Match Report

Date:           18MAR12
Location:     North Bristol RFC
Teams :       U7s - North Bristol vs Frampton Cotterell

At home and with half the upper pitch to ourselves, we set out two good sized tag pitches on which to do battle against Frampton Cotterell. The last time we faced Frampton it ended in a draw so today was all about tipping the scales. The chill in the air combined with rain from the night before posed a challenging set of playing conditions.  A good turnout from both sides and we were able to field enough players to hold two games simultaneously with substitutes.

Frampton laid down the first marker ... scoring once, twice, three times without reply from North Bristol. Most of these tries were created thanks to nimble feet of a few runners and poor tagging from North Bristol some of whom were still mentally still tucked up in bed during the first game. There were very few penalties to speak of from either side as both managed to stay on the pitch and passed the ball in the right direction. Distracted by the lines of the full-sized pitch there were a few comedy moments as the both sides ran sometimes ten metres beyond the goal line before deciding to touch the ball down for a try. Inevitably the wet conditions made for a slippery ball and a number of knock-ons but both sides coped well recovering the lost ball from the ground and counter-atttacking. The attacking sides had the upper hand today as the conditions also made it more difficult to change direction while in defense and neither side was really able to successfully defend their own goal line.

The score lines show two fairly evenly matched teams but it was Frampton’s discipline, alertness and completed passes after the tag that gave them an edge this morning. That said, North Bristol put on a good display of running and dodging (the proof of which is in the photos) and again a variety of players scored which is a good sign of teamwork and spreading the ball around.  We needed a bit more focus when taking tags this morning. There were also lost scoring opportunities when after running the length of the field and getting tagged we failed to pass to our nearest team mate who was in a position to score. Finally a mention for our substitutes who were really well behaved swapping in and out of the games on request and making the Coach's job very easy – thanks!

Pitch 1

Game 1 : North Bristol (5) vs Frampton Cotterell (6)

[North Bristol try scorers: Louie B (2), Harry S (1), Alex H (1), Otis W (1)                  

Game 2 : North Bristol (5) vs Frampton Cotterell (6) 

[North Bristol try scorers: Edward C (1), Oliver L (1), Freddie E (2), Harry B (1)]

Pitch 2

Game 1 : North Bristol (7) vs Frampton Cotterell (8)

[North Bristol try scorers: Not recorded.]

Game 2 : North Bristol (7) vs Frampton Cotterell (11)

[North Bristol try scorers: Not recorded.]

26FEB12 - Many thanks to Russ Earnshaw (England Sevens Coach) for his time today and for giving our Under7s a taste of how the professionals train.

Match Report

Date:           04MAR12
Location:     Yatton RFC
Teams :       U7s - North Bristol vs Cheddar

The morning was billed as a three-way session between North Bristol, Cheddar and our hosts Yatton. Our match against Yatton was to be the return leg of a competition that started back in October. However, our trip south to Yatton was destined to be memorable for a different set of reasons. Leaving North Bristol the rain fell steadily and the wind blew, as we pulled up at Yatton RFC the rain fell steadily and the wind blew.

We found our pitch, quite possibly the muddiest corner of the multi-acre site. It was quickly clear to players and parents alike that the real challenge of the morning was staying warm – after all you can only get so wet before it doesn’t matter. As soon as we were sufficient in number, North Bristol took to the field against Cheddar... and the rain fell steadily and the wind blew.

The game began with an equal exchange of tries, despite the conditions both sides managed to retain ball in hand and also for the most part stayed on their feet despite areas of the pitch turning into a quagmire. Through a number of different players, North Bristol succeeded in scoring from deep with some penetrating runs and good use of the width of the pitch. Once tagged, North Bristol also demonstrated much improved passing of the ball to teammates (once or twice we even managed it on the run!). Two particular Cheddar players stood out, one of which was a speed merchant and very difficult to catch, while the second weaved his way through our entire defense with tags intact – his accidental superman in the mud across the try line was quite spectacular. But the match ultimately belonged to North Bristol, good discipline, no forward passes, staying inside the lines and lots of forward movement along with some inspired tagging in very difficult conditions gave us the edge to win the game - well done North Bristol Under7s! ... and the rain fell steadily and the wind blew.

Unfortunately, the rain and wind never relented and by the time Yatton had completed their match against Cheddar, no amount of running around and physical movement could remedy cold hands and bodies. At this point we abandoned the session ... then the rain stopped and the sun came out (typical). Many thanks to all of the parents who persevered with the weather and to our brave Under7’s for their indomitable spirit in such challenging conditions!

Match Report

Date:           19FEB12
Location:     North Bristol RFC
Teams :       U7s - North Bristol vs Old Bristolians

Away at Old Bristolians, North Bristol showed up ready play in the brilliant February sunshine.... even our substitutes found their voices making for a great atmosphere....“C’mon Norf!”. For the first time this season we played on full-sized tag pitches which although overwhelming at first, we grew into over the course of several games. Old Bristolians proved themselves to be a well-drilled side capable of the slickest support play we have yet encountered. While their passing after the tag ultimately got the better of our Under7s, the action was not all one way as we were able to string together a few neat phases of attacking play along with some solid periods of defending.

Ed C and James S made a great double act successfully emulating the deftness of passing exhibited by the opposition.There were also notable runs from Ben C, Louie B, Freddie E and Otis W (with great support from the sidelines“Run to the corner Otis!”). Also putting into practice last week’s training, both Alex H (thanks for the comedy ‘butter fingers’ routine) and Seb S, both of whom focused on their straight ahead running which gained us valuable territory. We played well as a team with no bunching around the player with the ball. We were also much improved at turning and passing when we got tagged. Our ball handling was superb! Lots of positives to take forwards from today and a few areas to focus on in training.

With each game we grow in confidence and skill – many parents have commented how far we have come as a team. Keep up the good work Under7s!