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Sheffield Tigers RUFC
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(Established 1932)
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A National 2 North Club
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U16’s Reports 2011-2012:
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05/02/12 U16’s Deny Doncaster to remain unbeaten in South Yorkshire
Doncaster 0 - Sheffield Tigers 17 (Match Date: 29/01/12)
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In the open
© Gary Russell 2012
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A long awaited fixture and both teams quietly building up to what was going to be the premiere South Yorkshire game of the season. Both teams having plenty of talent on display and both determined to dominate and finish the game victorious. This turned out to be an epic game of crunching contact and quality rugby. The first half saw both teams battling it out for possession. Tigers building on from their last game, allowed Doncaster the ball at the break-down but defended the fringes and fanned out to create a wall of shirts to deny Doncaster any space. As the ball was carried forward Tigers snuffed out everything Doncaster ran at them. If there is one aspect of Tigers armoury which is beginning to dominate that is the scrum. Time and time again they won this crucial part of the game, creating a good platform for the backs. Doncaster brought the game to Tigers and had their chances but the Tigers defence was ferocious, front foot and crunching! The first and only score of the half came from great work at the breakdown and with quick ball to the backs outside centre Chris Pond, who straighten the line, found the gap and sprinted through to put 5 points on the board. Fly-half Joe Duffy added the extras, 7 – 0 Tigers. The first half finished with Tigers slightly ahead in terms of possession and territory.
With their backs up, Tigers took the game all the way into Doncaster’s territory. Again they put Doncaster’s defence to the test, Doncaster held firm, but were defending desperately and Tigers were awarded a penalty for an infringement at the break down. Duffy stepped up to put 3 points on the board, tightening the screw on Doncaster, 10 – 0. The game started to turn in Tigers favour now with great scrummaging and crunching tackles from the forwards. Mills, Mayne, Williams, Hawkins smashing and bashing everything the opposition pack threw at them. This resulted in a number of Doncaster players leaving the field with injuries. Again back-row forwards Brown, Monks and Poyser creating havoc in defence and in attack. The backs were also dominating, showing good lines of running, full-back Hardy continually joining the line to outwit the opposition. The game was sealed with an outstanding individual piece of play by fly-half Duffy. His run cut apart the Doncaster defence, then side stepping the full-back he placed the ball down between the posts and then converted his own try. Job done!
COACHES NOTES: To date this has been the game of the season for the boys. A dominant scrum, massive defence, some hard tackling and support play in the open secured a very tough, well earn victory. We are playing controlled exciting rugby. Man of the match... THE TEAM!!
Tries: Chris Pond (1), Joe Duffy (1)
Conversion: Joe Duffy (2)
Penalties: Joe Duffy (1)
Report by: Steve Duffy
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Played: 10 Won: 8 Drew: 1 Lost: 1 For: 315 Against: 88
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26/01/12 U16’s Triumph in Steel City Derby!
Sheffield 0 - Sheffield Tigers 43 (Match Date: 22/01/12)
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Strong Defence
© Gary Russell 2012
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Having been cancelled earlier in the season both teams were eager to make sure this game went ahead. This local derby was definitely going to be hotly contested not only were both teams desperate to win, but the stakes were very high because the winning team would have the “bragging rights” in Sheffield until the next encounter. With the pitch really well prepared and the wind swirling around making playing conditions difficult, both teams lined up for the encounter. Tigers start the game with the wind at their backs and they soon had Sheffield on the back foot pushing them deep into their 22m. With a few forced changes to the team and some players playing in new positions, Tigers were slow to get into their rhythm. Sheffield were contesting each scrum and breakdown vigorously and were securing more of the ball. However it wasn’t long before Tigers clicked and as scrum-half Alex Brooke got his game going he started to link the play together. With Tigers pressing, the strong running flanker Liam Brown picked up the ball in the open and ran strongly for the line scoring the first try which was not converted, 5 – 0 Tigers. It was difficult for Sheffield to run the ball as the wind was very strong and blowing into their faces. But they kept coming and Tigers had to defend well for a period of time. The game went into a bit of a slugging match with both sets of forwards battering into each other up the middle and although Tigers had the more compact scrum it was at the rucks that poor discipline was starting to cost them possession. The referee time and time again “pinged” Tigers for hands on, coming in from the side etc, all the time giving Sheffield the upper hand. However Tigers did keep their shape and structure and snuffed out everything Sheffield threw at them. Scrum-half Brooke linked the forwards and backs through a number of phases and deep in Sheffield’s 22m , captain Dylan Poyser picked up from the base and carried the ball over the line. Fly-half Joe Duffy converted, 12 – 0. As the half progressed Tigers were being pushed back not by Sheffield but by the ill disciplined penalty count. This was reflected in the half-time score 12 – 0.
This was a game of two halves and with the wind now blowing into Tigers player's faces, options were going to be limited. Reshuffling players and introducing forward Guy Borrowdale at inside centre (after only playing a limited number of games due to injury), Tigers went on the rampage. Dominating the scrum Tigers were getting quick ball (and on a number of occasions against the head!). Backs and forwards were playing as one, inter-passing to move the ball up field. In an instance front-row forward Ash Mayne bashed over the try line with 3 Sheffield players wrapped around him, as he scored the first points of the second half, Duffy converted the extras, 17 – 0. Sheffield moved the ball down field the only way they could with the boot using the wind at their backs. Tigers were alert and full-back Will Hardy collected everything to bring it back up field, with some really slick passing between him and outside centre Izzy Fernando, winger Chris Pond cut an excellent line to receive the final pass and dart over the line. The wind proved too strong to convert the extra points, 22 – 0. Sheffield continued to battle and made Tigers work hard, but Tigers were in their stride now and more tries were on the cards. Perhaps the best try of the match was to come next. Sheffield kicked long and pinned Tigers down in their own 5m line, a fumble meant Sheffield put in at the scrum. What a scrum! Tigers pushed and turned over the put in - the ball was then carried the full length of the pitch with all the backs passing through the hands for outside centre Fernando to score a quite outstanding try, Duffy again converted, 29 – 0. Again Sheffield came back but the Tigers defence was solid, Flankers Lee Monks and Liam Brown creating havoc in open play every time the Sheffield half-backs got their hands on the ball. The next try came again from very strong forward play and the ball being moved wide early for Fernando to show a clean set of heels to all those around him, to score his second try of the morning, 34 – 0. Sheffield continued to put up a fight, they either ran the ball down the middle or kicked long. It was from another turn over ball that saw winger Samir Afzal receive the ball on the half-way line and demonstrate his speed as he left all in his wake to score the last try, Duffy converted. Tigers deserved winners, 43 – 0, Sheffield gracious in defeat.
COACHES NOTES: for a local derby this game was played in a great spirit, with both teams giving their all. We thank Sheffield for their hospitality. For Tigers a much more controlled and disciplined performance especially at the break down in the second half paid dividends. Great scrummaging and link play between the backs and forwards produced some outstanding tries. Well done, boys!
Tries: Liam Brown (1), Dylan Poyser (1), Ash Mayne (1),Chris Pond (1), Izzy Fernando( 2), Samir Afzal (1)
Conversion: Joe Duffy (4)
Penalties: 0
Report by: Steve Duffy
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Played: 9 Won: 7 Drew: 1 Lost: 1 For: 298 Against: 88
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15/01/12 U16’s Start New Year on the Front Foot!
Sheffield Tigers 28 - Matlock 3 (Match Date: 08/01/12)
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Lineout Action
© Gary Russell 2012
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After a long festive break, Tigers were hosting local Derbyshire rivals Matlock up at Dore Moor. Playing on the first team pitch, conditions were ideal for the start of the second half of the campaign. From the kick-off Tigers were straight into the action with the forwards chasing the ball down and stating their intentions on the opposition. However, Matlock didn’t let that phase them. As Tigers moved the ball around looking for the gaps, Matlock were there in numbers to snuff out any Tigers threats, especially when the forwards tried to batter down the middle. Tigers did manage to get some momentum and from a good clean ruck the ball was moved out quickly to the backs who showed their speed both in running and ball through the hands to get the ball wide to winger Izzy Fernando, who after some neat footwork raced over the line to get Tigers first points. Fly-half Joe Duffy converted the extras, 7-0. Sometimes scoring early in a game can have a negative effect and so it was for Tigers. Although looking really good at the set pieces, they then let Matlock creep back into the game. The penalty count was rising against Tigers and coupled with some intelligent kicking from the opposition, Tigers found themselves playing much of the first half defending hard to keep Matlock out. Again a needless penalty at the breakdown saw Matlock get their first points on the board with a kick directly in front of the posts, 7–3. The first half ebbed and flowed with neither team getting the upper hand. Tigers were just ahead at the half-time whistle 7-3.
There was a need for a sharp half-time team talk and a reminder of the game plan. Tigers started the second half very much aware that a lot more was being asked of them and that they needed to step their game up a few levels. And so it turned out! This was very much a game of two halves. Tigers owned the second half. The forwards were now dominating at the scrum and Tigers were establishing good clean ball. It was only a matter of time before an evitable try. The forwards and backs were combining well now and Matlock were struggling to keep up with the pace of the game. The next try came from centre Chris Pond who carried the ball hard and crashed over the line, Duffy converted from a difficult angle, 14–3. Tigers continued to drive forward and from a second phase ball 15m out, 2nd row forward Connor Williams cut a good line and dived over to get Tigers third try, the consistent Duffy again converted the extras, 21–3. With Tigers very much in the ascendency, and dominating all aspects of the game an unfortunate injury to a Matlock front row player meant a game of uncontested scrums, which allowed Matlock a get out of jail card every time they had the put in at the scrum. Tigers pressed and pressed and Matlock defended and defended. However, Tigers were not finished yet, and a quick ball from the breakdown saw fly-half Duffy demonstrate his ability to find gaps in the defence as he side-stepped a number of Matlock players to score under the posts and by converting his own try, completed a 100% kick rate for the morning. Matlock continued to make a game of it, but there was no doubt about the final outcome. The game finished with another win for Tigers, 28 - 3.
COACHES NOTES: We played with more structure in the second half and as a result we scored a number of good tries which involved good support play and ball through the hands. The penalty count against us was too high and this is something we need to focus on. A great start to the second half of the season and a well deserved win, well done!
Tries: Izzy Fernando (1), Chris Pond (1), Connor Williams (1), Joe Duffy (1)
Conversion: Joe Duffy (4)
Penalties: 0
Played: 8 Won: 6 Drew: 1 Lost: 1 For: 255 Against: 88
Report by: Steve Duffy
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Played: 8 Won: 6 Drew: 1 Lost: 1 For: 255 Against: 88
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18/12/11 U16’s Do Double over Local Rivals Dinnington
Dinnington 17 - Sheffield Tigers 36 (Match Date: 18/12/11)
Clear winter blue skies and a final match before the Christmas break. Tigers were out to do the double over Dinnington, having beaten them in the opening game of the season at Dore Moor. The game got under way with both sets of forwards having to battle it out for possession at the set plays and breakdown, ten minutes into the game Tigers moved the ball wide and into the hands of Lee Monks who cut back inside to break two tackles and ground the ball under the posts, Joe Duffy converted 7 - 0. However, playing with the slope Dinnington were pinning Tigers back in their own 22m for some time. Tigers defended well against every threat and were creating lots of opportunities but always the final pass when begging! Eventually, from a ruck the ball went through the hands and winger Samir Afzal sprinted the length of the pitch to ground the ball with Dinnington defenders trailing in his wake. That was the final play of the half, Tigers 12 - 0.
Tigers were quick out of the blocks at the start of the second half, played with more control and it wasn’t long before a powerful individual run from flanker Liam Brown added more points to the score with Duffy getting the extras 19 – 0. The next real attack came when Duffy kicked a high ball down field and chasing the ball from his 22m put the opposition full-back under so much pressure that he fumbled and Duffy pounced, he then converted his own try, 26 – 0. The game then became a bit scrappy, and from some poor Tigers defence Dinnington got their first points on the board 26 – 5. Tigers came back with both wingers Izzy Fernando and Alex Brooke running in a try each, 36 – 5. Then through some poor disciple both teams had a player sent off. Dinnington were able to run the ball up the middle and get their second score and a conversion, 36 – 12. Tigers again worked hard but had nothing to show. As the game went into the final minute Tigers conceded a penalty, Dinnington took it quickly and grounded the ball in the corner. The game finished with another win for Tigers, 36 -17.
A win to end the first half of the season, well done boys! Keep fit over the Christmas break as we have some tough games to come!
Tries: Lee Monks (1),Samir Afzal (1), Liam Brown (1), Joe Duffy (1) Izzy Fernando (1) Alex Brooke (1)
Conversion: Joe Duffy (3)
Penalties: 0
Report by: Steve Duffy
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Played: 7 Won: 5 Drew: 1 Lost: 1 For: 227 Against: 85
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14/12/11 U16’s In Mud, Sweat & Cheers
Barnsley 10 - Sheffield Tigers 40 (Match Date: 04/12/11)
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Battle in the Mud!
© Gary Russell 2011
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Winter had truly arrived for this fixture away to Barnsley. With the rain coming down hard and the ground quickly turning to mud this was going to be a game of attrition, and so it turned out to be. Both sides found it difficult to come to terms with the slippery ball - with the ball popping out all over the place at the breakdown. However, it was Tigers forwards who were getting the best of the mini battle and their individual fitness was paying dividends. As a result Tigers were able to run in four tries with no reply from Barnsley. Tries coming from Chris Honeywell, Lee Monks and 2 by Owen Creaser-Smith all being converted by fly-half Joe Duffy. 28 – 0 the half-time score.
As the conditions worsened the second half got under way. It was very much played in the same way as the first half, with both sets of forwards battling it out at the breakdown. Tigers were always in control. Barnsley however, were awarded two penalties and they managed to bundle the ball over the line in quick succession on both occasions, 28 – 10. But overall Tigers had much more in the locker and it wasn’t long before Tigers took total control and the next two tries came from a combination of hard work at the breakdown followed by good ball through the hands. Monks scored his much deserved second try. With centre Chris Pond getting 1 for the backs. Duffy converted. 40 - 10 at the end.
A very good team performance played in very bad conditions. We played with control and determination, another well deserved win!
Tries: Lee Monks (2), Owen Creaser-Smith (2), Chris Honeywell (1), Chris Pond (1)
Conversion: Joe Duffy (5)
Penalties: 0
Report by: Steve Duffy
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Played: 6 Won: 4 Drew: 1 Lost: 1 For: 191 Against: 68
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26/11/11 U16’s Blast Away Opposition in 1st Round of Yorkshire Plate
Skipton 7 - Sheffield Tigers 77 (Match Date: 20/11/11)
This was the furthest that the U16’s have had to travel for a game for a few seasons. But the travelling was well worth it. The U16’s put on a sustained display of rugby which was exciting to watch against a Skipton team who were not there just to make up the numbers.
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Another Try!
© Gary Russell 2011
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The first half saw the U16’s rack up a staggering 55 points with Skipton managing 7. The score would suggest that Tigers had it all their own way. However, all the scores came from phases of play that had been practiced again and again on the training paddock. The disciplined and ruthless approach was too much for Skipton. Superb individual as well as team plays saw a number of players go over the try line to score.
All credit to Skipton in the second half they came out still full of fight, but again Tigers were the team in the ascendency. With everyone doing their job, Tigers continued to pin Skipton back in their 22m. More players were running in tries from second and third phase ball as Tigers continued to play exciting and expansive rugby. Tigers were able to put a further 22 points onto the board with no response from Skipton.
A mention must go to the Skipton team who after what was a foregone conclusion by half-time; continued to make a game of it and continued to defend resolutely as a team. And we thank them for their hospitality after the game.
A performance to be proud of boys! The hard work on the training ground is coming together both in terms of fitness and game play. We must continue to challenge ourselves individually and as a team.
Tries: Alex Brooke (2), Lee Monks (2), Samir Afzal (2), Joe Duffy (2) , Alisdair McDonald (1)
Pat Selkirk (1), Owen Creaser-Smith (1), Charlie Hawkins (1), Liam Brown (1)
Conversion: Joe Duffy (6)
Penalties: 0
Report by: Steve Duffy
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Played: 5 Won: 3 Drew: 1 Lost: 1 For: 151 Against: 58
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26/11/11 U16’s Snatch Victory from the Jaws of Defeat at Harrogate
Harrogate 17 - Sheffield Tigers 19 (Match Date: 13/11/11)
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Scrum-half gets the ball away
© Gary Russell 2011
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Three weeks of training since our last game meant that the U16’s first game in the competitive arena was a tough away fixture to Harrogate. The last time Tigers travelled to Harrogate as U15’s we came away with nothing to show, only a rather large number of tries scored against us!
This time both teams were licking their wounds from being knocked out of the Cup and therefore, there was a possibility that we could meet each other later on in the Plate competition!!
The first half was very evenly matched both team controlling spells of the game. The game was played at a pace which saw the ball been contested in Harrogate 22m one minute and in the blink of an eye Harrogate had the ball in the Tigers 22m. First blood went to Tigers after the forwards worked the ball towards the opposition 22m, and quick ball through the hands saw centre Chris Pond crash over, Joe Duffy converted the extra. 7 – 0 Tigers. Harrogate were a well drilled team and they started to get the upper hand forcing Tigers into some desperate scrambled defending as they moved the ball from one side of the pitch to the other in an attempt to go around the outside. Their persistence paid off and they managed to break through 7 – 5. Failing to convert, the first half finished with Tigers just holding on to the lead.
Tigers were first on the score sheet in the second half – they were scrummaging well and providing the backs with quick good ball. Alisdair McDonald’s blistering run cutting through the Harrogate defence. Duffy converted the extra points 14 – 5 Tigers. Harrogate responded with a sustained attack which again had Tigers desperately defending and when Tigers were in possession Harrogate pressure forced a lot of errors. Harrogate proved their quality, and forced two tries, converting one. 17 – 14 Harrogate. Step forward Tigers. Under pressure and with the game slipping away, a long kick up field saw the last ten minutes being played in the opposition 22m with the ball changing hands a number of times. Then from a penalty, Tigers had no option other than to run. Guy Borrowdale carried the ball forward, avoiding contact he passed the ball to Lee Monks who then drew his man to slip a pass to McDonald who sprinted over the line. This was the last play of the game a massive result for Tigers, 19 – 17.
A never say die attitude, determination, some good rugby secured Tigers a victory against a very well organised and talented Harrogate team.
Tries: Alisdair McDonald (2) Chris Pond (1)
Conversion: Joe Duffy (2)
Penalties: 0
Report by: Steve Duffy
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Played: 4 Won: 2 Drew: 1 Lost: 1 For: 74 Against: 51
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26/11/11 U16’s Find it Tough Going after Last Weeks Dramatic Cup Match
Sandal 29 - Sheffield Tigers 7 (Match Date: 16/10/11)
A trip to Sandal was always going to be difficult after the disappointment of going out of the cup on a technicality the previous week.
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Running in Try
© Gary Russell 2011
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Sandal were quickest out of the blocks and were straight into the faces of the Tigers defence. A changed team from the last game saw Tigers finding it difficult to work in organised units. Within the first seven minutes Sandal were on the score sheet after some smart aggressive play 7 - 0. They continued to put on the pressure and Tigers continued to defend desperately but a further try was added to the Sandal score on twenty minutes. 12 - 0. Tigers did get some rhythm into their game and after some strong phases of play, McDonald ran in Tigers first try and Duffy successfully converted the extra points 12 – 7. Sandal finished the first half as the team in the ascendency.
The second half was very much of the same; Sandal continued to take the play deep into the Tigers half for long spells in the game. They were stronger at the set piece and as a result had much of the possession. They were able to run in a further 3 tries with 1 successful conversion. The final score a much deserved 29 – 7 for Sandal and some reflection for Tigers
Individually we need to work harder, as a team we need to work harder especially at the set pieces. These two combined will bring us success!
Tries: Alisdair McDonald (1)
Conversion: Joe Duffy (1)
Penalties: 0
Report by: Steve Duffy
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Played: 3 Won: 1 Drew: 1 Lost: 1 For: 55 Against: 34
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12/10/11 U16’s Out of Yorkshire Cup after Scoreless Draw in 1st Round Tie
Sheffield Tigers 0 - Middlesbrough 0 (Match Date: 09/10/11)
An outstanding first round Cup game which could have graced the Yorkshire Cup Final itself see Tigers go out at the first hurdle.
A Yorkshire Cup first round draw and Tigers draw Middlesbrough RUFC, last year’s winning finalists. This truly was a match to savour. Both squads were brimming with individual talent, Academy, County and District players putting on their club jerseys to do battle.
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Line-out Action
© Steve Duffy - 2011
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From the kick-off neither team failed to impress in open play with both having a fair share of the possession, but each team’s attack was being blunted before it could cause any serious damage. Where Middlesbrough did get the upper hand was at the set pieces, but Tigers defended resolutely and spoiled the visitor’s forays into their 22m. Tigers were awarded a penalty which drifted agonisingly wide of the post. The game ebbed and flowed with half-time bringing a much needed respite for both teams who had been slugging it out nonstop for the last 35mins at a fast and furious tempo.
The second half saw both teams playing exciting rugby but again they were cancelling each other out as they both battled for the upper hand. Middlesbrough were camped in Tigers 22m for long periods of the second half but Tigers put on a massive “D” and cleared their lines effectively every time. The game moved to it final stage, the tension was unbearable and mounting and could be felt all around the ground from the large crowd of supporters. The final minutes of the game were played metres from Middlesbrough's try line but like Tigers their defence was outstanding. The referees whistle bringing to an end a truly memorable game. However, it was Tigers who as the home side had to swallow a bitter pill – the laws of the competition stating that the travelling side go through should the score line be 0 – 0 after full-time.
So many things contributed to this great spectacle of rugby. Firstly the players, all truly outstanding, a referee who allowed the game to flow and be played in the spirit it was intended to be played. Finally both sets of supporters (parents) who spectated in the spirit of the game, applauding the opposition and positively encouraging their team throughout. Good luck to Middlesbrough in the tournament, our destiny now lies in the Plate competition.
The boys put on a truly spirited and inspirational display of rugby, playing their hearts out to the bitter end. We pick ourselves up, dust ourselves down and as a squad move on to the next challenge.
Tries: 0
Conversions: 0
Penalties: 0
Report by: Steve Duffy
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Played: 2 Won: 1 Drew: 1 Lost: 0 For: 48 Against: 5
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Sheffield Tigers RUFC strictly adheres to the RFU policy on Child Protecton so if you have any concerns about any of the information contained in the above Match Reports please e-mail to tigers@sheffieldtigers.co.uk immediately.
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