Newbury RFC - Unofficial forums

28th September 2008

U13s Lexus Festival – Keynsham - Game 1

Newbury RFC 22 V 7 Havant RFC

Newbury Tries
Aaron Castle
Freddie Fane
Joe Ormrod
Oliver Hart

Conversions
Brandon Gilmour 1

Following an early scare, when Havant went ahead with a converted try, Newbury hit back, just before half time, when Aaron Castle powered over from short range.

The second half was all Newbury, and the forwards took charge with a number of strong driving runs. This set the base for further tries, and good finishing from Freddie Fane, Joe Ormrod and Olly Hart ensured that Newbury finished their first game with a win, and the extra bonus point for 4 tries.

Game 2

Newbury RFC 10 V 17 Keynsham RFC

Newbury Tries

Freddie Fane
Hugo Gardner

Conversions

In a very competitive game that could have gone either way Newbury were ‘out-muscled’ by a large and powerful Keynsham pack. Newbury battled hard, but were undone by the ‘not-insignificant size’ of the Keynsham number 8, who thanks to some weak Newbury tackling crossed for 2 tries.

Newbury battled hard in the second half, and responded with an excellent try by Freddie Fane. With Keynsham scoring another try themselves, a last ditch breakaway try from Hugo Gardner, left Newbury 7 points short and frustrated in a game that they could have won.


Game 3

Newbury RFC 22 V 0 Bracknell RFC

Tries
Freddie Fane
Tristan Telford
Hugo Gardner
Kelvin von Vuuren

Conversions
Brandon Gilmour 1

Following the disappointment of the previous game, Newbury bounced back with a superb team performance. Strong tackling and sharp passing put Freddie Fane clear for a first half lead and set the scene for the second half. Brandon Gilmour converted.

Turnover possession gave Tristan Telford a run in under the posts, and further territorial advantage saw a try for Hugo Gardner followed by a final minute try for Kelvin von Vuuren. Once again Newbury picked up the bonus point for four tries.


Game 4

Newbury RFC 17 V 0 Exeter Chiefs

Tries
Freddie Fane
Ben Footitt
Freddie Fane

Conversions
Brandon Gilmour

The first half looked like being a close game between two well matched teams, and so it proved until a moment of magic by Freddie Fane who sprinted 70 metres around the Exeter defence before touching down under the posts. Brandon Gilmour converted.

In the second half Newbury began to exert their authority, and they were denied further tries 3 times, before Ben Footitt powered over under the posts to seal the win. A further try by Freddie Fane, finished of another great team performance and the end of a great day.

Summary of the day

Final league positions
Played Won Bonus points Total
Keynsham 4 4 0 16
Newbury 4 3 2 14
Exeter 4 2 1 9
Bracknell 4 1 0 4
Havant 4 0 0 0


Considering the eight missing players away at the School of Rugby, this was a tremendous performance by the Newbury squad at this year’s Lexus festival. But for a period of weak tackling against a strong Keynsham team, Newbury could well have reached the final and everyone in the squad can be proud of their part in all four matches.

The level of rugby played was high, with strong forward play and excellent continuity, leading to slick passing moves in the backs, and a number of superb tries. Apart from the Keynsham game, the defence was also strong and clean sheets in the last 2 games showed how much the defensive side of the performances improved as the Festival progressed.

Overall Newbury scored 13 tries, and only conceded 4. This further highlights what a great effort this was and with the rest of the season ahead, the experience gained by everyone present will hugely benefit the squad as a whole. Players and spectators alike left Bristol, for the M4, in a positive frame of mind and looking forward to a successful season ahead.