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Securcom LucsLine 442 - February 15th 2019

If Carlsberg did weekends of rugby.....

When looking at the perfect weekend for a Luctonian supporter, last Saturday and Sunday would take some beating as a whole package combined. To summarise, we had an excellent Tallis Amos Group Lunch, in yet another full clubhouse, that preceded the bonus point victory for our 1st XV over Sheffield. Our 2nds racked up 68 points in beating Towcestrians 2nds, whilst on one of the most challenging weekends faced by rugby club reserve teams (6 Nations weekends) in terms of getting players on the pitch our 3rds went and put up a very competitive display against a hospitable Chaddesley Corbett 1st XV. Knocker's unwavering efforts allowed for us to get two fixtures played at Lucs on Sunday, in spite of plenty of localised flooding, and thank god he did, as both our U16s and RMS Colts progressed in their various cup competitions. Then to top it all off, England smashed 'Les Frogs' at Twickers, to round off an excellent weekend of rugby.

So the detail of the above breaks down into some really excellent work, on behalf of a variety of Lucs sides. At home the 1st XV were very controlled, if not spectacular, in defeating a tough opponent in Sheffield. The gusty conditions, combined with a heavy track underfoot, played into the hands of the two best defences in the league. With the wind at our back first half Lucs probably would have wanted more than the 12-0 lead we held at the break, but two quickfire tries at the start of the second period, not only captured the 4-try bonus point, but took the wind out of the visitors' sails. Conditions and the balance of the game, as Sheffield pulled back within 8 points in the latter stages, did not allow our side to unleash its full unshackled potential, but at the beginning of the second half there were certainly glimpses of an attacking threat that could blossom if the pitches harden and conditions warm over the final seven games of the season. The final score was 22-14 and Nigel Mee's photos of the game are available here.

Another moment that is worth mentioning, is that of Tom Williams senior debut for the 1st XV. Tom only made a fleeting appearance, for five minutes or so as Josh Watkins addressed some muscle cramping, he will hopefully go on to make many more telling contributions for our club, but more importantly as a fact for Luctonians this season, Tom was the fifth home-grown teenager to feature in the 1st XV, and the eighth teenager overall to play this season. Youngsters Rob Bengry and Connor Deignan have featured heavily for our premier side this term, whilst Tom Pearson and Ben Link have also had introductions to the 1st XV. Owien Harriott-Davis, Will Blackmore and Rob Lester are the three other teenagers to have featured in a number of Midlands Premier League fixtures this season. To highlight these facts is not to claim anything other than to show that our model of promoting the best local talent into our top side, is still very much at the forefront of everything we do. Whilst many other clubs locally, in both our league and the one above choose to focus on one team at the expense of their reserve sides, we continue to build an ambitious, sustainable model, where patient progression of a group of 60 players, via professional coaching is at the forefront of what we do. For many years we have said we have a young side in comparison to other teams and the same could be claimed this season, however the difference now is that there are very few stop gap players within this squad, who are just visiting for a year. So far this season the 1st XV have used 41 players, and for the first time in many years we look as though the vast majority of those players will be here again next season, giving us something to build on. With a continual flow of colts coming off the production line, our set up is in a very healthy place right now.

A sign of that depth is the dominating nature in which our 2nd XV have dispatched of most opponents they have come across this season in the Midlands Reserve League. A 5-68 victory on the road last Saturday, took their average points scored per game to just shy of 50 for the course of the season. Our ethos of training all our senior players together every Tuesday and Thursday is reaping rewards in the progression and development of these young players. Exposed to the same coaching that our 1st XV receive and going live against a Midlands Premier League side twice a week, is really hardening this side. Their biggest test comes Saturday though, because all the demolitions of other 2nd XVs means nothing if they cannot show improvement by winning at Hinckley. The side from the East Midlands have won this Midlands Reserve League for the past three seasons, but must beat our boys Saturday and also hope that the lads drop points again on another occasion this season, to have a chance at retaining their title.

I won't touch on the 3rds as Graham Rutherford has written a report on their trip to Chaddesley Corbett last Saturday and described the trip in good detail, so moving to Sunday last and the good news continued, starting with our U16s in the North Midlands Cup. Given the rain that fell Saturday night Hereford U16s had to call and offer the fixture be reversed, as Wyeside was unplayable, so the game reverted to Mortimer Park, and the strong defensive theme running through our senior sides continued within this performance, as our lads won 19-5 to progress to the Semi Finals of the Cup, in this their final year together as a Junior side. The afternoon then saw the tension crank up, as we welcomed Bath RFC and their Colts, to take on our RMS Colts in the National U18 Cup 3rd Round. In an extraordinary game, that saw just a handful of tackles missed on either side throughout the entirety, our lads ran out 3-0 winners, thanks to a Lewis Parkes penalty. The conditions clearly played their part, but the ferocity of defence on display from both sides was something to behold. In the end our lads probably did have the edge in the game and will now progress to the last 16 of the National Competition, where they will make the long trip to West Norfolk RFC. Across the 1st XV, 2nd XV, Colts and U16s, our sides conceded four tries and just 24 points in four games over the weekend. With the linked up junior programme, so connected to what we are running at senior level, it is no coincidence that the staunch defence that is being implemented in our top side, is being replicated throughout our teams. Well done to all our sides - here's to more of the same to come!


Looking ahead then and our tables are all sold out for Memorial Day on April 20th. We have over 100 booked into the Sportsman's Dinner with Ieuan Evans as well, so if you want a table at that please get in sharp.

This weekend coming, we have nothing at Mortimer Park Saturday as our two top sides travel away and our 3rds enjoy a well-deserved week off. The 1st XV are away at Bournville, looking to maintain some pressure on the top two in this league, after the gap to 2nd spot was cut to seven points last Saturday in the wake of Newport's defeat.  There is a bus travelling to one of our closest away games for supporters so if any of you would like to get on, the information is as follows:


The supporters bus to Bournville will leave Leominster at 11.45am and the Clubhouse at 12.00pm.
The bus is almost full so don’t turn up unless you have pre-booked with Huw Davies (01568 708450) or Chris Southgate (07770 920273).


The 2nds as touched upon will be waging battle in Leicestershire in what will be as good a reserve team fixture as you will probably see across the country this weekend. Sunday our mini and junior sides predominantly go toe-to-toe with Malvern, both here and there, whilst our RMS Colts again provide a bit of Sunday afternoon delight, as they host another big Cup clash, taking on Droitwich in the Quarter Final of the North Midlands Cup, as they continue to fight on three fronts.

Good luck to all of our sides in black and white this weekend. Let us hope it is another excellent round of tales to tell you about next week!

Smithy 

 


 Recognisable Faces

These are the four Welsh and three English supporters who were in Rome last Saturday to watch Wales defeat Italy in a mediocre game. The English trio had wider smiles than the Welsh quartet at the final whistle  and these smiles only broadened on the Sunday after watching England demolish France.

Wales for The Grand Slam?  Watch this space!

Huw





Rugby This Week

Saturday
Team Opposition Competition Venue Kick Off
1st XV Bournville League Away 3-00pm
2nd XV Hinckley 2nds League Away 2-15pm
3rd XV        

Sunday
Team Opposition Competition Venue Kick Off
U6 Training N/A Home 10-30am
U7, U8, U13 & U15 Malvern  Friendly Away 11-00am
U9, U10, U11 & U12 Malvern  Friendly  Home 11-00am
U14 Old Patesians Friendly Away 11-00am
U16 Malvern Friendly Home 11-00am
U13 Girls Training N/A Home 12-30pm
RMS Colts Droitwich NM Cup Quarter Final Home 2-00pm
 



Luctonians 1st XV 22 - 14 Sheffield 

You know its windy when someone as left the gates open in Wales and you are at Mortimer Park in February, its 8 degrees on the thermometer but you still need hat, scarf, gloves and 3 layers… It was howling in towards the clubhouse pre-kick off and Johnny Morris was practising off the tee from beyond the halfway line and the ball was sailing over the bar. I noted he wasn’t trying too often back into the wind, and Sheffield were seeing their attempts from the 22 come back towards them at ‘tother end...!! Knocker was out with his gardening fork poking around looking for daffodils and crocus in the swamp at clubhouse end, but despite the elements he had once again turned out a beaut of a pitch for the game.

After 3 weeks away, following a win, a loss and a free Saturday the boys were looking to get back on the winning trail against a traditionally strong Sheffield outfit, who have been creeping up the league into possible contention for a play-off place. Defensively they would have to be considered one of the stronger teams in the Midlands Section as they concede few points even in defeat.

Wind at Lucs backs from kick off and on the offensive straight away. Sheffield on back foot and their clearance kick from the 5 metre hardly cleared the 22 as it landed in touch…the general feeling was that a few points would need to be accumulated in the first half as the wind would be against us in the second, talk of anything from 17-30-point advantage amongst the knowledgeable at back of stand. The first score came from a line out following a Sheffield infringement, kick to 5mtr line, line out drive and Aiden Cheshire who was impressive all game, rumbled over to score with the referee on his backside after being flattened by the Sheffield defence. No matter, Louis Silver knocks over the conversion and after 10mins Lucs lead 7-0.

Despite plenty of possession Lucs couldn’t add to the tally as the game progressed, a few loose passes and turnover ball coupled with a staunch Sheffield defence kept them away from the whitewash, and although breaks from Johnny Morris, Josh Watkins and some smart carries from Aiden, Conor Deignan, Guy “Pud ”Kirkby, Isaac Fanueli and Mat Hackley they couldn’t break through. The car alarm going off in the car park was also ringing alarm bells amongst the crowd as we feared we would have no real points advantage going into the second half playing into a stiff wind. But as half time approached we were once again down in the “mud mire” at Clubhouse corner when Sheffield were penalised again for not releasing and one of their number, (it was their number 11 Geoff),  was off to the bin following a yellow and from the resulting line out drive Guy “Pud” Kirkby drove through to score following some excellent work from the forwards.  Difficult conversion in the wind was missed and at half time Lucs had a 12-0 lead.. Was it going to be enough..?

Was the wind abating? It might have been as my Ducolose took effect.. The rumble in the stands (no it wasn’t me) was that it might just be and we might not be looking at a Sheffield barrage from long high kicks and pressure on the back line. Straight on the offensive Lucs were looking to move the ball from the breakdown and Drew Cheshire was held up over the line in the corner following a flowing move which had Louis, Ice and Aiden all playing a part. Sheffield kicked a howler of a clearance and from the lineout “Pud” was off the back of the ruck down the blindside and over and the lead was now 17-0, conversion again missed as the wind which wasn’t gusting as bad, but still made kicking difficult.  Restart and Lucs straight on the ball, quick hands down the back line and Isaac “Ice” Fanueli was over as well into the corner, 22-0, no extras and only 44 minutes played on the Rolex.

Sheffield’s “bad boy” was now back on and they started to play with what wind was blowing at their backs. And within 5 mins they had their first points when Hodgson “A” ran in from half way with Depledge converting to bring the score back to 22-7. Ice was unlucky when he was tackled into touch close to the line on the hour and both sides were looking like they might add to the score. Tommy Williams was on for his debut for Josh Watkins when he went down with cramp, and what a debut, he didn’t get to touch the ball before JW returned, but he got a great round of applause. Both defences were being mean and despite both teams getting close to the try-line no quarter was given until Sheffield scored through the other Hodgson, this one being the “W” version and the reliable Depledge knocked over the conversion. 22-14.

With no time to gain a winning advantage Sheffield played to get a losing bonus, but Lucs held firm and ground out an excellent 5-point bonus win against a very competitive and useful Sheffield side.

Scunthorpe beating Newport gives us chance of catching our Shropshire neighbours, but Broadstreet crept above us in the league with their bonus point win as well. Sheffield will give Newport a tough game next weekend while we are in Chocolate Country at Bournville, Broadstreet will be home to Doncaster. 7 rounds to go so plenty of time for a few upsets. If you are travelling next week stay off the Cream Eggs as they don’t mix with the beer!!

If you are supporting the boys then MAKE SOME NOISE.. they Love it….!!

Next up at Home Bridgnorth on 2nd March, another local derby and we will be looking to put one over them as they beat us back in November.

Geoffers Man of the Match: Aiden Cheshire
Hobsons Brewery Man of the Match: Mat Hackley
Players “Have a Guinness Man of the Match”: Louis Silver

Scores :
Luctonians :
Aiden Cheshire Try 9min
Louis Silver Conv 10min
Guy Kirkby Try 39min
Guy Kirkby Try 42min
Isaac Fanueli Try 44min

Sheffield
Hodgson A Try 49min
Depledge Conv 50min
Hodgson W Try 73min
Depledge Conv 74min
 
Teams:
Luctonians: Josh Watkins, Drew Cheshire, Isaac Fanueli, Alex Smith, John Morris, Will Burton, Louis Silver; Connor Deignan, Guy Kirkby, Joe White, Max Katjijeko, Conor Turner, Henry Monkley, Mat Hackley, Aiden Cheshire
Replacements: George Newman, Owien Harriot-Davies, Tom Williams
Sheffield: Hodgson (A), Broadley, Flint, Parker, Bowman, Hodgson, Depledge; Whitney, Bradford, Rylance, Clayden, Parsons, Hignell, Womack (T), Casey
Replacements: Cooke, Hughes, Womack (A)
 
Referee: Mr Callum Watson

Geoffers




Chaddesley Corbett 1st 48 - 20 Luctonians 3rd XV
 

Like some fine wines, on occasions we just didn’t travel well. To be blunt we were still on the mini bus for the first 30 minutes.
 
As I’m writing this, I still believe we could of got the win,?we were punished by small mistakes, that just led to Chaddersley Corbett every time getting a try. I’m left puzzled why we could get 90% of things right but punished heavily for the 10% we didn’t.
 
Similar to ourselves Chaddersley Corbett 1st can munster for a home game 22+ players. Being an away fixture we could only muster 16 players.
 
For those who follow the 3rds, you have gathered we are a team with a long term plan, winning is great and pleasing, but we are still building our blocks for the future, but what can we take away from our game today.
 
Area again for improvement is discipline and importantly when a decision does not go your way on a windy day with a referee downwind don’t question his parentage. Instantly marched back 10m. Unfortunately that set the tone of our relationship with the referee.
 
What went well - Brilliant scrums front five Alex Vaughan (c) Henry Powell, Harvey Edwards, James Rutherford and Fred Davies working as a great unit time and time again. Scrums and line-outs went our way.
 
Our back row of Dave Smith (George Michael), Andy Williams and our big No8 Jamie Fletcher all worked hard.
 
So our brace of 9s, seasoned player Dan Holmes and Liberal Dave Edwards and our 10 Eddie Thomas shows we are starting to get depth in positions that have been hard to fill in previous seasons.
 
Our centres Alex Sherwood (Sqn Ldr) and one of todays try scorers Nick Burgoyne shows we are moving forward in this area.
 
So this leaves our back three players Gwyn Sergeant, Iuean Rees and Ryan Bradford demonstrate again our training is paying off.
 
As a team we managed to put together 12+ phases regularly.
 
Even Player/Manager Steve Pureuffo, with clip board in hand was contemplating 10 minutes as we had some injuries and were running out of puff. But we decided this time to save Steve for another day. Unfortunately we acknowledged the game was lost at about the 70 minute mark. To the lads credit we never gave up, it just was not our day today.
 
Today we played the best Chaddersley Corbett offered, a level 10 side at grass roots.
 
It was a good clean friendly match, if we had one or two travelling players they would have made a difference today.
 
As the minibus was kindly driven by Andy Garrod, the journey back to luctonians took 5 hours ??? as a number of public houses were visited in order to say goodbye to Ieuan Rees for his trip to New Zealand.
 
Man of the match James Rutherford
Players Player Dave Edwards
Dick of the day Ieuan Rees for leaving us
 
Try scorers
 
Nick Burgoyne/Alex Vaughan/Jamie Fletcher
 
Conversion Ieuan Rees
Penalty Ieuan Rees
 
A big thank you to Chaddersley Corbett, for the hospitality shown, and afterwards in the local pubs. We look forward to our return fixture at home on 06 April.
 
Falcon




Job Opportunity


And Finally

Guess who's playing his final game for Lucs this weekend??

 

 The views expressed in Lucsline are those of the contributing authors and may not reflect the opinion of Luctonians Sports Club.

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