Match Reports
2009/2010 Season
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U11 GAME
1: SHIPSTON 7 Another hard fought game against determined opposition where no quarter was asked for and none given. The forwards, led by Finley Breach were outstanding in the maul where Keiran Raymer continued to rip the ball clear and make charging runs at the Shipston line with Marcus Harris and Lewis Garrood in support. Scrum half Glen Harvey was supplied with clean ball from the set piece and with quick passing was able to set his backs off to attack the home team’s line. Late in the first half the effective combination of Lewis Woodford and Harry Jacob produced the visitor’s only try. Good tackling by the whole team in both halves of the match kept Shipston at bay, and even when they applied extreme pressure on the Avonsiders’ line the forwards drove them back with grit and determination. In
the second half, with Ashley Allchurch at scrum half, the visitors started
to run the ball with confidence only for a second try to be disallowed.
The home team then broke through the Evesham defensive line for the only
time to score their well earned try. In the dying moments of the second
half a drive by Jack Cockle, Josh Hartland and Ed Howlett was forced out
by the Shipston pack to finish a brave, gutsy performance by the whole of
the Evesham team |
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U9 GAME
1: EVESHAM 7 The home side started well, moving forward with determination and despite an early Alcester line-out Gregor Gray quickly took Evesham’s first try. This was swiftly followed by two scores from James Cross, the first being well set up by Joe Capaldi and Lydia Webster. Evesham were moving the ball well, working as a team so that when Alcester did gain possession good tackles by Tom Evans and Felix Shears produced useable ball for Owain Hann and Gray to score twice more before half time. The second half started with a quick try by the visitors which concentrated Evesham’s defensive minds producing a number of useful line-outs. From the first of these Shears made a quick dart through Alcester’s defence for try number 6. Then, with good tackling by Tom Symonds and Ollie Austin, possession returned to Evesham who drove on furiously, Isabelle Clattworthy finally grounding the ball for number seven. GAME
2: EVESHAM 5 In the second game of the day Evesham came up against a stronger team and although a number of players were in different positions they still managed to put up a good performance. Gray scored a quick first try followed by some good tackling by Shears. Despite strong defence by Claverdon Gray managed two more scores before half time. Good forward play by Cross, Webster and Liam Raymer forced the visitors back. The mauls worked well with the ball being recycled to the backs and moved well across the pitch. Cross capitalised on one such move, scoring in the corner. Claverdon responded with their only try, outrunning the tiring Evesham defence. There then came a superb closing try from Gray who plucked an interception out of the air at speed and scored from 10 metres out.
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U10 GAME
1: EVESHAM 3 GAME
2: EVESHAM 3 Man of the Match: Will Bugg Not for the first time, Evesham didn’t wake up and compete until the first half was over. Alcester had a number of strong, fast and awkward to tackle runners, who took advantage of this to open up a lead. But after this first half, the boys put their bodies on the line in a physical, evenly matched contest. Straight from the restart they ran hard with the ball and passed it around to take play up close to the Alcester line. Duncan Walter won the lineout and drove over to score. Improved tackling and committed defence at the maul restricted Alcester to one try, and Will Bugg’s eye for a gap and strong running brought him two tries from deep in his own half to narrow the gap by the end of the match. Evesham fought hard in both matches with some aggressive running and improved passing. Will Moreland drove hard through the middle, Nick Brimson ran directly and passed out of contact. The whole team worked to tackle and contest the maul – Duncan Walter and Harry Johnson broke up Alcester ball and launched counterattacks. The scrum increasingly found its feet, while Tom Maxted and Kyle Wilkes provided variety in attack from behind it. The problem area throughout the day was the ruck. Nobody took the initiative to drive over and lay claim to the ball, so Alcester regularly won or kept it. This meant hard work in defence and few opportunities to attack, but good work in these areas kept the second game close. Twice the maul held Alcester up at the Evesham line. Harry Britten and Jack Fletcher tackled and ran willingly at opponents. Alcester scored twice in the first half but Evesham hit back with a fine run from his own line by Harry Johnson finished off by Will Bugg. Early in the second Joe Tegg levelled the scores after Liam Berry made good ground. Although they conceded two more tries, Evesham scored again: Man of the Match Will Bugg adding to his earlier tries from deep with a score from the line out when he moved into the pack. The team can be proud of their commitment in a very physical match and their improved running, passing and tackling. Now they should turn their attention to positive rucking as they know they can.
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U10 GAME
1: EVESHAM 2 The
first half against Old Leamingtonians followed a similar pattern to the
first match as the visitors built up a lead. But towards the end of the
half there was a glimpse of what was to come: Kyle Wilkes, who put in an
excellent performance at scrum half digging for the ball and looking to
link up play, made a break then found Tom Maxted who finished in style. Man of the Match Harry Johnson was at the heart of the second half performance that followed, working hard for the ball, running strongly with it, then looking to involve his team mates. He was rewarded with a try from a good drive, ruck and quick movement of the ball from an attacking penalty. The whole team now showed self-belief and purpose; Henry Thomas showed more aggression at the ruck and maul, and Nick Brimson was a willing runner when given the chance. Try Scorers: Tom Maxted, Harry Johnson
GAME
2: EVESHAM 0 For
much of the day it seemed that the Under-10s had turned up in body, but
not in spirit. Even though there were individual moments, and a tenacious
second half defence of their line against Gloucester, most of their play
seemed to lack a spark of purpose and self-belief. But then came the
second half against Leamington and they showed what they can do when they
get the bit between their teeth and work as a team – passing, running
and rucking with speed and aggression. The day began badly as a well-organised Spartans side took the game to Evesham; quicker and stronger to the breakdown, they regularly turned over Evesham possession then moved the ball and found space to score. After the break, although unable to put much pressure on the Spartans line, the boys were determined to defend their own. Duncan Walter and Tom Perry stood out grappling for the ball in the middle of the pack, while Liam Berry and Will Bugg made strong runs out of defence to lift the pressure.
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U9 GAME
1: EVESHAM 2 In the first game the home side started well with some good tackles from Tom Symonds and Lydia Webster. It was a war of attrition played out across the centre third of the pitch. Line-out followed line-out as neither team were able to make much headway. Then Evesham broke the stalemate with James Cross scoring their first try. This was quickly followed by number two from Gregor Gray who distinguished himself throughout the day with total dedication in both defence and attack. Despite good defensive play from Joe Capaldi, Felix Shears and Isabelle Clatworthy the visitors snuck through for a try just before half time. The second half was devoid of tries with both sides continuing to battle it out in the mid field. Tom Evans and Owain Hann showed strength of tackle but despite good mauling Evesham failed to pass the ball out to use the advantage gained. Their solid defence ensured they held on to their lead at the final whistle. GAME
2: EVESHAM 2 The second game started with the hosts apparently asleep and it took the first half and 3 tries by the visitors to bring them to life. The second half, after a searing team talk, saw better play with Evans, Symonds and Gray passing well to set Hann up for a very determined run over ¾ the length of the pitch for Evesham’s first try. Good pressure from Ollie Austin, Shears and Symonds produced an Evesham line-out from which Gray snatched the opportunity to score. Unfortunately the hosts had left their rally too late and the final whistle denied them further points. GAME
3: EVESHAM 2 The final shortened game saw honours even. Evesham took on board their coach’s advice and started passing the ball. Despite the visitors going two scores ahead, there were again good tackles from Symonds and Hann. Then, from an Evesham scrum the ball was passed out to Webster who fed it quickly to Gray to score in the corner. In the dying moments a penalty against the visitors allowed Cross to sprint over the line just before the final whistle.
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U7 GAME
1: EVESHAM 6 It was a quick start to the game with a try from Ashley Symonds, The visitors came back with a try and Evesham undeterred delivered another try from Oliver Turner. The visitors equalled quickly, before Evesham came back again with a try from Ben Cross. Evesham upped their game and there was some great defending from Harvey Owen-Fisher, Reuben Ibbotson and Aiden West. Old Leamingtonians’s managed to squeeze in another try before the half-time whistle. In the second half, Evesham started with a try which soon was equalised by the visitors. Some great teamwork from Will Bowyer, Tom Rowland and Jonathan Tarring helped Raymer score a further two tries, which resulted in a well deserved victory for Evesham. GAME
2: EVESHAM 8 Evesham laid down the ground rules by scoring the first try by Turner. The visitors replied with a try. Evesham forged ahead and dominated the remainder of the first half. A skilful interception by Raymer resulted in a try. Daniel Beck, Will Bowyer and Ashley Symonds displayed some outstanding tagging and defending which resulted in two further trys from Tegg. The visitors staged a come back with a try, but were stopped in their steps by Evesham, who continued to show brilliant defending skills. With support from Hayler, Turner got the last try of the first half. The
visitors started the second half, kept possession and landed a try,
followed in quick succession with a try from Tegg.
The visitors could see the game slipping away from them as Evesham
continued to defend their line. Ibbotson, Tarring and Rowland worked well
together and with some quick tagging and were able to stop Old
Leamingtonians in their tracks. Hayler provided Tegg with the support
needed to gain a further try, before Hayler bagged a try for himself and a
win for Evesham. |
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U11 GAME
1: EVESHAM 8 Evesham were slow to get going in the first half against a tough, abrasive Gloucester side. By half time they had conceded two soft tries mainly due to poor defensive tackling. Even so the scrum and line-out worked well with the front three of Keiran Raymer, Finley Breach and Lewis Cochrane winning their own ball under severe pressure from the visitors. In the second half the Avonsiders picked up their game and early on they fought their way up to the Spartans line, Raymer ripped the ball to Breach who went over for well deserved try. There then followed a battle with neither side willing to give way and heroic tackling from the backs Lewis Woodford, Jim Thompson and Conor Armento helped to break up the attack when the visitors threatened to overrun the home team’s defence.
GAME
2: EVESHAM 8 Again Evesham were slow off the mark against a fast, physical and well organised team. Two early tries against them started to concentrate the home team’s collective minds. Good scrummaging, winning ball against the head and powerful running by Tom Britten and Harry Jacob helped to steady the ship in the first half. Late into the first half Giovani Capaldi and Josh Hartland drove over in the ruck, winning clean ball for Elliot Hirst to set Finlay Keyte off for a dash down the line to score a superb try in the corner. Even
after Evesham conceded another try in the second half their heads did not
drop with the whole team digging in deep and with great guts and
determination they held their defensive wall until the final whistle blew. |
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U9 EVESHAM 14 ALCESTER 2 At the start this looked like being a close contest as the home side scored two quick tries. Evesham replied with Cameron Muir feeding good ball to Owain Hann for try number one followed by James Cross setting Gregor Gray up for the first of his seven. The visitors then demonstrated the progress they have made this season, coming to dominate the game with quick passing, effective rucking and good use of the ball from lineout and scrum. Tom Symonds made some fierce tackles allowing Hann over for their 3rd. Isobel Clatworthy then showed her versatility with some strong tackling followed by try number four. Before half time good support play by Lydia Webster and Joe Capaldi allowed Cross over twice more. The second half was more of the same with Evesham defending well and capitalising on every opportunity to score. Further tries came from Gray, Hann, Cross and Ollie Austin. Continued good tackling from Gray and Symonds, with accurate and timely passing by Tom Evans, Tristan O’Neill and Webster feeding the try scorers their chances. Evesham snuffed out each attacking move their hosts made and, by really playing as a team, achieved a convincing victory.
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U11 ALCESTER 5 EVESHAM 5 This was a fast, open game in heavy conditions against a powerful and well organised Alcester side. The Avonsiders knew they would have to step up and put their bodies on the line if they were to prevail. From the kick off the first half was characterized by a series of mauls and rucks with each side going over, clearing the ball back to the wings with crisp passing and straight running by Sam Riley, Will Farrell and Archie Biltcliffe. As ever a counter-attack would follow only to be snuffed out by heroic last ditch tackles by Conor Armento, Jim Thompson and Archie Webster. As the first half was drawing to a close the Evesham pack mounted a powerful driving maul to the Alcester line led by Marcus Harris and Finley Breach, the ball was ripped clear by Lewis Woodford and popped up for Tom Britten to crash over the line for the visitors’ only try. The second half was more of the same with both sides holding their own in the scrum and lineout, Evesham driven on by scrum half Cameron Gray in the first half with Ashley Allchurch joining the fray in the second. There then followed a series of penalties against the home side through which Evesham worked there way up to the Alcester line. As every mud splattered warrior screamed for the ball Evesham charged at the defensive wall only to be denied by the whistle at the finish.
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U10 ALCESTER 7 EVESHAM 2 Evesham tries: Tom Perry, Will Bugg Man of the match: Tom Maxted Evesham Under-10s visited local rivals Alcester, and once again the whole team raised their level of commitment in a tough match that remained close until the final quarter. Alcester took an early lead, but Evesham drew level after a passage of to and fro play and penalties. Tom Perry followed up Will Moreland’s clean catch and drive at the lineout to hold off three defenders and score in the corner. Despite some fierce defence, Alcester scored twice in the second quarter while Evesham were held up just short as they drove for the line. However at the start of the third, from a ruck near their own line Tom Maxted fed Harry Britten who passed to Will Bugg who scored with a fine run. Tom was later named man of the match for his great work behind the scrum. Evesham were unlucky not to add a third try, as Harry Johnson followed Will Bugg’s run to burst over the line but overran the dead ball line in some confusion over pitch markings. Alcester moved clear in the somewhat disappointing final quarter. Evesham players, who have shown the ability to play a fast game based on ruck, pass and run, too often took the ball into the maul and turned it over despite their efforts. But this group of players continue to show promise for the future with their commitment and willingness to work for each other.
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U11 EVESHAM 12 STOW 7 This was an exciting game between two evenly matched teams. A try by James Thompson in the first half and Matt Wheeler in the second was good enough for the home team. In the first half of the game the Evesham pack showed fierce commitment in maul and ruck, driving over to win clean ball for their backs to exert pressure time and again on Stow’s line. Strong running and fluent passing by Will Farrell, Harry Jacob and Lewis Woodford was the order of the day. When the visitors broke out of their own half, thumping tackles by Finley Breach, Archie Webster and Thompson held Stow at bay. At the start of the second half Stow scored their well earned try with strong driving down the middle and a push over the line. This turn of events made the Evesham pack even more determined with Harry Duffield, Lewis Garrood and Lewis Cochrane leading the way at line out and scrum. In the closing minutes the Avonsiders’ grip tightened on the game but even as they pressed with steely determination on the visitors’ line they were denied another score by a fierce and brave defence.
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U10 GAME 1: EVESHAM 2 STOW 5 GAME 2: EVESHAM 1 STOW 3 Man of the Match: Tom Perry Evesham Under-10s continue to improve this season. In two games dominated by ruck and maul, they fought hard against a determined Stow side. Both matches saw a first half where Stow opened up a lead as their strong runners made the most of some missed tackles and slow organisation by Evesham at penalties, then a balanced second half where each side scored once as play went back and forward. On a day when all ground was hard won, man of the match Tom Perry stood out in the thick of the loose play, battling for the ball, digging it out and setting it up for his side. A team effort around the breakdown held Stow up or drove Evesham forward, The backs all made individual breaks from around the scrum. Too often a chance to pass or offload the ball was missed, and the move broke down. But three of these breaks were rewarded. Zeke Evans ran the length of the pitch to score, followed by fine individual tries from distance by Liam Barry and Will Bugg. The passing improved later in the day, and overall there was much for the spectators to applaud in technique and spirit.
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U9 GAME
1: CLAVERDON 1 EVESHAM 8 Evesham got off to a flying start with a quick try from Owain Hann swiftly followed by another from Gregor Gray. The hosts, down on numbers, borrowed two of Evesham’s players who, despite their best efforts, found it hard to gel as a team. This showed in defence and more good passing from Joe Witts and James Cross set Gray up for his second. The visitors were then caught napping allowing Claverdon through for a solo try from their captain. Evesham’s rucking was improving, possibly having been inspired by England’s performance the day before! This enabled Evesham to make it five tries before half time. The hosts came back with more determination and caused Evesham trouble, time and again forcing the visitors into touch. However despite strong Claverdon defence, Tom Symonds managed to force over for Evesham’s sixth. Furious mauling close to the hosts’ try line meant that the ball was held-up. Eventually the visitors managed to ground the ball for their seventh. More lineouts followed but without producing advantage for either side. Just before the final whistle Ollie Austin flew over for Evesham’s eighth, seeing the end to a somewhat one sided affair. GAME
2: CLAVERDON 0 EVESHAM 1 The second game was a much closer contest. Both teams defended strongly and displayed better rucking. Hann, Tristan O’Neill and Lydia Webster were noticeably tenacious in the maul, ripping from the opposition and feeding clean ball back to Austin, Gray and Tom Evans who made probing runs deep into the home side’s half. However Claverdon’s defence was strong and denied the visitors time and again. The touch line was ever present and hooker Liam Raymer supplied good ball at the lineout to forwards Hann and Webster who kept pushing on. Finally, just short of full time, the strength of Hann enabled him to drive over for the only try of the game.
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U10 CLAVERDON 10 EVESHAM 11 Man of the match: Travis Fisher Evesham Under-10s welcomed Charlie Smith to their ranks for his first match – a thrilling, well-matched contest against Claverdon. Tom Maxted scored his first try to open the scoring, but Claverdon quickly scored three in reply as their strong runners cut through some sloppy tackling. The signs seemed ominous then, but this team has built a good spirit and worked hard in training. They put their improved rucking and passing into practice, ran hard with the ball and turned the game round – a victory that every member of the team can be proud of. Man of the Match Travis Fisher was at the heart of this performance in the front row – contesting the set pieces and loose play, and running hard with the ball. He also showed a good eye for an opportunity to score twice at the end of the first half to give Evesham the lead, after Tom Maxted and Will Bugg had scored to draw level. In the second half the sides alternated try for try to keep the spectators on their toes to the final whistle. Will Bugg scored again to go with a fierce and sustained effort in defence to hold Claverdon out; Jack Fletcher and Harry Johnson both gave a fine finish in the corner to team moves, Liam Barry seized on a loose ball and Tom Maxted ran through twice. A number of Claverdon tries came from missed tackles, and at times Evesham runners with the ball were stranded without support. But the side can work on that in training – right now they can be justifiably proud of this excellent group effort. There’s not room to mention everyone here, but every team member played their part in this first full-length victory of the season.
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U11 GAME 1: TEWKESBURY 33 EVESHAM 0 After a six week break for Christmas, ice and snow Evesham visited Tewkesbury for a refresher against a well organised and determined team for which the visitors needed to be at the top of their game. From the kick off they were awarded a scrum which the front row of Lewis Cochrane, Jack Cockle and Josh Hartland won well, but the pass was intercepted and Tewkesbury went over for the first of their five tries. A kick by Glen Harvey down the left touchline led to a Tewkesbury line out which was won by the visitors who then drove the maul up to Tewkesbury’s line. Ripping the ball free the home team then broke free and due to some poor defending ran in their second. In the dying moments of the first half the home team made a dashing attack up the middle only to be snuffed out by the tackling of Finlay Keyte. At the start of the second half a deep kick downfield by Tewkesbury and more defensive errors led to them scoring under the posts. Sam Riley then led the counter attack with three driving runs at Tewkesbury’s line but their defence held and from the scrum they won ball, broke out of their own half and with quick passing went over for their fourth try. A similar passage of play then led to their fifth at the end of the game. GAME
2: TEWKESBURY
0 EVESHAM 0 This was a different game and with a more powerful scrum and a better organised defence Evesham spent most of the game in Tewkesbury’s half. Led from the front by Keiran Raymer, Marcus Harris and Harry Dudfield the visitors pinned the home team back. A looping run down the left by Harry Jacob led to a scrum in the corner. Winning the scrum against the head Evesham were unlucky not to go over. Clearing their lines with a high kick Tewkesbury’s attack was again brought to nothing by brave defensive tackles by James Thompson, Lewis Woodford and full back Archie Webster. A high tackle on the visitors led to a penalty quickly taken by Cameron Gray which led to a powerful sustained maul on the home team’s line from which again Evesham were unlucky to score. The second half was more of the same with clearance kicks leading to rucks and mauls in equal measure. Darting runs by Will Farrell, Finlay Breach and Lewis Woodford were interspersed with last ditch tackles by Tom Britten, Thompson and Jacob. All the while, man of the match Marcus Harris lead the pack onwards, winning the ball on the ground, laying it back, and driving over until the final whistle blew.
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U10 TEWKESBURY 5 EVESHAM 1 Evesham
tries: Liam Barry, Will Bugg, Tom Maxted Man of the match: Jack Fletcher For
sustained periods today Evesham played their best rugby so far this
season. As a team they were keen to put the skills they had worked on in
training into practice and take the game to Tewkesbury. Unfortunately a
sloppy half in each match allowed the home side to open up a lead, but
otherwise the side more than held their own. Right from the start they were positive. The scrum (Will Moreland, Travis Fisher and Duncan Walter) gave a solid platform for the backs to attack from – a break by Tom Maxted took play from his own line to half way. Enthusiastic rucking put Tewkesbury under pressure, and when Evesham lost the ball they were keen to tackle back and regain it. Although Tewkesbury opened the scoring, Evesham came straight back at them, driving up the middle and then running for the line. Will Bugg was forced into touch near the corner, and although Tewkesbury won their lineout, Travis ripped the ball away and drove through the heart of their defence to score. The home side scored again, but Evesham were unlucky not to end the half level. They spent the rest of the half camped on the Tewkesbury line, either driving for the line themselves or tackling anyone who tried to run the ball out of defence. The boys seemed to lose direction in the second half; they were slower to support each other and out-muscled and pushed back off the ball. Too often runners went sideways rather than forward or passing, and periods of dogged defence were broken by missed tackles (in particular straight after the scrum). TEWKESBURY
6 EVESHAM 3 The second match was a mirror image of the first. In the first half despite individual moments – a fine run and try by Liam Barry, a try-saving chase and tackle by Zeke Evans – Tewkesbury were able to score four tries and pull away. In the second half Evesham rediscovered their earlier fire and teamwork contesting all areas of the game. Will Bugg and Tom Maxted scored tries as the half was drawn. Jack Fletcher was named man of the match for his all round work and technique putting training into practice, especially his tackling and his presenting of the ball for his teammates when tackled. |
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U9 TEWKESBURY
2 EVESHAM 3 Evesham started well with forward pressure on Tewkesbury’s line. A line out to the home team was immediately followed by another to the visitors. Both teams were fully committed but the six week break due to Christmas and weather showed as the number of dropped balls and missed tackles mounted. However Gregor Gray took the initiative and slipped through for Evesham’s first. Tewkesbury did not take long to respond with their first try which was then followed by some furious tackling from Evesham’s Gray, Ollie Austin and Tom Evans, holding the score level at half time. The second half saw a more focussed Evesham team and James Cross made a good run before passing slickly to Lydia Webster who ran out of pitch just short of the try line. More probing runs by Evans with good tackling by Austin, Cross and Owain Hann and good support from Joe Murray made it possible for Cross to score the visitors’ second. This was quickly followed by an equaliser from the home side but Evesham were not perturbed and kept the pressure on, forcing errors from Tewkesbury. In the final moments of the game the visitors were awarded a free pass which Austin took with determination to weave through for the wining try. OLD
RICHIANS 6 EVESHAM 2 Evesham then faced the well organised and physically stronger side from Gloucester who quickly scored their first. However some good tackling from Cross and Isobel Clattworthy gave Evesham a scrum. Having lost possession, Evesham’s Evans and Gray then demonstrated excellent tackling skills and despite some strong defence Old Richians forced over the line for number two. More of the same produced a third for the Gloucester side before half time. The second half was more of the same but Evesham didn’t give up and continued to force knock-ons and high tackles from the opposition. These infringements did not go unpunished with Hann scoring a good individual try. However Evesham were tiring, with their tackling getting looser and rucks failing to take effect. Some good support play by Joe Witts, Tristan O’Neill and Webster assisted Evans in scoring Evesham’s second just before the final whistle.
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U14 Evesham 46 GLOUCESTER OLD BOYS 0 Evesham
under 14s played host to a travelling side from Gloucester who were
unknown opponents, having not played them before. Gloucester
won the toss of the coin and kicked to Evesham who immediately charged
forward putting the visitors under extreme pressure until they scored
within a few minutes. This
proved to be the pattern of the game, as Evesham were just too strong for
the smaller opponents. Evesham
have struggled in recent matches but Sunday they played some of the best
rugby for a long time and didn’t allow Gloucester to settle into their
routine.
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U9 Game 1 : Evesham 10 Bromsgrove 0 Evesham
met the larger club from Bromsgrove who fielded three teams of varying
ability. The first game, against the visitors’ weakest side, was a
one-sided affair. From the off Evesham dominated and the tries soon
started to flow. Tristan O’Neill stole the ball and stormed over for
number one. Despite a good run from the visitors, Tom Symonds tackled well
allowing James Cross to go over for number two. Good mauling by
Evesham’s Owain Hann, Joe Capaldi and O’Neill sent Joe Witts up to
cross the line. Time and again Bromsgrove failed to make their tackles
count which allowed Tom Evans two tries before half time. The second half saw more furious mauling from Evesham but the rucking was touch and go. Ollie Austin made a determined run, making it Evesham’s sixth. He then followed it up with some excellent tackling and another try. Bromsgrove then became more forceful, winning two lineouts. However they could not prevent further scores from Hann and Gregor Gray (2) before the final whistle. Game 2
: Evesham
5 Bromsgrove
1 The visitors’ second team tested Evesham more and the game was more physical with a clash of heads soon after Evesham’s first try from Hann. Evesham weathered the storm and Hann scored again. An infringement by the home side gave a free pass to Bromsgrove who used it well and despite losing possession forced Evesham into touch. However good tackling by Symonds and Lydia Webster set Hann up for his third. After the break Bromsgrove had more of the run of play, forcing Evesham to defend. This they did well and Gray was not only seemingly everywhere in defence but forced himself through for two more tries. Excellent tackling by Austin allowed Witts to make it five for Evesham before Bromsgrove pushed over for their only try. Game 3 : Evesham 0 Bromsgrove 9 Bromsgrove saved their best team until last and, against a tired Evesham side, their superior organisation and speed gave them the upper hand. The ruck was the critical part of the game and Evesham’s inability to drive over was effectively their undoing. Bromsgrove went into the half time break four up. A pithy team talk, “You’ve got to drive over”, sent Evesham out in a more determined frame of mind and the rucks improved, although not enough to stop a further five Bromsgrove tries. Good tackling was evident from Symonds, Cross and Evans with O’Neill, Hann and Webster more effective at the breakdown. Evesham will have learnt much from a hard day’s rugby where the thinking element of the game was clearly as important as the physical.
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U10 GAME 1 : EVESHAM 2 - BROMSGROVE 12 Jack Fletcher played his first match for Evesham Under-10s as they played host to Bromsgrove and Old Pats. First up were Bromsgrove, who brought a well-drilled side with strong forwards and backs who were willing and able to move the ball. Evesham were immediately forced to defend a series of scrums, lineouts and mauls, but the boys were keen and prepared; they made their tackles and competed hard and Bromsgrove had to work hard before moving the ball wide for a try in the corner. Will Bugg replied with an individual run straight from the restart to level the score. Evesham
then let this strong start slip. Kyle
Wilkes scored with a fine darting run, but a string of lost possession and
missed tackles gave Bromsgrove the space and possession to take control In the second half Bromsgrove extended their lead. Aidan Collinge-Hendy carried the ball strongly from restarts, only to find a lack of support. Zeke Evans showed his teammates how to tackle, while Harry Johnson tackled hard and fought grittily for the ball. But the team as a whole didn’t recapture the approach they had started with. GAME 2 : EVESHAM 1 - OLD PATESIANS 9 The Old Pats match was a reverse image of the Bromsgrove game. In the first half missed tackles and lost ball saw Evesham trail 0-6 at half time, although Kyle Wilkes nearly scored after Travis Fisher won the ball at the lineout. Although OPs added three more tries in the second half (again ball turned over and tackles missed were the culprits), Evesham finished the day as they had started it: Will Bugg added another score to his tally, then the whole team weighed in to hold up a final OP drive for the line.
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U9 Evesham started their first game as they meant to go on with a quick first try from Gregor Gray. Both teams made strong tackles, with Evesham’s Gray, Joe Witts and Tristan O’Neill showing great commitment, supported well by Tom Evans and Lydia Webster enabling Witts and Evans to score before half time. The second half saw more of the same from Evesham. A superb tackle into touch from Felix Shears gave Evesham possession which saw an excellent passage of play from Shears, Gray and Evans setting Owain Hann up for try number four. Harrison Walker and Tom Symonds then snuffed out a counter attack enabling James Cross to score. The hosts then gave away two penalty passes and Witts made it six for Evesham just before the final whistle. GAME 1 : OLD LEAMINGTONIANS 5 - EVESHAM 4 Game 2 saw a changed Evesham side which took the first half to wake up, allowing the hosts to get ahead. Shears, Joe Murray and Webster tried hard to stem the tide but Old Leamingtonians scored three tries before half time. Substitutions
at the break injected pace and ambition back into the Evesham side which
saw a quick try from Cross. This was quickly followed by further tries
from Hann and Gray before the hosts found a way through for their fourth.
Good mauling from Evesham set Witts up for their fourth try. It looked
like a draw but for a careless knock-on allowing the hosts to score the
winner just before full-time. GAME 2 : OLD LEAMINGTONIANS 1 - EVESHAM 6 The final game started explosively for Evesham with Hann and O’Neill providing clean ball for Evans to score. The hosts quickly responded with a determined run for the line. There then followed excellent passing and support between Symonds, Cross, Evans and Webster which sent Cross over for Evesham’s second. It was going all Evesham’s way allowing Cross a superb hatrick. Tackling was effective, especially from Gray, Witts and Shears. Although Old Leamingonians threatened Evesham’s line the visitors’ defence held and Gray stole the ball and forced his way into space to speed over the line for try number five. Symonds tackled well into touch giving Evesham a lineout from which good support from Hann, O’Neill and Ollie Austin sent Evans over for their sixth.
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U10 GAME 1 : OLD LEAMINGTONIANS 5 - EVESHAM 4 GAME 2 : OLD LEAMINGTONIANS 12 - EVESHAM 0 Evesham try-scorers: Will Bugg (3), Tom Maxted Evesham were up against a very successful, organised and talented club in Old Leamingtonians, with sufficient strength in depth to field a different team for each match. The quality of the second team they fielded gave a more tired Evesham a lesson in rugby rather than an even contest. The boys deserved their applause at the end of this game for sticking to their tasks despite the score line. They can certainly gain from the match if they reflect on the aggressive tackling and competition for the ball combined with purposeful running, passing and support play that they faced, then add it to their game. Evesham could well have won the earlier match if they had played the first half as well as they played the second. They took the lead from the kick off as Will Bugg scored an individual try; he scored again following a solid scrum, and started another good move, taken on by Tom Perry and ending with Tom Maxted held up over the line to finish the half. But in between these the whole team suffered from bouts of lost concentration and direction missing tackles and losing the ball in contact, and they trailed 2-5 at half time. Following their half-time talk (“the tackling is terrible”), the team produced an excellent second-half performance. They were quick and competitive at the breakdown; Will Bugg scored from another solid scrum, then Tom Maxted made a decisive run to score. These tries were unanswered as they refused to allow Old Leamingtonians to score, with try-saving tackles from Jo Tegg and Harry Britten and all-round gritty defence at the maul (despite the knocks and lost teeth). The next challenge for the team must be to put a whole match together the way they played this second half, and then see what the score line says.
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U9 GAME 1 : DROITWICH 4 - EVESHAM 3 Despite miserable weather Evesham put up a spirited defence to hold their traditionally strong opponents to a close finish. Droitwich started well, scoring two tries in the first half despite some crunching tackles from Owain Hann, James Cross and Joe Witts. Good support play was evident from Joe Capaldi, Lydia Webster and Cross and just before half time Gregor Gray was able to break through for Evesham’s first try. After the break the game was end to end fast and fluent rugby which saw more fine tackling from Hann and Witts. At the line-out a slick move between Hann and Gray worked well time and again. With some good Evesham mauling, their determination to stay on their feet was rewarded as the ball was fed out allowing Witts to score twice. Droitwich, however managed two further scores before the final whistle. GAME 2 : OLD RICHIANS 6 - EVESHAM 1 The second encounter of the day saw a changed side for Evesham and a larger and stronger opposition from the Gloucester club. Owain Hann was again to the fore, both in defence and by scoring Evesham’s only try from a solo run three-quarters of the way down the pitch Despite being outclassed by Old Richians’ power and organisation, some terrier like play from Evesham’s Gregor Gray continued to trouble the visitors throughout the second half. Some probing attacks from Cross and Hann, supported by Joe Murray, Tom Symonds and Isobel Clatworthy, failed to result in success. Evesham should have learnt a lot from this match against a well organised and effective team.
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U9 EVESHAM 5 - CLAVERDON 1 Evesham started strongly turning over ball soon after the whistle which quickly led to their first try by Owain Hann. There then followed pressure on the Evesham line but some good tackling by Hann and Gregor Gray repelled the visitors’ advance and set James Cross up for Evesham’s second. Hann was again to the fore and some fine tackling prevented any score from Claverdon until after the restart when they took their first try quickly. Evesham’s response was immediate with Gray scoring from a solo run over three-quarters of the length of the pitch. Evesham produced some highly effective mauling which resulted in a try from Lydia Webster. Continued good tackling, especially from Felix Shears, prevented further scoring from Claverdon and in the final moments of the game Ollie Austin made it five tries for the home side. EVESHAM 7 - TEWKESBURY 3 The second game of the day against Tewkesbury saw Evesham off to a flying start with Gregor Gray scoring a quick try. The visitors then took possession but following a line-out to the home team Tom Symonds went over for their second. A fluent passage of play featuring Joe Murray, Isobel Clatworthy and Lydia Webster set Owain Hann up to take the ball from deep in his own half for a superb try. Some more good tackling saw Felix Shears over for Evesham’s fourth. After the break Joe Murray scored a quick try but despite excellent tackling by Harrison Walker, Tewkesbury scored their first. This gave the visitors a much needed boost in confidence and their second score swiftly followed. However strong tackling by Hann and Tristan O’Neill gave possession back to Evesham on which Hann capitalised, scoring twice more. Just before the final whistle Tewkesbury caught Evesham unawares and scored their third.
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U10 League matches Evesham 0 Bromyard 5 Evesham 1 Moseley 6 (Evesham try-scorer: Will Bugg) Plate competition quarter-final Evesham 1 Camphill 3 (Evesham scorer – Tom Maxted) Evesham U-10s played their first tournament of the season on Saturday – an enjoyable although unrewarded day for the side. In their league matches they met two very strong and more experienced teams in Bromyard and Moseley. Neither of these teams were missing any tackles, and they both supported team-mates, contested the breakdown and punished any mistakes by Evesham quickly. Against this type of opposition it was very hard for the side to get started, and after losing to Bromyard they trailed Moseley (the eventual group winners) 4-0 at half time. The boys refused to give up and produced an excellent, fighting second half performance. They contested every ball, and made ground with determined team effort. Duncan Walter and Tom Perry were in the thick of this, winning possession in the maul; Liam Barry was taking the ball at fly half and breaking over the gain line. When Moseley had the ball Harry Britten was making strong tackles, some of them try saving. One drive gained a position that Will Bugg was able to score from with an excellent individual burst when he saw an opening; a deserved return for hard work and vision all round the pitch. But despite this effort missed tackles allowed Moseley to score two more tries. The loss against Camphill was probably more disappointing for Evesham, as they started the match clearly believing that they could win, especially after Tom Maxted opened the scoring early on from one of his sniping runs. Travis Fisher was making ground with the ball in hand and driving the maul on, while Will Moreland was carrying the ball well from kick-off. Harry Johnson tackled strongly and tenaciously, not letting the player go even when he didn’t put him down. Although there wasn’t much between the teams, things didn’t go to plan. Missed tackles by Evesham and continual supply of ball from the scrum led to three unanswered tries for Camphill. For the whole day Evesham had an available squad of nine players, so no subs. Players who took a knock that might otherwise have given them a rest played on. There’s plenty to build on in team spirit, ability and willingness to play; combined with training this should be a recipe for better results.
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U11 EVESHAM
7 - MALVERN U12 B 17 The planned fixture against Tewkesbury U11’s having been called off, Evesham took on this older side with gusto and determination. In the first half Evesham withstood massive pressure from the visitors whose powerful forwards had to be forced back time and again. When they did break out, dropped passes and knock ons gave the ball away. In the set piece the scrum started to show some metal with the front row Giovanni Capaldi, Lewis Cochrane and Marcus Harris putting in good drives to give Cameron Gray some clean ball. But it was in the maul they lost most ball and this finally told late in the first half when the visitors ripped the ball clear and ran in a try because of poor defensive tackling. The second half was more of the same with heroic mauling and tackling on their own line Sam Riley, Gray and Marcus Harris could not stem the tide and two more well executed tries by Malvern followed. Then Evesham picked themselves up and from the kick off a scrum on the Malvern line nearly saw them over, only for the ball to be kicked clear. More powerful runs by Harry Jacob, Will Farrell and Cochrane started to test the visitors’ defence. In the last quarter a probing attack down the right wing by Lewis Woodford saw him over for the Avonsiders only try. Then in the dying moments of the second half from broken play Tom Britten picked up the ball and ran through the visitors’ defence only to be tackled on the line as the whistle was blown.
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U14 CLAVERDON
10 - EVESHAM 10 Evesham under 14s traveled to Claverdon this bright and sunny Sunday, where they always have a good hard game. Claverdon won the toss of the coin and opted to play uphill for the first half, a tack-tic that apparently wins them games in the second half, when they are running down hill and the opposition is tired. This wasn’t the case as Evesham started strong, faltered a bit in the middle but finished strongly to seal a draw against, possibly, a better side. Evesham put the home side under pressure from the whistle with excellent play from the forwards that was rewarded when Adam Johnson powered over for the first try. Claverdon reacted to this and after some good defense from Evesham managed to push over for a try. Evesham came out for the second half cold and were caught napping by a solo run from Claverdon centre who score in the corner. After a few encouraging words from both Evesham coaches, the team took heart and fought their way to the Claverdon line, where Dom Berry scored in the corner. No conversions were accurate enough to make it between the posts but it was a classic game to watch and was deservedly a draw.
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U10 Game 1
– Chaddesley Corbett 5 Evesham 9 On a
damp morning with a heavy pitch the Evesham U7’s gave a good account of
themselves showing all round ability to both defend and win the ball and
also to attack and score. Early pressure from the start led to a dropped
ball from Chaddesley and Jim ran in the first try of the game to put
Evesham ahead in the first minute. Continued pressure from the restart
delivered another turnover ball from which Will scored with a great run in
the 2nd minute. Chaddesley were keen to prove that they could
contend and ran in 2 tries of their own in quick succession to level the
score at 2 – 2. Evesham retaliated with a great demonstration of their
running and passing ability with Ali, Aidan and Oliver P linking up to put
Oliver T over to score their 3rd in the 6th minute.
A second try of the match from Oliver T on the half time whistle left the
score at 2-4. The 2nd
half was closely fought with Oliver T again opening the scoring for
Evesham running a great angle to score in the right hand corner.
Chaddesley were quick to reply building a good move from the restart and
although Evesham were quick to tag they were eventually beaten by pace
making the score 3-5. Positioning themselves well for the restart the
Evesham boys worked well as a team and Oliver T again crossed the line for
his 4th try of the game. Chaddesley again came back fighting
and taking advantage of a bit of Evesham complacency scored straight from
the restart. The rest of the half was pretty much dominated by Evesham
with Jim making a great run to score his second of the morning. Again
Evesham pressure led to turnover ball and once again Jim was there running
from ½ way towards the left wing to score in the corner. Unwilling to
give up the cause, Chaddesley scored their 5th try of the match
in the 6th minute. Keen to end the game on a high Evesham came
back again from the restart running some great lines and linking up well
leading to the final score of the match from Oliver P and a well deserved
win from the Evesham boys. Game 2
– Chaddesley Corbett 5 Evesham 6 This
was a very different game to the first match with Evesham being made to
work a lot harder. Both teams were forced into making multiple errors in
the first few minutes resulting in Chaddesley taking the lead in the 3rd
minute. Ashley then took the game to them with 2 great tries in the 5th
and 7th minute making the half time score 1-2.
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U11 CHADDESLEY
CORBETT 21 - EVESHAM 7 This truly was a game of two halves. Against a strong home team Evesham were slow to get into the game, giving the ball away and making unforced errors. But stout tackling by James Thompson, Lewis Wodford and Conor Armento kept Chaddesley out. A lost ball at the lineout led to the first try and then more pressure by the home team led to the second shortly afterwards. Just before the half time whistle a penalty to Chaddesley saw them over for their third and last. In the second half the Avonsiders were transformed; Lewis Cochrane made powerful runs down the centre aided by Tom Britten, Keiran Raymer and Will Farrell. At the set pieces they started to win clean ball and at the maul ripping by Marcus Harris and Lewis Garrood saw Evesham threaten the home team’s line again and again. A kick by Harry Jacob the length of the pitch and a powerful drive to the line saw Raymer over for a superb score. With their spirits high Evesham piled on the pressure with Cameron Gray, Ashley Allchurch and Josh Hartland in the thick of it. More thumping tackles by Thompson and Armento snuffed out the few attacks the home team could muster. In the dying moments of the game Archie Webster picked up the ball deep in his own half and ran the length of the pitch only to be forced out a metre from the Chaddesley line. A superb team effort by all.
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U10 Tewkesbury 8 - Evesham 1 On a dishearteningly cold and rainy morning, the Under-10s went behind early to a purposeful Tewkesbury team. They were never able to get back into the match, as Tewkesbury made their tackles count and were quicker to support each other at the breakdown. So despite some strong individual breaks, Evesham were continually made to go backwards and lose possession. However, it is greatly to the players’ credit that despite the demoralising weather, score line and pattern of the match, they carried on playing to the final whistle. A full team effort drove the maul over the line, which Will Bugg touched down for a consolation try. The team have shown in training and earlier matches that they can make their tackles, win and keep the ball in contact to complement running play. So hopefully at the Kidderminster tournament next week they can show that this was just a bad day to match the weather.
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U10 Game 1: Evesham 4 Shipston 3 Evesham try-scorers: Will Bugg (4) The under-10s welcomed two new players to their first matches – Tom Perry and Zeke Evans. The team showed great character to turn round a match that appeared to be getting away from them fast, and produce a thrilling game that ended with a last minute try. Will Bugg led from the front, captaining the side and scoring all four tries. In the first half despite some good mauling and a couple of breaks, Evesham were made to pay for missed tackles and a strong Shipston side took a 3 try lead. At the end of the half, from an attacking scrum the ball went out to Will Bugg who burst through to close the gap. In the second half Evesham took the game to Shipston – scoring two tries to level after Will Moreland won the ball from a Shipston lineout, then Duncan Walter ripped the ball in open play to set up attacks. Shipston nearly made Evesham pay for missed tackles again, but dropped the ball over the line. Evesham then took the ball upfield, and Will Bugg scored from their own scrum in the last play of the match.
Game 2: Evesham 2 Upton 4 Evesham try-scorers: Will Bugg, Tom Maxted The under-10s continued to show growing confidence, competitiveness and teamwork but were unable to overcome a strong Upton team. Missed tackles in particular cost them dear, as Upton made the most of individual breaks. Upton opened up a 2 try lead early on, from a clean run through at the start then a breakaway after Evesham nearly scored. Despite tries from Will Bugg and Tom Maxted, Evesham never got back on level terms. This was a shame as the side is performing better as the season progresses – both as individuals and a team. In particular, up front Duncan Walter produced a typical driving performance at the heart of everything and Will Moreland increasingly made his presence felt. While in the backs Tom Maxted, Will Bugg and Liam Berry made telling runs. Tackling and passing the ball out of the tackle are areas that let the side down. But the whole team’s spirit and willingness to learn can give its followers confidence that they will address these issues and promise well for the season.
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U7 Game 1
– Evesham 4 Shipston 6 This
was a close fought contest with Evesham giving a good account of
themselves. Reubens scored the opening try for Evesham in the first minute
quickly followed by a great straight run through a mass of Shipston
players by Kayla to put Evesham 2 nil ahead within the first 3 minutes.
Shipston quickly came back using their size a pace effectively with 3
tries of their own in quick succession. Evesham were unlucky not to
equalise before half time with a try by Ali being harshly disallowed. In the
second half, Shipston capitalised on their 1st half effort with
2 further tries in the first 3 minutes but Evesham came back again to
score their 3rd try with a run from Oliver P along the right
wing to make the score 3-5. Despite some great defensive tagging by
Evesham late in the half, Shipston managed to score their 6th
try which was matched by the final try of the game by Evesham in the dying
minutes of the game. Game
2 – Evesham 5 Upton 6 Evesham
got off to a slow start in the second match of the day conceding 2 tries
in the first 3 minutes. A good run by Oliver P ending in a desperate dive
over the line was disallowed in the 5th minute of a closely
contested first half. A minute later the first Evesham try of the half was
scored by Oliver P with a winding run down the left hand side of the
pitch. Upton came back immediately with their 3 rd score in the 7th
minute to end the half time score at 1-3. The
second half was once again very evenly matched with the first try going
Evesham’s way when Kayla made another dashing run through the middle of
the pitch to score her 2nd try of the day. From the 3rd
minute onwards, tries went with possession with Evesham showing great
spirit. Oliver T and Oliver P combining well to score in the corner,
Harvey making a bursting run through the middle and Oliver P finishing off
the match with a try on the final whistle not quite enough to secure a
draw. Game
3 – Evesham 4 Shipston 4 Having
lost the first game to Shipston earlier in the day, Evesham were well
aware that they needed to step up and close down Shipston in the last
match of the day. Shipston used their size and pace well once again to
open up the scoring with at try in the 1st minute, Evesham were
quick to respond with strong running from Samuel resulting in an equaliser
in the 2nd minute from Ollie P. The remainder of the 1st
half was evenly contested with neither team able to break the deadlock
ending the half at 1 -1.
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U11 A gripping game of fierce defence by Evesham in the first half. With constant pressure on their line, the scrum held firm and, led by Lewis Cochrane, Ed Howlett and Josh Hartland, they forced Upton back. From the maul Lewis Garrood ripped the ball clear and sent Harry Jacob up the middle only to knock-on. A good tackle by Will Farrell killed the counter attack. Another maul in Upton’s half saw Charles Checkley rip the ball, pop it up to scrum half Glenn Harvey and quick passing by Sam Riley saw Cochrane power over for the first try. A lapse of concentration in the second half by the Avonsiders saw Upton score a well deserved try. A late burst up the middle by Archie Webster, supported by Lewis Woodford and Checkley came to nothing. GAME
2 EVESHAM 7 - SHIPSTON 0 More heroic work by the pack led by Marcus Harris, Jack Cockle and Giovanni Capaldi, saw a well deserved win for the home team. An Evesham line-out saw Finley Breach burst down the right only to put a foot in touch five yards out. A Shipston counter attack was snuffed out with thundering tackles by James Thompson and Conor Armento. Good scrummaging in the opposition’s half by Elliot Hirst and Harry Dudfield produced clean ball for scrum half Cameron Gray to dart over the line for the only try of the match. GAME
3 EVESHAM 21 - UPTON/SHIPSTON COMBINED 0 A thrilling game of fast running, quick passing and fierce tackling by both sides, but it was Evesham that came to dominate the game being first to the breakdown and winning clean ball at the ruck. From deep in his own half Matthew Wheeler broke down the left to score an outstanding try, converted by Jacob. Another ruck saw Howlett pop the ball to Farrell for the second try. Then late in the second half Woodford scythed through the opposition’s defences at pace to score the Avonsiders’ third. A huge team effort and fitting result for all their hard work and dedication.
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U9 GAME
1 EVESHAM 3 - SHIPSTON 4 This was a close run game overall although Evesham took the first half to get into their stride. Some excellent tackles by Gregor Gray, Harrison Walker and Tom Evans held Shipston back to two tries in the first half. After the break Gray scored Evesham’s first from a solo run down the field. Having regained possession after the restart Joe Witts then stormed down the pitch, evading three tackles for Evesham’s second try. Shipston responded with their third. It was then Evans’ turn for some mazey running at pace to level the score. An excellent tackle into touch by Ollie Austin looked to have held Shipston to a draw but for loss of possession by Evesham close to their own line giving the visitors their 4th try and victory on the final whistle. GAME
2 EVESHAM 8 - UPTON 7 Evesham got off to a flying start, Isobel Clatworthy taking the ball up the field to set Gray up for his first try. It was then end to end with rapid scoring as neither team were able to make their tackles count. In the first half further Evesham tries were scored by Gray, Witts and Owain Hann. The second half was more of the same although Evesham’s tackling improved and their rucking and mauling became more effective. Good support play by Clatworthy, Joe Murray and Lydia Webster enabled further tries from James Cross (2) and Evans. Solid Evesham defence secured a victory in an exciting and evenly matched contest.
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U14 LEDBURY
32 - EVESHAM 7 Evesham under14s traveled away to Lebury on Sunday 11th Oct for their first match in the North Mids RFU Cup and hoped that they could play better than the previous week. All the parents and coaches weren’t disappointed as it was a superb match not reflected by the score. Ledbury took an early lead which knocked Evesham’s confidence slightly as they had the upper hand until a breakaway run by the home side No 14. This was the pattern throughout most of the game, Ledbury scoring from breakaways after Evesham had done a lot of hard work moving the ball up the field. The visitors where rewarded just before the half time whistle when Man of the Match Dom Berry powered over for a try which he then converted. In the second half Ledbury kept up the pressure and scored two more to seal the win but although Evesham lost, there were many lessons learnt.
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U7 Bredon 4 Evesham 7 Evesham
U7’s arrived for their first ever match against another club feeling
excited if not slightly apprehensive. All of the nerves quickly subsided
when Jim won the toss giving Evesham possession from the start. Will B ran
in the first try with a scintillating run right from the kick off.Some
good running and passing saw Bredon equalise after 2 minutes with a try of
their own.Quick to respond right from the re-start, Will B scored his 2nd
try with a great run all the way down the right hand touchline.
2 minutes later and Evesham were in the hunt again with Kayla
putting in a great run passing to Samuel who grounded the ball but it was
deemed short of the line and disallowed.
Evesham didn’t have to wait long before Samuel ran the full
length of the pitch to score their 3rd try of the match in the
8th minute. From
the re-start Bredon were looking dangerous but lost possession to Evesham
with a forward pass. Will B made a great run and passed to Ali who ran
from half way down the left hand wing to score the 4th try
right on the halftime whistle. Halftime
score – Bredon 2 Evesham 4 Bredon
started the 2nd half with some ground to make up but Evesham
were chasing them down and eventually won possession by taking 3 tags. Ben
made a great run from the restart passing to Oliver T who ran in a great
try. Bredon were caught offside at the restart. Ben made another
great run and this time passed to Ashley who ran down the right hand wing
and scored in the corner. Bredon
were once again under pressure from the restart with Oliver T taking 2
tags in quick succession with a 3rd following soon after to
hand possession to Evesham. Ashley made a fantastic run down the left wing
from the restart to score Eveshams 5th try.
6 minutes into the second half and the passes were beginning to
flow for Evesham. Oliver T made a break down the left hand side and when
tagged passed to Oliver P who made good ground until he too was tagged.
Oliver T showing some great support play received the ball back and ran to
the corner for another good try. Bredon
quickly responded with a very quick try from the restart which caught
Evesham a bit unawares bringing the score to 3-7. The
eighth Evesham try was not far away with a great pass from George to Ali
who made a weaving run to score in the left had corner.
Bredon made a last big effort and some good running and quick
passing saw them score the last try of the match right on the final
whistle.
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U10 Game 1: Bredon 9 Evesham 0 Game 2: Bredon 5 Evesham 4 Evesham try-scorers: Will Bugg (3), Thomas Maxted Evesham Under-10s welcomed five new players in their first fixture this season against Bredon – Liam Berry, Travis Fisher, Thomas Maxted, Will Moreland and Henry Thomas. Although thoroughly outplayed by Bredon in the first match, Evesham showed great spirit to produce a highly enjoyable and competitive second game. Led by Duncan Walter, they competed in set pieces and loose play, scoring four tries to Bredon’s five. Will Bugg scored three tries – two from running play, and one finish to an excellent effort by the whole team driving over the Bredon line. Thomas Maxted scored in the corner towards the end. It wasn’t quite enough on the day; but the growing enthusiasm of the team to win the ball, then run with it and support each other promises well for the rest of the season.
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U11 Evesham rugby U11’s vs Bredon Game 1 : Bredon 7 Evesham 0 With only one try in it (scored in the 5th minute) this was a hard fought encounter with the home team putting extreme pressure on the Avonsiders’ line. Fierce tackles by James Thompson, Conor Armento and Archie Webster held them at bay. In the second half the Evesham forwards got into their stride, the front row of Lewis Garrood, Giovani Capaldi and Kieran Raymer winning clean ball for Cameron Gray to feed his backs Marcus Harris and Lewis Woodford. A late burst of speed by Harry Jacob was forced out over the touchline. Game 2 : Bredon 21 Evesham 0 Two quick ties by the Buzzards early in the first half saw the game slip away from Evesham. But once again the Evesham forwards fought back bravely with Ed Howlett, Lewis Cochrane and Josh Hartland in the thick of it. More pressure by Bredon resulted in a third try, but only after crunching tackles by Conor Armento (man of the match), Finlay Breach and Jack Cockle failed to stem the tide of red & yellow shirts. Game 3 : Bredon 12 Evesham 0 Similar to game 2, Evesham were slow off the mark but once Archie Biltcliffe had marshalled his backs and Raymer starter ripping in the mauls matters took a turn for the better with slick passing by Will Farrell, Ashley Allchurch and Glenn Harvey. In the dying moments Tom Britten burst down the right touchline only to be tackled on the line. The Avonsiders returned home battered but with their heads held high knowing they fought to the last man.
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U9 Game 1 : Bredon 2 Evesham 0 Evesham started this first match of the season, stepping up to contact rules, with spirit and determination. Good tackling by James Cross and Gregor Gray led to Evesham’s first scrum. Possession went to Bredon who, despite strong tackling by Owain Hann, Tom Symonds and Lydia Webster, scored their first try. In the run up to half time Evesham played some fluent rugby with good passing between Cross, Symonds and Webster. The second half saw pressure on the Evesham line with Tom Evans, defending valiantly, twice forcing Bredon into touch. Eventually Bredon broke through for their second score. Again Evesham came back with good support and a fine run down the line by Evans only to be forced into touch. In the last moments of the game good support play was again notable from Joe Capaldi and Harrison Walker but Evesham were unable to turn it into points. Game 2 : Bredon 2 Evesham 3 The second game saw four changes to the Evesham line-up which was immediately into good defensive play with Bredon pressing forward. Evesham turned it around and good passing allowed Harrison Walker to score from a fine run up the line. Bredon immediately responded with their first try. Evesham came back with a determined run and score from Ollie Austin. Bredon put pressure on Evesham who defended well, being awarded a scrum close to their own line. They held the advantage with excellent passing between Gray, Capaldi and Joe Murray which set Evans up for a try just before half time. The second half saw Evesham substitutions and started with a fluent passage of play. When Bredon captured possession Joe Witts showed excellent tackling ability to thwart their advance. However persistence paid off and Bredon scored their second. Evesham again showed fluency with good support between Austin, Webster and Joe Murray. Towards the end Evesham’s defence was tested again but held firm to prevent a further score.
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