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16 March 2008
Longton U13's 15 - Leek U13's 0
In a match cut short by an injury to one of the Leek players, Longton
recorded their first victory of the season, against a Leek side who had
beaten us by 40 points to 5 only a few weeks ago. The improvement in Longton’s
performance was immense as they prevented Leek from getting anywhere near
the try-line with good, all-round defence, whilst creating several try
scoring opportunities themselves. The hard work put in by all the lads
and their coaches over recent weeks paid dividends as a number of big
tackles were made by Longton’s forwards and their backs started to play
some open, flowing rugby. All the lads played very well and Man of the
Match trophies went jointly to Harry Derbyshire and Charlie Rushton.
Prior to the game, Dai Davies, the Chairman of the Longton RUFC Supporters
Club, presented the lads with new tracksuits, which have been kindly provided
from 200 Club funds. We are extremely grateful for this support and they
will be on display when the under 13s hold a coaching session prior to
the home 1st team game on 29th March.
Should anyone be interested in joining the 200 Club, please contact Dai
Davies, Dave Cartlidge or Doug Finney. It only costs £1 per week
and Direct Debit mandate forms are available in the Clubhouse.
8 October 2005
Uttoxeter U17's 15 - Longton U16's 7
Longton U16's 39 - Congleton U16's 17
Longton U16's recovered from last weeks bruising encounter with Uttoxeter U17's, where size and weight were contributory factors in a disappointing defeat. With little or no primary possession from scrum or lineout, it made for a long hard day's tackling practice.
With several regulars unavailable, and Congleton a couple of players short, the reshuffle to balance the teams left no player playing in the flanker positions, and Jack Colclough playing at No 8 for Congleton. Initially Longton capitalised on the extra space and raced to a 12 point lead with tries from Alex Wilson and Ben Shutt. The expectation of an easy victory worked against Longton as they slipped into an individual, selfiish mode of play - apparently forgeting or disregarding the hours of sterling work put in on the training ground with coach Tim Wareham. This enabled Congleton to score two spirited tries to level the score.
The open spaces and ample possession, in contrast to last week, appeared to bewilder the usually efficient Longton back division and several opportunities to move the ball wide and stretch the Congleton defence went begging. Longton received another shock to the system when Congleton's talented and lively No10 jinked through for a try to give Congleton the lead. Longton responded with a Chris Pike try.
Half time 17 -17
The break gave the Longton management and players the opportunity to reflect on the first half performance. With man of the match to be, Jack Colclough restored to his true colours, Longton set about re-establishing their normal patterns of play. Forceful driving forward play led by Jack Colclough and captain Ben Shutt, and well supported by all action Tom Nixon at scrum half created several early opportunities in the second period. Congleton found no answer to the much improved rucking and close support play which enabled Ben Shutt to drive over for a score. Soon after Tom Nixon was on hand to round off the play of the day involving Lucas Degg, Chris Pike, and an excellent run from Adam Ridge.
Player profile:
15/12 - Lucas Degg 5 - Uncertain at times in the centre whether to run and
commit, or to link play with passes. Solid tackles.
14 - Alex Wilson 8 - Strong running, always a threat.
13/11- Chris Pike 6 - Quiter than normal, recovering from Friday!
15/12 - Adrian Seaton 7 - Did not see nearly enough of the ball.
10 - Gaz Bartlett 6 - Too much time and space led to indecision early on. Much
improved 2nd half. Solid kicking.
9(0.5) - Alex Thorley 5 - Good link, didn't make use of space provided with no
flankers. Need to be more assertive in action, not words.
9(0.5) - Tom Nixon 8 - Still learning the trade at 9, very promising. Very good all
round, all action performance at back row and 9
8 - Adam Ridge 6 - Excellent run for Tom Nixon's try, strangly quiet at times.
7(0.5) - Jack Colclough 10 - Outstanding 2nd half - led the way for Longton recovery.
5 - Steve Burton 6 - Good scrummaging, not as prominent in the loose this
week.
4(0.5) - Danny Hulme 4 - Early thumb injury severely affected effectiveness.
4(0.5) - Tom Myles 5 - Always difficult to enter game at half time. Scrummaged
well and contributed to the improved second half from the
forwards.
3 - Alex Manning 5 - Satisfactory debut at this level. Will be a force to reckon
with in future.
2 - Ben Shutt 7 - Full of endeavour (and tries!) despite not being fully fit.
1 - Jamie Lee
Carpenter 4 - Heroic recovery from sick bed to play at all. Solid
scrummage as ever. Not surprisingly, little energy for the
loose.
Team score: 92 - Must improve considerably for the match against
Stoke on Wednesday night under the lights. Hopefully
injuries and ailments will have cleared by then.
Match Report 24 September 2005
Eccleshall U15 - 5 Longton U15 - 35
Despite several late call offs, Longton U15's took to the field for their first game of the season away at Eccleshall's homely Baden Hall ground with a full team. this was due to the recruitment of Alex Manning and 'Bronson' from Blurton High School.
Despite having a larger and heavier pack, Longton failed to dominate the scrums and lineouts as they may have expected, but regularly produced enough good ball from the scrums to allow the backs to create several early chances.
Newcomer 'Bronson' made an early impression on the game when he broke off from a midfield maul to make a strong run to the line to open Longton's account.
Scrum half Jamie Roberts added the first of five successful conversions. Not long afterwards Bronson again wreaked havoc in the Eccleshall defence, breaking several would be tackles, before helping himself to his second try. John Seabridge found some space on the left after some good interplay between backs and forwards and raced in for try number three. After a rolling maul Alex Manning scored Longton's fourth as a rout threatened.
After a very brief first half Longton led 28-0.
Ecclshall made some half time changes and generally tightened their defence as Longton tired in the 'long grass'. This allowed Eccleshall to score a very good try when they spun the ball wide to the left to outstrip the Longton defence. With the game more keenly contested Longton failed to capitalise on their early dominance and gave away a string of penalties for a variety of offences, often in good attacking positions. Eventually, following an excellent phase of play and a strong run from Tom Keeling, captain Kyle Dudley capped a fine performance by being on hand to collect the final pass and dive over for the final try.
With several U14's appearing for the first time at this level, Longton can be satisfied with the win, however with better team work and more training, Longton can improve to face stiffer challenges that lie ahead.
Player profile:
15 Ryan Burton 8 Excellent debut at this level. Good hands and link play.
14 Aiden Barber 7 Took the opportunity of a full game to stretch his legs
with several good runs.
12 John Seabridge 7 Good hands. Took try very well. First time tackles?
13 Andrew Quimby 7 Excellent debut at this level. Never flinched.
11 Jason Gardner 6 Quiet game. Couldn't match last weeks historic try.
10 Joss Myatt 7 Linked well, good breaks, tackles. Tactical kicking?
9 Jamie Roberts 7 Jamie the 'Boot'! Good links, strong running, Tactical
kicking?
8 Kyle Dudley 8 Led by example, fine all round game.
7 Tom Keeling 7 Good strong tackling performance. Discipline?
6 Daniel Broughan 6 Worked hard out of position.
5 Naqeeb Arshed 5 Ring rusty after an extended holiday - out of position
4 Bronson 9 Oustanding individual debut performance. Teamwork?
3 Danny Barnett 6 Solid in the scrum, more to come in loose play. training?
2 Tom Machin 5 Solid on own ball. Throw ins? Role at breakdown?
1 Alex Manning 8 Excellent debut performance. Unit skills at breakdown?
Team total 103
Match Report 17 September 2005
Longton U16 - 7 Tamworth U16 - 5
Longton Rugby Club got the perfect start on their intended new home at the magnificent Trentham Fields ground when their U16 team beat their opposite number from Tamworth.
Playing without three of their talented backline (County trialist Chris Pike - concussion, Adrian Smith - dislocated shoulder, and John Bowers - unavailable), Longton settled the quicker of the two teams with the front five dominating the the early scrummages, with hooker, captain, and County squad member, Ben Shutt leading the way. Both teams probed for the opening score but strong tackling from both sets of backs limited the opportunities. It was clear that in a tight game it would take something special to prise open the defences. This was achieved halfway through the first half when,following another successful scrummage, fly half Gaz Bartlett jinked through and chipped the ball towards the Tamworth posts where flanker Kyle Dudley's speedy follow up and tackle caused the Tamworth full back to spill the ball over the line. This enabled impressive debutant Jason Gardener to touch down for the historic first ever try on the new ground, duly converted by the reliable boot of Bartlett.
This score appeared to envigorate Tamworth more than Longton, who were looking rusty after the summer break, and were playing more as individuals rather than effective units around the park. It took many excellent tackles in the midfield to suppress the increasingly dangerous Tamworth backline with Tom Nixon and Lucas Degg prominant, ably supported by hard hitting flanker Jack Colclough and No 8 Adam Ridge. When Tamworth changed tactics to kick behind this front line defence sound catching and good footwork from full back Dan Stacey and wing Joss Myatt ensured that this threat was nullified. Indeed these counter attacks, and foraging runs from Ridge would have been more effective with quicker support from others, as Tamworth were proving the more effective at the breakdown winning several 'turnover balls' which
defied logic.
As the game approached half time several unnecessary penalties allowed Tamworth a rare visit to the Longton 22. From this position a series of forward drives and good ball retention allowed Tamworth to release their
strong centre who crashed over for a well deserved team try. Half time 7 - 5
The pattern of the first half resumed after the break. Substitute Alex Wilson again showed his strong running ability and Danny Bartlett showed his strength and potential in the front row, despite being a year younger than most. Both teams began to tire, and with the frustration of attacks breaking down due to strong defences, some niggle crept into an otherwise cleanly contested game. This lead to a Tamworth front row being compelled to leave the field. With scrummages now contested with 7, the pattern of the game was disrupted, and if anything allowed a tiring Longton team to hang on for that all important scene setting win on Trentham Fields.
Player ratings:
15 - Dan Stacey 7 Sound and reliable, good counter attacks
14 - Joss Myatt 7 Good hands, excellent footwork
13 - Tom Nixon 6 Off colour and playing out of position, tackled well
12 - Lucas Degg 5 Ring rusty, sound defence
11 - Jason Gardener 6 That historic try!! Good debut.
10 - Gaz Bartlett 8 Trusty boot, perhaps too often. Good breaks, defence.
9 - Alex Thorley 6 Sound link. More effective if fitter.
8 - Adam Ridge 8 Covered a lot of ground, good breaks and defence
7 - Jack Colclough 8 Solid hard grafting performance
6 - Kyle Dudley 7 Unceasing effort, good tackles.
Commitment at ruck?
5 - Stephen Burton 8 Sterling efforts in the boiler room, and around pitch
4 - Dan Hulme 5 Competed well at linout.Technique at ruck?
3 - Jim Robinson 7 Effective front row. Role at breakdown?
2 - Ben Shutt 7 Lead well from the front.
Discipline as captain?
1 - Jamie Carpenter 7 Lead part in set scrum.
Breakdown skills?
Team score: 102
Subs:
Danny Bartlett 5 Solid scrum. Regular training?
Alex Wilson 7 Strong running. Tackle technique?
Aiden Barber 5 Under used. Confidence of full game next week.
Injured:
Chris Pike 10 Excellent support. Desperate to play.
Many thanks to all who turned out to support the team on this ground
breaking, first footing occasion!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Match
Report 22 January 2005
Handsworth U15 10 Longton U15 41 - Staffordshire
Plate
*********************
Following last weeks tough encounter at Burntwood, the U 15's travelled
to Handsworth seeking their 4th win of the season. A magnificent all round
team performance produced a 41 -10 pts victory and secured a place in
the Plate semi final against as yet unknown opposition.
Despite coach Tim Wareham throwing a 'sickie' on arrival, the delayed
k.o. due to firm ground conditions enabled Tim to recover and duly psyche
the team up for the challenge.
Early Longton pressure looked promising as Handsworth were forced deep
into their own 22, in front of a large and apprectiative home crowd. From
some excellent set pieces and driving rucks Jamie Lee Carpenter broke
free and released the ever present Ben Shutt who evaded several would
be tackles before plunging over for the opening score, duly converted
by stand in kicker Chris Pike. From more incisive interplay between play
forwards and backs it was not long before Chris showed his speed and strength
to power over for a try himself.
These early scores lifted the spirits of the team as a whole and as the
match progressed excellent foraging play at the breakdowns from Adam Ridge,
Jack Colclough and Kyle Dudley produced plenty of ball for the Longton
backs to show their skills. Man of the match contender Tom Nixon experimenting
at fly half was prominent throughout, and from one of his tactical kicks
a position was created to allow Jack Colclough to get on the score board.
Lack of concentration allowed Handsworth to create their first try from
their first visit to the Longton 22. Their excellent, strong running No
8 picked up from a scrum and cruised past the Longton defence.
Not daunted by this set back Longton replied immediately with a second
try from captain of the day, and another contender for man of the match,
Ben Shutt. 24 -5 at half time.
The second half started with a shock for Longton when Handsworth attacked
an invitingly open space on the blind side and scored an uncontested try.
Some more Handsworth pressure saw Chris Pike haul down a Handsworth player
just short of the line after a magnificent defensive chase back. This
encouraged Handsworth and they were exerting great pressure on the Longton
defence when they unfortunately lost a player with a dislocated shoulder.
After a long delay play restarted with a scrum 10m from the Longton line.
A free kick was awarded to Handsworth which Longton met with superbly
organised defence which culminated with Chris Pike racing the length of
the pitch, evading several tackles, and scoring under the posts for his
second and the decisive score of the match.
Overall man of the match, Adam Ridge added the final score. 41 - 10
Match
Report 14th November 2004 - LONGTON U13/U14 14
LYNLEY U13/U14 10
In a keenly contested game, Lynley took an early lead through an unconverted
try, scored by prop Liam Craggs. This stung Longton into action and, after
a good period of possession, the ball was moved quickly across the backs
, for Aiden Barber to run in under the posts. Danny Cummins added the
conversion to give Longton a 7 – 5 half time lead.
Good forward play set up a second try for Longton, with winger Joss Myatt
running from the halfway line to score under the posts and again Danny
Cummins added the conversion.
However, Lynley were not yet beaten, and they came back strongly with
Matthew Swingewood scoring a try just inside the touchline. Again the
conversion failed and Longton held on for a hard fought victory.
UTTOXETER U15 10 LONGTON U15 47
Four tries from speedy newcomer Alec Wilson helped Longton U15's to record
their second win of the season against Uttoxeter on Sunday 14th November.
Both clubs are working hard at their junior development, and this match
vindicated their efforts. It was an entertaining, skilful encounter in
which the eventual result somewhat flattered Longton. Leading 13 - 0 at
the interval, Longton could only afford to relax in the last quarter when
their opponents tired.
The forwards performed well as a unit, with the front row of Jamie lee
Carpenter, Ben Shutt (1 try) and Alec Wilson (4) dominating the set pieces.
They were ably supported by the ever hungry back row forwards, especially
Jack Colclough (2 tries) and Matt Wright whose constant chasing and up
front tackling forced errors from the opposition.
This solid foundation allowed fly half Gaz Bartlett to direct patterns
of play from behind the scrum, bringing strong running and tackling centre
Adrian Seaton into the game whenever possible as well as helping himself
to a personal tally of 14 points (1 try)
With several regulars unavailable for a variety of reasons this oustanding
team performance will create selection problems for the forthcoming Staffordshire
Cup match against Walsall, and provides a platform for the rest of the
season.
On a more general note, all of the Junior teams are in need of help and
support if they are to make serious progress and develop. Players are
welcome at all age groups, irrespective of ability and coaching is provided.
We want to establish a working Committee for each team and if you can
help in any way, even if its only now and then, please contact Alan Miller,
Dave Watt or Doug Finney. We particularly need transport for away games,
kitchen helpers at home games and First Aiders ( Training will be arranged
and paid for by the Club).
On the coaching front, a big thank you is due to Rich Kelly, Matt Davies,
Nick Wiggins, Tim Wareham, Marshall Gadd and Dave Watt for all their time
and hard work.
Last but not least, thanks to Katie and Phil for looking after the kitchen.
Match
Report 27 April 2004 - Longton U17 25 Trentham U17 8
Longton U17 gained revenge for their reversal against Trentham last month
with a comprehensive 25-8 demolition of their neighbours comprising 4
tries.
The game started as an even's steven's affair with both sides giving nothing
away. Longton went 0-3 down from an early penalty but sustained pressure
from the home side eventually forced a Trentham offside that Scott Rawlings
gratefully converted to level the scores. The burly Rawlings added a further
score when he powered over for a try to leave Longton in ascendancy at
the break 8-3.
The second half saw Longton come into their own, the home forwards secured
excellent set piece ball throughout, the backs ran the ball well on the
counter and with a water tight defence Trentham found no solace as the
second half unfolded. Longton added tries through Gareth Bartlett, Lee
Falat and Lee Holford to secure the win.
On the final whistle Trentham launched a well worked attack down the right
wing to race in for a well deserved consolation try to complete a most
enjoyable evening for both sides.
LONGTON JUNIORS ARE
LAUNCHED
FIRST TENTATIVE STEPS FOR LONGTON JUNIORS
On Sunday 4th April 2004 Longton RUFC launched
its Under 12's side with their first appearance at the Burton festival.
Following a short coach journey from the Potteries the excited side made
up mainly of pupils at Edensor High and St Thomas More arrived at Peel
Croft. The lads were drawn in a tough group competing against Walsall,
Newcastle, and Leek. In all of the games although the team ended up losing
they performed with credit, committment and passion against opposition
who had been together much longer than the two weeks of the fledgling
Longton outfit. The side who were coached by Paul Green and Rich
Kelly, ably backed up by Doug Finney and Steve Lodey got the biggest cheer
of the day as they recorded their first try to open the scoring in their
final encounter against Leek. Despite the results, the lads and
their parents thoroughly enjoyed the day and can't wait to get into training
on Sunday mornings up at Roughcote Lane. If the enthusisam they
showed during the tournament is continued in training then the boys will
progress quickly and will start to win games soon and who knows a future
first team star could be born. The best example of this enthusiasm
is two players who despite not being registered in time to play travelled
with the squad warmed up with the team and supported their mates throughout,
this is the kind of thing which only bodes well for the future. On a day
filled with positives Longton made some good friends among the coaches
of the other teams who are keen to play regular fixtures to help with
the development of our players. To thank the lads for their tremendous
effort Steve Lodey (Club Treasurer) dug deep into his bottomless pockets
and treated them all to a stop off at Uttoxeter and a visit to Mcdonalds
although the 54 seater coach struggled to negotiate the drive thru'. Many
thanks to all the players and parents who attended and to the club officials
who supported the side. This event has given the club a great foundation
from which to launch junior rugby at Roughcote Lane once again. Well done
to all.....! Naqueeb Arshed, Grant Saville, Ryan Burton, Sam Bloor, Dan
Cummings, Michael Vause, Daniel Broughan, Andrew Quimby, Ash Wooliscroft,
Daniel Plant, Stephen Talbot, Richard Williams, Matt Sargeant, Jonathan
Simpson, Darryl Pocock, Tom Bowen.
Paul Green - coach |
