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TROJANS FC
Founded 1874 The Trojans Club Stoneham Lane Eastleigh Hants SO50 9HT |
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HRFU
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. TROJANS U10 EXTEND WINNING RUN TO TAKE HAMPSHIRE COUNTIES 13/03/11
Team : Archie A, Craig S, Dylan H, Ethan T, Fraser C, Harvey W, Jez T, Josh W, Louis S, Matthew J, Sam HC, Sam T, Tom A, Tom R,
After a quite wonderful season to date, Trojans U10’s began Sunday with a quiet maturity beyond their U10 years. Meeting in the bar (sign of things to come ?), the team revised their game plan and refined one or two moves (helping to empty the bar in the process). Louis stocked up on an extra large portion of chips. As hosts we were familiar with surroundings and procedures. Due to the overnight showers, pitch conditions were good for rugby; although a bit sticky early on, the sun fulfilled its promise as the day wore on.
Group Matches
Match 1: Trojans 2, Farnborough 0 Not having faced Farnborough in recent times, Trojans did not know what to expect from the opposition in the first game. Well all credit to Farnborough, at half time the score was 0:0 and Trojans had to rejig the personnel to take account of a very strong Farnborough pack. In the second half going down the hill, it inevitably became a little easier but it was a tight game eventually sustained pressure resulted in two hard fought tries. Trojans were reminded that this would be a tough tournament.
Match 2: Trojans 2, Overton 0 Our second match was against the reigning County Champions. Our recent record has been strong against our Overton cousins, but they always play a rugged power game against us and this day was no different. Matt took an accidental head knock which put him out of playing for the rest of the day as a precaution, (he is recovered now). A 2:0 lead had been established by half time, and victory was well earned and deserved. Match 3: Trojans 2, Portsmouth 0
With Harvey eagerly slotting in effortlessly to the vacated fly-half position, (what a difference from 12 months ago when it was Harvey who received the knock), Trojans took on some really big boys from Portsmouth. and once again this was a tight match. Trojans again did just enough to gain a solid if unspectacular victory in a physical encounter. Match 4: Trojans 6, Romsey 1
As the sun came out, the mud dried, and the nature of the rugby changed quite significantly. Trojans were able to pop it about with a greater pace, purpose and accuracy than before. Romsey were game opposition and were also looking to play in an open style. However ultimately and against an evidently tiring opposition, Trojans went on to enjoy themselves running in 6 tries to Romsey’s 1.
Quarter Final : Trojans 2, Andover 0 Having played Andover and beaten them last month at the Winchester tournament, Trojans thought they knew what to expect. However Andover were intent on not repeating that experience. For the first time on the day, the Trojans scrum was under real pressure and good ball was hard to come by. Some good work by the backs pilfered a try, and with Craig coming on as substitute we managed to put a scrummage nudge on 5 metres from the opposition line. Sam, as he does so well, popped the ball over the line for a key score against good opponents to secure the win.
Semi-Final: Trojans 3: Vectis 1 Vectis are an athletic and strong running side. The match was closer than the result suggests. However with Vectis scoring first, Trojans showed huge reserves of character in the sixth match of the day to comeback and score 3 tries to tie up the win. Trojans were in the County Final
Final : Trojans 4: New Milton 1 After what seemed like an endless Summer afternoon break before the final, Trojans set into their friends from New Milton with an intensity they seem to store up for our New Forest neighbours. With the slope to their advantage Trojans quickly pulled out a 4 try to nil lead by half time, and the smiles started to break as we realised that this was to be our year. New Milton as ever played some good rugby and picked up a deserved second half try, but the result and the Championship was secure.
Trojans U10’s....Hampshire County Champions. A terrific performance by all 14 boys. So many upped their game to a new level. They all did their parents, coaches, section and Club proud. Harlequins Etihad Semifinal “Tournament” Report – Trojans Qualify for the Grand Final
Tom Austin, Dan Lampard, Louis Sweed, Ethan Taylor, Jez Traynor, Archie Ayling, Fraser Craigen, Dylan Hills, Matt Jackson, Tom Rowley, Sam Trodd, Harvey Ward, Josh Wells
“Is it on ?”. “They’ll ruin the pitch ?”. “Surely not ?”. Well the answer to the questions was “Yes”. “Maybe we did”. ”The groundsman’s going to go off on one”. Hats off to Quins, both the organisers and the club itself , for letting the U10 tournament proceed on the Twickenham Stoop main pitch. Dreams were made (and hearts no doubt broken) in a morning of “extreme rugby”. In glutinous mud where on impact with the ground, the surface water went over the sides of size 3 boots, the lads filed click clacking off the tarmac to start the tournament within 60 seconds of stepping onto the pitch. Part of the strict conditions of proceeding with the tournament was that there were to be absolutely no warm-ups on the pitch, one coach only allowed on the grass, no swallow dives etc. ( not even by coaches). Extermination was threatened for breaches by a rather glamorous looking lady organiser. We were told this no more than 10 minutes before the start. After that It felt uncannily like a time challenge to get the kids ready.
Unsurprisingly, our first game had little shape. We lost it deservedly so 1-0 to a committed and direct Haslemere team. We really struggled with our game in these difficult conditions. The power of the forwards was present but the normally incisive passing and stepping running from the backs was nullified by what was showing itself to be a form of glue underfoot. Passing and catching were major feats of concentration. There were many scrums. Connor O Shea the Quins director of rugby described the afternoon conditions for the” big boys” in the Sunday Times as “horrific”; he did not have to contend with the sheeting rain we had in the morning. Tackling however was immense.
Trojans 0 Haslemere 1
We then had to go directly into a contest back to back with our local Hampshire rivals and friends New Milton; New Milton as we anticipated, really went for it against us. Overall it was generally an even game, where the two sides defensive commitment cancelled each other out. In the last couple of minutes but for some admirable and characteristic last ditch tackling, we could have gone out there and then. However, somehow defence, courage and pride held out and we gained a 0-0 draw and a chance to regroup after the first two games.
Trojans 0 New Milton 0
The team had a really good discussion during the one match break and several things were changed around to take account of the extraordinary soggy conditions ; players were also encouraged to pull out one “big game” against what on paper was the strongest team in the group (unbeaten so far in this seasons Etihad); if we could do that we could be back in the mix . Well what a difference. From the off the focus was back and players put Sevenoaks under relentless pressure both in attack and in defence. It was not pretty, but it was effective. In territory and possession we took a grip of the game. However Sevenoaks strong defence from one of the largest teams we have ever played against held out. As it edged towards its closing stages it looked again like ending 0 -0 with defences winning the day . But then one minute from the end a maul started just over half way, Sevenoaks had players committed in the maul and Trojans parents were aching for it to pop out on Trojans side to enable us to use the space; but it didn’t. Our big centres joined the fray and we began to edge forward a metre at a time. Then crucially big Dan arrived on a powerful run after being waylaid at the bottom of a ruck on other side of the park; he hit the maul hard and low and it lurched forward suddenly with a new momentum; the ball popped out on our side, Sam Trodd collected dived and the try was awarded. Jubilation and then the final whistle. We were back in it.
Trojans 1 Sevenoaks 0
The last game was a totally different affair. Although we knew we needed the bonus point which came with the 4 tries, the players were relaxed and began to properly enjoy their rugby against a clearly tiring opposition. We stayed with direct tactics and they brought results with tries run in by Sam , Matt (2), Dan, Jez, and Archie.
Trojans 6 Welwyn 0
Overall a great experience. In the end we qualified in second place to Sevenoaks. This meant we qualify for the second year running to the Grand Finals up at Twickenham.
This is quite an achievement for Trojans U10s.
What’s more to achieve by coming from behind in terrible conditions showed that this team also have enormous reserves of character. A truly outstanding effort from all 13 boys, of which the whole U10 section can take some real pride. Winchester A Festival Sunday 6th February
Squad: Ethan T, Dan L, Tom A, Louis S, Sam HC, Jez T ,Matthew J, Sam T, Dylan H, Archie A, Stefan W, Mateus J, Harvey W
On a distinctly grim and blustery winter morning, the squad hunkered down in the tent to listen to the coaches briefing including talk of off- loading, attacking space and defending as a wall; the squad listened intently. However the best advice offered was given as they exited ‘go out , do your best, and have some fun’
There were 2 groups in the pool stage. In with Trojans were Pulborough, Havant, Winchester and Andover. In the other group were Chobham, Salisbury, New Milton, Basingstoke and Alton. All were clubs with strong reputations across the region; there were no illusions as to the quality of the opposition we would face on the day.
Match 1 Trojans v Pulborough
The Trojans players started the Pulborough game with a real gusto and what ensued was an encouraging display of all round rugby with good passing, off-loading, rucking, mauling and tackling. Despite this the West Sussex side's equally tenacious defending meant that Trojans’ pressure created just the one try with Ethan driving his way over the line. The second half was to continue in similar vein. Just as it looked like the match would be tight right to the end Archie swooped to pick up a super interception try which even had the Pulborough supporters applauding as he streaked to the line.
Trojans 2 : Pulborough 0
Match 2 Trojans v Winchester
Having encountered Winchester many times previously this season, there might have been a touch of over confidence amongst the players going into this match. If so this was falsely placed as they found themselves in a really tough encounter. The defences of both sides were on top, forcing errors on both sides as they tried to move the ball around. Eventually Sam T managed a dash to the line to open the score. A subsequent breakaway by Winchester was frustrated by Stefan who critically hauled his man to the ground. The second half was more of the same and Trojans were happy to hear the final whistle.
Trojans 1 : Winchester 0
Match 3 Trojans v Havant
Having met Havant twice this season in tight encounters, it emerged that this was going to be the crunch match of the group . This was another close match with the score line slightly flattering Trojans. Trojans received the rub of the green on a couple of occasions. Twice the ball squirted out of a ruck on the Havant line, once to be pounced on by an alert Jez, and once by an equally alert Ethan. Strong play from Havant saw them pick up a good try between our two scores. The highlight of the match however was Dylan Hills try in his first full Trojans A team tournament since tag. In an ideal support position he accepted an inviting pass from Archie to first weave and then sprint to the corner under huge pressure. After Dylan’s “boys own” history of trampolining mishaps, this sealed a great comeback;
Trojans 3 : Havant 1
Match 4 Trojans v Andover
After their strong first 3 games, the players were justifiably confident as they walked out for their final group match. Another good display of Trojans running and passing soon saw the first try scored by Matt, launching a mazy run from his own half to touch down. A second such sprint for the line was cut down by a brave, crunching Andover tackle, but a third dart succeeded for a second Matt try. Mateus lively throughout the day, worked to good effect running good lines and unselfishly creating space for others. In the second half Dan, Louis and Sam HC really started to assert themselves with powerful forward play, winning consistent ball both in the scrums and in the loose. In one attack, Dan in close support as usual, took the ball at pace and launched an unstoppable run to score. Andover however showed great character and, and at the end fought back bravely, powering their way through for a deserved consolation try .
Trojans 3 : Andover 1
Cup Final Trojans v Chobham
Chobham are an athletic and well disciplined side.. Trojans however raised their game further playing to a very high standard and eventually Sam T made a darting run to touch down for the first try. Chobham responded immediately with a well worked switch move from the restart seeing their flyer go round the outside to score. After some awesome loose forward play by both sides a tremendous forward drive close to the Chobham line saw Ethan power his way over for a second Trojans try. Trojans adjusted their formation to deal with the restart and were not to be caught out by this again. However in a real ding dong exchange of open play Chobham’s flyer found a gap and ran in a second try.
Trojans 2 : Chobham 2
Trojans won the competition on the basis of the first score in the final (both had picked up maximum point in their group). Great joy ensued for Trojans, and obviously some justifiable disappointment for a quality Chobham outfit. This was yet another very good performance of U10 Rugby from all 13 Trojans squad members who took part. All the boys of the Trojans U10 section can feel justifiably proud. 14/11/2010 TROJANS WIN LONDON IRISH 2010 U10 MATCHDAY FESTIVAL CUP
Team : Archie A, Craig S, Ethan T, Harvey W, Jez T, Josh W, Louis S, Mateus J, Matthew J, Sam HC, Sam T, Stefan W, Tom A, Tom R,
With the excitement of the fabulous England Aussie spectacle from the previous day still in their minds, Trojans U10’s headed out to the London Irish 2010/11 U10 Matchday Festival full of hope and anticipation. In a new venture for the section, we headed out to Reading University Sports fields to take on whatever opposition our London Irish Berkshire hosts had laid on. Apart from the somewhat early start time with an 8:30 registration, conditions were good for rugby, with the weather mild, ground soft and initially fairly dry.
Group Matches
Match 1 : Winchester A vs Trojans Having hosted Winchester at home some 2 weeks earlier, and met them twice in both the last two season’s county competitions, the opposition in Berkshire were more familiar than we would have expected given the 7.30 start from South Hampshire. Nevertheless, Trojans were fired up for the challenge from the off. In a single ten minute game (no half time), Trojans managed to wrest control of the game with great tackling, and super support and offloading to make a convincing start to the day. Winchester A 1: Trojans 4
Match 2: Overton vs Trojans Our second opponents were also somewhat familiar. Overton are the reigning age group Hampshire County Champions, and had only narrowly beaten our emerging team at the New Milton Emerging Players tournament two weeks previously. On this day, the tables were reversed. In a game full of commitment, Overton struggled to deal with the combination of power demonstrated by the forwards which was allied to offloading and excellent support by all. Trojans ran in 4 tries in the 10 minute game with Overton managing to breach the solid defence only once. Overton 1: Trojans 4
Match 3: Farnham vs Trojans Trojans U10’s had never met Farnham from Surrey before and this was a strange affair. Trojans played probably their least effective game of the season to date for some reason loosing the cohesion shown in the previous two games. Perhaps the early start suddenly took its toll. To be fair Farnham were well organised, did the basics well, and tackled strongly. In many ways they reflected some of the attributes of their most famous son, Jonny Wilkinson. Hats off to Farnham who fully deserved to win this game Farnham 1: Trojans 0
Match 4: Winchester B vs Trojans After a period of reflection which included an excellently observed 11.00 Remembrance silence around the pitch (well done all), normal service was resumed. Trojans faced a second team from our local rivals and the ball started to be shifted around again. Winchester stuck in doggedly with players on both sides starting to tire but it was a good match to watch. Once more the combination of offloading , support , tackling and individual power was put together for a deserved win. Winchester B 0: Trojans 3
At the end of the session it was clarified, that under the rules, the team who scored most tries (Trojans) played the team with the second most tries, which pitted us in the final unsurprisingly against Farnham.
Final : Farnham vs Trojans By the time of the final the heavens were beginning to open. Trojans however quickly gained the territorial upper ground through the power of their direct running and forward play. Farnham managed a couple of break outs up to midfield, but they were effectively snuffed out by the alert defence. Wave after wave of Trojan attack was held up through immense Farnham tackling, probably the best we have faced this season (Wilko would have been proud ) ; it was clear why Farnham had let in just the one try all morning. The final whistle went and coaches were called for..... It was to be extra time with golden try, a new experience for the Hampshire boys (max 10 minutes).
At the turnaround, crucially fresh Trojan legs were brought on. Mateus and Tom R both came on to join Sam HC who had entered the fray less than 2 minutes earlier. Trojans started off again where they left off in normal time. Huge pressure was applied. Tom R made a decisive dart down the right and was bundled into touch 7/8 metres out. Line out maul , groan, edging slowly towards the Farnham line. More and more defenders sucked in to defend what became a Trojans rolling maul. Trojans started to get full control of the ball. It was spilt backwards towards Trojans on the blindside. In a flash Tom R picked up the ball 3 metres out and shot down the narrow side to ground the ball. Referee’s arm up, try given ...jubilation for a wet set of Trojans, well deserved by the entire 14. Farnham 0: Trojans 1
New Milton "B" Tournament 31/10/10
Match 1 –v Salisbury Knowing Salisbury to have a large squad we expected a tough match and knew that we would have to be at our best from the start. Trojans hit the ground running taking the match to Salisbury from the beginning, opening a 2 try lead by half time. The performance continued in the second half with a further score. A moment’s defensive lapse exposed a gap on the wing which Salisbury took full advantage of to pull one back before the final whistle. A good start to the days work Trojans 3 - Salisbury 1
Match 2 – v Overton Again we expected a tough match, and we got one. This was a closely fought encounter with the end result belying the true nature of the game. Despite determined tackling Overton fought their way over for one try and then managed a second on a breakaway to seal the game. Despite crossing the line 3 times we were adjudged (correctly) to have either been held up or been unable to ground the ball properly. Somewhat disappointed to have lost despite the good performance the team went back into the tent to regroup during a short break before the next game. Trojans 0 – Overton 2
Match 3 – v Bournemouth Having just about accepted the coaches’ advice that sometimes, however hard you play things just don’t go your way, whatever you think, the referee’s decision is final, and to look forward not back, the team took to the pitch once more. They showed that they had listened, and with great determination, superb offloading, and running into space cut loose to open a 3 try lead over Bournemouth by half time. However Bournemouth were not going to give up without a fight and in the second half exerted sustained pressure that saw them first drive over for one try and then capitalise on the opportunity offered by some loose passing near our own line for 2 more. The end result a draw and a slight feeling of the one that got away. Another lesson learnt. Trojans 3 – Bournemouth 3
Match 4 v Havant Keen to avenge the narrow defeat suffered by their squad mates in the Cup Final at the Trojans Festival two weeks previously the team set to with a will. It was, as ever, a close fought encounter with a dogged performance encompassing great scrummaging and line out work, great running and passing and strong tackling. Above all was a determination to dig in and make sure that this time it was going to be Trojans day, which it was, by a squeak. Trojans 3 – Havant 2
And so to a wait over lunch to see whether enough had been done to progress to the knockout stage. A bit of investigation quickly established that we almost certainly had, but which was decided on the final pool game between Bournemouth and Salisbury which saw the former win by a margin that put them through to the Cup and us to the Plate semi finals.
Semi Final v Devizes We had not faced Devizes before at any level and so did not know what to expect. What was evident was that they were in the main ‘not small’. Undaunted the team took to the field and put in a complete performance around the park. They had taken on board the lessons of the earlier matches and did everything that was required against a tiring Devizes team. The result a comprehensive victory and a place in the final Trojans 3 – Devizes 0
Final v Salisbury Salisbury had 2 teams in the competition which had contested the other semi final between themselves. We therefore faced the other squad and not the one we had played earlier in the day. As we marched onto the pitch, Devizes our semi-final opponents, sportingly wished us good luck. This was to be another tight game with the first score going to Salisbury. Undeterred Trojans dug in and fought to level the score on the dot of half time. With all the play for in the second half they went out determined and believing in their ability to win. The performance of the first half was continued with superb tackling, passing and running which eventually opened a gap for us to touch down for a second try. Hanging on to the lead with grim determination there was great joy, and some relief, at the final whistle. Trojans 2 – Salisbury 1
There were no easy wins and everything had to be fought for throughout the day. The whole team showed a great spirit and determination and all 14 went out, played their best and gave 100 %. They should all be proud of the way they played and their achievement in adding some more Silverware to that their squad mates brought back from the New Forest 4 weeks previously. A great day of good rugby, team spirit, and the rain even held off! 17/10/10 Trojans Tournament - Trojans U10s get two teams into the Cup Semi’s
Sunshine, lush pitches, 1000 boys, 60 mini teams, loads of smiles and a real feast of rugby down at Trojans last week-end.
In the U10 section, Trojans U10 contributed 2 of the 12 teams that made up the competition – and what a performance from all 25 U10 players representing Trojans.
Trojans U10 Tigers The scratch Tigers team got off to a slow start in the first game of the morning against a good Jersey side, who ended up group winners, but they improved throughout the game competing strongly in the second half. Result Jersey 5: Trojans Tigers 1.
By the time we came up against Basingstoke, the
team were starting to play well as a unit with good attacking play and some
solid tackling in defence. Despite dropping behind, the team showed great
resolve to come back strongly and score the winning try in the final seconds of
the game. Result Basingstoke 3: Trojans Tigers 4. The final group game was against the Pirates, a team made up of New Milton and Havant players. Pirates started the stronger and despite solid defence and some good attacking play, Tigers found themselves down by 1 try in the second half. The Tigers team showed great character to not only pull the one try back to draw level but with the last move of the game scored the winner. There was some great rugby played with all members of the squad making valuable contributions. The open attacking play was impressive and some of the tackling was really excellent and made the difference between the teams in the end. Result Pirates 2: Trojans Tigers 3
From a coaching perspective we are incredibly
proud of the whole squad of players for the way they worked together as a team
and got better and better with each game in the pool stages. There was some
excellent attacking and defensive play with everyone contributing to the
success. We had absolutely no expectation that we would get through to the Cup
Semi-finals. It was a great credit should be very proud of their performance and achievements.
Trojans U10 Lions The Lions Team had a challenging group. The first game was against U8 County Champions Vectis, against whom games have always been tight. However a great display of forward power meant Trojans had good ball to play with, and Trojans eased out to a 2:0 position at half time. Trojans and Vectis played played a combative second half and Vectis struck back in the second half with a fine break-away try from Vectis' dangerous number 10. Result Trojans 2: Vectis 1
Next up were neighbours Eastleigh. Trojans took it straight to their opponents, despite the Coaches encouragement to use the fine weather and dry ball to move the ball around. With effective but probably the least attractive rugby of the day Trojans (albeit with great commitment and execution) went straight up the middle. Result Trojans 6: Eastleigh 0
After the previous game, the players were
interested in the coaches response to the convincing win. Next up were New
Milton U10 , a fine successful rugby section club who have a very strong U10
section (last years New Milton Cup Champions and already this year's New Milton
Plate champions) In possibly the most clinical execution of offloading in attack
combined with relentless pressure in defence, Trojans showed a level of
performance that literally took the coaches' breath away. By half time the game
was over with Trojans opening a 4-0 lead. In the second half, New Milton showed
some of the quality rugby they are renowned for: Result Trojans 5 :New Milton 1. So having beaten two potential Trojans champions, Trojans moved on to play a third in the unbeaten winners of group 2 Jersey. Jersey had been playing fine rugby all though the morning and as we met on the pitch we all recognised many of the young players who had come out to visit Trojans last Spring after the cancellation of the Havant tournament. The game was played in a great spirit but again powerful forward play combined with relentless tackling from the backs gave the home team the edge. Trojans 2- Jersey 0.
Roll on the rest of the season ! Well done to all.
03/10/10 TROJANS U10s WIN NEW MILTON TOURNAMENT
What a bonus .. as we followed the weather forecast through Saturday the only question seemed to be when ...not if the tournament would cancelled. The forecast for Sunday was dreadful. However, as Saturday ran on through into Sunday morning the signs simply didn’t get any better, but the long feared but anticipated cancellation (of which we have experienced a few) did not come.
Despite ominous clouds and persistent rain Trojans (and 700 other 6-12 year olds) headed off to New Milton on a pilgrimage to New Milton’s self proclaimed “micro climate ...” Except that it wasn’t, it was just like Southampton .... very wet.
I’m afraid the rest of it is all a bit blurred on detail –
But two takeaways
1. Boldness pays – well done to New Milton’s organisers for sticking with it – we even saw the sun right at the end of the day.
2. What a fantastic day for Trojans U10’s.
Group Games
Salisbury 0 Trojans 2 – Salisbury who knocked us out narrowly in the semi final last year, were really confronted in the contact area with excellent tackling and scrummaging from the off. The pivotal moment was at 0:0 when there was a monumental turnover effort by our scrum of Ethan, Tom A and Louis in an attacking position. This produced quick ball for Matthew to skip in for the first try. Sam T nipped in shortly after for a second to settle nerves. Jez as he so often does set the tone for the day with some all action running and support. Tom A was magnificent in his tournament debut, showing strength, character and much skill; a real star of the day in the engine room.
Bournemouth 1 Trojans 1 – Bournemouth a physically big side who drew with us here last year, matched us upfront and we went a try down early on when the Bourne’s flyer got around the outside (only occasion in the day). In increasingly dreadful conditions with sheeting rain the team showed huge character and passion. Digging deep they managed to squeeze the Bourne’s right up against their own line. In the worst conditions of the day Trojans pressurised a Bourne maul and Craig, fresh on, managed to work his way through the middle of the maul to get his weight over the ball and then with the help of his mates launch himself at the line with half the Bournemouth team attached. Try given – 1:1 – well done Craig.
Ellingham and Ringwood 1 Trojans 3 – In slightly dryer conditions – we faced 2010 County Cup semi-finalists Ellingham and Ringwood and we probably produced some of our most attractive rugby of the day to run up a confidence boosting 3-0 lead at half time. Archie got a brace running through and then away from the opposition; a great effort from the tournament debutant. Sam T sniped in for a third. Ellingham and Ringwood never were allowed to cut loose. My enduring image of this match is of Clayton bravely hanging on to the shirt of the opposition (superman flying position) and just not letting go, ever until the runner keeled over in sheer exhaustion and frustration.
Swanage and Wareham 1 Trojans 4 – The Swans were a big side – and played to their strengths in what was the most physical and bruising encounter of the day. Ethan seemed to take the brunt of it and with us one try down lesser teams might have wilted at that point. However the team, remembered its strengths and whilst we ensured we matched the big opposition physically, we started to move the ball around fast , away from their bigger players. Ethan, Harvey (dancing all the way) , Jez and Tom R all picked up team tries. Tom Rowley managed to do a “Ronaldo” triple roll for about 3 metres after an accidental trip but landed up on the line – referee was about to call for a scrum to Trojans but one of their side over eagerly shouted ....but it was on the (try) line.... so a try was awarded.
With Bournemouth failing to beat Salisbury, Trojans won the group.
Semi – Final
Fordingbridge 0 Trojans 4 – Fordingbridge are a nice rugby playing side and the score flattered us a little here. A friendly but rather vociferous opposition coach seemed to rouse our side rather more than Fordingbridge and eventually we outgunned them. Louis ripped and charged in from about 10 metres whilst Ethan picked up a further try. Skipper for the day Sam T was at his magnificent best picking up an excellent close support try and Josh got himself a well deserved try , completing an excellent all round contribution from him.
During the last couple of minutes of the game it started dawning on the boys that we had won a medal and would be in the final ....they charged off to the tent for a chat and a biscuit.
Final
Winchester 0 Trojans 1...and so to the final against our 2010 County Quarter Finalist Opponents Winchester (to whom we went out on count-back). – Against a very good well organised Winchester side, the game was very tight. Tiring players on both sides meant that full utilisation of the squads was an imperative. ...and cometh the hour.
After Sam T, captain for the day, made his normal influential contribution picking up a try in the first half, we were able to bring on Sam HC, Craig, Tom and Mateus for tiring colleagues. And what an impact they had. The tackle count already impressive went through the roof as Trojans boys pulled down anything Winchester could throw at them. Mateus closed off the right wing to possibilities on his flank, Craig in the last tough couple of minutes used his ever strengthen mauling skills to again rip what should have been secure Winchester ball at a crucial moment in defence. Sam HC made two wonderfully committed and technically excellent tackles and Tom Rowley...well, he made the cup winning tackle. Tom, there must be something to be said for watching the Leeds Rhino’s Rugby league team since 15 ½ months old; it was some tackle. For once, and on the last play a Winchester player broke our first line and started to weave towards our line at pace.....
and then came Tom from nowhere and crunch....game over.
Trojans picked up the Cup.
Well done to all 14 ! – it was a huge squad effort, of some style and real commitment. It was a wonderful day for all , made even better due to the zero expectations for the day we had on the Saturday evening .
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