YOUTH RUGBY ROUND UP, SUNDAY 26th JANUARY 2025

Guildford Rugby Club

YOUTH RUGBY ROUND UP, SUNDAY 26th JANUARY 2025

YOUTH ROUND UP – SUNDAY 26th JANUARY 2025

U16s:

Guildford 32 – Pulborough 12 (friendly)

The U16 squad travelled to a wet and windy Pulborough for a very physical match. Both teams put on an exciting show, despite the best efforts of the weather. Ultimately the match was called slightly early with both teams keen to get into the showers. It was great to see the whole squad playing together, and with a mixture of tries from the forwards and the backs. Thanks to Pulborough for a game played in the true spirit of rugby.

U16s Girls

Match vs Cobham cancelled due to standing water on the pitches

U15s

Guildford Blue 20 – London Irish 7

Guildford Gold 31 – Camberley 24

U14s

In a repeat of last season’s Tier 1 final, the Blues were 10-12 down vs Old Wimbledonians when the opposition asked to end the game due to injuries and severe cold. The U14s are awaiting guidance from Surrey as to what happens next – either re-arrange the fixture or agree to share the points as per the regulations.

U13s

U13a 6 – Old Wimbledon Warriors 0 (by half time)

U13b 8 – Old Reigatians 2 (by half time)

There was a strong incentive on Sunday to finish early by winning by more than 6!

U12s Boys

U12 Golds 7 Dorking 1

U12s “Team Gold” really showed what they were made of in the freezing wind and mud at Dorking. The Guildford boys won 7-1 (8-2 the final result) to defeat a spirited Dorking team that could definitely pass the ball around. But just like last week the physicality of the boys in blue

led to them dominating possession even when playing uphill in the first half. The tackling from the U12s was ferocious and technically excellent. Brilliant, low tackling from Olly, Freddie and Tom in the backline in particular halted Dorking every time they had the ball. In the forwards, our rucking and mauling was just as indomitable with Charlie being a real nuisance and ripping the ball from the opposition more than once.

What the coaching team are enjoying most is the team spirit among the boys, they take real pride in their performance and are working so well together. And as coach Nick has always told the boys, rugby is all about problem-solving and that is exactly what Team Gold are about. They played to the conditions today; it was a day to carry hard and straight and that is exactly what they did. There were some lung-busting carries from Huxley, Rufus and Freddie on the wing, and Carter, Alex and Archie had fun trucking the ball up the middle. But as ever, it is difficult to single out players when this win was all about the team. We are travelling again next week to Cobham and I think the boys are justifiably feeling excited about what they can do next!

U12 Blues 8 Camberley 2

In some of the coldest, wettest, windiest weather we’ve ever played in, the U12 Blues put in a top-class showing to beat Camberley 8-2. On a muddy, energy-sapping pitch, every player put in a shift, with great tackling and what is rapidly becoming trade-mark fast rucking. This set them up to keep possession, as well as denying the opposition any chance to play or get into the match. In these conditions, the players would have been forgiven for sticking the ball up their jumpers and just going for hits (and there was a fair amount of this!), but they also looked for space, passed and made breaks as if they were playing in May. Coupled with excellent support work, there were a number of well-worked team tries. Given the weather and the pitch the subs played a huge role, everyone coming on to do a job and set up a solid result. Camberley were very gracious hosts, never giving up and always looking to play. The spirit of the match was excellent, with only one high tackle and no penalties for foul-play against either team. Looking forward to next week’s match and hopefully better conditions!

U12s Dorkfordley (Grizzlies)

Dorkfordley 2 – London Irish/Reeds/Vandals Cluster 8 – Round 2 Quins Cup match

Dorkfordley (Dorking/Guildford/Camberley) played gallantly but went down 2-8 against an impressive London Irish/Reeds/Vandals team in their R2 Quins Cup match away on Sunday. The opposition were great hosts and fielded a very strong and well-structured side who scored some fine tries and used their kicking game well. But the score line did not reflect the hard-fought game, as our girls made them work very hard for their scores with some really improved defensive structure. Our tries were great team efforts with some robust running and lovely passing interplay, defying the short period of time our cluster has been together. Both sides had large squads so we played a development/U11 game in parallel which produced lots of tries for both sides and was a great opportunity for improving players to shine. Despite the loss the team is developing nicely and the coaches couldn’t be prouder.

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