influential play-maker, with an ankle injury, and played the rest of the game with one player short.

After the break, Wetherby U11s were a different side.  They played with much more purpose and determination.  Better tackling, especially from David Clarkson, Jess Arter, Tom Hay, Ollie Myers and the impressive Harry Questa, made for a closer contest.  George Davies cut clean through, only to be pulled down with a last-gasp tackle.  Then Joe Hay made great ground with a charge from a tapped penalty, before Ed Rouse picked up to dive over. Ollie Myers added the conversion that set up for a nervous few minutes for West Park who were mighty relieved to hear the final whistle.

In this fixture at the start of the season, West Park would have run out as easy winners.  It is a measure of Wetherby U11s' progress that they are competing against quality opposition.  Wetherby could easily run out as victors again, the teams are so evenly matched and this is to the credit of the coaching team under Dave Questa. 

Wetherby U11s vs. Roundhegians U11s (game 2)

In their second game of the morning, Wetherby were comfortable winners against Roundhegians U11s by three tries to nil.  With the tenacity of Tom Fox and Joshua Jones threatening to cut loose on the wing, Wetherby were quickly ahead.  Wetherby scored tries through Joe Hay, George Davies and James Shaw (back from the Physio’s couch) with a brace.  The forwards were much more prominent – even ‘Smiling’ Joe Doughty got stuck in and Ollie Myers put in more atomic tackles.  Harry Questa was excellent throughout.  Roundhegians were gallant losers, never letting their heads drop, but there was only one winner of this game – setting Wetherby up nicely for next week's tour.