Another successful day for the Exiles

What a funny old day! The weather was cold and damp but yet again Chipstead showed up in force with 27 boys making the trip to Kings. We should also say a big thanks to all the parents who braved the weather today to add they support.

After a warm up, some drills and a game of touch we were ready for some full on games. You should be applauded for you behaviour and commitment during these drills and touch games as at times it appeared it was only Chipstead who were listening and interested in playing rugby.

Golds v Kings ‘B’

Squad: Jack S, Lewis Bradford, Lewis Brown, Lewis K, Luke M, Richard, Harry, Jay, James, Bradley, Tommy, Rafe, Geoffrey and David M

1st Game 4:3 to Kings ‘B’
As can be seen from to score it was a close game. Chipstead attacked well and there were numerous strong runs from which we gained ground and there were a number of line breaks made and if we’d had better awareness of the players in support we would have scored more tries.

The biggest area of concern for us was our defence or for that matter the lack of it. In truth there were 2 or 3 boys that probably made 90% of the tackles and as a result Kings were able to gain ground at will. As we said before the game, at half time and at the end, you are all part of the team and you all need to put the effort in. You can’t rely on 2 or 3 of your team mates to do all the tackling, if they have made the first tackle and are out of the game someone else has to set up to the mark.

As it was whilst we scored 3 tries, Kings were able to score 4 and on the balance deserved the win. What I would say though is, if you’d defended as a team with the same aggression as you attacked you would have won!!

2nd Game 4:3 to Kings ‘B’
Yet again it was a close game and in the first half at least our defence was much better, everyone put in tackles and chased Kings down when they broke through. As in the first game in attack you showed you were more than a match for Kings, you were strong in the mauls and out rucked Kings, but we do need to pick the ball up so we can continue the attack.

With the game tied at 3:3 the game was there to be won, however we must learn not to panic when we have the ball and the defence are in our face. All you have to do is take the tackle and wait for your support to ruck over and recycle the ball, just throwing it anywhere will end up in the ball being turned over. Which ultimately is what happened and Kings scored the winning try at the death.

To sum up rugby is a team game, one person doesn’t make the team and it is the combination of everyone on the pitch that will bring success. If you don’t put the effort in you are letting your team mates and yourself down. Saying that you ran hard and straight in attack, the scrum was strong as were the rucking and mauling. The positives outweigh the negatives and we can work on these in the New Year.

John and Simon

Blues v Kings 'A'

Squad: Elliot, Euan, Luke, Rory, Tom, Inigo, David W, Finlay M, Oliver, Luca, Finlay O, Daniel and Nathan

1st Game 2:0 to Blues
Even though careless mistakes were made by the boys we maintained our shape and drove well at Kings. Our tackling in defence was superb and the quick recovery of each player was impressive. Probably our weakest aspect was the ruck, when the tempo of the game slowed down’ our hunger to ruck over and retrieve the ball disappeared. Which meant the ball was slow to be recycled at times.

Only in the second half did the boys exert the pressure which resulted in quick ball we know they are capable of producing. Our line worked well and it was great to see to ball moving quickly through the hands. Every now and then someone showed initiative and straightened out and attacked the opposition head on. Fearless rugby at times and goodness me did Kings feel the force. Hard game - fair result.

Positives: players using their initiative, great support play in attack, some fantastic rolling mauls. Also it was great to see we kept our shape both in attack and defence (which was colossal).
Negatives: we were ineffective at the rucks at times and at times we came in from the side (of both the rucks and mauls) giving penalties away. Also the communication between players needs to improve, you’re all vocal off the pitch let’s start talking more on the pitch!!

2nd Game 2:1 to Kings 'A'
'RESPECT' - This one word probably sums up today's second game. We lost respect for the game, ourselves and our team mates this morning. Hopefully today has taught you that taking the referee on will result in an uphill battle. One which you will not win! You don’t try it on when Peter is refereeing (well not much) so don’t lose this respect when it is a different referee. Rise above it!!

It turned out to be a highly charged, tempers nearing melt down, one on one affair. Hopefully this was a blip and you boys can learn from your experiences of this morning. On the pitch the referee is always right. You must respect all the decisions he makes during play; whether you agree with them or not. As you learned today if you fail to listen to the referee and back chat him your life on the pitch and ultimately your team mates will suffer. The score line at the end of this game reflects that.

As you boys get older (and with our help I hope) I'm sure you will learn to turn these aggressions into positive attacking rugby and let the scoreboard speak for you.

Positives: solid rolling mauls, courageous tackling, running hard at the opposition.
Negatives: you let the referee get in your heads and you lost your concentration to work as a team.

Overall 3:2 win for the Blues (though I'm sure Kings will take the draw).

Mark and Anthony