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Cantabrigians
17, Biggleswade Pirates 10
The
Pirates travelled to Cambridge
last Saturday for the quarter final of the Green King Cup competition
and too many penalties and failing to play to the referee were their
downfall.
On
a slippery pitch, the Pirates started the stronger team with some
hard running in the centres from Jimmy and Raz and powerful driving
mauls from the pack pushed the home side back into their twenty two.
However, every time Biggleswade looked like making it to the
line, the referee called them back for an infringement. A
missed tackle in the centre allowed Cantabs in for their first try as
Biggleswade tried frantically to get back to defend. Another
try soon followed as Cantabs continued to put pressure on the
visitors line and a slick backs move saw their winger crash over the
line in the corner. Fortunately both conversions and several
kickable penalties were missed otherwise the score-line could have
been much worse. Gav Taylor was the most threatening in attack
with some great angles into the line from full back but the Cantabs
defence was solid. Biggleswade did finally cross the Cantabs
line after a clearance kick was charged down by Macca, who raced
through after the ball to score. Skittle added the conversion.
At
half time skipper Raz had some stern words with his side and made
some changes to the team. Harry came on for Karl, Jiggles came
on for Carlton
and Gadsby replaced the injured Simon Bannister. The pep talk
fell on deaf ears and the Pirates continued to play as individuals.
Cantabs began ringing the changes themselves and with eight
substitutes on the bench, the fresh legs began to show. One of
these replacements took out Skittle as he chipped ahead with a
blatant late tackle, which in the more senior game would have
received a yellow card. Skittle converted the resulting penalty,
bringing the score to ten each.
Cantabs
scored another try under the posts in the last ten minutes, which was
converted. The Pirates came close to taking the game into extra
time when Macca crossed the line in the last minute of normal time,
only to knock the ball out of his hands with his knee. He’s not
the first person to do this and certainly won’t be the last.
The
Pirates were disappointed with the result and need to come together
as a team if they are to sustain their form in the league.
Biggleswade
Pirates: West, Rogers, Avison (Maxwell), Hill, Jones, Pates,
Marshall (Dix), White, Bannister (Gadsby), Smith, Roake, Rastrick,
Hart, Taylor
Biggleswade
19 Letchworth A XV 8
Vauxhall
pulled out of the league and cup double header giving Biggleswade an
8-0 win for just four league points. Biggleswade managed to pick up a
friendly fixture against a second string Letchworth side. Letchworth
were larger and heavier than most of the Biggleswade team but they
were quicker and slicker especially in the three-quarters.
With
no league points at stake Biggleswade rang the changes playing
Charlie Darlow at fly-half, Tom Chalk at scrum half with Ross Taylor
filling the no 15 shirt. These arrangements seemed to work quite well
although when Charlie comes from deep he does add an extra dimension
to an attack. Tom White had a solid game behind a pack under pressure
and Ross Taylor had ten minutes off when he incurred the wrath of the
referee for a ruck infringement.
Biggleswade
scored three tries. The first came when Charlie Darlow hacked on a
dropped ball. It went wide to George Matthews who scored in the
corner. The second came from another Letchworth mistake. A quick
lineout went wrong and debutant Luke Haverley scorched up the wing and
round under the posts for the touchdown. This act and a good all
round afternoon earned him the man-of-the-match award. Luke is
another ex-footballer who prefers the all action of a rugby pitch
whatever the weather.
Letchworth
responded with a penalty and then a try of their own. This came from
a forward drive that just got over in the corner. Undaunted
Biggleswade quickly stretched the lead with another score. A long
Charlie Darlow clearance kick was hacked on by Russell German to just
short of the line. But fellow centre Jonathan Hamilton was at hand to
pick up and fall over the line for the try. George Matthews adding a
second successful conversion to take his points tally for the season
past two hundred and fifty.
The
second half was a battle of the packs. As the pitch cut up the big
boys up front battled it out but there were no further scores. An
aggrieved Sam Thomas was the brunt of much unwanted attention. But he
just grinned and got on with his game soaring even higher in the
lineout.
Number
eight Dom Nott’s loyalist supporter will be absent from the touchline
for the next eight weeks. His grandfather is forsaking the cold and
windy touchline for France. Another deportee is long serving club
member John Cushion. He is leaving the area to live in Southampton.
John a stalwart in the early days of mini and youth became first team
manager and then Club Chairman. He will be much missed especially by
the old farts. Our thanks for sponsoring the pre-match buffet and his
very many efforts for the Club over thirty years.
Next
week Biggleswade take on Stamford College Old Boys in a league
fixture. Back in November on a very dismal autumn afternoon
Biggleswade made hard work of beating them 34-7 scoring six tries.
Only nine of the winning team were playing in this match. Provided
they turn up Biggleswade would hope to better that score.
Team:
J Caulfield, S Heath, A Fage, S Thomas, T Farron, M Haddow, D Nott, A
Claypole, T White, C Darlow, G Matthews, R German, J Hamilton, L
Haverley, R Taylor.
 Biggleswade Rugby Club
Saracens
Easter Intensive
One Day Skills Clinic
Tuesday 12th April
U7s to U15s
Just £28 per player
Includes a hot meal
Book via
www.rugbycamps.co.uk
or 01707 285026
Biggleswade Rugby & Squash Club March E-News.
Saturday 26th February
Pre-Match buffet starting
at 12.30pm, all members and guests invited!
Biggleswade vs Vauxhall at
2pm
(League & Bedfordshire
Cup)
Followed by
England vs France on the
BIG screen
Biggleswade Pirates AWAY at
Cantabrigians (Greene King Cup)
NOTE: the Italy vs Wales
game will be on the TV from 2.30pm
First XV
Saturday 5th
March vs Stamford College Old Boys (League) Home at 3pm
Saturday 12th
March vs Stoneygate (League) Away at 3pm
Saturday 26th
March vs Thorney (League) Away at 3pm
Second XV
Saturday 5th
March TBA.
Saturday 12th
March vs Upper Clapton (League) Away at 3pm
Saturday 26th
March vs Letchworth 3s (League) Home at 3pm
Greene King Finals day is
on Saturday 30th April
Third XV
Saturday 19th
March vs St Neots at 3pm
Saturday 12th March
vs Cranfield University at 3pm (Merit Table)
Third XV & Vets Grand
Day Out….to Beckenham (Kent) on Saturday 2nd April.
Coach to pick up at Biggy
market square at 11 am and depart Beckenham at 9 pm
They got lots of games and drinking sorted out
Cost is £10 per person See
Mark “Potton” Peace to book your place
Friday 4th March In association with Biggy
Blues Club
THE PAUL
GARNER BAND
The Paul Garner Band :We
are a trio playing the best, most original and exciting new blues music
you will hear anywhere. Featuring Claudio Corona on organ and Jason
Ribeiro on drums. Described as “Pink Floyd for the 21st Century”
Doors open at 8pm and entry is just £5
Biggleswade Squash. Friday 4th
March- Biggleswade Pro Challenge Night featuring Adrian
Waller, ranked No50 in the world! Adrian is a 6ft 3" left hander
who turned pro in 2008. Based in Hertfordshire and coached by Paul
Carter he has now risen to world number 53 and at only 21 years of
age will be hoping to keep climbing the rankings. He will
be on hand to coach both youngsters and experienced players. 6 – 7 pm
Junior Coaching followed by First Team Challenge Bookings can be made
via www.first4squash.com
Biggy Minis vs
Wellingborough (Home)
on Sunday 6th March with the U15s playing Ampthill and the
U17s meeting Hammersmith & Fulham both at home in the Herts &
Middlesex League.
Minis Bedfordshire County
Festival Sunday 13th
March with the U7,U8,U9s at Ampthill and the U10,U11, U12s at
Dunstablians.
The 50 Club. Better odds
than the Lotto! Pay just £5 per month by standing order and have the
chance of winning a £100 first prize and £25 second prize. Please
speak to club chairman Stan Matthews for a standing order form.
U15s to host Gloucestershire
County Champions. On
Saturday 19th Match we host St Marys Old Boys U15s on
their tour. He game will Kick-off at approx 12 noon ( final details
to be confirmed)
They are Gloucestershire
county champions and met Biggy U15s last season at a 7s festival
Club to host schools games
Wednesday 9th
March East Beds SSP year 3
& 4 Tag final 10am to 12 noon
Friday 25th
March Bedfordshire County SSP
Finals year 3 & 4 Tag 12 noon to 4pm
Parents- your help is
needed! We will need a bit of help on the day, if we serve teas and
coffee etc.
Saracens Intensive Skills
Day is confirmed as Tuesday
12th April. The course is for U7s through to U15s and
will be delivered by the Saracens community coaches and Senior
players. The cost is £28 which will include a hot meal at lunchtime.
Bookings will be made
through www.rugbycamps.co.uk
Those who have attended in
the past will get an invitation in the post.
Help will be needed to
prepare the players food, please contact
Saracens vs Gloucester
Aviva Premiership
Sunday 24th April at 3pm
This may be Saracens
last game at Vicarage Road, Watford before they move to their new
home, Copthall in Barnet. Saracens plan to have all partner clubs taking
part in a Parade of Unity around the pitch. Those teams who have done
this in the past have enjoyed the experience.
The cost of tickets are
Adults £8 and Children £4
(includes a CashBack
element!)
Please contact martin@biggleswaderugby.co.uk
with how many tickets you need. As usual, tickets will have to be
paid for at time of ordering.
Please make cheques to Biggleswade
RUFC
Diary Date. The Mobbs
Memorial Match:
Bedford Blues vs The Barbarians
on Tuesday 19th
April. This will be the last ever Mobbs Memorial Match to be played
at Senior level and a numbers of events are planned to commemorate
this. The Mobbs Memorial games for Mini & Youth level will
continue in some format. Match details will be on the Bedford website
soon www.bedfordrugby.co.uk
Diary
Date. The Bob Bakewell Memorial Match Biggleswade
Vets vs Bristol Saracens on the weekend of 29th and 30th
October 2011
Much more on this to follow.
Next Rugby Club & Association Committee
meeting is on Monday 28th February at 8pm
3s
and Vets trip to Beckenham 2ND April 2011
Coach to pick up at Biggy market square
at 11 am and depart Beckenham at 9 pm
They got lots of games and drinking sorted out
Cost is £10 pp See Mark “Potton” Peace
to book your place
Midlands 4 East (South)
Stamford 11 Biggleswade 10
In the top-of-the-table clash Biggleswade
lost by the narrowest of margins. A penalty in the last few minutes
edged Stamford ahead. There was no time left for Biggleswade to
counter but they almost pulled it off
After heavy overnight rain the pitch was
greasy and the ball muddy so handling a lottery. In front of a large
crowd of supporters from both clubs the game was played at a high
tempo throughout. Biggleswade started the match strongly. The
forwards worked hard at providing a platform for the backs. Their
effort was rewarded with an early score thanks to a Charlie Darlow
try after a good three-quarter move. His Ashton type dive over the
line showed the delight of the team. In the home tie against Stamford
which Biggleswade lost 0-15 they had been without half a dozen first
choice players so felt that they had something to prove this time.
Despite playing up the slope Biggleswade were
mainly in Stamford’s half and had several more close calls at getting
a second score. But it was Stamford that scored next. Driving down
the gradient into the corner they scored a try from a lineout. Both
conversions were missed on the slippery terrain where there was
little purchase for the stationary boot. Biggleswade had a couple of
penalty attempts but both went just wide.
It was a game of two pitches Turning
round all square at five points each Biggleswade had high hopes of
exploiting the conditions to gain a victory. But fate played its
hand. A Stamford player had gone down at the break unable to feel any
sensation in his legs. Despite expert advice being available from
Megan, Biggleswade’s physiotherapist the referee ordered a change of
pitch rather than risk moving the man. This was not what Biggleswade
wanted as the alternative pitch had no clear advantage and was
somewhat smaller.
However things started quite well. The
forwards worked hard for the second Biggleswade try battering away at
Stamford’s line until Dom Nott squeezed through a gap.
But then Biggleswade’s Achilles heel was
exposed and ill-discipline set in. Biggleswade gave one penalty after
another and upsetting the referee did not help. Biggleswade had two
men in the sin bin for repeated infringements. Jim Caulfield and Sam
Thomas were dispatched for ruck infringements although in the
conditions the referee might have been more sympathetic. The 13 left
stopped Stamford scoring with some tenacious tackling but it was body
sapping stuff on the sticky surface.
Stamford cut the deficit with one
successful penalty and then another after one had missed. This gave
them the lead with just two minutes left. This still gave enough time
for another penalty kick which drifted wide of the posts. But it
didn’t go dead and the ever adventurous Charlie Darlow launched a
frenetic counter attack. He got as far as Stamford’s “22” but forced
to kick ahead the ball was lashed into touch and the final whistle
went.
Ross Taylor, Biggleswade’s captain said
after the game, “We had our chances but in-discipline let us down and
we gave Stamford too many chances to kick penalties.”
Team: J Caulfield, S Heath, A Claypole, N
Thoday, S Thomas (T Farron), D Bartlett, J Hamilton, D Nott, R Taylor,
M Smith, G Matthews, M Hall, R German, G Taylor (M Haddow), C Darlow.
Stuart West was also on the bench but was not used.
Despite the defeat Biggleswade are still
top of the table but Stamford have one game in hand. Next week
provided they turn up the visitors will be Vauxhall for a double
header. (The Luton based side has already conceded four games this
season including both against Stamford.) It will be a Bedfordshire
Cup tie as well as a league match. The game will kick off at 2pm to
allow for extra time. Recent form suggests that this could be as
likely as a snowball in hell but one can never tell.
Shelford
4th Team 5, Biggleswade Pirates 33.
The
Pirates travelled over Cambridge
way to play mid table Shelford 4’s on Saturday. Keen to keep up
their winning ways, the team arrived a good half hour before the home
team and set about preparing for the game. After a well
organised warm up, the visitors elected to play up the slops and
receive the kick off from Shelford. The Pirates caught the ball
and immediately attacked Shelford through the forwards. This
was a much more mature pack than in recent weeks and it showed as
Biggleswade dominated most of the scrums, lineouts, rucks and mauls
for much of the game. With Tink, Karl and Carlton
in the front row and Boffy back from injury in the second row with Arran, the front five were solid all afternoon.
Zack, Harry and Damo in the back row added the necessary pace
and tackling efficiency needed. Half back experience from
Chalky and Raz helped control the game but it was the sheer pace of
the rest of the three quarters that cause most of the problems for
Shelford. With Jimmy Hart and Roakey, who normally play on the
wing being moved to the centre to give the real pace men, Luke, Taig
and Macca plenty of opportunities to use their gas on the outside, in
attack and defence, the Pirates backs looked awesome.
The
Pirates were first on the score sheet after intense defensive
pressure forced Shelford to spill the ball. Luke popped up in
midfield to scoop up ball and run in from the home teams ten metre
line to score under the posts. Luke also scored his second try
in similar fashion intercepting a pass between the centres to step
the full back and score again under the posts. Both conversions
were successfully kicked by Raz.
Next
on the scoreboard was Taig who cut a great angle off his wing to take
an inside ball from Raz and again scoring under the posts to give Raz
another easy conversion. However, it was Shelford that scored
next when their backs quickly passed the ball wide. The Pirates
defence was solid and Luke and Taig took the big Shelford winger into
touch on the five metre line. Biggleswade lost the resulting
lineout and after several phases of pressure Shelford scored their
only points of the match.
At
half time, Raz made changes to the back row and hooker positions,
bringing on Darryl, Reece and Luton Dave. Darryl moved to
hooker and Karl to open side flanker. Now playing with the
slope (or possibly the immense increase in weight in the front row),
the scrums were all Biggleswades and at times, Luton Dave at Number 8
struggled to control the ball at the back of the scrum as the pack
almost sprinted down the pitch.
It
was Chalky who scored next when he pounced on a mistake by Shelfords
scrum half at the back of a scrum just outside their twenty two.
Chalky picked the ball up and ran in under the posts untouched.
Again, Raz converted. Jimmy Hart had to leave the field
after 50 minutes with an ankle injury, giving Ant Matthews a chance
to fill the inside centre slot. Ant is known for his solid
defence and today was no different with some crunching tackles in
midfield.
Chalky
was also involved in the last try of the game when he broke through
the lineout inside Shelford’s twenty two, beat their scrum half,
stepped outside their winger and unwittingly popped the ball back
inside to Karl, who scored. Tink, who gave Karl a lift home,
said he didn’t shut up about it at all during the half hour journey
and Vicki, who has never seen Karl score when she’s been watching is
now banned from watching him play again.
This
was a good solid team performance by the Pirates, who since Christmas
have missed the balance of earlier in the season. With Harlow 4’s losing to Saffron Walden, the
Pirates are again four points clear at the top of the league.
Tomorrow (Saturday), the Pirates are away against Cantabrigians
in the Greene King Cup. Cantabs are currently sitting in 3rd
place in the Greene King Super Deuxiemme Nord Merit Leage. A
win for Biggleswade would see them facing Cambridge Exiles in the
Semi final.
Biggleswade:
Tink, Karl, Carlton, Boffy, Arran, Harry, Zack, Damo, Chalkie, Raz, Taig,
Jimmy, Roakey, Macc, Luke, Darryl, Reece, Dave Ant.
Biggleswade
U11s vs Saffron Walden / Bedford (Sunday, 20th February
2011)
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Match 1
- Biggleswade U11s (14) vs Saffron Walden U11s: (38)
On
a cold but dry Sunday morning, Biggleswade U11s welcomed Saffron
Walden and Bedford to Sheep Walk for a triangular fixture. Biggy
elected to play SW first, but with 10 regular players out, mainly
injured or skiing, this was always going to be a tough match.
Saffron Walden opened strongly, and despite some courageous
defending, SW scored 4 unanswered tries to lead 26-0 at half time.
Biggleswade lost two further players when Henry and Ashley went off
with head injuries, outlining Biggy’s commitment in defence. Biggy
rallied at half time, and drove up field to the middle of the pitch.
SW were penalised for not releasing the ball and fly-half Jacob,
seeing the space on the right, took a quick tap and sprinted to
score in the corner. Jacob then converted his own try. Biggy
competed well at the break down, with Luke and Finlay tenacious in
defence. However, SW moved the ball wide and scored twice more.
Biggleswade upped their game with Finlay darting through three of
four tacklers to score on the left, duly converted by Jacob.
Biggy’s improved determination in the second half saw them outscore
SW by 14-12 points. However the final score of 38-14 outlined SW’s
dominance in the first half.
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Match 2
– Biggleswade U11s (5) vs Bedford U11s: (12)
Biggleswade
under 11s were fired up for this local derby against Bedford, with
Big Joe putting in the hits and Finlay covering most of the pitch
just to knock Bedford players back. Bedford kept pressurising and
managed to score first, moving the ball through the backs to score
in the corner, duly converted by their fly-half. Biggy had to
reorganise after another injury, with Ben S deputising in the
centre and a new full back in Jonah, who promptly went onto score
after a trademark run through and around the Bedford defence. The
second half saw renewed pressure from Biggleswade camping on the
Bedford 15 meter line, but again Bedford broke through Biggy’s
defence to score on the right and win the game 12-5. Biggleswade
again didn’t give up and played right up to the whistle. The
Grafter Award went to Jacob, for his kicking and defensive work,
with Joe W again Top Tackler with 10 hits.
Squad: Alex, Ashley, Ashton,
Andrew, Ben S, Callum, Chris, Finlay, Henry, Jacob, Joe W, Joe B,
Jonah, Liam, Luke, Morgan
Russ
Suter (Head Coach)
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Midlands 4 East (South)
Biggleswade 61 Stoneygate 0
The score line is correct! Biggleswade
expected a tough game against third placed Stoneygate so fielded the
strongest side available. But on the day they simply brushed the
Leicester outfit away running in nine tries.
Nathan Thoday returned to the second row
to replace the unavailable Tom Farron after a long absence. Russell
German came off the bench to play centre and had a really excellent
game earning him the man-of-the-match award. Jonathan Hamilton moved
to the back row. Biggleswade’s Jack Sparrow (Mark Rastrick)
reluctantly left his beloved Pirates to sit on the bench as cover for
Matt Smith.
Playing with the breeze towards the road
it was not long before Biggleswade had points on the board. The ball
was swung wide and although the final pass went astray the ball was
hacked on by the mercurial George Matthews. He raced down the wing
for the touchdown. On a still afternoon compared to last week he
slotted home the conversion which was the first of eight successful
kicks in the match.
This was the start that Biggleswade
wanted but more scores quickly followed. Try number two came when
centre Russell German ploughed through in the middle for a score
under the posts Stoneygate knew they were in for a torrid afternoon.
Their fears were quickly underlined as
straight from the re-start Biggleswade were on the attack. Nathan
Thoday slung out a quick pass as he caught the kick off and the
three-quarters were racing away downfield. Winger Gavin Taylor
chipped ahead for Charlie Darlow to re-gather and score. The visitors
were really under the cosh!
Michael Hall added the fourth to secure
the bonus point before thirty minutes were on the clock. Your
correspondent cannot remember how it came about as he was also
running touch and trying to record the play without a pen!
Towards the end of forty minutes
Stoneygate rallied and were threatening the Biggleswade line with
serious intent. But when a score looked certain Matt Smith
intercepted and rounded off an excellent first half display by the
hosts by running the length of the pitch for try number five.
The forwards dominated things up front
and were unfortunate not to get several “turn-overs”. Sam Thomas and
Nathan Thoday dominated the line out with some great catching.
As the sun sunk lower in the sky judging
the correct angle to throw the pass led to several going forward. But
there were still four more tries through the efforts of Michael Hall
(a three-quarter move), Dean Bartlett (a good flanker’s try
supporting the backs), Dom Nott (the direct route from a penalty) and
Ross Taylor. This last one was the first for the Skipper this season.
Afterwards Ross Taylor commented that it
was an excellent performance against a side that had been doing well
recently. “But next week there is a really tough challenge as we have
to play Stamford the only side to have beaten us in the league this
season. It could be the title decider,” he said. With seven games
left including five against sides near the bottom of the table
promotion looks a very real possibility. But first there is the big
one away in Lincolnshire.
Team: S West (A Claypole), S Heath, J
Caulfield, S Thomas, N Thoday, J Hamilton (M Haddow), D Bartlett, D
Nott, R Taylor, M Smith (M Rastrick), G Matthews, M Hall, R German, G
Taylor, C Darlow.
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Many
thanks to Biggleswade Chronical for their continued support with
printing match reports
These photos can be found here
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Biggleswade
U11s vs Dunstablians / Kempston (Sunday, 13th February
2011)
 Match 1 - Dunstablians U11s: (28)
vs Biggleswade U11s: (0)
A
slow start by Biggy allowed Dunstable to an early converted try, when
their fly-half pounced on loose ball to score. Despite a strong
scrimmage and good defence (especially from Captain Joe W knocking
Dunstablian players back), Biggy struggled to get out of their own
half and leaked a second converted try before half time. Jonah played
well ripping the ball out of contact and rampaging up the field.
However, Biggy’s support was too slow and Dunstable broke away to
score their third try. Dunstable scored their fourth directly from
the restart and despite the one-sided score line, Biggy didn’t give
up, with Jacob in particular kicking well from hand, and confidence
slowly returning to the side.
Match 2 –
Kempston U11s (5) vs Biggleswade U11s (17)
Biggleswade
started this game with renewed vigour, with Ellie in particular
driving solidly into contact, scattering Kempston players in her
wake. Fly-half Max took the ball from the half-way lie and ran
through Kemptson’s defence and ‘swallow-dived’ over the line to score
Biggy’s first try of the day. Max’s conversion attempt bounced wide
off the post. Our new centre pairing of Aaron and Ben H shored up the
defence and with forwards such as Chris and Twydell hitting the mauls
and pulling players out of the rucks, Biggy’s confidence increased.
Ashton, galloping down the right wing like a gazelle, combined with
Henry to come close to scoring, but Kempston retrieved the ball and
pilled on the pressure, scoring their first try just after half time.
This galvanised Biggy into further action, with Ellie securing a
line-out and bursting through to get close to Kempston’s line. Aaron
B drove the ball on and was unlucky not to score, but Max pounced on
the loose ball and dived over to score his second try of the day,
followed up by Jacob’s conversion attempt just tucking under the
crossbar. Biggy defended superbly, with Ashton, and Max putting in
the tackles. The ball was moved back up field and Aaron B sneaked
through to score Biggy’s third try – converted by Jacob as the final
whistle blew. This match showed the Biggy boys what they could
achieve with teamwork and controlled aggression. Next target is to
work on moving the ball wide to enable Biggleswade players to attack
the space.
The
Grafter Award went to Ashton, with Aaron B, Joe W and Ben H sharing
the Top Tackler’s Award.
Squad: Aaron
B, Ashley, Ashton, Andrew, Ben H, Ben S, Callum, Chris, Ellie, Henry,
Jacob, Joe W, Joe B, Jonah, Luke, Max, Tawanda
Russ
Suter (Head Coach)
Biggleswade
U10 Tournament at Northampton 12-02-11
 Saturday
saw Biggleswade U10s take part in this 18 team tournament, held on
the training pitches in the shadow of Northampton Saints ground at
Franklins Gardens. Biggleswade were drawn in Pool 1 where the
opposition came in the form of teams from Wellingborough, Old
Northamptonians (ON), Banbury and Cambridge.
The
day began early, with matches kicking off at 8.30 am - but this
didn’t seem to bother the Biggleswade team who began at a blistering
pace in their first match against a tough team from Banbury. From the
first whistle the whole team played the style of rugby the coaches
had dreamed of all season. The quality of passing and tackling was
without doubt the best Biggleswade have shown to date. Despite
dominating possession, Biggleswade just couldn’t find a way through
the Banbury defence. However, persistence finally paid off when Cole
timed a perfect pass out wide to Dan who duly raced down the wing to
score in the corner. Fierce tackling and a good defensive line kept
Banbury at bay for most of the second period but a brief lapse of
concentration in the scrum lead to the equalising try. Biggleswade
were very unlucky not to hit back instantly and take the match when
Luke crossed the line but was agonisingly held up. Final Score- Biggleswade 5 : 5
Banbury
The
second game of the morning, against Old Northamptonians, soon got
Biggleswade in the thick of it. The coaches were relieved to see that
the style of rugby played in the first game was no fluke as Hadley
was sent over the line by Luke for a deserved lead. The opposition came
back strongly and took the game right up to the Biggleswade line
where play remained for pretty much the rest of the half. With some
fantastic tackling Biggleswade managed to repel several offensive
onslaughts from ON’s. Eventually though something had to give and the
ON forwards found a gap in the defensive line to touch down. At the
start of the second period, Bigglewade were awarded a penalty for a
high tackle and the ball found its way to Luke at scrum half who
again fed the ball out to the wing for Rosie to go over. The Biggleswade defence withstood
tremendous pressure from the ON’s attack for several minutes but
sadly, as in Game 1, the equaliser came in at virtually the last play
of the game. Final Score – Biggleswade 10 : 10
Old Northamptonians
Biggleswade
had the luxury of a 15 minute rest before playing Wellingborough in
Game 3, but this didn’t affect their approach to the game. Once
again, things started at breakneck speed the first points went to
Biggleswade after some great harrying forced a fumble from the
Wellingborough defence that was pounced upon by Jack just metres out
from the line. The lead was soon doubled after the interval after
good rucking by the forwards secured the ball for Hadley to supply
Cole with a great pass that allowed him to dash to the corner and
score.
By
now Biggleswade were oozing with confidence throwing the ball around
and playing the game at a tempo that had the coaches and parents
alike roaring with delight from the sidelines. However, it was
Wellingborough who scored next from a push over scrum on the
Biggleswade line. Cole then scored his second try of the game from
the restart, sprinting from halfway and forcing his way through the
Wellingborough defence. Final
Score – Biggleswade 15 : 5 Wellingborough
The
final game of the morning saw Biggleswade take on unbeaten pool
leaders Cambridge. Biggleswade
played with the same steely determination they had shown all morning
by getting off to another flying start. It was clear to see that
their speed and aggression was unsettling the opposition, forcing
them into mistakes. An early penalty nearly brought a try for Rosie,
but she was bundled into touch just short of the line. In what was
probably one of the best passages of play all day the ball was moved
across the whole width of the pitch and back several times, pulling
the Cambridge defence from side to side until finally a space was
created by a super run from Rosie who unselfishly offloaded to Jack
for him to cross the line. Cambridge got back to level terms though
when one of their colossal forwards forced his way over the line
following a penalty. Despite playing at such a frenetic pace for the
whole morning, Biggleswade still looked fresh and eager. With
excellent forward driving from Harry and Billy and neat passing from
the backs most of the game was kept within the Cambridge half until a
breakaway try gave Cambridge the lead. Biggleswade heads did not
fall. A further example of just what this team can do on their day
was shown when Cole ran in his 3rd try of the tournament
following some great play from both the forwards and the backs to
level the scores. Sadly, Biggleswade couldn’t hold on to their
unbeaten record for the day as Cambridge ran in their winning try
just before the final whistle to top the pool on maximum points. Final Score - Biggleswade 10 : 15
Cambridge
Everyone
played their part in what proved to be a thoroughly satisfying and
entertaining mornings’ rugby, and to finish second in such a
competitive pool was a great achievement. Special mention must got to
Hadley, Cole, Rosie, Luke and Jack whose running and passing really
made for some exciting rugby.
Squad: Dan,
Theo, Cole, Cole, Billy, Rosie, Adam, Luke, Harry, Hadley, Ben W, Sam
and Jack
Midlands
4 East (South)
Biggleswade
12 St Neots 6
Biggleswade
secured another four points for the win but rued the missed chances for
the bonus point. There were two good tries and several near misses
which meant the result was in doubt right to the end of the eighty
minutes.
The
game as a spectacle was marred by the very blustery wind that made
kicking and handling a lottery all afternoon. It also meant that one
side; usually Biggleswade was pressing hard one moment and back
heeling in their own half the next.
The
unavailable trio from last week; Michael Haddow, Jim Caulfield and
Michael Hall returned to the fold with Russell German on the bench in
case of emergencies. That neither he nor Karl Marshall was required
shows the tightness of the game and the desire not to do anything to
unsettle the balance of the side as is often seen at international
level
Playing
with the wind Biggleswade’s first try came from a set scrum taken
instead of a penalty. The ball went to centre Jonathan Hamilton who
carved through the defence for a try under the posts. George Matthews
added the conversion.
George
was soon dispatched to the sin bin for over robust play. As he
returned Dom Nott replaced him for doubting the authority of the
referee. The match official was being assessed which may or may not
have been a factor in his use of the “yellow card”.
So
considering Biggleswade played with 14 men for twenty minutes of the
first half they did well to concede just one score. That was a
penalty on the stroke of half-time. Biggleswade did seem to concede a
lot of penalties but in the absence of solid data it’s hard to be
sure.
Despite
being against the wind Biggleswade spent most of the second period
deep in St Neots half. They battered away relentlessly but the only
score was a cracking try. This came after a good period of play had
seen the Biggleswade pack drive forwards with good support play. Matt
“Skittle” Smith chipped through. Full back Charlie Darlow coming in
to the line to gather the ball and get the touchdown.
In
difficult kicking conditions the conversion went wide as did three
other penalty attempts. With St Neots getting one successful kick at
the other end there was just one converted try in it down to the
wire.
A
battered and bruised forward’s verdict (Sam Thomas) of the game was
that the backs did well. The three-quarter opinion (voiced by the
skipper Ross Taylor) was that it was the forwards who toiled away all
afternoon in the atrength sapping wind. That probably means it was
another very good team performance.
On
Saturday Biggleswade take on Stoneygate at home in a re-arranged
league match. Stoneygate are currently third having piled up over 200
points in their last four matches. They have lost three games to
Stamford (twice) and Oundle.
Team:
J Caulfield (S West), S Heath, C Avison, S Thomas, T Farron, M
Haddow, D Bartlett, D Nott, R Taylor, M Smith, G Taylor, M Hall, J
Hamilton, G Matthews, C Darlow. Karl Marshall and Russell German were
on the bench but their vast collective experience was not needed.
Biggleswade U11s vs Shelford u11s (Sunday
6th February 2011)
Match 1 - Biggleswade U11s (7) - Shelford
u11s (46)
Playing into the wind, Biggy found
themselves under pressure from the start with Shelford pressurising
from the kick off and able to score an early try. From the restart Shelford again
found themselves deep in Biggy’s half with a big kick to touch, but a
good take from Ellie at the line out saw the backs run the ball then
drive themselves into Shelford’s half only to lose the ball, and with
some missed tackles Shelford run in their second try. Shelford put more pressure on Biggy
and nearly scored but were held up on the line by Joe W for a five
metre scrum which Biggy won and cleared their lines. Another good
take from Ellie at the line Biggy looked good but with the strong
wind and a couple of loose passes, Shelford pounced on the loose ball
and scored their third. Just before half time Biggy found themselves
making good ground with a accurate passing from scrum-half Henry and
mazy running from Finlay put Biggy deep into Shelford’s half.
However, Biggy were unable to score and Shelford again turned the
ball over to score again on the stroke of half time. Shelford managed
to convert 3 of their tries to lead 26-0 at half time.
Biggy showed better determination from the
start and with the wind behind them, drove up filed. Liam’s big
tackling and driving enabled Biggy to win a penalty. Joe W was given
the ball from the tap and drove the ball hard into Shelford,
supported by Callum, picking up and driving the ball forwards.
Biggy’s forwards got behind him, allowing Finlay to pick up and score
in the corner for their first try of the day. Finlay converted to add
the extras. Shelford hit back with try number five and a big tackle
from Joe W could not stop try
number six. Again Biggy attacked with strong runs from Finlay, but
they could not prevent the stronger Shelford team from scoring a
further two tries.
Match 2 - Biggleswade U11s (21) - Shelford
u11s (5)
The
second match saw Biggy come out with a massive improvement in terms
of fight and commitment, with all players stepping up to the mark to
overwhelm Shelford and surprise them with their ferocity and desire
to win, which, apart from a few individuals, had been sorely lacking
in the first game. Aaron B scored two tries and John crashed over for
his one try. All three were converted by Max. Shelford could only
reply with one unconverted try of their own and Biggy showed parents
and coaches what they could achieve with passion and aggression in
the contact areas. Aaron B, Max, Tawanda, and John played very well
and the Grafter went to Ellie for her superb performances in both
games. The top tackler award was shared by Arun R, Aaron B and
Finlay.
Biggy U11’s Squad: Aaron B, Alex,
Twydell, Arun R, Ashton, Ben S, Callum, Finlay, Henry, Joe W, Joe B,
John, Jonah, Liam, Max, Morgan, Tawanda, Zac
Biggleswade Rugby & Squash
February E-News
This E-News is sent to blind
copied club members. The consensus is that it should be left simple
and without wizzy graphics. Please forward to anyone who may be
interested in what is going on at Biggy.
First XV fixtures, Top
of Midlands 4 East (South)
Including the rearranged matches #
Saturday 5th February
vs St Neots, KO 2.15pm
# Saturday 12th February
vs Stoneygate, KO 2.15pm, The RBS Six Nations games will be on the
B I G screen
# Saturday 26th February
vs Vauxhall, KO to be announced,
preceded by the Six Nations Buffet and followed by England vs France
on the B I G screen.
Saturday 5th March
vs Stamford College Old Boys KO 2.15pm
Biggleswade Pirates fixtures. Top
of Greene King Deuxieme Sud
# Saturday 5th February
vs Upper Clapton
Saturday 12th February
vs Datchworth 3s
Saturday 26th February
Greene King Cup
Third XV fixtures Only home
game scheduled in February is on Saturday 26th February
vs Biddenham.
RBS Six Nations Championship
2011
Biggy will be
showing the games on the B I G screen
RBS Six Nations Championship
2011
Friday 4th February.
Wales v England @ Millennium Stadium 7.45pm
Saturday 5th February.
Italy v Ireland @ Stadio Flaminio. 2.30pm
Saturday 5th February. France v
Scotland @ Stade de France 5pm
Saturday 12th
February. England v Italy @ Twickenham. 2.30pm
Saturday 12th
February. Scotland v Wales @ Murrayfield . 5pm
Sunday 13th
February. Ireland v France @ Landsdown Road (Aviva Stadium) 3pm
Saturday 26th
February. Italy v Wales @ Stadio Flaminio. 2.30pm
Saturday 26th
February. England v France @ Twickenham. 5pm
Sunday 27th
February. Scotland v Ireland @ Murrayfield. 3pm
Saturday 12th
March. Italy v France @ Stadio Flaminio. 2.30pm
Saturday 12th
March. Wales v France @ Millennium Stadium. 5pm
Sunday 13th
March. England v Scotland @ Twickenham. 3pm
Saturday 19th
March. Scotland v Italy @ Murrayfield. 2.30pm
Saturday 19th
March. Ireland v England @ Landsdown Road (Aviva Stadium) 5pm
Saturday 19th
March. France v Wales @ Stade de France. 7.45pm
The additional game on 20th February brings
the Mini fixtures back to the original number, have the Old Scouts
home game and Ely home game cancelled, but gaining Huntingdon!
Mini, Youth & Colts Fixtures 2011-2012.
Thanks to Neil Gregory, who blitzed the fixtures last weekend, we
have the template for next seasons Mini & Youth games. Once these
are confirmed, they will be put on the website. The Herts &
Middlesex League dates are in place but not the opposition. Neil has
selected a good level of opposition for the Minis which includes
a welcome return of the Olney fixture and the introduction of
Thorney both home and away. The older Youth sides are expected
to play in the Herts & Middlesex Colts Development league, this
is to be confirmed.
Minis Parents…….Your help is
needed. Next season is a big one for the Mini’s, with a Tour in
the planning stage. Craig ( Minis Coordinator) and Jane (Minis
Secretary) are looking for YOUR
help. …there are also so positions on the Minis committee that need
filling…Craig can be contacted on 07757 081008
The U17s had a confidence building 17 - 20 win
away to Wasps last weekend in a friendly fixture, a superb result
considering the opposition!
U15s to host touring side.
Biggy U15s will play St Marys Old Boys (Gloucestershire County
Champions) on Saturday 19th March with a 12 noon
kick-off. Details to follow, it is expected that the
tourists’ will stay to watch the Seniors game followed by
Ireland vs England at 5pm.
Biggleswade Squash. The Handicap
is still progressing into the 3rd round & entries are needed
for going into the Championship & Veterans competition. Tick
against your name on the leagues on notice board if interested.
Current standing Hertfordshire Squash League:
Biggleswade 1s are Third in Division One while Biggleswade 2s are
second in Division Three. Over all, Biggleswade Squash are
ranked Seventh fro 24 teams in the League.
 Saracens
Coach Education Programme.
The final sessions this season are as below. The cost
are just £10 per coach and are open to all club coaches as part of
the Saracens club partnership. They will be held at either Old
Albanians RFC or The University of Hertfordshire.
•
Sunday 20th February
Saracens vs. Leeds –Observation &
Analysis
•
Tuesday 15th March
Video Analysis
•
Monday 11th
April
Specialist session for Backs
•
Wednesday 1st June
Preparing Players Preseason & In Season
•
To book a place please contact Alex at alexausterberry@saracens.net
Saracens Easter Intensive Skills Course a
one day course coasting £28 per player, this is for Mini and Youth
age groups the date is to be confirmed, either 11th/12th
or 21st April, but we need to have an idea of numbers from
players / parents before committing to the course. Please email martin@biggleswaderugby.co.uk
From Richard Gregg at Saracens…..As a parent or
guardian of an U13 – U17 year old rugby player for next season I
wanted to make you aware of this summers Saracens RAF Residential
Camp.
The Saracens RAF residential camp is aimed specifically
at U13 - U17 playing age groups for the 2011- 12 season and will
provide over 25 hours of rugby coaching in addition to team building
and leadership activities. With the support of the RAF and Saracens
coaching staff, the course will allow participants to develop
themselves as individuals both on and off the pitch. Book via www.rugbycamps.com/saracens
Course:
Saracens RAF Residential Camp at RAF Halton
Arrive:
Tues 2nd Aug
Depart:
Fri 5th Aug
Venue: Ages:
U13 – U17
Online Price 10% off: £260.00
Northampton Saints will be
running a similar course at Stowe School on August 8th to
12th for the same age group, the cost will be £410 x
player, this can also be booked via the Rugby Camps website.
RFU Grand Draw 2011.
First Prize of £10,000! Many other prizes, all are listed in the
clubhouse. Remember, Biggy get to keep 90p in the pound for every
ticket sold. This is the only direct funding we get from the RFU and
the proceeds go into all sections of the club. Tickets are widely
available from Stan (Chairman) Martin (Membership) and Martin
Wright (Squash) and also from Jane Seymour (Minis)
LAST DAY FOR TICKET SALES IS 15th FEBRUARY
Kit Store January Sale
We have a limited supply of a previous design (navy/grey) of Kooga
Vortex tops and bottoms, with Biggy Logo.
Sizes and prices are as follows
LGB - £15 each
Adult: S, M, L (trousers only), XL, £17.50 each.
This is up to 50% off our normal prices. These are very limited
so strictly on a first come first served basis.
Club to host schools games
Wednesday 9th March
East Beds SSP year 3 & 4 Tag final 10am to 12 noon
Friday 25th March
Bedfordshire County SSP Finals year 3 & 4 Tag 12 noon to 4pm
More details in the next E-News.
Bedford vs Birmingham-Solihull
on Friday February 11th at 7.45pm. Friday rugby at
Goldington Road is always a good night out!
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|
Saracens Ladies Night
Ladies Night is back and will be
taking place on Wednesday 30th March at the Watford
Hilton Hotel.
Please see the attached flyer for full
information
Please pass this on to any ladies
you know who would love a great night out all for a good cause!
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Try this weeks guest beer!
 Six
Nations Rugby!
Watch Biggy and the
Six Nations Championship
|
England
v Wales
|
Friday
4th February
|
8pm
*
|
|
France
v Scotland
|
Sat:
5th February
|
5pm
|
|
England
v Italy
|
Sat
12th February
|
2.30pm
|
|
Italy
v Wales
|
Sat
26th February
|
2.30pm*
|
|
England
v France
|
Sat
26th February
|
5pm*
|
|
|
|
|
Club games K.O at 2.15pm with the exception
of the cup game v Vauxhall which is at 2pm
|
Biggleswade
v St Neots
|
February
5th
|
|
Biggy
Pirates v Upper Clapton
|
February
5th
|
|
Biggleswade
v Stoneygate
|
February
12th
|
|
Biggy
Pirates v Datchworth 3s
|
February
12th
|
|
Biggleswade
v Vauxhall
|
February
26th
|
|
Biggy
Pirates Greene King Cup
|
February
26th
|
|
Biggleswade
3s v Biddenham
|
February
26th
|
 ‘Six Nations Buffet’ on Saturday 26th February
at 12.30pm
Biggleswade
U11s vs Northampton Old Scouts U11s (Sunday 23rd January
2011)
Match 1 - Northampton Old Scouts (30) vs
Biggleswade U11s (10)
Despite
last ditch tackling by Luke and Finlay, Old Scouts scored three
unanswered tries in the first five minutes of the match to take an
unassailable lead. Ellie and Joe W combined in defence with Aaron B
(holding the ball up over the line) slowed down the try count, but
continued Old Scouts pressure resulted in two more tries. Four quick
substitutions brought Biggleswade back to life and Jonah went on a
long run to score Biggy’s first try of the day. The second half saw
Biggy ‘stop the rot’ keeping the Old Scouts down to a single try and
matching them with their own try by John, picking up and diving over
to score. Scrum half Henry brought more ‘zip’ to the backs, enabling
the line to move forwards and Biggy’s tackling (particularly in the
second half and especially by John) was much improved.
Match 2 - Northampton Old Scouts (15) vs
Biggleswade U11s (7)
Biggleswade raised their
game for this second match, with fly half Jake’s clearance kicks
frustrating the home side and allowing Biggleswade to spend more time
in the Old Scout’s half. Joe W stopped a certain try with a big hit
on his opposite number, but Northampton rallied and scored their
first unconverted try of the match shortly afterwards. Not to be
outdone, Jonah moved the ball up-field to within the Old Scout’s 15
meter line. Biggy moved the ball closer to the try line, but the Old
Scouts infringed, and Aaron B’s quickly taken tap penalty was stopped
metres from the line. A second penalty saw Jacob come close to
scoring, but Aaron was on hand to dive over and score for Biggy.
Jacob duly converted (just as well since he’d persuaded the referee
to allow conversions just before the second game)! Credit must go to
second rower Zac, playing his best game in a Biggy shirt, offloading
superbly and making the hits at ‘ruck time’. Biggy went into the
interval ahead for the first time in the day.
The second half saw Biggy’s
scrum solid with their backs fronting up, stopping two certain tries
on the line. Ashley got ‘stuck into’ the Old scouts and Tawanda’s
pace took him clear through the Old Scouts line on two occasions.
Max’s great pass allowed Ashton to run within 5 meters of the
opposition’s line, but he was stripped of the ball before he could
score. The Old Scouts managed to break out down the left wing to
score their second try, again unconverted. Biggy pressed hard to
score next with Ben H coming close and Max’s dive coming up just
short of the try line. Finlay’s solid defence saved a try in the last
few minutes, but Biggy were stretched and Old Scouts’ forwards drove
Biggy back over the line to score again.
The Top Tackler Award was
shared by Joe W and John (with 13 tackles each), backed up by Aaron
and Finlay (with 10 tackles each) as well as Max, Morgan and Tawanda
(with 9 tackles apiece).
The Grafter of the Day was
awarded to Finlay for his superb overall play, but also for the
double tackle that he made to save a certain try. Despite losing
twice, players, parents and coaches alike were pleased with
Biggleswade’s determination and teamwork. Rolling substitutions
allowed the players to play together in new combinations and thanks
must go to Northampton Old Scouts, who were superb hosts, applauding
good play from both sides and upholding the spirit of rugby.
Squad:
Aaron B, Andrew, Arun R,
Ashley, Ashton, Ben H, Ben S, Callum, Chris, Ellie, Finlay,
Henry, Jacob, Joe W, John, Jonah, Liam, Luke, Max, Morgan, Nathan,
Tawanda, Zac
Russ
Suter (Head Coach)
Biggleswade
Pirates 46, Wendon Ambos 22.
 In
a first half that mirrored last weeks game against the Black Horse,
Biggleswade went behind by three tries before they started playing
rugby and came back to win comfortably.
Wendon
won the toss and elected to play with the strong wind behind
them. Their forwards dominated in the early stages and their
Fly Half used his boot to good effect kicking deep into Pirates
territory. Their first try was a result of some good rucking
and they scored out wide on the left. Their second came from
their backs slick passing down the line to create an overlap to score
in the opposite corner and their third came from a mistake by
Biggleswade close to their own line. Wendon turned the ball
over in the ruck and dived through the Biggleswade forwards who were
all standing off popping the ball down over the line.
Fortunately for the Pirates, only one of these tries was
converted.
Biggleswade
finally started scoring points of their own when the forwards came
alive and started to dominate. Strong running in the centre from
Zack Pates created a chance for Jimmy Hart on the wing, who passed it
back inside to Pates who scored near the corner. Hart then
scored two of his own in quick succession. Biggleswade finished
the half the stronger but still trailing by 2 points.
Wendon
came out in the second half having changed their game plan to keep
the ball tight in their forwards and pick and drive. Initially
Biggy allowed them to gain crucial yards and another great kick from
the Wendon Fly Half caught the Pirates backs up too flat in defence.
Wendons gangly outside centre caught the ball on the bounce and
scored in the corner. The Biggleswade defence protested he had
put his foot in touch but the referee disagreed and awarded the try.
Having
realised that the visitors had changed their game plan, the Pirates
then pressed the wind advantage to take them down into the Wendon
half. Some impressive backs moves, strong running from Andy
Claypole and Dave “Go faster hair” Howell and superb support play
from forwards and backs resulted in some very impressive tries.
Stuart West back at prop after his run out in the centres last
week scored the first, breaking down the blind side to score in the
corner. He then made a break down the other wing, running half
the length of the pitch and dummying the Wendon scrum half to score
his second in the opposite corner. Andy Claypole scored his
third try in two weeks from yet another quick tap penalty. Man
of the match, Harry Dix scored his second in two weeks following some
great interlinking between backs and forwards and Ian Beckitt scored
in his first game for the Pirates this season when he pounced on a
cross-field kick, beat two men and scored under the posts.
Next
week the Pirates are away to Saffron Walden who have had a mixed
season and are sitting 5th in the league.
Midlands 4 East (South)
Biggleswade 13 Oundle 8
Biggleswade marched on with another win.
But it was a close run thing and they did not have an easy ride.
Oundle had been unbeaten since losing to Biggleswade by forty points
in early October. The visitors to Langford Road had enjoyed a good
run being undefeated in seven matches. They had a narrow win over
Stoneygate and a draw with Stamford who Biggleswade lost to. Because
of the bad weather Biggleswade have yet to play Stoneygate.
Biggleswade kicked off and straight away
put Oundle under pressure. This flummoxed the Oundle fly-half who
tried to scramble away a clearance. Dean Bartlett charged down the
kick on the edge of the “22”and gathered the ball for the touchdown.
Most of the first half was played at
Oundle’s end. But in a rare break out Oundle’s winger slipped away up
the blind-side for their only try. Biggleswade cancelled this out
when winger Gavin Taylor was at the end of a three-quarter move with
a try in the corner his fourth of the season.
The Biggleswade three-quarters always
looked the most threatening with Jonathan Hamilton back in the centre
after injury spinning out some slick passes. On another day George
Matthews on the wing could easily have had a couple of tries. Full
back Charlie Darlow had some explosive runs from deep but could not
quite find a way through the Oundle defence.
Neither side took control up front. The
scrums were very equal with Biggleswade winning one strike against
the head. In the gusty wind the lineouts were a lottery with many
ending in scrums. Tom Hill out for so long with an ankle injury made
a welcome return and made an impact at the front of the lineout in
the second half. Sam Thomas as always competed for everything in the
number four spot.
Once again it was a forward who was
nominated as man-of-the-match for Biggleswade. Carlton Avison got the
accolade for a solid game. He started at second row and moved to prop
when James Caulfield was rested. He also put some stick about his own
side calming hotheads and demanding “No penalties!”
The second half was very even and was
punctuated by many breaks for injuries. There were also four yellow
cards, two for each side, for “technical offences in the red zone”.
After one card the match had to go to uncontested scrums. Oundle had
used all their replacements and had no-one to play hooker to replace
the “binned” player. The miscreants for Biggleswade were Sasha Heath
and Dom Nott. If there are many more games like this where tensions
were high on the touchline tranquilisers may have to be added to
Megan’s bag of tricks.
The only scores in the second half were a
penalty apiece with George Matthews slotting home the one for
Biggleswade. This calmed the nerves as Oundle had got within two
points with a penalty in front of the posts at the other end.
Team: A Fage, S Heath, J Caulfield (T
Hill), C Avison, S Thomas, D Bartlett, M Haddow, D Nott, R Taylor, M
Smith, G Taylor, M Hall, J Hamilton, G Matthews, C Darlow. Will Roake
and Karl Marshall were also on the bench but not needed.
Next week Biggleswade travel north-east
to St Ives. The home tie in October was a 29-3 victory but on the sloping
pitch in the windswept steppes anything is possible.
Biggleswade
Pirates 27 – 22 Black Horse (Green King Super Deuxieme Sud)
In
their eleventh league outing of the season, the Pirates travelled
over to Hertford Rugby Club to play the Black Horse; a pub team
without their own ground and judging by the distance the pub is from
Hertford Rugby Club, both sides were playing away!
After
a particularly lethargic warm up, the Pirates won the toss and
elected to play into the strong wind that was blowing almost straight
down the length of the pitch. Within minutes, some sloppy
defence let the ‘home’ team in for their first try. Biggleswade
replied with a try of their own at the other end when Andy Claypole
took a quick tap penalty and found the Black Horse players napping.
Biggleswade had worked their way up the pitch against the wind
with some good interlinking and hard running. The Black Horse
players could only stop the onslaught by giving away the
penalty. Rastrick converted Claypoles try.
Defensively
the Pirates were in complete disarray for much of the first half and
allowed the Black Horse in for a further three tries before scoring
one of their own out on the wing by Zack Pates who received the
scoring pass from winger Luke Haverley as he was being tackled into
touch. Biggleswade could have scored another try earlier on
when a player who shall remain nameless to protect his last shred of
dignity crossed the line in the corner and dropped the ball as he was
tackled trying to get nearer to the posts.
At
half time captain Rastrick made some tactical changes, which though
unpopular with those players taken off gave an extra level of pace in
both the forwards and backs. This would be needed as the
Pirates used the wind to great advantage, pinning the Black Horse in
their twenty two for most of the second half. The first of the
tries came from Andy Claypole, who used his bulk to drive over the
line. The Horse made occasional surges into the Biggy half but
some solid defence turned the ball over or reduced their options
forcing them to kick to touch. When they did this, Biggy
invariably won the line out and Rastrick sent the ball back into
their twenty two.
Biggleswade
had some close chances to score in the centres with the pairing of
Damien White and Tom Worboys making some elusive runs into the
defensive line. Some good loops and miss moves also created
spaces which saw Grandad make a break through a gap between the
centres only to be pulled down by the studs. A great tackle
from the Horses number 12. The fourth try came from Tom Worboys
after Damo broke through the line and popped the ball to Tom to
score.
The
winning try went to Super Sub Harry Dix who after narrowly killing
four of the team on the way to the match in a car that would need
some assistance from Jimmy C to pass its MOT found himself playing on
the wing instead of his usual hooker position. The forwards
worked hard to suck in the defence with more quick rucks.
Gadsby playing at scrum half spotted a mismatch on the blind
side and passed to Rastrick who drew two defenders before passing the
ball to Dix who ran in unopposed.
In
the strong wind, kicking was a complete lottery but the Black Horse
gave away three penalties in quick succession with five minutes to
go. Rastrick elected to kick for goal and used up almost the
full allotted minute to kick each one, though none of them went over.
This
was a difficult game against an opposition that don’t deserve to be
at the bottom of the table. The Pirates need to dig deep if
they want to come up with some spoils in the coming weeks with tough
games against Wendon Ambos at home, Harlow 4’s away and Upper Clapton at home.
Pirates:
Adams (Tysom), Foresythe (Rogers), Howell, Pickering, Hill, Pates,
White, Claypole, Gadsby, Rastrick, Haverley (Price), West (Dix), Hart
(Worboys), Holmes
Midlands
4 East (South)
Biggleswade
67 Westwood 0
As
expected Biggleswade had a comfortable win against 11th
placed Westwood scoring eleven tries. Despite all the rain the pitch
was in good condition although the blustery wind made handling
difficult.
Westwood
had an experienced pack that was strong at close quarters but less effective
in the open spaces. Young Tom Farron came in to replace the injured
Boff Smith and shown plenty of commitment tackling well.
The
average age of the three-quarters was markedly increased by Russell German
getting the nod for the first time this season. He was often the
dummy runner in the line with the ball being flashed past him as
quickly as possible. But all joking apart he did have a good game and
one quick off-load led to a try.
Biggleswade
scored early on through Dom Nott taking the direct route to the line.
Winger Gavin Taylor added the second in a more circular route that
included several sidesteps and hand-offs before crossing in the
corner. Soon after he could have had a second falling just short of
the cross-bar. Hooker Sasha Heath was at his shoulder and flopped
over the line from two metres out.
Others
quickly followed from full-back Charlie Darlow, flanker Dean Bartlett
and winger George Matthews. In the tricky wind conversions were a lottery
but George still managed three to give Biggleswade a thirty six point
lead at the break.
The
venerable Carlton Avison who probably looks far older than he
actually is retired at the break to give Michael Haddow a half. After
shaving everything off Michael now has a respectable head of hair.
Biggleswade
kicked off at the start of the second half with the wind behind them.
They were only back in their own half when Westwood re-started after
another score. Biggleswade added five more tries with Sam Thomas
getting his first try at first team level. It was a forward drive
with the ball ending up in Sam’s hands.
There
were others for Matt Smith, (from the German off-load) Dean Bartlett,
(a kick and chase of a dropped ball) Dom Nott (a quickly taken penalty
twenty metres out) and Charlie Darlow (finishing off a planned move).
Biggleswade’s
Man-of-the-Match award went to prop James Caulfield for his
undercover work at close quarters. This is never seen by the
spectators on the bank but is so important to the success of the
team.
Next
week Oundle are the visitors to Langford Road. In the away tie
Biggleswade scored over forty points against them but Oundle have
been enjoying some spectacular results lately. The game kicks off at
2.15pm and is preceded by a lunch and a youth rugby display.
Team:
A Fage, S Heath, J Caulfield, C Avison (M Haddow), S Thomas, T
Farron, D Bartlett (K Marshall), D Nott, R Taylor, M Smith, G
Matthews, R German, M Hall (W Roake), G Taylor, C Darlow.
Biggleswade
U11s vs Peterborough (Sunday 9th January 2011)
 On Sunday, Biggleswade U11’s
encountered a very strong Peterborough squad, playing away and found
it hard to match Peterborough’s aggression and cohesion. Biggleswade
were provided with a 'backs to the wall' defensive game and a huge
‘well done’ must go to Biggy’s top tackler Aaron B with 10 tackles
(Backed up by Joe W & Finlay (9 tackles each), Luke & Arun (6
tackles) and Nathan & Kate (5 tackles)).
Although Biggleswade lost
both matches (30-0 and 24-7), individually Biggy’s players had solid
games, especially Kate, Luke, Morgan and John. No one let themselves
down, which was pleasing, but more aggression, more awareness, less
missed tackles at crucial times and quicker arrival to the breakdown
would have allowed Biggleswade to have competed with the home side on
even terms. Hopefully all of the players will take this message on
board and learn from the two games this weekend.
The score line could have
been even higher, if it hadn’t been for John, Jacob, Arun R and Aaron
B for making try-saving tackles - Aaron B actually stopped
Peterborough from scoring two tries after they had crossed the try
line! Biggleswade did make inroads into the Peterborough defence,
with Tawanda, Jacob, John and Kate making strong runs and Jonah and
Aaron B storming very close to the Peterborough line. Liam and Zac
drove the ball on well, ably supported by accurate passing from the
half-backs Ben H and Nathan in the first game; Henry and Luke in the
second. Biggleswade did manage to cross the Peterborough line late in
the day, with Luke converting John’s consolation try at the end of
the second game to show that Biggleswade wouldn’t give up despite the
‘hard day at the office’.
 Further positives came from
how Biggleswade players 'fixed' the opposition and offloaded before
the tackle, a skill which had been developed in training earlier in the
week, and the fact that 25 boys and girls played in the Biggleswade
u11s team during the two matches, allowing them to run off the extra
turkey, mince pies and chocolate eaten over the Holidays!
The Grafter was awarded to
Kate for her improved tackling and superb efforts in attack. Thanks
to all the players, parents and coaches for their continued support.
Squad:
Aaron, Alex, Twydell, Arun,
Ashley, Ashton, Ben H, Ben S, Callum, Ellie, Finlay, Henry,
Jacob, Joe W, Joe B, John, Jonah, Kate, Liam, Luke, Max, Morgan,
Nathan, Tawanda, Zac
Russ
Suter (Head Coach)
Biggleswade
U16s 26 Welwyn U16s 14
Biggy
got their year off to a great start with a hard fought and keenly
contested league win against Welwyn.
Having
not played for 6 weeks due to numerous cancellations, the coaches
were worried that the team would be rusty, given that they are not
known for their quick starts at the best of times! The concerns were
unfounded as Biggy soaked up some early pressure and then hit back
with a well worked try for Del. More pressure on the Welwyn line
resulted in a charge down by man of the match Will Shep which was
pounced on by Haz and Cam with Haz claiming the try and the
subsequent conversion to put Biggy 14-0 up.
Welwyn
fought back hard with their well drilled forwards frequently beating
Biggy to the breakdown and making good gains. Their efforts were
justly rewarded with a converted try just on the half time whistle.
The
second half saw both sides playing some effective rugby with the
Biggy backs making some good breaks and moves that kept the Welwyn
team pegged back as they pushed for an equaliser. A couple of
decisive breaks should have put Biggy further in front but the
support and decision making let them down just before the try line. Welwyn then spent 5 minutes camped
near biggys line but were unable to make it count themselves as Liam
managed to steal the ball from the middle of a Welwyn maul and clear
with an excellent touch find. Biggy weathered the storm and just as
they were getting the upper hand
Welwyn broke away from their own 22 with an excellent solo run
to touch down under the posts to level the score.
Having
given away leads in their 1st 2 league outings it looked
as though there could be a repeat but the forwards rallied and 2 periods
of intense pressure lead to forward tries from Cam and Seymour in the
last 10 minutes.
A
really good squad effort with 3 new boys, Borgie, Bradley and Mason
taking the pitch for the 1st time and playing their part
to the full and a number of lads playing out of position doing
themselves and the team proud.
Tries:
Tribbeck, Worboys, Henry, Seymour.
Cons: Worboys(3)
Midlands 4 East (South)
Aylestone Athletic 6 Biggleswade 15
Biggleswade finally laid the bogey and
beat Aylestone away. After winning by over sixty points at home they
might have expected an easier ride. But having played only once in
the last six weeks Biggleswade looked decidedly rusty and lacking the
try scoring habit.
George Matthews opened the scoring for
Biggleswade with a penalty but despite several close calls
Biggleswade could not cross Aylestone’s line. After a lengthy lay off
with a back injury skipper Ross Taylor returned to the fold. Wife
Teri by now is used to Ross putting his body on the line for the Club
but was unable to be present. But by player acclamation the captain
was adjudged to be man-of-the-match for his inspiring leadership.
From the selected side Biggleswade were
without flanker Michael Haddow (work) Jonathan Hamilton (shoulder)
Carlton Avison and Simon Bannister. So Adam Fage got a recall with
Taig Norman and Will Roake summoned from the A XV as well. Forty
something Stan Matthews was also persuaded to be a replacement just
in case. He performed well in the warm-up doing the karaoke move with
panache but he didn’t get the nod from the coach.
Richard Phipps was also surprisingly
absent from the touchline so your correspondent took the flag so
details of what went on in the game are rather sketchy. Being a male
he cannot multi-task!
Charlie Darlow had some good runs and Michael
Hall in the centre made several half-breaks. But the support was
either slow arriving or the final pass was delayed just that little
bit and the player in possession was wrapped up by the defence.
Aylestone never threatened at the other
end until they grabbed an equalising penalty on the stroke of
half-time. Earlier Andrew “Boff” Smith had been forced to leave the
pitch with a knee problem. Dave Grubb moved to second row and Tink to
prop.
The referee was pretty poor at best C
minus but Biggleswade did not help themselves by accepting the
decision even when infuriated by it.
The Law Book says that the referee is the “sole arbiter of
fact”.
Biggleswade started the second half
strongly and it was a relief when Dom Nott took a short pass at a
ruck and powered through the defence for a try under the posts.
George Matthews added the conversion.
But Aylestone refused to lie down and
added a penalty to reduce the deficit. They could have had a couple
more but both drifted wide. Instead Biggleswade made sure of victory
with another try this time from George Matthews who finished off a
three-quarter move in style.
Next week Biggleswade play Westwood at
home having won in Peterborough 48-12 and feeling that they had not
played very well. The match kicks off at 2.15pm.
Team: D Grubb, S Heath, J Caulfield, A
Smith (A Fage), S Thomas, G Taylor, K Marshall (W Roake) D Nott, R
Taylor, M Smith, T Norman, M Hall, G Matthews, D Bartlett, C Darlow.
Steve “Stan” Matthews was also a replacement but not required!
Biggleswade
Pirates 35 – 26 Hitchin 3’s
After
a seemingly endless Christmas break, the newly named Pirates had
their first encounter of the New Year against local boys Hitchin 3’s.
Having narrowly won the first league encounter and narrowly
lost the friendly at Hitchin, Biggleswade knew this wasn’t going to
be easy. The Pirates received the kick off with the wind at
their backs and were soon in the Hitchin half from some pinpoint
kicking from skipper and fly half Raz. Hitchin conceded a
penalty in front of the posts and the home team took the lead.
Shortly
after, Hitchin gave away another penalty, this time much further out
and Raz again produced the goods. Stuart West was the first to
cross the line for a try, which Raz failed to convert, missing by a
whisker. Hitchin realised they had a game on their hands and
rallied pushing the Pirates back up the pitch to defend their own
line. The visitors missed a penalty but were eventually
rewarded with a well worked try. Their prop-like inside centre
bashing his way through the defence to score their first converted
try.
After
a sloppy second quarter, Biggleswade turned round at half time in the
lead but only just.
It
was Hitchin that started the second half the stronger, kicking to
gain territory and then using the bulk of their pack to suck in the
defence. When they did spin it wide to their outside backs they
had pace to equal the Pirates flying wingers Luke Haverley and Tom
Worboys and Hitchin were the first to score in the second half.
Russ German scored two in quick succession before Hitchin replied
with another of their own. Their winger kicked long and it was
a race to the line between him and Grandad. The referee awarded the
try from at least 30 metres away despite protests from Grandad that
the ball had gone dead.
Ben
Caulfield came close to scoring after Tom Farron (man of the match
for the second game running) picked from the base of the scrum, drew
the defence and popped the ball back inside to Ben who had a clear
run to the line, only to be called back by the referee deeming the
pass from Farron to have been forward.
Tries
then came from each team in turn. Westy got his second after
making a break down the blind side wing managing to batter his way
through defenders behind the line to score under the posts.
Hitchin replied with another series of quick rucks from their
forwards. Jimmy Hart scored a great individual try when he
chipped over the top down the right wing and beat his man in the
chase to score in the corner. It was Hitchin that finished the
stronger, again using their packs’ weight to great advantage but by
then time had run out and Biggleswade played the remaining minutes
out for the victory.
Everyone
played their part but players deserving of a mention include Dave
Foresythe at Hooker, who had a solid game and Damo playing slightly
out of position (no one knows what his position actually is) chasing
the ball like an over eager puppy. Special thanks also go to
Reece Holmes for patiently waiting until the last 5 minutes for his
opportunity and Graham Gadsby for turning out but not actually
getting on the pitch.
This
was a typical spirited local derby with neither side wanting to give
an inch. Thanks to Hitchin for a great game. Good luck
for the rest of the season.
Next
week the Pirates are away to The Black Horse who are currently
sitting second from bottom in the league. Places are tight and
with players in the 3’s looking for opportunities, everyone will need
to make training if they want to keep their positions.
Biggleswade:
West, Foresythe, Howell, Pickering, Hill, Pates, White, Farron,
Caulfield, Rastrick, Worboys, German, Hart, Haverley (Holmes), Elcock
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