Sunday 15^th April - Shrewsbury  Scorpions   Whitchurch Under 13s

 Glorious sunshine – Glorious rugby

Scorpions do it again with style. On a sunny day and at home Shrewsbury played the sort of rugby that is the most enjoyable to watch, Passion, commitment, team and individual skill shone out in another hard fort game. Owain Roberts scored his hat-trick in the first half with a superb display of No.10 rugby and the try of the half came from a full team flowing move from touch line to touch line culminating in a deft loop move and pop pass to full back Ross Mackaill who squeezed over in the corner. Whitchurch hit back with a well worked try down the blind side with a back row move going in under the posts. Half time score to Shrewsbury  26    7.

Intense heat and the need for several water breaks slowed the score rate only slightly in the second half and both sides kept up the pace and  excitement with some magnificent defence and tackling from Whitchurch. Once again Whitchurch  struck first to add another 5 points only just going wide on the conversion. A further three tries from Robert Higgins, Matty Pryce and Owain Roberts for the Scorpions re-enforced the open play mentality and team desire to continue to play “Champagne Rugby”and indeed it was a sheer pleasure to watch. Once again an individual performance in place kicking from Tom Chard added another 10 points to his tally.

This was a team effort from all the boys and a credit to the coaching staff, please all give yourselves a huge pat on the back WELL DONE.

M.O.T.M goes to Matty Pryce for an all out gutsy and stylish performance.

Sunday 15^th April 2007 Shrewsbury vs Whitchurch Under 16’s              

 Having had a couple of weeks off for Easter, we knew this was going to be a very tough match, as indeed it turned out to be. The sun was blazing down on a rock hard pitch and we had one or two new faces in the starting line up.
We made an excellent start, however, looking composed and well organised. The scrum and lineout were both functioning well, and we made the most of our possession with an early penalty in front of the posts, which inside centre, Elliott Brooks, coolly slotted home to lead 3 – 0.
It wasn’t long before we were back on the score sheet, when we stole a Whitchurch scrum and set up a fabulous driving maul, which gave No 8, Olli Chantler, the opportunity to score his fifth try of the season. Unfortunately the conversion was narrowly missed. 8 – 0.
Whitchurch realised they were in a match, and came at us strongly, competing fiercely at every ruck and maul. They put us on the back foot for a while, with some smart kicking from their centres, but we managed to keep them at bay with some excellent tackling.
Once again, the pack turned over a Whitchurch scrum, and skipper Andy Mackereth (fly-half) took full advantage, jinking his way through two or three tackles before off-loading to returning right wing Adam Faulkner, who showed his real pace by beating three defenders to score in the corner. 13 – 0. (Unconverted). Whitchurch, to their credit, came back into the game with two tries of their own in quick succession, both from well-rehearsed lineouts. Fortunately, only one was converted to bring them within a point at 13 – 12.
We managed to put on another score just before half time, when former Whitchurch player, Harry Finch, finished off a fine flowing move, to score his first for the Sundorne club.

Half time 18 – 12. 

Whitchurch started the second half very strongly and really put us under pressure in our own 22. We were forced to make one or two positional changes due to injuries, and they capitalised by scoring a try in the corner from the back of a solid scrum. 18 – 17.
I am very pleased to say that the lads didn’t panic and opened up the gap by putting over another penalty (Elliott Brooks). 21 – 17. We really competed for the ball in every area of the pitch, and the forwards began to punch some holes in the Whitchurch defence. With five minutes left, Man of the Match, Andy Mackereth, latched onto a loose ball and ran straight through several tackles to score under the posts, increasing our lead to 26 – 17. He also added the conversion. 28 – 17, which was enough to secure our hard fought victory. 

Final Score 28 – 17.

 This was another excellent win against a very strong and well-organised side. Credit has to be given to all the players for their commitment and effort, particularly in light of the conditions.

MOM. Andy Mackereth  - skipper & fly-half

Sunday 11^th March Under 14s against Newport 19-22

Another contest against Newport, the conditions were perfect and we had a good squad of players.  The boys were starting to show an improved level of understanding of the game.  I had asked them to start to trust each other and just concentrate on their own job, and start to take pride in the team and the performance. 
The match started with the usual hard contact and solid tackles.  Newport were trying to move the ball and we were keeping it tight.  Our forwards were functioning well and sticking together as a unit.  We started to win good ball and were able to release this to the backs.  Pressure was increased as we moved into Newport’s 22.  Eventually, they gave away a penalty about 10meters out.  The ball was passed to Dan Barker who crashed through their defence to score.  William Beddow was successful with the conversion.   
We kept up the pressure, but Newport started to move the ball along their back line. Scott Bentley put in a big hit and carried Kieran, their captain, off the pitch.  Worth the admission money!   We were not able to make the most from the line out.  The ball came out to their winger, who just managed to stay away from the touchline and had enough pace to get to the line to score.    They made the kick.  7-7 at half time. 

The team were playing extremely well and had started strongly, which was usually our weakness.  The game was there for us to win if we kept our focus.     
The second half started well with us having the better of the ball, however the ball was knocked back from a line out and bounced up for one of their forwards to charge over the line to score.  They missed the kick.  We needed to respond quickly and charged after the restart.  We put them under pressure and they knocked on.  From the resulting scrum we got the ball out to Henry who scored in the corner.  We missed the kick. 
We were now back in the game and had the momentum.  The ball was passed along the line to Brendon, he rounded two of their defenders to run 50m to score.  Steve Barnard made the kick.  The referee indicated that there was still 15 minutes left to play, I think his watch had stopped!  We hung on, but the pressure was building.  They picked up a ball from the back of the scrum and broke threw our defence, they carried the ball forward and broke from a ruck to score under the posts.  They made the kick and scores were level. 
There were apparently, a couple of minutes left to play.  We took the kick of which was moved wide by their back line.  We put in some solid tackles, but they retained possession.  The ball was moved forward and following a succession of knock-ons, a ruck formed in our 22.  One of our players was penalised for handling and they were awarded a penalty.  They choose to kick and were successful, the final whistle blew. 

What a performance, how much effort, such an improvement.  The team had done everything they were asked and were that close to winning.  This was a huge step forward   

Sunday 11^th March Shrewsbury 12 - 20 Bridgnorth Under 16’s

This was always going to be a tough match. We had never previously troubled Bridgnorth, and the fact that five of my ‘first choice’ players were unavailable, really meant that we were going to have to work incredibly hard to get anything out of this game.  

There was a good crowd, the weather was near perfect and we should have started much better that we did, winning the toss and kicking downwind. In fairness to Bridgnorth, they were better side for the first twenty minutes or so, keeping us penned in our own half for most of that time. Our forwards were certainly holding their own, particularly at the scrum, but it was at the line out that Bridgnorth really took advantage, and they duly punished us by scoring a couple of quick tries. Fortunately, we managed to restrict their opportunities to just the two tries, as neither was converted, to trail at half time 0 – 10. 

I made one or two positional changes at half time, and it certainly did the trick ! We started to come back into the game, with the forwards reacting much more quickly at the breakdown. Bridgnorth now had the wind behind them, and they repeatedly kicked downfield, giving us the opportunity to run the ball straight back at them, which we did to great effect. It was now a much more even contest, and we managed to put together one of the best phases of the game, which ultimately led to a superb try for Olli Chantler (No8).

Andy Hall, starting his first game at full-back, added the conversion 7 – 10. 

Bridgnorth knew they were in a game, and came back at us strongly, using their big pack and the wind to push us back into our 22. It was at the lineout, again, that we were exposed, conceding two more tries in quick succession, to be trailing 7 – 20. 

We knew we had a chance to salvage something from the game, and with 15 minutes left to go, we pulled out all the stops and played some superb rugby ! The forward really showed their commitment, strength & fitness and gave us the platform we needed to get our passing game going, and as a result, we were much more effective. Some of our passing and movement was the best we have produced so far this season, and we really put B’North under immense pressure in their own 22. Owen Warlow (centre), who had an outstanding game, closed the gap to 12 –20 when he crossed the line after some terrific handling by the backs. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed, which left us with an awful lot to do with only five minutes of the game remaining. It didn’t stop us from believing though, and we were able to cross the line twice more in the last couple of minutes. Unfortunately, the referee couldn’t award either attempt, as we lost the ball forward in contact and he was also unsighted. 

Final score 12 – 20

Bridgnorth were very relieved when the final whistle went, and although we ultimately lost the game, we had certainly gained a ‘moral’ victory. Credit must be given to all the players for a magnificent game.

Shrewsbury MOM – Ben Davies, Prop

Sunday 4^th March 2007 U13 Whitchurch 7  Shrewsbury  40 

Another away fixture and on a wind swept and rainy day, rays of “Sunshine” continue to follow the Scorpions progress. 6 trys and 5 conversions saw another display of open flowing rugby in difficult conditions. The teams cool control and work rate was paramount from start to finish. Quick close ball handling by the forwards saw George Clayton over for the first try converted by Tom Chard. This was followed closely by some deft handling in the backs to put Ross Mackaill over in the corner converted by Tom Chard with a magnificent touchline effort. Whitchurch put up a stiff defence as always but with further trys by Olly Hughes and Will Phillips and one conversion by Tom Chard saw Shrewsbury lead  26  -   0 at half time. With the wind in their backs Whitchurch laid siege on the Shrewsbury line and sustained pressure gave them a well deserved try midway through the second half. This only seemed to inspire the Scorpions who dug deep and with a fabulous display of superb ball handling and support play rewarded them with further trys from Robert Higgins and a second for Ross Mackaill both converted by “guess who” Tom Chard. Final score  40  -  7. MOTM  Robert Higgins.

On a final note can I thank Whitchurch for their hospitality and their commitment to open flowing rugby.

Sunday 18^th Feb 2007 U13

Shrewsbury   33        Whitchurch    0
Shrewsbury   24        Newport         0

Sunday 18^th Feb 2007 and as the song says “Good Day Sunshine”. This was certainly a day for celebration. Back to back games against both Whitchurch and Newport, and an away fixture, saw the Scorpions register their best win and performance of the season yet! 

Congratulations to all the boys for a tremendous effort AND more importantly played in the manner which the game should be played, open flowing sunshine rugby. M.O.T.M Will Phillips.

Sunday 4^th Feb 2007 Luctonians 29 - 7 Shrewsbury     - Under 16’s

North Midlands Cup ¼ Final

After winning our last seven games in a row, I was very optimistic about our chances of defeating Luctonians, to progress to the semi-finals of the North Midlands Cup for the first time.
We started this match full of energy & enthusiasm, although a number of players were not fully fit due to the recent “flu-bug”. Our scrum again proved to be very effective & the strong pack drove Lucton backwards on several occasions. Some excellent rucking & mauling by the forwards enabled us to secure possession, but we were never given the time or space to use it. Lucton closed us down very quickly, and as a result we were hurried into making errors. Three quick tries from Lucton, (two converted) which all came from our own mistakes, really put us on the back foot. Although we continued to compete for the ball and were very tenacious in every area of the pitch, we couldn’t gain any momentum and spent most of the time defending in our own half.

Half time 0 – 19

I really believed that we were still in with a chance; we just needed to bring a bit of composure into our game. Unfortunately, injuries to three key players meant that I had to make several changes, and as a consequence, we lost our shape and cohesion for a while. We were unable to take advantage of several scrums and penalties in the opposition’s half and found ourselves being duly punished by a couple of unconverted tries in the second half, securing the win for Lucton.
I am very pleased to say that we never gave up and with a couple of minutes left, we finally managed to put a superb passing move together, resulting in an excellent try for skipper & fly-half Andy Mackereth with Charlie Marshall (full-back) converting. The final score line would suggest that this was a very one-sided game, but with more composure and creativity, particularly at set plays, it could have been very much closer.
Despite the loss, I was very encouraged by the teams overall attitude and effort.

Final Score 29 - 7

MOM – Adam Faulkner (Right Wing), who’s tackling was immense throughout……….

Sunday 28^th Jan 2007       Whitchurch 17 - 48 Shrewsbury        Under 16’s 

 Yet another away game saw us travel to our fierce local rivals, Whitchurch, who we had never previously beaten or even got close to beating. In perfect weather and pitch conditions, albeit breezy, we took the game to them from the kick off. We knew their backs were a mobile unit from previous experience, and although their pack proved to be strong, we worked exceptionally hard at ruck and maul to secure as much possession as possible. This gave us the platform to work from, and work we certainly did !
Skipper & fly-half, Andy Mackereth set the tone, with a superb jinking run from just over the halfway line, to open the scoring. Full back, Charlie Marshall, sporting his new white kicking boots, proved they were a good investment, by slotting home the difficult conversion (0 – 7).
A couple of minutes later, he also kicked a penalty from 30 metres, after some great work by the forwards (0 – 10). Whitchurch were soon back in the match though, when a couple of loose passes went astray and they were able to take full advantage, with their right wing cutting inside for an easy try. The conversion made the score 7 -10.

From the restart, we took the ball straight back into the oppositions 22, and with a combination of assured handling and strong rucking, set up probably the best try of the day, a perfect cross field kick from Andy to prop Ben (Cohen) Davies, who beat two defenders to touch the ball down. Charlie Marshall converting (7 – 17).
In a very evenly contested first half, Whitchurch again came back strongly, putting us under pressure in our own 22. A sliced clearance kick gave them the opportunity to set up a driving maul, and they went over from close range. Fortunately, the conversion was missed (12 – 17).

A few stern words from myself at half time had the desired effect, and we took control of the game with three excellent tries in just five minutes. Andy Mackereth again leading the way, followed by No 8 Olli Chantler, and a solo effort from Charlie Marshall down the left wing.
Charlie added to his personal tally with two more conversions (12 – 36).
Whitchurch, to their credit, never let their heads drop and continued to pile on the pressure. They again came back at us with a neat move down the right wing, and after a couple of missed tackles, managed to score in the corner (17 – 36).
Despite still being put under pressure, we remained focussed and determined, and when scrum half Grant Churchill took off on a solo run from a tap penalty in his own half, we knew that we had the game in the bag when he went under the posts for his first try of the season. Charlie added the simplest of conversions, to give him a personal tally of 18 points (17 –43). Prop Ben Davies finished off the game in style when his front row colleagues drove him over the line, after several superb scrums against the head in the oppositions 22.   

Final score 17 - 48 

This was a tremendous result for all concerned, and we thoroughly deserved the win. The commitment and effort shown was a credit to all the players.  

MOM – Ky Holder (Open side Flanker) 

For the Stato’s –  Played 11         Won 9 (7 in a row)           Scored 248        Conceded 131

Sunday 21/01/07  Wolverhampton 0 Shrewsbury 14   Under 16’s

 With confidence high after five straight wins, we travelled to Wolverhampton for our first match of 2007. It was always going to be a difficult game though, with several first-choice players unavailable through injury and sickness, and with three new players also making their debut. The waterlogged pitch certainly didn’t help either, as both teams struggled to find any rhythm for the first 10 minutes or so. This was not a day for free-flowing, attractive rugby; it was a day for slugging it out up front in the mud.
Our forwards slowly began to impose themselves on the game, putting Wolves under pressure at both scrum and lineout. It was from one of our lineouts that the first try came, when the forwards set up a superb driving maul to take us into the oppositions 22. Several rucks followed and Prop, Ben Davies, seized the opportunity to score a well-worked try by picking and driving over from a couple of metres. Charlie Marshall (fly-half) added the conversion with a terrific kick. (0 – 7) 
It wasn’t long before the second try followed, as we didn’t allow Wolves out of their own half, such were the conditions and pressure. A slick passing move from the backs, gave fly-half Charlie Marshall the time to put up a superb ‘Gary Owen’, which was chased down by Adam Faulkner, who came in off his wing to deftly pick the ball up, break two tackles and touch down under the posts for his first try of the season. Charlie stepped up to add two more points. (0 – 14) 

Wolves changed their forwards around and started the second half well, spending 15 minutes in our 22, but we defended superbly and kept them at bay. The wind had picked up and it certainly made life more difficult. Unfortunately, we also suffered a couple of nasty injuries and were forced to change the balance of the side. Wolves were able to take advantage of this and really put us on the back foot.
Fortunately, we held our composure and stuck to our game plan, spending the last 15 minutes of the game in the Wolves half, virtually camped in their 22.  Our scrum and lineout were still rock solid, and the forwards were able to set up several scoring opportunities, but the final pass didn’t quite come off. We also made several attempts to drive over the line, and were successful on a couple of occasions, but the referee was unsighted and the tries were disallowed.

Final Score 0 – 14 

Another very pleasing away win, made difficult at times by both the opposition and the conditions. The lads showed great commitment, strength and determination throughout. 

MOM – Elliott Brooks (Centre)

Shrewsbury Scorpions U13’s 17.12.06 Shrewsbury     15 Llanidloes        5 

“Scorpions tame the Dragon !” 

Shrewsbury celebrated their first ever win over Llanidloes on Sunday with yet another gutsy performance and superb team effort. The visitors made their presence felt early on and a flowing back line move stretched the Shrewsbury defensive line on several occasions. This was always going to be a close match with both sides determined to hold their ground and with minutes to go to half time Llanidloes moved the ball left and their winger squeezed over in the corner to lead 5 – 0 at the whistle.

Shrewsbury kicked off for the second half and some excellent forward pressure camped the “Scorpions” on the visitors line  crossing twice only to be held up on both occasions by some dogged welsh defence. Again back came Shrewsbury and with persistent pressure and superb forwards ball handling drove over in the corner with Joe Barry touching down, conversion missed and scores were level. Eight minutes later and Shrewsbury were over again, this time a chip forward by Llanidloes was gathered by wing Tim Davies who slipped the ball to Ross Mackaill who smashed over in the corner, again the conversion was missed, Shrewsbury led 10 – 5. Wind and rain now made condition s worse but “Scorpions” forwards had one more sting in the tail. Keep it tight, keep it close was the call and with two minutes to go another massive forward drive saw Tom Phillips over in the corner again. This was not a game for kickers but the whistle blew and Shrewsbury won 15 – 5. Man of the match was Shrewsbury’s Peter Forbes.  

Shrewsbury vs Llanidloes  U 16’s   Sunday 17^th Dec

 In perfect weather and surprisingly good pitch conditions, we really took the game to the opposition from the kick off, and it wasn’t long before we imposed ourselves on the game. Although the Llanidloes pack was big & strong, our forwards worked exceptionally hard to secure most of the ball and it was from a scrum in the oppositions 22 that we set up the first try, a superb driving maul being finished off by hooker Ben Kidson. Unfortunately, the conversion was missed. (5 – 0) 
Some of our passing and movement was excellent, and we opened the game up by moving the ball wide at every opportunity, with skipper Andy Mackereth controlling most of the play at fly half. His composure was soon rewarded with a try of his own, when the ball was moved quickly from a lineout, as he was able to break through a couple of tackles before going over. This time he made sure of the conversion. (12 – 0) 
Llanidloes came back into the game briefly, when they put us under a lot of pressure in our own half. Their No 8 was a real threat all game, but some superb tackling prevented him from scoring. Despite increasing pressure, we remained focussed and determined, with the forwards in particular showing real strength in defence.
Dan Walder (2^nd Row) & Tom Dixon (Right Wing), both stepping up from the Under 15’s squad, deserve a special mention, as they fitted in to the side perfectly. Indeed it was Dan that scored the third try when he finished off undoubtedly the best move of the game, which involved about 20 phases and pulled Llanidloes all over the pitch, to lead at half time (17 – 0).  

We completely dominated the second half and with a combination of assured handling, excellent rucking and positive tackling, pushing Llanidloes back into their own half and never letting them back into the game. We were always on the front foot and didn’t give them any time or space.
Full Back, Sam Goddard, who had a terrific game, took on and beat several Llanidloes players, and, when he kicked through to score in the corner, we couldn’t believe it when the referee said that he’d knocked on. We were again to be denied by the referee in the last five minutes of the game when he decided to rule out a perfectly good try by Andy Hall (Left Wing), after he had danced through the defence to score under the posts.
Apparently, because we had dominated the game the referee wanted to ‘even things up a bit’ Unbelievable !! 

Final Score (17 - 0) 

This was another solid team performance giving us five wins in a row, whilst conceding only four tries in the process. (7 wins from 9 games). The Llanidloes pack were big and strong, and to their credit, they prevented us from scoring in the second half. (Apart from the two tries that were disallowed).

This string of results gives us a great platform on which to build for 2007.

MOM – Anthony Evans (Flank)

Shrewsbury “Scorpions” U13’s Sunday 03.12.06 

Double Header at Home as the Scorpions take on Eccleshall &Whitchurch. 

Shrewsbury 17 Eccleshall 5

Shrewsbury 13 Whitchurch 7 

Wind, cold, lashing rain and a pot of gold as Shrewsbury Scorpions win back to back games last Sunday. 

Game 1 was Eccleshall who arrived with a split U13/U14 side. This was a flowing game of rugby as the visitors took an early lead with a searing run from their No8 touching down under the posts which was unconverted. This only seemed to inspire the home side as they fought back with some impressive rucking and mauling to see scrum half Will Phillips go over with a darting run close to the visitors line, Tom Chard converted. Constant pressure in difficult weather conditions did not dampen the spirits as Shrewsbury pounded the visitors defence. Broken play in mid field saw Owain Roberts hack through and chase 50metres with superb ball skills to score in the corner. High winds and rain made kicking for goal near impossible and the Scorpions led at half time 12 – 5. The second half saw the same standard of play from both sides with a disallowed try from Shrewsbury flanker George Clayton. Again the home side pressured the visitor’s line, five phases of pick and drive eventually saw Phil Oliver burrow over in the corner for a well deserved score. Conversion was close but went wide of the posts. Wet and exhausted the final whistle blew as the home side won 17 -5.

Game 2 and Whitchurch definitely turned up for this one!. The first half saw total commitment from both sides with superb defensive and attacking play. Both teams tried to play total open rugby in atrocious weather conditions and were a credit to both sets of coaches. A fast line out quick ball saw the Whitchurch wing sprint for the line only to be hauled down inches from the line by Henry Finnigan but a deft pop pass saw the Whitchurch support player touch down under the post and with a good conversion the visitors were 7  nil up. A nasty injury to the Whitchurch tight head saw  a halt to the game, and play was switched to the first team pitch. This only seemed to inspire the home side as the weather again got worse. Shrewsbury forwards mounted yet another attack on the visitor’s line and No8 Robert Higgins drove over in the corner, the conversion was wide. A clever kick and chase and the back row were all over the visitors again which resulted in a penalty for “not releasing”. An inspired decision by captain Olly Hughes saw Ross Mackaill convert to put the Scorpions ahead at half time 8 – 7. Both sides were at it again and the defensive lines were pounded time and time again. This was the sort of rugby we all enjoy and the tempo of the game just kept on coming. With the wind now behind them the visitors kept on putting in the “up and under”, the right tactical decision, and again Full Back Ross Mackaill and wing Tim Davies were back to cover. Shrewsbury came back again and constant forward pressure saw them move closer and closer to the visitor’s line. A smart back row pick and drive eventually rewarded the home side and Robert Higgins tunnelled in for his second try in the corner. Again the conversion missed and three minutes late the whistle blew for full time and a first ever win over Whitchurch saw a jubilant Scorpions win 13 – 7. Man of the match award went to Scorpions forward Sam Tandy.      

19th November U16s Oswestry 0 Shrewsbury 32 - NMC

Trys / points
Andy (Capt) 1try + 2 conversions + 1 drop goal
Lee 1try
Ben (Kidson) 1try
Olly 1try
Owen 1try
Man  of the match: Olly
A very good team performance, with every player putting in an excellent individual effort to produce a good cup win against a battling Owestry.
Oswestry played a physical game which tested the Shrewsbury players for the full 70 minutes, however, Shrewsbury worked hard, kept their discipline and moved the ball well to stifle Oswestry and produce the win.
With the Team in this mood, bring on the next round!

12th November U16s  Wrexham 12 Shrewsbury  15 

Man of the Match Performance from skipper Andy Mackereth secures tight victory. 

With a number of key players unavailable, Shrewsbury travelled to Wrexham to play their first game against their hosts for a couple of years, and what a match it proved to be.
From the kick off, Shrewsbury took the ball into the Wrexham half and kept the ball alive, with the forwards working superbly as a unit. Although the Wrexham pack was bigger and heavier, Shrewsbury dominated the first fifteen minutes of the match by taking the opposition on ‘up front’. Wrexham were prevented from moving the ball wide by some tenacious tackling by the Shrewsbury three quarters and with twenty minutes gone, Ben Davies (Prop) broke free from a driving maul, to score the first try of the game, which unfortunately went unconverted. 0 – 5.
From the resultant kick off, Shrewsbury knocked on, and gave Wrexham the opportunity to put some real pressure on their defence. After several scrums on their own 5m line, Shrewsbury eventually gave in to the pressure, with Wrexham’s powerful No 8 driving over between the posts. (converted) 7 – 5.
Shrewsbury soon picked themselves up, with the forwards showing real strength and determination. Some of the tackling, driving, and mauling was superb, and it gave fly half Andy Mackereth the time and space to take control with some fine kicking. Shrewsbury’s line out was working really well and, with a well-rehearsed backs move, Andy Mackereth was put through to score an excellent try, putting Shrewsbury back in front. 7 – 12. (Andy converting his own try)

Wrexham threw everything at Shrewsbury in the second half, with their huge replacements making a real impact. The 6, 7 & 8 combination began to punch some holes in the Shrewsbury defence and really tested them to the limit. Shrewsbury held firm though and skipper Andy Mackereth again eased the pressure with his kicking. With 10 minutes to go, Shrewsbury were given a penalty in the Wrexham half, directly in front of the posts, and it was that man Mackereth who stepped up to help himself to another 3 points. 7 – 15.
Wrexham were not finished and made a terrific effort to salvage something from the game, and with a couple of minutes left, they managed to disrupt a Shrewsbury scrum and drove over in the corner to make it 12 – 15. Fortunately for Shrewsbury, the conversion attempt fell short, and it was with great relief that the referee blew his whistle.
Final score 12 - 15 

Ian Kidson - Shrewsbury Under 16’s Coach said, “This was superb game for all concerned, including the spectators. It proved to be a real test for both sides. I was very pleased with the effort & commitment shown by the lads”.

5th November U15 SHREWSBURY 34 LUCTONIANS 0

North Midlands Cup First Round 

Shrewsbury progressed to the quarter finals of the North Midlands cup with an excellent all round performance over Luctonians. Shrewsbury opened their account on 5 minutes after strong pressure with a very well taken try from by winger Will Miller. Excellent rucking and mauling from the Shrewsbury pack allowed a good handling move from the backs to set up Danny Pryce for a try which was converted by Benny Howes. Soon after Benny Howes barged his way through a weak Luctonian defence to score Shrewsbury’s third try and give then a 17-0 half time lead. 

Shrewsbury continued where they left off and a good swift handling move set up Will Miller for his second try of the game. Shrewsbury’s fifth try was scored by prop Matty Shaw who picked up the ball from 5 meters out and with assistance from the pack,  pushed him over the line for a fine forwards try. The try was converted by Benny Howes. Shrewsbury reserved the best try of the game until the end where the pack won quick ball and the play went from one side of the pitch to the other with every back getting their hands on the ball with good support play, and winger Martin Jones crossed the line for Shrewsbury’s sixth try and a deserved 34-0 victory. Shrewsbury’s performance was a complete turn around from the week before – at rucks and mauls the pack were winning quick ball, turn over ball and even taking scrums against the head and the backs were moving the ball to the wingers and giving good support play. It was a much better game to watch and everyone played their part – well done lads – keep it up.

29th October U15 SHREWSBURY 15 LICHFIELD 29

Shrewsbury lost their first match of the season to a well drilled and disciplined Lichfield team. For the second week running Shrewsbury did not perform to their full potential but despite going behind they never let their heads drop. Shrewsbury started well but couldn’t convert possession into points. Lichfield then took control and scored the first of three first half tries. Shrewsbury struggled in the scrums and lost a lot against the head, and also lost a lot of possession in the rucks and mauls. Lichfield went on to build up 17-0 lead at half time. 

A good stern talk from the coaches at half time seemed to spark Shrewsbury into life and Danny Williams charged home for Shrewsbury’s first try. Unfortunately the spark seemed to diminish temporarily and Lichfield ran in two further tries to lead 29-5. Shrewsbury’s never say die attitude saw them come back strong in the final quarter. The try of the match was started with a run from Will Miller from within his own 22 meter line, where he ran almost to the length of the pitch and excellent support play from fly half Henry Maybury saw him score the try. Moments later another move down the right involving strong running from Will Miller saw Henry Maybury score his second try of the game. The final result was 15-29 and Shrewsbury will have to do better if they are to progress past Luctonians next week in the North Mids Cup.

U18 Sunday 29th October Newport 0 Shrewsbury 44

Away to Newport and we were met with the usual comment that the ref had failed to turn up and would we mind if the scrum-halfs dad reffed. (what choice did we have).

The boys had been to a fancy dress the night before and some had left the party to come straight to the game, (nice to see thier priorities were in order).

However a team performance was about to be delivered that had the parents purring and the boys were an asset to the club and made and old coach very proud.

Newport were outplayed in every facet of the game and with the team captained by George Beasley and the pack and backs led expertly by Tom Savage and Chris Edenborough respectively the boys dominated throughout.

Half time saw us run in four tries and lead 20-0. The second half was much the same with another four tries scored and two conversions (Chris).

The final score being 44-0.

Scorers were, Tom. S, George. B, Sam. W, Jack. B, Phil A. ( if i have forgotten anyone my apologies I was to excited).

Sunday 22nd October U18 - Hereford 10 Shrewsbury 10

A trip away to Hereford for our first game of the season, after three games had been called off. With further delays of nearly 2 hours before we kicked off the season finally got under way.

This could not off been a more one sided game with Shrewsbury camped in Hereford's half but with the usual twists and turns we managed to go behind twice to two tries helped by poor tackling.

However we did manage to score two tries of our own and equalled the game at 10-10. Scorers Sam Wytcherly and Jack Brown.

Disappointing really when you consider the amount of possession we had and the number of penalties awarded to us, but I can only assume the ref had left his cards at home!

A little game rusty but hopefully we will improve at Newport next week.

15th October U16 Shrewsbury 49  Redditch  7    

With the cancellation of last week’s game against Dudley, we went into this match having played only one game so far this season, but fortunately, we were well prepared. 

In perfect weather and pitch conditions, we really took the game to Redditch from the kick off, and it wasn’t long before we imposed ourselves on them. Although their pack proved to be very strong, our forwards worked exceptionally hard at every ruck and maul, perhaps a bit too aggressively at times for the referee, who penalised us on several occasions. However, we kept our heads and it was from the back of our scrum that we scored the first try, a superb blindside run by skipper Andrew Mackereth (fly-half). Unfortunately, he didn’t have his kicking boots on and missed the conversion. (5 – 0) Some of our passing and movement was tremendous, and we opened the game up by moving the ball wide at every opportunity, with Olli Chantler (No 8) really taking the game to the opposition. His determination was soon rewarded with an excellent try from a driving maul, with Charlie Marshall (full-back) converting. (12 – 0) 

Redditch came back into the game briefly, when they put us under a lot of pressure in our own half, and were given a number of penalties as a result. Their scrum half caught us out when he chipped over the top to score a well worked try, which was duly converted. (12 - 7)

Despite being put under increasing pressure, we remained focussed and determined, with skipper Andrew Mackereth leading from the front. He ran in the second of his three tries after an excellent passage of several phases, which pulled Redditch all over the pitch, to lead at half time 17 – 7.  

I made a couple of changes just after half time, which gave us a fresh impetus. We completely dominated the second half and with a combination of assured handling, excellent rucking and positive tackling, we pushed the opposition back into their 22 and never looked like letting them back into the game.

We ran in a total of six tries in the second half, the first of which was a superb passing move down the right flank, with Andrew Mackereth cutting inside to score his hat trick, which was again converted by Charlie Marshall. (24 - 7)  Another try quickly followed, after Redditch kicked straight to our right winger, Sam Goddard, who broke from his own 22, to score his first of the season. (29 – 7) It was then the turn of his opposite winger, Ryan Morgan, to get in on the act, with a superb jinking run down the left wing, to leave Redditch stunned at 34 – 7. 

Full back, Charlie Marshall, who had been very influential in the game, decided that it was about time he scored a try, and after winning the ball in the centre of the pitch, he took on and beat several Redditch players, to score under the posts. (39 – 7) But he was not satisfied with that, in the last five minutes of the game, he finished off two more fine moves to score his own hat-trick, ending the game with a total of 19 points to his name.

Final Score (49 – 7) 

This was a fantastic all round performance, and we thoroughly deserved the win. The Redditch pack was solid, but they had no answer to our running game. Credit has to be given to all the players for their magnificent effort and for keeping our cup hopes alive. Big thanks also to the Mums and Dads for the continued support. 

MOM – Andrew Mackereth (skipper & fly-half)

8th October U15’s NORTH MIDLANDS CUP PRELIMINARY ROUND
SHREWSBURY 33 SUTTON COLDFIELD 13 

Shrewsbury progressed to the first round of the North Midlands cup with a hard fought 33-13 victory over Sutton Coldfield, despite again not playing to their full potential. The Sutton pack were a lot heavier than Shrewsbury’s and they won a lot of the scrums, rucks and mauls but failed to turn possession into points as Shrewsbury’s backs were faster and better defensively. Shrewsbury opened their account with a very well taken try from a quick tap penalty, and good swift clean passing allowed Danny Pryce to score his first try of the season, which was converted by Martin Jones. The match was then delayed due a neck injury to one of the Sutton players. Soon after the restart Martin Jones scored from a poor Sutton clearance and ran straight through their defence to cross the line and then converted his own try. We then saw a resurgence from the Sutton team and a penalty and converted try saw them come back to within two points. Sutton were denied a try just before half time due a foot in touch which prevented them taking a half time lead. 12-10 at half time.

Straight from the restart the ball was fed to the backs and Danny Pryce scored the try of the match with a brilliant 60 meter run from his own half – “run Forest run” (sorry Danny, had to include that). The try was converted by Martin Jones. Sutton then converted a penalty. The game was virtually over when Danny Pryce completed his hat trick from a quick tap penalty and again the ball went down the backs for him to score. Martin Jones converted the try. Shrewsbury had to be strong defensively as Sutton’s game play in the second half seemed to be rucking and mauling. Will Miller scored another late try for Shrewsbury, which was converted by Martin Jones which gave Shrewsbury a 33-13 victory and a home tie against Lucton in the next round of the cup on 5^th November.

1^st OCTOBER 2006 U15  NEWPORT 5 SHREWSBURY 15

The under 15’s travelled to Newport for their first game of the season and came away with a deserved 15-5 victory despite not playing to their full potential. Shrewsbury pressurised straight from the start and a fluent move all the way down the backs resulted in Tom Dickson crossing the line for the opening try. Newport came back at Shrewsbury but a stern defence prevented Newport from scoring. Shrewsbury then stepped up a gear, which lead to Benny Howes scoring one of his typical storming tries. Very soon after we saw the try of the match – a quick tap penalty saw good quick handling and passing from the backs, and the ball ended up with Tom Dickson on the wing. He then swerved and danced around the Newport defence from the 22 meter line and scored an excellent try. 15-0 at half time.

The second half was very even and saw Shrewsbury make a number of changes. Shrewsbury lost a lot of possession in the rucks and mauls but were very strong defensively. Newport scored a consolation try late on in the second half and the match finished 15-5 to Shrewsbury.

Sunday 1st October U16 Telford 0 Shrewsbury 29 

 After reaching the final of the recent Llanidloes 10’s tournament, the Shrewsbury Under 16’s were looking forward to getting their season underway against their old adversaries, Telford.

With a number of new players making their debut, the Shrewsbury side took control of the game from the kick off, and, despite some very aggressive rucking by Telford’s forwards, Shrewsbury kept their composure and shape, and secured the ball at virtually every breakdown.  
Although the Telford pack was much bigger, Shrewsbury still dominated, with hooker Ben Kidson having an outstanding match. Telford were prevented from securing much of their own ball, and when they did succeed, they were stopped in their tracks by some tenacious tackling by the Shrewsbury three quarters.
Five minutes into the game, Ben Davies (Lock) broke free from a maul, to score the first of Shrewsbury’s tries, which was duly converted by skipper, Andy Mackereth (fly-half). 0 – 7.
From the resultant kick off, Shrewsbury’s full back, Sam Goddard took the ball straight back into Telford’s 22, where the vast majority of the game was played, and after several scrums on their own line, Telford eventually gave in to the pressure, with flanker Ky Holder touching down a loose ball for Shrewsbury’s second try. 0 – 12. 

Shrewsbury picked up where they had left off in the second half, with the forwards showing their real strength and fitness. Some of their tackling, driving, and movement was exceptional, and Shrewsbury took complete control with new left wing Ryan Morgan running in his first try for the club. 0 – 17.
Two more tries quickly followed, with skipper Andy Mackereth showing real strength and determination to go over the line from a tap penalty, with inside centre, Billy Pritchard adding to the score after an excellent phase of passing. Outside centre, Elliott Brooks, converted with the final kick of the game, to score his first points for the club.

Final score 0 - 29 

Ian Kidson - Shrewsbury Under 16’s Coach said “This was an excellent all round performance, made difficult at times by a very strong and aggressive opposition. It’s a great way to start the season, and let’s hope we can build on this with another victory away at Dudley next Sunday (8^th Oct)”. 

Man of Match – Grant Churchill (scrum half)

U13 - 24th September NEWPORT   14pts  SHREWSBURY  12pts 

 First match of the season and Shrewsbury travelled away to Newport. Captained by Olly Hughes for the fist time this was a game of unrelenting ferocity and high octane skill. “The bigger they are the harder they fall” seemed to be the pre match talk and  a somewhat smaller Shrewsbury tore into Newport from the whistle.  A smart blind side move just before the break let lose winger Henry Finnigan for a magnificent 60metre sprint for the line and a conversion by Tom Chard left the visitors 7pts to nil up at half time. Newport hit back in the second half and two tries from their massive flank forward, both converted,  put them 14-7 up with five minutes to play. Back came Shrewsbury storming into the Newport 22, Robert Higgins took advantage of another powerful scrum to burrow over in the final minute. Shrewsbury were unable to convert and the whistle blew immediately for full time.This was a great effort from all the boys who took the field  and is an indication of their positive attitude to the game and of greater things to come.