Jersey Rugby Academy Under 13’s - Westcliff Tournament October 12th 2008 Jersey Rugby Academy Under 13’s - ?Westcliff Tournament October 12th 2008
Jersey youngsters come close in opening festival
Jersey Academy Under 13’s took a strong squad to the Westcliff Under 13’s tournament on Sunday. Jersey a regular visitor to this tournament enjoyed the warm summer like weather and the hospitality of the host club.
In the pool stages Jersey enjoyed fine wins over Stanford Le Hope, Westcliff and Braintree. The victories were achieved without conceding a point and were built upon a team game that the boys have been working on in training. In the first game against a much bigger Stanford Le Hope side Jersey defended extremely well with big tackles from the outstanding back row of Lumborg, Sinel and pack leader Griffiths. Second row Troy dominated the line out as he did all day and provided clean ball to the dangerous backs. It was the vision of Captain Rees with a clever kick into space that put the first points on the board. He ran through a ragged defence to pick up his own kick and neatly crossed over the line for the only score of the game. In the second game against local boys Westcliff, Jersey dominated the phases but were unable to add to a solitary score from Rees. It was the third game against much fancied Braintree that Jersey really moved into top gear. The front row of Day, Le Quelenec & McGovern destroyed the opponents with an awesome display of scrummaging. From that platform the backs were able to run the show with tries from Burke and Kaye. Scrum half Fagan was on hand to cause further havoc in the Braintree ranks when he broke clear and set up a forward move that saw debutante flanker Michel dive over for the third try.
The quarter final against Barking was a messy affair that forced Jersey to dig deep into their reserves. The tackling by all players was hard but fair and slowly Jersey began to dominate the game. A quick thinking move by fly half Dufty resulted in speed merchant Boayke-Yiadom breaking through the strong Barking line and scoring under the posts. Towards the end of game tackles came flying in from both sides and ill discipline from Jersey saw them reduced to 14 men for the last frantic two minutes. Jersey survived the pressure but paid the penalty with a number of injuries.
Unfortunately the semi final proved to be the end of Jersey’s winning streak. Colchester, a well drilled and skillful team with an explosive winger, proved too strong for Jersey. Injuries to key playmakers Rees, Gollop & Kaye did not help matters and within five minutes Jersey were already three tries down and looking tired from the earlier games. The second half saw a big improvement and Jersey were unlucky not to score on a number of occasions with strong runs from Gotel, Andrews & Buesnel. Strong defensive work by Willing and Shaw ensured the dangerous Colchester winger was kept quiet. Colchester against the run of play scored a late try and they went on to win the final in convincing fashion.
Despite the semi final disappointment all the players can take great heart from their performances. They should take great satisfaction in reaching the semi final and in the quality of rugby played. Coach Lee Gotel was extremely proud of all the players. "Naturally all the players were disappointed to go out at the semi final stage but I think Sunday demonstrated how we are growing and improving as a whole squad of players. To get to the semi finals is a reflection of the hard work and effort the boys have put in since that start of the season. I am confident we can build on Sunday and continue to develop as a squad this season".
Player of the Tournament was Gareth Rees, Man of the Match was Zac Boayke-Yiadom and The Best Performer was Matthew Michel.
Pool Results
Jersey v Stanford Le Hope 5 - 0 Try scored by Gareth Rees
Jersey v Westcliff 5 - 0 Try scored by Gareth Rees
Jersey v Braintree 15 - 0 Tries scored by Matthew Michel, Matthew Kaye and Tom Burke.
Jersey Won the Group without conceding any points.
Quarter Final
Jersey v Barking 5 - 0 Try scored by Zac Boakye-Yiadom.
Semi Final
Jersey v Colchester 0 - 20
The squad were as follows; Gareth Rees (Captain), Dylan Griffiths (Pack Leader) Samuel Lumborg, George Fagan, Tom Burke, Ben Troy, Tom Sinel, Kieron McGovern, Charlie Le Quelenec, Matthew Michel, Jordan Gollop, Jason Andrews, James Dufty, Jonathon Shaw, David Day, Zac Boayke-Yiadom, Max Willing, George Buesnel, Daniel Gotel, Matthew Kaye. Coaches: Lee Gotel & Richard Lumborg. Team Managers Alma Dauru & Sarah McGovern
The Academy is proud to be sponsored by
Bedell Group, Dandara
and principal sponsor,
Moore Management
End of Report