Highlights below of a highly committed performance from each and every Young Gun. The margin between defeat and victory is though fine and today we were narrowly on the wrong side of that equation:
V Sri Lankan Trinity College Blue
A slow game ultimately decided by a try from Josh. Thereafter we conceded a lot of penalties but held out despite strong pressure with some great tackles most notably from Sean.
Won 1-0
Vs Royal Selangor
Good work from the kick off saw strong pressure on their line and a try for Carter.
Good ball along the line allowed Tom W to go over from short range.
A scrum near their line was won against the head for George to be driven over.
Bradley in the corner from another from a good scrum against the head, one of many such wins for Sean today.
Won 4-0
West View
1-0 came from their scrum blind to Graham then forwards to Matt Meehan on the charge.
A second followed for Graham after good ball spread well in appalling conditions. One awesome tackle from Tom M stood out.
Won 2 -0
Vs SJI who had some big units.
Graham in untouched in the corner from an early scrum.
Bradley with a weaving run for 2-0 almost immediately followed.
Aiden for 3 -0 after his excellent support of those with the ball.
4-0 with Bradley juggling but then diving over.
5-0 with Hugo running in from the kick off.
6-0 with Graham diving in in the corner. From ball again all the way along the line.
7 -0 was the final score with Graham again scoring in the corner.
Won 7 -0
So to Valley Fort with TRC needing a win as Valley had scored one more try, and the points difference identical, and what a nail biter it was.
Josh scored early from Xmas present and young guns looked well on course for victory as the forwards starved vf of any possession.
Tom thought he had scored but was held up over the line to prevent 2-0, a couple of other opportunities presented but could not be taken and with time running out Valley had one attack, won a scrum near our line and with only seconds left scored in the corner...
The 1-1 draw meant Valley won through to the semis on tries scored 15 - 14
Plate semi Vs Flying Kukri's
After a considerable delay while tables were computed Bradley chased well George picked up drove on and Matthew Meehan took the ball over to score.
Sean took the ball from a maul for a second.
George and Sean down the blind side traded passes and made progress. From the maul Carter took it up for 3 -0.
4- 0 came when Graham scored in the corner from a flowing backs move.
Plate final vs DEA Tigers
With little time to recover Young guns were almost straight into a Plate final with DEA tigers who's own semi had finished a good 10 minutes before our own had started.
The final was a tight affair, where again our forwards dominated and we created but could not take several chances. In the end it went to extra time two players off left 8 playing
DEA Tigers took advantage to score the golden try to win 1-0.
All in all a very good series of performances. Huge commitment from the whole squad with only the finest margin seeing the YGs knocked out. While not the result we wanted certainly performances for each and every boy to be proud of - apologies to those who i have not mentioned tension and typing do not go hand in hand.
Friday, December 3, 2010
TRC Sheriff's make Cup Semi final
A great effort today from the Sheriff's saw them win their Group and make the semi-final. The story below courtesy of touchline reporter Charles Argyle:
Vs Bintang
Early pressure from kick off leads to two early TRC scrums with forwards and backs combining well to put Miller over the line for his first TRC try. Bintang pressure was twice relieved by line clearing punts from Julian. But the opposition continued to press hard and in spite of spirited defense the Sherriff’s line was eventually breached. Final score: 1-1
Vs. Flying Kukris (HK)
Kukris pressed right from opening kick and scored quickly. A midfield battle ensued before Matthew Crossley opportunistically snagged an interception, leading to Julian going over for a try that evened up the scores. Nail biting stuff at both ends of the pitch in the final few minutes but the deadlock remained unbroken. Final score 1-1.
Vs. St. Andrews
The whole team drives forward from the opening whistle with huge determination and is rewarded with Hugh Goovaerts charging over for his first TRC try. Superior ball control by backs and forwards alike in the pouring rain keeps Tanglin on the front foot with the reward eventually coming - a second try for the Sheriff's and a second try for Hugh. A little bit sleepy after that and St Andrews slip in to make it 2-1. That wakes the boys up, and appropriately enough the game ends with a pile of hard-working Sheriff forwards over the line in the mud with the ref's arm raised for try number three. Hugh's at the bottom of the pile and has his hat trick. Final score: 3-1 in what is turning out to be a very tight group.
Vs. Trinity College (Yellow)
A crucial game given pool standings. Once again, great pressure from the Sheriff’s from the opening whistle leads to an early penalty. Hugh G taps and goes, and is over in the corner. Couldn't ask for a better start. Terrific turnover ball from a midfield tackle in the backs - forwards pile in and win the ball - Hugh G emerges with the ball and charges down the touchline for try number 2. 2-0 up again, and just like the previous game, time for a nap - Trinity take full advantage and make it 2-1 ensuring a nerve-racking final few minutes. But the whistle goes with the winning scoreline intact.
Vs. Zhenghua Primary
Last pool game - a win and it's a spot in the cup semi-final for the Sheriff's. Couldn't wish for a better start as Julian darts over from the first scrum of the game to make it 1-0. Unfortunately we seem to be making the rest of the game more difficult than it should be. Miller saves the day with a spectacular try saving cover tackle on the opposite wing, and then a colossal effort by the forwards holds up a Zhenghua attack over the try line, with Julian's kick subsequently relieving the pressure. After an eternity the ref finally blows for a 1-0 victory and a spot in the semis of a cup competition for the first time in the Sheriff's history.
Cup Semi Final vs Valley Fort.
The Sheriff's know they are in for a tough match, but look ready for battle against last year's cup winners from Hong Kong. The defending champions come out hard and cross the line early - how the Sheriff's respond to this is crucial. But respond they do, driving forward, keeping the ball tight in the wet conditions, charging into tackles and driving hard in rucks and mauls, knocking the opposition back. And then the reward, a try for Hugh G and the score is level against the defending champions - the pinnacle of the day so far. Valley Fort now know they have a match on their hands and have the look of Apollo Creed in their eyes. But they push back hard. The Sheriff's throw everything into defending their line, frustrating their opposition with their best tackling of the day. But finally Valley Fort has an overlap to exploit and they restore their lead. Two more late break away tries in the dying couple of minutes result in a scoreline far more lopsided than the game - you can rest assured that for a good chunk of this one Valley Fort was a little worried. Final score: 1-4
Last words: What a great accomplishment by the Sheriffs - you earned your spurs! I recognize that many are not named above, especially the forwards (I don't know all your names!), but this was a genuine team effort, and each and every boy should be incredibly proud of their performance. Finally, many thanks to coaches Nick and John. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
Vs Bintang
Early pressure from kick off leads to two early TRC scrums with forwards and backs combining well to put Miller over the line for his first TRC try. Bintang pressure was twice relieved by line clearing punts from Julian. But the opposition continued to press hard and in spite of spirited defense the Sherriff’s line was eventually breached. Final score: 1-1
Vs. Flying Kukris (HK)
Kukris pressed right from opening kick and scored quickly. A midfield battle ensued before Matthew Crossley opportunistically snagged an interception, leading to Julian going over for a try that evened up the scores. Nail biting stuff at both ends of the pitch in the final few minutes but the deadlock remained unbroken. Final score 1-1.
Vs. St. Andrews
The whole team drives forward from the opening whistle with huge determination and is rewarded with Hugh Goovaerts charging over for his first TRC try. Superior ball control by backs and forwards alike in the pouring rain keeps Tanglin on the front foot with the reward eventually coming - a second try for the Sheriff's and a second try for Hugh. A little bit sleepy after that and St Andrews slip in to make it 2-1. That wakes the boys up, and appropriately enough the game ends with a pile of hard-working Sheriff forwards over the line in the mud with the ref's arm raised for try number three. Hugh's at the bottom of the pile and has his hat trick. Final score: 3-1 in what is turning out to be a very tight group.
Vs. Trinity College (Yellow)
A crucial game given pool standings. Once again, great pressure from the Sheriff’s from the opening whistle leads to an early penalty. Hugh G taps and goes, and is over in the corner. Couldn't ask for a better start. Terrific turnover ball from a midfield tackle in the backs - forwards pile in and win the ball - Hugh G emerges with the ball and charges down the touchline for try number 2. 2-0 up again, and just like the previous game, time for a nap - Trinity take full advantage and make it 2-1 ensuring a nerve-racking final few minutes. But the whistle goes with the winning scoreline intact.
Vs. Zhenghua Primary
Last pool game - a win and it's a spot in the cup semi-final for the Sheriff's. Couldn't wish for a better start as Julian darts over from the first scrum of the game to make it 1-0. Unfortunately we seem to be making the rest of the game more difficult than it should be. Miller saves the day with a spectacular try saving cover tackle on the opposite wing, and then a colossal effort by the forwards holds up a Zhenghua attack over the try line, with Julian's kick subsequently relieving the pressure. After an eternity the ref finally blows for a 1-0 victory and a spot in the semis of a cup competition for the first time in the Sheriff's history.
Cup Semi Final vs Valley Fort.
The Sheriff's know they are in for a tough match, but look ready for battle against last year's cup winners from Hong Kong. The defending champions come out hard and cross the line early - how the Sheriff's respond to this is crucial. But respond they do, driving forward, keeping the ball tight in the wet conditions, charging into tackles and driving hard in rucks and mauls, knocking the opposition back. And then the reward, a try for Hugh G and the score is level against the defending champions - the pinnacle of the day so far. Valley Fort now know they have a match on their hands and have the look of Apollo Creed in their eyes. But they push back hard. The Sheriff's throw everything into defending their line, frustrating their opposition with their best tackling of the day. But finally Valley Fort has an overlap to exploit and they restore their lead. Two more late break away tries in the dying couple of minutes result in a scoreline far more lopsided than the game - you can rest assured that for a good chunk of this one Valley Fort was a little worried. Final score: 1-4
Last words: What a great accomplishment by the Sheriffs - you earned your spurs! I recognize that many are not named above, especially the forwards (I don't know all your names!), but this was a genuine team effort, and each and every boy should be incredibly proud of their performance. Finally, many thanks to coaches Nick and John. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Friday, November 5, 2010
Anti-climax at the Padang.....
Today's brief encounter with Centaurs saw the squad, perhaps unsurprisingly, lack the edge that had helped them to their wonderful victory in Hong Kong. Centaurs duly took advantage with some powerful running to ease to a 4-0 lead before half-time. Thereafter the boys picked up their game and scored two tries through Julian and Carter. The morning though was more notable for debuts for Harry, Max F and Hugh, and first games on the Padang for many.- personally I am already looking forward to the boys playing XV next season on the full pitch.
Time to rest and recuperate before we hopefully arrive at the Polo club with a fully fit squad ready eager to see the champagne flow.
Time to rest and recuperate before we hopefully arrive at the Polo club with a fully fit squad ready eager to see the champagne flow.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Hong Kong Tour - Mission Accomplished, injuries sustained, all back at base safely, with the Cup....
Brigadier Sykes took command of the crack U11 squad (HK U12) for this weekend in Hong Kong and, as ever, the mission was to come home with the silverware..... and come home with the silverware they did, in some style beating Valley Fort, DEA Tigers and Hong Kong Football Club in this Guinness Record event (largest ever mini-rugby tournament) in the process. A hugely enjoyable day and a very well hosted event and our thanks go to all who made it possible ..............
Day One
Highlights recorded contemporaneously below:
Our first game against HKFC3 saw us kick off and quickly gain ground. We won their ball from a scrum near their line for George to put Hugo in in the corner.
Second try this time for Bradley came again from winning their scrum near their line.
Two nil the final score in a game that seemed shorter than 12 minutes.
DB Pirates 2 for second game and from scrappy play Wes picked up and ran round the outside of the wholE DB side for 1 nil
Rampaging Carter and then Josh took it to their line. George held up. Good clean ball from the dominant pack, nice hands Josh to George and out to Graham for 2 nil.
Graham collected a kick and ran it straight back. Ball to Carter who ran on and out to Bradley for 3 Nil
4 nil swiftly followed as Josh saw a gap created by Matthew C being outside and ran through to score and finish the game.
And so to the quarter final against Valley Fort. Nerves jangling hence not much reporting, while George injured early. Max who captained throughout took over at scrum half, with Bradley moving to centre and Wes to fly half . Suffice to say a Finn try in the last minute off a Phil secured a well deserved victory with VF rarely threatening. Sean and the two Tom's helped ensure we controlled the breakdown, and had the momentum, as they and Aiden and Oliver did throughout the day.
Our first game against HKFC3 saw us kick off and quickly gain ground. We won their ball from a scrum near their line for George to put Hugo in in the corner.
Second try this time for Bradley came again from winning their scrum near their line.
Two nil the final score in a game that seemed shorter than 12 minutes.
DB Pirates 2 for second game and from scrappy play Wes picked up and ran round the outside of the wholE DB side for 1 nil
Rampaging Carter and then Josh took it to their line. George held up. Good clean ball from the dominant pack, nice hands Josh to George and out to Graham for 2 nil.
Graham collected a kick and ran it straight back. Ball to Carter who ran on and out to Bradley for 3 Nil
4 nil swiftly followed as Josh saw a gap created by Matthew C being outside and ran through to score and finish the game.
And so to the quarter final against Valley Fort. Nerves jangling hence not much reporting, while George injured early. Max who captained throughout took over at scrum half, with Bradley moving to centre and Wes to fly half . Suffice to say a Finn try in the last minute off a Phil secured a well deserved victory with VF rarely threatening. Sean and the two Tom's helped ensure we controlled the breakdown, and had the momentum, as they and Aiden and Oliver did throughout the day.
Queue delight from the boys at beating the team which had beaten us at the same stage of last year's Polo Club competition. Brigadier Sykes was having none of it and quickly brought them back into focus with a reminder that "you have not won anything yet!!"
Semi Final v DEA Tigers similarly tight Josh over early and thereafter fierce competition with all the boys contributing fully. By this time George and Finn both walking wounded.
We held strong.
The comment of the day came, while we were changing beneath the stands in the groundsman's area amongst carious bits of machinery, inevitably from Finn:
Day Two
Semi Final v DEA Tigers similarly tight Josh over early and thereafter fierce competition with all the boys contributing fully. By this time George and Finn both walking wounded.
We held strong.
One Nil the final score
Final vs Hong Kong Football Club Finn back after fitness test that involved knocking Brig Sykes backwards into Mike Emerson.
For the first time in the day we went 1 nil down. Boys then took the ball forward well and controlled the rest of the game and from a maul Carter took the ball to equalise.
A second try, after half time, followed from Josh but again everyone contributed with some very strong offensive defence and great forward play. Finally the ball was kicked to touch, after the hooter had sounded to much jubilation..... Brigadier Sykes included, though as a treble awaits expect more Fergie type comment in the next few weeks..................
Final vs Hong Kong Football Club Finn back after fitness test that involved knocking Brig Sykes backwards into Mike Emerson.
For the first time in the day we went 1 nil down. Boys then took the ball forward well and controlled the rest of the game and from a maul Carter took the ball to equalise.
A second try, after half time, followed from Josh but again everyone contributed with some very strong offensive defence and great forward play. Finally the ball was kicked to touch, after the hooter had sounded to much jubilation..... Brigadier Sykes included, though as a treble awaits expect more Fergie type comment in the next few weeks..................
For the record the squad for the tournament was : Tom M, Sean, Tom W, Oliver, Carter, Josh, Aiden, Finn, George, Max, Wes, Hugo, Bradley, Matthew C and Graham who looked well at home at full back.
Hamish, Julian and Daniel performed with distinction in an Royal Selangor squad that also made the quarter finals.
The Cup was collected from Gavin Hastings and beer was consumed by all - champagne only at the Polo club.....
The comment of the day came, while we were changing beneath the stands in the groundsman's area amongst carious bits of machinery, inevitably from Finn:
"Phil do you wax or something?"
There was another rugby match in the evening, which Australia won with a late try, but the important stuff had already happened by then...............
Day Two
A Festival of rugby at Discovery Bay, where again we were made very welcome, blogging less comprehensive. Suffice to say with a full squad the boys distinguished themselves again with a
4 - 0 final victory over Discover Bay and some really fluent rugby.
The only downsides to the day were that George's injury from yesterday prevented him playing and a typically huge tackle from Finn ended up with a dislocated shoulder that saw him taken to hospital.
Absent injuries though the weekend though could hardly have been a greater success but we should expect a strong response from Hong Kong teams at the Polo Club, where, as ever. champagne tantalisingly awaits......................
The only downsides to the day were that George's injury from yesterday prevented him playing and a typically huge tackle from Finn ended up with a dislocated shoulder that saw him taken to hospital.
Absent injuries though the weekend though could hardly have been a greater success but we should expect a strong response from Hong Kong teams at the Polo Club, where, as ever. champagne tantalisingly awaits......................
Saturday, October 9, 2010
A better birthday would be tough to achieve....
What could be better on your 11th birthday than beating your arch rivals 5-0. George's birthday it was and that was the surprising scoreline. The 7 boys on the pitch were at Centaurs from the off and worked very hard but also played excellent sevens.
The first try came from a scrum George looped Dillon to put give Wes space to use his speed to score.
Hard work from everyone at the breakdown meant we won plenty of ball and moved it well. Second try for Josh for 2-0 at half time.
Second half saw more of the same leading to three more tries 2 from Finn and a final try from Dillon wrapped things up.
A really great effort from all eleven boys Bradley, Finn, Josh, George, Max, Dillon, Wes, Aiden, Carter, Julian and Matthew C
Final against West View was a tighter affair in the end we came through 2-0 with a first half try from Dillon and a second from Finn after the break.
All in all a very enjoyable afternoon at Bishan where for the most part the team played the type of game they had been asked to!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
We may not have won but facial expressions brilliant!!!!
Aiden with a determined tackle, daniel up quickly.................
Harry hauled down - mercifully by one of ACS P's smaller boys!
Max bursting through with great intent- two hands next time please.
Photos courtesy of Leigh Nippress.
Friday, September 24, 2010
Games vs ACS Primary and ACS Junior 25 September 2010
First game v ACS P
A quick try from the opponents after dropped ball in the backs. Better play thereafter with good tackling and rucking winning the ball, which moved along the backs. Cian was stopped near the line good support from Matthew C and Sean saw Sean over.
ACS won our ball with men over and scored. While with a good collection of the ball from kick off made 3-1 and 4 -1 followed.
Second half was tighter and no tries were scored.
v ACSJ
A great try saving tackle from Cian. Led to a break from Aiden from our line and ultimately a penalty which Max took quickly to score.
Max then ran well from our line again to break clean through the ACS defence and score.
Good work from the forwards led to an opportunity for Hugo who made the most of it until overrunning the dead ball line.
From kick off a quick ruck and Hamish at scrum half picked up and drove to the line.
From their kick off Wes took the ball forward Oliver emerged from the subsequent maul and ran through to score for 4-0.
Second time round Hugo did not disappoint. 5-0
Max made it six from another quick penalty.
And that was that.
ACS P
1-0 down at half time despite a much improved effort.
2-0 after a drop from us near their line.
3-0 from a penalty
A quick try from the opponents after dropped ball in the backs. Better play thereafter with good tackling and rucking winning the ball, which moved along the backs. Cian was stopped near the line good support from Matthew C and Sean saw Sean over.
ACS won our ball with men over and scored. While with a good collection of the ball from kick off made 3-1 and 4 -1 followed.
Second half was tighter and no tries were scored.
v ACSJ
A great try saving tackle from Cian. Led to a break from Aiden from our line and ultimately a penalty which Max took quickly to score.
Max then ran well from our line again to break clean through the ACS defence and score.
Good work from the forwards led to an opportunity for Hugo who made the most of it until overrunning the dead ball line.
From kick off a quick ruck and Hamish at scrum half picked up and drove to the line.
From their kick off Wes took the ball forward Oliver emerged from the subsequent maul and ran through to score for 4-0.
Second time round Hugo did not disappoint. 5-0
Max made it six from another quick penalty.
And that was that.
ACS P
1-0 down at half time despite a much improved effort.
2-0 after a drop from us near their line.
3-0 from a penalty
Pressure on their line led to a try for Wes.
Final score 3 -1
Final game vs ACSJ
Try from kick off and maul on their line for Daniel
Hugo collected from their kick off for 2-0.
Good work from Hamish and great take in midfield from Matthew C put Cian in a little space which he exploited well for 3-0, in the corner !!
Max took advantage of a gap round the outside for 4-0.
Second half
Closed with one final try from Max
Overall a morning of commitment and a degree of skill. Work to do on tackling low and equally on body position into contact.
Well done to ACS Primary who won the group with some powerful direct running and a well executed strategy of loading up the backs and committing few players to the breakdown.
Final score 3 -1
Final game vs ACSJ
Try from kick off and maul on their line for Daniel
Hugo collected from their kick off for 2-0.
Good work from Hamish and great take in midfield from Matthew C put Cian in a little space which he exploited well for 3-0, in the corner !!
Max took advantage of a gap round the outside for 4-0.
Second half
Closed with one final try from Max
Overall a morning of commitment and a degree of skill. Work to do on tackling low and equally on body position into contact.
Well done to ACS Primary who won the group with some powerful direct running and a well executed strategy of loading up the backs and committing few players to the breakdown.
Monday, June 21, 2010
The season so far..................
Much has been achieved in the first half of 2010 with the performances of the Sherriffs/Bandits at the recent Barclays Cups and the Young Guns retention of their KL crown the highlights. Of course the Young Guns loss at the hands of Centaurs in the Barclays Cup Final was a disappointment, but will, we are sure, spur the squad on as the focus switches to the Polo Club tournament in December.
Before then we will have the Straits Cup to play for and a tour to Hong Kong so plenty to keep us busy and to encourage the boys to maintain their fitness levels over the summer.
At the end of this term we said goodbye to two players who's presence will be missed but we wish Marshall Duncan, seen above in typical try scoring action, and Bruce Anderson, enjoying the Haka, well as they settle back into life at home .
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