Recently in 2009/2010
Welwyn U10 Rosslyn Park U10 (A) 08.05.2010
ETIHAD Harlequins Curtain Raiser Cup
The final was against the Middlesex County champions, Rosslyn Park. We had met in the Semi Final qualifying day when a late try from the opposition had shared the spoils, so we knew this could be close! Well think close and it was even closer than that!
The game was played at a blistering pace and all the players were putting their bodies on the line in an attempt to get the upper hand. Several probing runs by the Park centres were met with a maroon and white wall as Gus, Harry A & Cameron fought hard along the frontline. Captain, Alfie was once again leading by example and made tackles that even the travelling support winced at! Each half of the game was spent with one side camped close to their opponents line but the closest either side got to scoring in normal time was to be held up by the determined defenders. Luca & Morgan combined to nearly cross the whitewash but the final whistle went to send things into extra time.
In the first half of extra time it was Rosslyn Park who had the ball and our defence was simply awesome. It came at a cost though as we lost Louis, James, Harry and Gus to injury. The second period and it was our turn to press for a winner and Keir came close twice before finally breaking the shackles of the Park defence to score with 2 minutes to go. There was obvious elation in our camp and deflation in the Park camp and more impressive tackling allowed us to hold on for the win!
Final Score Rosslyn Park 0 Welwyn 5 AET
« All done!
Welwyn U10 Ealing U10 (A) 08.05.2010
ETIHAD Harlequins Curtain Raiser Cup
Our final group game was effectively the Semi Final as Ealing had also claimed two victories. However we had been the highest try scorers so we knew that a draw would also send us through to the final. Earlier in the season we had comprehensively beaten Ealing at their festival and knew that our opponents would be very determined not to let this happen again.
In the opening stages they came at us and it was a rearguard action for the first time in the day. Morgan, Luca & Cameron finding the Ealing pack to be more efficient in the scrum but still managing to win the loose for Welwyn. However, just before the halftime break, disaster struck as the Ealing pack crashed over our line and we were behind for the first time in a long while. Strength of character was needed now and our boys showed this in abundance. Birthday boy, Johann went close to levelling but was just pushed into touch with the line inches away.
We went into the break 5 nil down but came out firing in the second period and a few minutes later we were level. A dropped Ealing ball was exquisitely gathered by Keir and he just does not waste those opportunities; gliding past two defenders to score in the corner. The relief was as apparent on the Welwyn supporter's faces as the disappointment was on the Ealing crowd. We held our ground for the final few minutes and a place in the Final.
Final Score Ealing 5 Welwyn 5
« All done!
Welwyn U10 Upminster U10 (A) 08.05.2010
ETIHAD Harlequins Curtain Raiser Cup
Game two was against Upminster who had narrowly lost their opening game to Ealing by 1 try to nil. As with Horsham they found the pace of our back line too hot to handle and Keir raced home to give us the early advantage. The forwards were giving Alfie quick ball at all times but a smart pick and go by Cameron saw him cross the line to increase our lead.
At half time the score remained 10 nil and we knew the next try was likely to seal the points. We did not have to wait long for this, as once again our backs had a 3 man overlap allowing Kyle to release Keir into score.
Final Score Upminster 0 Welwyn 15
« All done!
Welwyn U10 Horsham U10 (A) 08.05.2010
ETIHAD Harlequins Curtain Raiser Cup
In game one we played Horsham and immediately went in search of a try and we did not have to wait too long. James Woolley stole the ball before releasing Alfie to race away to score. This settled any early nerves and the opposition were finding it hard to contain our powerful play. Keir then bagged the first two of his 6 tries of the day after making the most of some smart running by Saul, Jack Briars & Eddie. We ran out comfortable 15 nil winners and a faultless start to our challenge.
Final Score Horsham 0 Welwyn 15
« All done!
Welwyn U10 Tring U10 (A) 25.04.2010
County Tournament
The Final was against Tring as they had knocked out Old Albanians and Hertford to secure their place. It was also our first meeting for 2 years so it was a little bit of the unknown in front of us. The boys started the game with real assurance and as with the Hertford and Harpenden games we put our opponents under enormous pressure in the early stages. This pressure paid dividends as Tring over committed at the breakdown allowing Keir then Johann to run in a try apiece.
At half time we reminded the boys to finish the job and not let our advantage slip. Keir settled any doubts of this happening early in the second half and we relaxed during the final stages. To their credit, our opponents stayed determined and were rewarded with a well deserved try in the last play of the game. The final whistle was greeted with a loud cheer as it signalled another County Cup for our impressive team of players.
Final Score Welwyn 15 Tring 5
« All done!
Welwyn U10 Harpenden U10 (A) 25.04.2010
County Tournament
The Semi Final had us drawn against a confident Harpenden side that had moved into this stage without conceding a try. Both sides know each other well as this was match number 5 of the season. We had an unbeaten record to defend and were determined to hang onto our crown. Once again our first half display was simply a fantastic combination of power and pace. Despite having an early try by Saul disallowed, we went onto to score twice inside 3 minutes to give our opponents a mountain to climb. The first was one for the forwards as Cameron powered over after being assisted by Luca & Morgan. The second was some magical centre play between Alfie, Jack Briars, Keir, Louis and finally Saul.
At half time we remained 2 tries up and the opening try by us in the second period killed off our opponents to put the game to bed. Keir drove through the Harpenden back line with impressive ease. A really efficient and effective performance to move into our 4th County Final in succession
Final Score Welwyn A 15 Harpenden A 0
« All done!
Welwyn U10 Hemel Camelot U10 (A) 25.04.2010
County Tournament
Our Quarter Final opponents were Hemel Camelot who had been runners up in Group B. Unfortunately for them, the previous game had given us an adrenaline boost and we were too fast for our weary opponents. We ran in 7 tries without response including a first half hat trick from Saul. Speedsters, Keir 2, Eddie and Johann all crossed the whitewash with the impressive forward play of Gus, Harry A and Morgan giving them quick ball at every opportunity.
Final Score: Welwyn A 35 Hemel Camelot A 0
« All done!
Welwyn U10 Hertford U10 (A) 25.04.2010
County Tournament
With our final group opponents Hertford, also having two wins under their belts the final game was predictably a shoot out for top place in the group. The boys were fully aware that they needed to raise their game and no one can argue that they did just that! Our first half display was simply awesome and they blitzed the Hertford team with some excellent running Rugby. Our captain, Alfie, was once again leading by example with some monumental tackling and 2 exquisite pieces of finishing. Whilst Johann proved that having the ball in his hands was as good as a try, as he ran in from distance at an incredible speed.
Half Time however was 15 - 5 as Hertford ran in a good try to keep the game alive. A disciplined second half display shut out our opponents and we ran out winners of the game and the group.
Final Score: Welwyn A 15 Hertford A 5
« All done!
Welwyn U10 Letchworth U10 (A) 25.04.2010
Game two was against Letchworth and once again we were slow starters before running out as comfortable winners. We managed 6 tries in all with Saul and Luca grabbing one each whilst there were also 2 tries apiece for Cameron and Keir. Warming to the task but lots more to come!
Final Score Welwyn A 30 Letchworth A 0
« All done!
Welwyn U10 Barnet U10 (A) 25.04.2010
County Tournament
The opening game against Barnet was played at a reasonably slow pace and despite the pitches being of a good size we failed to exploit our obvious advantage of pace. However we did manage to keep things tight before finally releasing Eddie to put on those after burners and give us a narrow half time advantage. Early in the second half we ran in two tries to seal the points with Saul and Keir opening their festival accounts. Not an impressive display but 3 points on the board to get things moving.
Final Score Welwyn A 15 Barnet A 0
« All done!
