So we have been looking forwards to this fixture since the end of last season. Tamworth always play a hard and physical style of rugby which brings out the best in our U11's as they step up to the challenge and that is just what they did today!
Tamworth requested one pitch with one game and rolling substitutions which we opposed, due to both teams having 18+ players.
We selected two well-balanced teams knowing that our age group play their best rugby when the lesser experienced players are mentored by their peers.
Team 1 captained by Ozzie Horton played an absolute blinder with some fantastic rucking by Oscar Grief, tackling by Matt Philliskirk and strong ball carries by Luke Warner and Callum Dagleish. They did not let their opposition get the better of them physically and put on a dominant performance in their game.
Team 2 captained by Ben Blakeman mirrored the effort and determination of their teammates on the next pitch.
Oliver James was literally on fire today with his tackling and strong running followed by our enforcer Benny Brown, who again was relentless in defence and made some hard yards. Zain Browne and Josh 'J dog' Lewis impressed us again this week, both passing the ball well to support runners and playing with a newly found confidence aggression and determination.
Tamworth's numbers reduced after the first games so their request to field one team was agreed to by Burton.
The players continued to work hard as a team and there was some lovely rugby played. Callum Bateman getting the hands going and encouraging some excellent passing play, some great running and support by Loghan Mulcahy, Harry 'Harold' Bradley launching himself at the biggest players in the opposition, tackling with no fear and showing fantastic technique. Ben Blakeman also put on a solid performance, working his socks off in attack and defence. The coaches couldn't be more proud of the players who put in so much effort and showed how far they had progressed since the end of last season.
It is always so hard to choose just 2 players for the player of the week awards, especially this week when everyone played so well and with so much team spirit.
William Rutherford was presented with the first award. He really is our own little 'Billy Whizz' and I don't think Will has ever played in a game where he hasn't scored. Will has been developing his game though and is improving each week with his confidence in tackling, no matter how big the opposition is. He is showing spatial awareness and offloading the ball to support runners when he needs to. He takes the ball into contact fearlessly and he never gives up. Keep up the good work Will!
The second award goes to Ozzie Horton for his efforts and contributions today. He captained his team and demonstrated excellent leadership qualities throughout. Ozzie is an all-rounder in his tackling, passing and ball carrying abilities. He motivates his peers with constant encouragement and can think tactically in order to manipulate weaknesses in the opposition. Ozzie, you played a blinder today and kept digging in even when the going got tough, so a huge well done to you for your commitment and enthusiasm, you truly are an asset to your team.
The U11's are away at Melbourne next week hoping to keep this intensity and momentum going for the rest of the season.